July 3, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE % WlzMv Illustrate Journal OF HORTICULTURE AND ALLIED SUBJECTS. (ESTABLISHED IN 1841.) VOL. XLV.-THIRD SERIES. JANUARY TO JUNE, 1909. LONDON : 41, WELLINGTON STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. 1900. The Gardeners' Chronicle,] [July 3, 1909. HO INDEX OF CONTENTS JANUARY TO JUNE, 1909. (For Special Headings see under Books; Certificates; Law Notes; Nursery Notes; Obituary; Plant Portraits; Plants, New; Scientific Committee; Societies; and Illustrations.) Aberdeen, agriculture at, 57 At sorption of moisture by leaves, 24, 44 Abutilon, garden varieties of, 131 Acalypha hispida, the cultivation of, 51 Acanthus montanus, 200 Acetylene gas-refuse as a manure, 264, 282, 284, 299, 317, 346, 387 Acidity in soils, 412 Adiantum grossum, 51 Adonis amurensis, 179 Aeroplanes, timber for, 251 Aesculus parviflora, 123 Afforestation, a scheme of national, 56, 58, 60, 84, 92 Agaricus elvensis, reappearance of, 25 Agave attenuata, 106 Agricultural College, South-East- ern, 121 Agricultural Holdings Act, 1908, 11 Agricultural science, 73; co-opera- tion, 57 Agriculture at Aberdeen Univer- sity, 57; in the Transvaal, 297 Albinism in Orchids, 81 Almond, date of flowering of the, 249 Alpine garden, 179, 258, 309, 366 Alpine Society at St. Gallen, 90 Alternation of generations, 136 Amaryllis Belladonna in pots, 48 America, Carnations in, 163 ; Orchid show in, 282 ; notes from, 163, 359, 417 American Gooseberry - mildew in Norfolk, 233 Ampelopsis, the evergreen, 240, 253, 267 Anchusa italica, varieties of, 417 Androcymbium melanthoides, 315 Anemone blanda scythinica, 278; A. patens lutea, 366; A. St. Bri- gid from Gowran Castle gardens, 296; A. Traversii, 222; disease. 336 Angrsecum Augustum, 89; A. ses- quipedale, 399 Annuals, three choice, 394 Antirrhinums in America, 163, 417 Apiary, the. 23. 71, 135, 183, 231, 247, 279, 327. 395 Apple and Pear stocks, 99 Apple trees, spraying, 313 ; scab on, 30, 44, 123, 157, 188 Apple William Crump, 21 Apples, late dessert . 163. 187 Appointments at Kew, 121, 281 Aquilegias, 149 Araucaria imbricata, 244 Arboretum, the Dreer, USA. ^59 Ardisia crenata at Kew. 181 Arundinaria tessellata, 398 Ashbourne, Co. Cork, J92 Asparagus, best varieties of, 192 ; culture of, 99, 324 Aster grandiflorus, 36 Atmospheric nitrogen, fixation of, 73. 329, 376, 380, 390, 401 Bacteria, nitrogen-fixing, 329 Bailey, Mr. J. F., 169; Mr. W. H., presentation to, 137 Bamboo, the South African, 398 Banana-culture in the South of France, 365 Bateson, Prof., on Genetics, 152 Bath, botanical gardens and park at, 415 Battersea Park, bulbs in, 316 Bayfordbury pinetum, the, 228 Bean Anthracnose or pod-spot, 91 Beans, Butter, 368 ; some good early dwarf, 341 Beeches, New Zealand and Tas- manian, 422 Bees, a virulent disease of, 413 ; swarming, to prevent, 272 He. a x Patrie, 75 Belladonna Lily in pots, 48; the, 92 Belvoir Castle, spring flowers at, 281 Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal, 28, 41, 72, 76, 92. 120, 137, 421 ; annual meeting, 78 ; concert in aid of, 265 Benthamia (see Cornus) Bentley, Joseph, Ltd., 381 Benton, A. W., 396 Bequest to a gardener, 329 Bequest, the John Innes', 72, 105 Berim International Exhibition, 121. 185, 201. 232, 235. 249 Big game as garden pests, 57 Birds and their food, investigations regarding, 10, 414 Birmingham, flower shows at. 329; parks, bullions flowers in the. 314 Bishop's Stortford, new public park at. 281 Black Currant mite, the, 256 Black-rot disease of Grape, 91 Bladder Plums, 388 Blood of plants, the. 328 Board of Agriculture's leaflets, 153 Boiler incrustations softened by Eucalyptus, 249 Books, Notices of: — A First Book of Botany [Elizabeth Henley), 393; Artificial Manures and How to Use Them in the Gar- den, Orchard and Allotment (Pro- fessor John Percival), 197; Beautiful Flowers and How to Grow Them (II. J. and II7. P. Wright), 322; Book of Nature Study (J. Bretland Farmer), 122, 380; Botanical Magazine, 25, 89, 169, 233, 297, 381; Chrysanthemums for Garden and Greenhouse (D. B. Crane), 251; Encyclopaedia of Gardening (T '. II'. Sanders), 53; Familiar Wild Flowers (F. Edward Hulme), 282 ; Farm and Home Year Book, 58; Flore Alpine (H. Cor- revon), 122; Garden Annual and Almanack (If. Robinson), 58; Gardening Year Book and Garden Oracle (G. Gordon), 58; Garden Life Year Book, 298 ; Horticul- tural Directory and Year Book, 58 ; Journal of the Board of Agriculture, 322 ; Journal of the Cooper B,esearch Laboratory, 296 ; Journal of the Kew Guild, 265; Lawns ( II'. J. Stevens), 169 ; Le Chrysantheme, 154 ; Les Fleurs de Pleine Terre (.1/. Philippe de Vilmorin), 201; Life Histories of Familiar Plants (John J. Ward), 147; Memorial Volume of the Darwin-Wallace Celebration, 164; My Garden Diary (Sutton rhamnoides at Regent's Park, 384 Hoe, an adaptable, 144 Hoeing, value of, 178 Holdings, agricultural, new law re- lating to, 11, 27 Holland, horticultural exhibition in, 280 : propagation of Hyacinths in, 283, 296 _ Hooker, Sir Joseph Dalton, 413 Horse Guards' Parade, London, sug- gested improvement at, 169 Horticultural College, Swanley, 216 Horticulture, need for Imperial training in, 168 Hulme, F. Edward (That Bock- garden of Ours), 147 Hurst & Son Musical Society and the gardening charities, 329 Hurst, C. C, and R. A. Rolfe (The Orchid Stud-Book), 184 Hyacinths, propagation of, in Hol- land, 283, 296 Hyacinthus azureus, 254 Hybridisation of Violets, 112 Hybrid Orchids, the naming of multi-generic, 171, 381 Hyeres, gardens of, 93 I Ilex Pernyi, 75 Illinois, forthcoming exhibition at, 359 Imperial training in horticulture, need for, 168 Imports of flowers and fruits from France, 314 Improvements in market gardens, compensation for, 12 Index Kewensis, history of the, 406 India, a violent hailstorm in, 398 Innes bequest to horticulture, the, 72, 105 Insecticide, the lime-sulphur, 313, 364 Insect pests of fruit trees, 357 International exhibition, suggested, 316 Inventions, new, 157 Ipomea mexicana, a large-flowered species, 26 Ireland, county lectures in, 90 Iris, '* disease of, 294, 330 Iris Grant-Duffii and its allies, 293 ; I. himalaica, 3; I. Strausii, 391 Irises, notes on, 293, 391 ; Onco- cyclus, and cold storage, 391 ; flowers of, changing colour, 391 ; winter-flowering, 52 Isleworth, note from, 389 Italian Fennel or Finochio, 45, 76, 124 ; gardens, a lecture on, 74 Jackson, Mr. J. R., presentation to, 345 Jamaica. Mangos for export from, 414 Japanese Douglas Fir, the, 307 Java, a botanical garden in, 265 K Kale, hardy sprouting, 107 Kelowna, Canada, a letter from, 242 Keeble, F., and D. M. Cayley, ex- periments on nitro-bacterine, 20, 35 Kensington Gardens, 329 Ker, Mr. R. Wilson, awarded the V.M.H.,382 Kew, appointments at, 25, 121 ; ap- pointments in the herbarium, 281 ; visitors to, 121 ; guild, the, 265 ; guild dinner, 345 ; notes, 67, 181 Killarney House, Co. Kerry, 180 King, Sir George, the late, 138 Kirk, Alexander (Vine Culture Up to Date), 280 Kitchen garden, the, 6, 22, 39, 54, 70, 87, 103, 118, 135, 150, 166, 183, 199, 214, 231, 247, 262, 278, 294, 310, 326, 343, 362, 379, 394, 410 Kniphofia multiflora, 196 Label, a new plant, 74 Laburnum Adamii, 372 Lady gardeners at dinner, 137 Laurent prize awarded to M. T. Durand, 382 Law Notes : — Action for Wages, 157 ; Agricultural Holdings Act, 1908, 11, 27; Charlton v. J. R. Pearson & Sons, 170 ; claim for discount, 106 ; (repair of nur- series) Dickson v. Dickson, 157 ; florists and the Factory Act, 41 ; Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1903, 138; Potato sale dis- pute, 369 ; railway companies and owner's risk, 122 : sale of poison- ous compounds, 33, 265, 317; in London, 413; trade name dispute, 157 Laelio-Cattleva Countess Torby, 17 ; L.-C. "Elinor," 120; L.-C. Feli- cia, 98 ; L.-C. Lustre gigantea, 168 Lawn-mower, a simple carrier for, 144 Lawns, to destroy moss on, 396 Leaves, the absorption of moisture by, 24, 44 Leeds parks' staff at dinner, 90 Leonotis Leonurus at the Cape, 10 Library, the Lindley, 140 ; the Mas- sachusetts Society's, 346 Life-cycle of a Fern, 246 Lignum nephriticum, what is? 187, 221 Lilac, budding, 267 ; the grafting of, 250 ; forced, in Dresden, 74 Lilies at the Temple Show, 399 Lilium rubellum, 371 ; L. Washing- toman um, 371 Lily season in Scotland, prospects of the, 377 Lime-sulphur wash, the, 313, 364 Lindley Library, the, 140 Liquid manure, value of, 240 Loganberry, the, 86 ; attacked by the Raspberry moth, 336 Low. Hugh. & Co., firm of, dis- solved, 381 Lurgan, public park for, 25 M Madeesfield Court gardens and the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent In- stitution, 296 Magnolia stellata, 275 Mango culture for export to Eng- land, 414 Manse garden in May, a, 342 Manures, scarcity of animal, 359, 400 Manuring of land, 12 Margam Park, Glamorganshire, 129 Market-gardening, 394 ; in France, 204 Market-gardeners, new law for, 12 Market fruit-grower's year, a, 65, 161, 244, 305, 373 Market varieties of Chrysanthe- mums, 16 Maritime Alps, spring in the, 257, 277 Marrows, a new disease of, 314 Marshall, Mr. William, appointed Veitch Memorial Medallist, 91 ; golden wedding celebrations, 314 Massachusetts Horticultural Socie- ty's library, 346 Masters' memorial lectures, 10, 90, 419_ Mauritius, Customs dues on plants and seed at, 398 Mealy-bug on vines, 64, 388 Megaclinium purpureo-rachis, 293 The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [July 3, 1909. Melbourne Botnnic Gardens, 249 Melons, culture of, in a " French " garden, 210; the raising of, '2; large, 418 Melville, Mr. John, 382 Mendel's law and its application to horticulture, lecture on, 302 Mid-Wales, the season in, 283 Mildew on vines, 388 Moisture-absorption by leaves, 24, 44 Moisture-loving plants, some, 52, 123 Monmouth, severe frost at, 171 Montreal, an experimental station at, 258 Moody, M., retirement of, 137 Morris, Sir Daniel, 105 Moss on lawns, to destroy, 396 Mi'jse trap, a novel, o65 Mushroom, a disease of, 176 ; cul- ture, 144; new system of cultivat- ing, 59 Musk, the common, 267 Mutisia Clematis, 414 Myrtus communis, 17, 44 N Naart.ies, a South African Orange, 186 Narcissi for forcing, 203 Narcissi, some of Mr. Haydon's, 277 ; Mr. Arthur Goodwin's. 292 ; classification of, 42, 61, 116, 139, 156, 170 ; cultivation of, 312 Narcissus Challenger, 315 ; minimus, 254 ; pallidus pruecox, 254 ; Stead- fast, a late-flowering variety. 346 Nature study exhibition at Royal Botanic Gardens, 382 Nelunibium speciosum var. Osiris, 154 Nepenthes x Dr. John MacFarlane, 25 Nephrolepis, the newer varieties of, 323 Nertera depressa, 213 New Zealand, deforestation in, 225, 243; plants of. 1 Ngamiland, flora of, 397 Nicholson. George, sale of books which belonged to the late, 25 Nicotine poisoning, children's nar- row escape from, 330 Nitro-Bacterine, experiments on the value of. 20. 35, 59. 68, 76, 91, 92, 114, 123, 139, 172; lecture by Prof. Bottomley, on, 189 Nitrogen, the fixation of, by bac- teria, 73, 376, 390 ; by electricity and lime, 380, 401 Nitrogen -fixing bacteria and non- leguminous crops, 329 Nitrogen in sandy soils, 112 ; new sources of, 88 Nitrogenous manures, experiments with. 397 Nomenclature of Ferns, 157, 188, 203 Nomenclature of multi-generic hy- brid Orchids, 171, 381 Notonia Grantii, 227 Novelties of 1908. 5, 18 Nursery houses destroyed by snow storm, 171, 202, 217, 314 Nursery Notes:— Carter, Jas., & Co., 197: Charlesworth & Co., 375; Notcutt, R. C. 117; Sutton & Sons, 148 ; "Veitch, James & Sons, Ltd., 266, 324 Oat weevil, the, 388 Obituary : — Bardney, William, 96, Burton, William, 254 ; Cookson, Norman C, 334; Croll, David, 47; Dickson, George A., 110; Fenner, Caleb, 191 ; Fidler, John, 208; Gibson, William Yates, 128; Harris, George, 223; Hill, J. G., 304; King, Sir George, 128, 138; Lewis, John, 16; Mil- ler, William, 271; Morris, George Field, 32; Roupell, Wil- liam, 223; Sage, George H., 64; Shanks, James, 387 ; Shuttle- worth, Edward, 176 ; Simonite, Benjamin, 239, 250; Stocking, C, 208 ; Walpole, George, 16 ; Ward, Mrs. Robert, 144; Whyte, Alex- ander, 16; Wythes, Mrs. George, 105 Odontioda X Ernest Henry, 321 ; O. Gattonensis, 17; O. Good- sonioe, 194 Odontoglossum ardentissimum "Phoebe," 132; O. crispo- Harryanum, a fine plant of, 132 ; 0. crispum xanthotes Mrs. F. M. Ogilvie, 257; O. Huniades, 146; O. Landolphus, 146; O. Magali Sander, 37 ; 0. Polyphemus, 146 ; 0. Uro-Skinneri, leaf-spot of, 145; O. leaf-spotting in, 224; Olearia mvrsinoides, 213 Oliver, Captain S. Pasfield (The Life of Philibert Con.merson), 216 Onions for market, 217, 234, 252, 267. 368, 384 Orange naartjes, 156 Orchidacefe, evolution of the, 330 Orchid, a prolific seedling, 314; culture by an amateur, 359 ; houses, the, 7, 22, 39, 54, 70, 87, 103, 119, 134. 151, 167. 182, 198, 215, 231. 246, 263, 279, 295, 311, 327, 342, 363, 379, 395, 411; hybrids, nomenclature of, 171, 381 ; notes and gleanings, 17, 132, 146, 163, 194, 210, 241', 257, 308, 359, 407 Orchids: show at Boston, U.S.A., 163 ; in America. 282 : a sale of, 344: at Bank of Scotland House, Oban. 359; at The Glebelands, 210; inheritance of albinism in, 81; malformed. 254; novelties of, 1908. 5: the naming of multi- generic hybrid. 171. 381 Orphan Fund. Royal Gardeners'. 280; (festival dinner), 125, 312, 318 Ourisia coccinea, 417; 0. macro- phylla, 390 Oxj coccus, species of, 99 Packing Grapes, a new method of, 330 Paddockhurst, transplanting a Cedar at, 398 Pansy, the, 308 Pansies and Violas, some good, 281 Paraffin emulsion, a new, 366 Para-rubber plants, exporting, 58 Parasites, beneficial, 90 Paris Chrysanthemum show, 153 ; literary and artistic exhibits at the. 2 Parks : a proposed women's, in London. 282; Bishop's Stortford's new, 281 : public, for Lurgan, 25; gift of a, to Sheffield, 314; employees, Leeds, at dinner, 90 ; London, fencing used in the, 253 ; public, examination of em- ployees in, 121 ; public, in Ger- many, 74 Parks, public, and gardens, 6, 23, 39, 54. 71, 85, 102, 118, 135, 150, 167, 183, 199, 215, 231, 262, 311, 362, 379, 410 Paterson, Mr. Alexander, presen- tation to, 382 Payne, Mr. Harman, 153 Peach-culture in spring and sum- mer, 325 Peach freckle or black spot, 414 Peach leaf blister disease, 372 Peas, culinary, 43; to bottle, 160 Penzance Briars, demand for, in America. 314 Percival, Professor John (Artificial Manures and How to Use Them in the Garden, Orchard and Allotment), 197 Petrea volubilis. 251 Phylloxera in the Transvaal, 382 Phytophthora infestans, the Potato blight, 396 Pictures, garden, exhibition of, at the new Dudley Gallery, 265 Pinetum at Bayfordbury, 228 Pinus muricata^ 260 ; P. pinaster, 69, 124 ; P. rigida, 178 Plantations, treatment of, without regular thinnings. 155 Plant diseases, a tabulated list of, 297; plant invaders, naturally established, 248; plant notes. 179". 213, 242, 342; plant novelties of 1908, 5, 18; plant poisons, 366 Plant Portraits: — Alpinia bracteata, 89: Angadenia nitida, 25; Arbutus Menziesii, 233; Anthurium trinerve, 233; Be- gonia modica, 381 ; Cleroden- dron ugandense, 25 ; Cornus mac- rophylla, 381; Cycas Micholitzii, 169; Dendrobium Bronckartii, 297; Deutzia setchuenensis, 297; Encephalartos Barteri, 25 ; Eran- themum Wattii, 89; Eria rhyn- chostyloides, 25 ; Impatiens Hawkeri, 233; Larix occidentalis, 297; Lonicera Giraldii, 25: Micro- loma tenuifolium, 233; Oligobot- rya Henryi, 89 ; Pinus Bungeana, 90; Pinus Jeffreyi, 381; Mus- saenda Treutleri, 297 ; Nigella in- tegrifolia, 169; Prunus japonica, 381 ; Pseuderanthemum seticalyx, 169 ; Pyrus Pashia var. Kumaoni, 297 : Rubus Koehneanus, 169 ; Saxifraga scardica, 169 ; Sorbus cuspidata, 381; S. Vilmorinii, 90; Strophanthus Preussii, 233 Planting forest trees, cost of, 187 Plants, New or Noteworthy: — Cactaceae, a new genus of, 162 ; Carnegiea gigantea, 162 ; Cereus giganteus, 162 ; Dendrobium San- dera?, 374 ; Epicattleya Wolteri- ana, 274; Euphorbia Sapinii, 66; Iris himalaica, 36; I. reticulata atropurpurea, 113 ; Lomatia obliqua, 162 ; Phalamopsis gigan- tea, 306; Primula Forrestii, 274; Rhododendron adenopodum, 291 ; R. Victorianum, 321 ; Tillandsia Blokii, 358; Wedelia oblonga, 18 Plants, retarding, by artificial means, 366 ; respiring, the tem- perature of, 200; the blood of, 328 ; the sensitiveness of, to gases, 296; under glass, 7, 23, 38, 55. 70, 87, 103, 118, 135, 151, 167, 182. 198, 215, 230, 247, 263, 279, 295, 310, 326, 343, 362, 379, 394, 410 Pleurothallis Birchenallii, 391 Phims._ bladder, 388 Poisoning, children's narrow es- cape from, 330 Poisonous compounds, the sale of, 33, 265, 317 ; in London, 413 Poisons, plant, 366 Polvstichum aculeatum gracillimum Drueryi, 98, 157, 188, 203 Potatos, keeping, on layers of coke, Potato disease in New Zealand, 396 Potato in Scotland, introduction of, 13, 62 ; planter, a patent, 157 ; scab, 330 ; the Burbank, 222 Potatos exported to U.S.A.. 90 Preserving fresh fruits by means of sulphur fumes, 314 Primrose, a fine hardy. 330 Primula Forrestii, 299; the old double white-flowered, 124, 140 Prolific seeding in Cycnoches chloro- chilum, 314 Protection of plants from cold, 36 Pruning competition at Madresfield Court, 90 Prunus tomentosa, 276 Psemlotsuga japonica. 307 Public parks and gardens, the man- agement of, 6, 23, 39. 54, 71. 102, 113, 135, 150, 167. 183. 199', 215, 231, 262, 311, 362, 379, 410 Raffia and raffia wax, 249 Railway, carriage of fruit and vege- table' produce by, 315. 339, 367, 378 Rainfall in 1908. 57 Randall, Mr. S. G., 281 Rankine, W. Francis (School-Gar- dening), 102 Ranunculus auricomus, depauperate form of, 369, 401, 418 Recreation ground for Southall, a new, 121 Report, an unsatisfactory, from Uganda, 298 Respiring plants, temperature of, 200, 221 Retarding, plants by ether at the roots, 366 Rhododendron adenopodum. 291 ; R. Pink Pearl, 329; R. Souliei, 380 Rhododendrons at the Beacon, Dor- man's Land, Sussex, 329; at Tremough, Penrhyn, 267; in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park. 365 Rhubarb, the forcing of, 192 Ribes Menziesii, 242; R. san- guineum, 361 Ruck-garden, the, 243; lecture on. 206 : to construct a small, 112, 404 Rolfe, Robert Allen, and C. C. Hurst (The Orch id Stud-Booh), 184 Rosary, the. 21, 37, 60, 100. 132, 147,' 163, 234, 259, 307, 325. 574 Rose canker caused by Coniothyrium Fuckelii, 11 Rose Elaine, 41; Fortune's Yellow, 365, 375 ; Refulgens, 41 ; White Killarney, 282 Rose-garden, work in the, 21, 100, 147, 234, 307, 374 Rose-growers' problems, 325 Roses, climbing, 133 ; fragrant, 259 ; demand for Penzance in America, 314 ; dishonest hawking of, 157 ; indoors, 234 ; market varieties of, in America, 325, 417; notes on pruning, 163 ; notes on the newer varieties of, 37, 60, 132 ; grown on cement benches, 417 Rosehill, Falmouth, flowers at. 61 Ross, Charles, awarded the V.M.H., 11 Rothamsted, the weather at, 66 Royal Horticultural Society's Fruit and Vegetable Committee's jubi- lee, 381, 397 Rubber-producing plants, transport- ing, 58; culture of, in Ceylon, 40 Ruskin Park, Camberwell, 233 Russia, forthcoming international exhibition at Kasan, 345 vi. The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. rjuw 3. 1909. Sage, G. H., the late, 121, 231 St. Gallen, an Alpine garden at, 90 St. Helena, the flora of. 233 Sale of poisonous compounds used in horticulture, 53, 265, 317 ; in London, 413 Sanders. T. W. (The Encyclopaedia of Gardening), 53 Saxifraga decip'ieus hybrida grandi- flora, 346; S. d. Miss Willmott, 343; S. Fortunei, 20 Saxifragas, red-flowered, with crusted foliage, 258; some new, 314 Scab disease of Apples, 30. 44, 123, 157, 188; of Potatos, 330 Schizanthuses at Wisley, 330, 346, 384; culture of, 179 School gardens in Surrey, 209, 226, 252 ; in Staffordshire, 121 Scientific CoMMiTTEE:--Asbestos, vegetable, 188; albinos amongst British flowers, 13; albinism in Orchids, 142; Algae on sewage sludge, 94; Anthurium, a fasci- ated, 94; Apple-pip germinating in the fruit, 158 ; Aquilegias, double-flowered, 401; Asparagus, a species of, from the Punjab, 254 ; Auricula, a double-flowered, 284 ; beetle in Vanda teres, 188 ; bulb-mite. the, affecting Cine- raria, 158 ; bulb on inflorescence of Lachenalia tricolor, 188; Car- nations diseased, 62, 94; Carrots, colour changes in, 157; Cineraria killed by bulb-mite, 158; Cycla- men, a malformed, 13 ; variation in foliage of. 94 ; proliferation in, 14? ; Cvpripedium with a double lip, 188; Dendrobium hybrids, 254; Dianthus, hybrid, 401; Eucrosia bicolor, 222; Euonymus japonicus, fasciation in, 188; fas- ciation in Anthurium, 94; Fatsia injured by gnawing animals, 284; Gleditschia Delavayi, 317; grease bands for fruit trees, 14, 222 ; gummosis in Lemon, 222, 253; Hippeastrum hybrid, 254; H. pardinum, 142; Impatiens x comoricoma, 369, 401 ; inheritance of characters in Pea seeds, 253; Lachenalia tricolor with bulbs on inflorescence, 188 ; Larix ameri- cana, 369 ; L. Griffithii, 369 ; Laurel, a variegated-leaved, 401 ; Lemon, gummosis in, 222, 253 ; library, presentation to the, 284; Lonicera Standishii, fruits of, 401 ; malformed Orchids, 157, 222 ; Mendelism and Orchids, 157; Narcissus, hybrid, 317; nomenclature of multigeneric Or- chid hybrids, 62 ; Notonia Grantii, 142 ; Orchids, albinism in, 142 ; interesting hvbrids, 188, 317, 369 ; malformed, 62, 94, 142, 157. 222, 401 ; Parsnips, diseased, 157 ; from wild stock, 222 ; Peas, damaged by frost, 369; inherit- ance of characters in seeds of, 253 ; Pisum species from Pales tine, 369; Plagiospermum si- nense, 317; Plasmopara nivea. ;\ disease of Parsnips, 157; Poly- stichum species, 254 ; Potato affected with Stemphylium atro- virens, 157 ; Primrose from Shet- land, the season of flowering of a, 401; Primroses, variations in. 317; Primula hybrids, 369; P. sinensis, variation in, 158; proli- feration in Cyclamen, 142 ; Ranunculus auricomus, de- pauperate form of, 369, 401, 418: Rhubarb, a species of, from the Punjab, 254 ; Richardia disease!. 62: Rose canker, 62; Rose with foliar sepals. 369; Salices. hybrid, 317; Salix herbacea from Ben Lawers, 401; S. pentandra. 369; Scilla hasmorrhodalis, 94; sewage sludge, algae on, 94; Stemphylium atrovirens, a disease of Potato, 157; Sweet Peas, decay in roots of, 222; Trachycarpus excelsus, monoecious character of, 401 ; Tulipa Fosteriana, 284; Tulips, malformed, 369 ; branched, 317 ; Urceolina miniata, 284 ; veget- able asbestos, 188 ; Viola lutea and V. lutea amama, 369; Wil- lows, hybrid, 317 Scolopendrium vulgare, a much- prized variety of, 416 Scotland, introduction of the Potato in, 13, 62 ; notes from, 342 ; prospects of the Lily season in, 377 Sea Buckthorn, large sjjecimens of, at Regent's Park, London, 384 Seakale as a green vegetable, 369 ; forcing, 176 Seed crops in California, 359 Seed firm's employes at dinner, 25 Seeds, enormous number of, pro- duced by an Orchid, 314 ; packed for the Tropics, 137 Selborne Society, the, 25 Sheffield, gift of a public park to., 314 Shrewsbury flower show, prizes at, 120 ; vegetable competitions at, 123, 139, 156 Shrubs of British Columbia, 3 Shrubs, the pruning of town, 400 Simpson, Mr. W. J., 169 Sinningia " Dr. Maxwell T. Masters," 73 Slade, Mr. T. H.. 41, 137 Small holdings, prizes for, 105 Smith, Worthington G. (Synopsi of the British Basidiomycetes), 131 Snow, destruction in a nursery by, 171, 202, 217, 314; the fertilising value of, 186 Societies: — Aberdeen Chrysan- themum, 110 ; Bath and District Gard., 159, 191, 223; Bath and W. and Southern Counties, 345 ; Bickley and District Gard., 191; Birmingham Botanical and Hort., 401; Birmingham Gard., 63, 128; Bournemouth and District Gard., 223; Brighton and Sussex Hort., 63; Bristol and District Gar- deners', 63, 128, 159, 224, 255, 369 ; British Gardeners' Association, 223, 233, 255, 370, 387, 421; (London Branch), 125, 191, 223, 334; Caledonian Hort., 63; Car- diff Gard., 47, 80. 143, 223, 255; Chesterfield and District Chrvs., 78; Chester Paxton, 47, 63, 159; Colchester Rose and Hort.. 285; Commons and Footpath Preser- vation, 125; Cornwall Daffodil and Spring Flower, 270 ; Coventry Chrysanthemum, 63: Croydon and' District Hort., 63, 80, '160, 175, 223; Debating, 47, 63, 128, 143, 175. 19L 223, 369, 421; Derbyshire Gard., 128; Devon and Exeter Gard., 223 ; Devon Daffodil and Spring Flower, 271 ; Dorchester Gar- deners', 160: Dumfriesshire and Galloway Hort.. 158 ; Dutch Bulb Growers', 334; Esher Cottage Gard.. 63; Ghent Hort., 62, 142, 334, 404 ; Gloucestershire Root, Fruit and Grain, 387; Gloucester- shire Rose and Sweet Pea, 189; Guildford and District Gard!, 421 ; Hemel Hempstead Hort., 110; Horticultural Club, 62, 189, 285; (Annual Dinner), 125; Hunting- donshire Spring Flower, 287; Ipswich and District Gard., 175; Ipswich and E. of England Hort., 285; Kent, Surrey and Sussex Daffodil. 318; Kingstown Gard., 224; L' Association Francaise des Amateurs et Jardiniers C'hrysan- themistes. 334 ; Leeds Professional Gardeners'. 110. 225 ; Linnean. 14, 109. 188, 222. 382 ; Manchester and N. of England Orchid, 30, • 62, 110, 124, 190, 223, 285, 369; Metropolitan Public Gardens' 233; Midland Daffodil, 286; National Auricula and Primula (.Midland Sect.), 318, (Southern Section), 270 ; National Chrysan- themum, 142, 314; (annual meet- ing), 94; National Dahlia, 14; National Fruit Growers' Federa- tion, 110 ; National Rose, 365, 413 ; National Tulip (Southern Sec- tion), 333 ; National Vegetable, 282, 345, 401; Nursery and Seed Trade, 254; Perpetual-Flowering Carnation, 206, 223, 365; (annual meeting), 125; Portishead Hort., 191; Reading and District Gard., 63, 128, 160, 191, 223; Redhill, Reigate and District Gard., 63, 128," 160, 223; Royal Botanic, 365, 413; Royal Caledonian Hort., 254; Royal Agricultural, 420; Royal Counties Agricultural, 387 ; Ro'val Hort., 13, 30, 45, 62, 76, 93, 104, 109, 140, 157, 172, 188, 204, 237, 267, 284, 299, 317, 331. 347, 369, 385. 418; (annual meet- ing), 107; (temple Show), 347; Royal Hort. of Ii eland, 14; Royal Meteorological, 63, 158 ; Royal Society for the Protection of Birds," 143; St. Ives (Hunts.), Hort., 14; Salisbury and District Gardeners' 143: Scottish Hort., 62, 110, 175, 254; Selborne, 281; Societe Francaise d'Horticulture de Londres (annual dinner), 79; Spilsby Daffodil, 317; Stirling and District Hort., 421, Torquay and District Card.. 191, 223; Union of French Horticultural Traders. 175 ; United Hort. Bene- fit and Provident, 110, 175, 254, 319, 404 ; Wargrave and District Gardeners', 160, 175, 223, 255; Yorkshire Gala, 402 Soil, acidity in, 412 ; chemistry of heated and partially sterilised. 275; fertility and soil exhaustion, 364; inoculation, lecture on. by Prof. Bottomlev, 189 ; sterilising. 224 Solanum nigrum in Uganda, 393 South-eastern Agricultural College, Wye, 121 South-west, spring (lowers in the. 389 Spot disease of Odontoglossum Uro- Skinneri, 145 Spraying Apple trees, advice on, 313 ; fruit, trees, 45 ; to destroy weeds, 365 Spring flowers in the south-west, 389; in the Maritime Alps, 257, 277 Stachys tuberifera, 192 Stackpole Court, Pembrokeshire, 218 Staffordshire, school-gardens in, 121 Stapf, Dr. Otto, 25 Stepping-stones, plants for placing between, 240 Sterilising soil, 224, 275 Stocks for Apple and Pear, 99 Stoking garden furnaces, 156 Strawberries at Pitt House Gar- dens, Chudleigh, 253 Street trees, care of, 90, 400 Sulphate of ammonia, the yearly output of, 91 Sulphur fumes for preserving fresh fruits, 314 Summer flowers, a border of, 212 Surrey, a school-garden in. 209. 226; school-gardening appointment in. 200 ; bv-law to protect wild plants in. 329 Swanley Horticultural College. 216 Sweet Peas, early, 401 ; in tubs, 202 ; some of the newer, 177 ; trials of. 10 : Telemly, for wiuier flowering. 156 Sweet Peas, Henry Eckford, 202; Mrs. Wilcox, 92; Masterpiece. 416: Mrs. B. Gilbert, 93 Svon House, Brentford, 364 Table decorations, floral, 28 Tap-union, Shipwright's patent ad- justable, 265 Telemly Sweet Peas for winter- flowering, 156 Temperature o'f respiring plants, the, 200, 221 Temple flower show, the 344, 347 ; and refreshment tents, 330; Lilies at the, 399 Tennis lawn, to set out a, 288 Thalictrum dipterocarpum, 216 Theobald, F. V., (The Insect and other Allied Pe&ts of Orchard, Bush, and Hot-house Fruits), 357 The Warren House, Stanmore, 323 Thomas, H. H. (Sweet I'eas and How to Grow Them). 69 Thonger, Chas. (The Boole of the Cottage Garden), 228 Thrips in greenhouses, 329 Thuja Lobbii as a hedge plant, 284 Thunderstorm, damage by. 368. 393 Tiflis. proposed research stations at, 396 Timber for aeroplanes, 251 : for forcing houses, 80, 112 ; for homo use, 219; planting in Great Bri- tain, 219 Town planting, 220, 262, 400 Tradescant's tomb at Lambeth, 281 Training of fruit trees on walls, the. 149, 172, 203 Transplanting a Cedar at Paddock- hurst, Sussex, 398; trees and shrubs, preparations for, 61 Transvaal, the, agriculture in, 297 ; phvlloxera in, 382 Trap", figure-of-4, 224: a novel mouse, 365 Trees and shrubs. 41, 61, 196, 220, 228, 245, 275, 361, 414; for win- ter effect, 131. Trees, forest, cost of planting, 187; grubbed by steam engine. 329 ; street, care and preservation of, 90, 400 Tregothnan, Cornwall, 289 Trenching, 61, 76, 107, 201. 203 Trials of Dahlias, 169; of Sweet Peas, 10 Triteleia uniflora, culture of, 179 Tropical fruits.. 29 Tulips at Loivdham Nursery, 368 Turf-cutting machine, a, 202 U Udaipur, India, destructive hail- storm at, 398 Udale, James (The Handy Booh of Pruning. Grafting, and Bud- dim/), 217 Uganda Protectorate, an unsatisfac- tory report from, 298 VACANT lands, a society for the cul- tivation of. 267. 312' Vaccinium, the species of, 49, 74. 83 Vanda coerulea, 194: at Brougham Hall gardens. Penrith. 264 Vanilla cultivation in Hawaii, 293 Vegetable competitions at Shrews- bury show, 123, 139, 156 Vegetable society, a national, 329, 345, 382 The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [July 3, 1909. vii. Vegetables, 43, 116, 194, 217, 245, 275, 324, 341, 368; carriage of, by railway, 373; eff"cts of cold weather on green, 245 ; novelties in, 4; scarcity of good winter, 154 Veitch, Harrv, portrait fund, 329, 382 Veitch Memorial Medallists, new, 91 Veronica Bidwillii, 309 Versailles and Petit Trianon, 177 Viburnum Carlesii, 341, 361 ; V. utile, 345 Victoria Medal of Horticulture awarded to Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., 11 ; to Mr. John Ross, 11 ; to Mr. R. Wilson Ker, 382 Vilmorin, M. Philippe de (Lea Fleurs tie l'1'A/M Terre), 201 Vinery, cyaniding a, 96 Vines, culture of, 280 ; mealv-bug on, 64, 388; mildew on, 388" Violets, the hybridisation of, 112 Visitors, English, to the Berlin show, 201 Vitis, the evergreen vine, 253, 267 W Wadds, Mr. A. B., 41 Wahlenbergia, the species of, 243 Wales, the season in, 283 Ward, John J. (Life-Histories of Familiar Plants), 147 Warren House, Stanmore, 323 Wash, the lime-sulphur, 364 Water-absorption by leaves, 24, 44 Water-colour drawings at the New Dudley Gallery, 281 Water-gardens. 404; natural design in, 276 Water Hyacinth a pest in Ceylon, 214 Waugh, F. A. (The American Apple Orchard), 197 Weather at Rothamsted in 1903. 66 ; at St. Austell, Cornwall, ' 29 ; severity and plants, R.H.S. census on, 284 Wedding, a gardener's golden, 137 Weed-killers. 153 Weeds and hoeing, 178 Weeds destroyed by spraying, 365 Wheat, the influence of climate on the chemical composition of. 366 White City Exhibition, horticulture at the, 154, 217 Whortleberries and Cranberries, 49, 74. 83. 99 Wildernesse Park, Sevenoaks, 346, 360 Wild flowers, exhibits of, at Glas- gow, 297; in Surrey, protection of, 329 Wilks, Rev. W.. appointed Veitch Memorial Medallist. 91 Wilson. E. H., and plant collecting in China, 24 Window-box. suitable plants for a, 160 Winter vegetables, some good. 154 Wisley, Schizanthuses at, 330, 384 Wistarias, the, 218 Witch-Hazels, the, 41 Woburn fruit farm, experiments at the, 97 Wolverhampton Floral Fete coming- of-age show, 185 Women's garden or park, a pro- posed, 282, 311 Wonderberry, the, 172, 204, 393 Woodland industries, decline of, 195. 234 Woods', Mr. W., nursery-houses de- stroyed by snow, 171, 202, 217, 314' Worsdell, Mr. W. C., appointment of. 121 Wright, C. H., 25 Wright, Horace J. and Walter P. (Beautiful Flowers and How to Grow Them), 322 Yellow stripe disease of Daffodils, 10 SUPPLEMENTARY ILLUSTRATIONS. Agave attenuata flowering in the Royal Agricultural Society's Grounds. Sydney. N.S.W. (February 13) Amaryllis Belladonna x Brunsvigia Josephine.^: (January 23) Angr^ecum Augustum (February 6) Darwin, Charles (June 26) Fritillaria askabadensis (March 20) Hedsoe, Buckinghamshire (January 16) Hyacinth propagation in Holland (Hay 1 and May 8) Ljelio-Cattleya "Elinor" (Ftbruary 20) L.elio-Cattleya Lustre gigantea (March 13) Ljelio-Cattley'.a Pizarro, vYe.stonbirt Vapiety (April 10) Margam Park, Glamorganshire (February 27) Melbourne Botanic Garden, view of the lake in (April 17) Nelumbium speciosum var. Osiris (March 6) Xeienthes x Dr. John MacFarlane (January 9) Rhododendrons in The Beacon Gardens, Dorman's Land, Sussex (May 22) Rhododendron Souliei (June 12) Sinningia Dr. Maxwell T. Masters (January 30) Syon House, as seen from the pleasure grounds, Kew Gabdens (June 5) Thalictrum dipterocarpum (April 3) Van da ccerulea, a fine plant of (April 24) Water-garden at Ashbourne, Co. Cork (Juno 13) Wildernesse Park, Kent (May 29) (i ; List of General Illustrations in the text see next page.) Vlll. The Gardeners Chronicle,] INDLX. [Ji;l> 3, J9G9l LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Acanthus montanus, 201 Adiautum grossum, 50, 51 Aesculus parviflora, a flowering tree of, 123 Androcymbium melanthoides, 313 Anemone affected with rust dis- ease, 336 Angrfecum sesquipedale, 399 Apple Barnack Beauty, 142 Apple William Crump, 21 Araucaria imbricata at the Ben Rhydding Hydropathic Estab- lishment, Yorkshire, 244, 245 Ashbourne, Co. Cork, views of the rock-garden at, 392, 393 Aster grandiflorus, 36 Auricula Claud Halcro, 298 Avenue of Limes in Wildernesse Park, Sevenoaks, 360; of Se- quoia gigantea at Havering Park, Essex, 409 Bartlett, A. C, portrait of, 7 Bayfordbury Cedars, the, 229 Beckett, Edwin, portrait of, 6 Bee-hive, appliance for fixing comb- foundation in, 135; parts of a standard, 23 ; a standard bar- frame, 71 Begonia Gloire de Sceaux, 130 Begonia X Patrie, 77 Benthamia, see Cornus, 82 Berlin Show, views of the, 235, 236, 237 Bladder Plums, 388 Bottle, Wood's Grape-preserving, 175 Brasso-Cattleya Cliftonii, 34 Bulbophyllum Dayanum, 194; B. lemniscatoides, 68 Bulbous flowers exhibited at the Berlin Show, 235 Burton, \\ illiam, the late, 254 Cycnoches pentadactylon, male and female flowers, 27; C. Wars- cewiczii with flowers of two sexes, 29 Cvpripediura Earl of Tankerville, '101 Dendroeium Sanderse, 374 ; D. speciosum, 219 Dynevor Castle, Carmarthenshire, 165 Edinburgh Royal Botanical Gar- dens, a winter scene in, 4 ; fernery at, 11, 13 Eranthemum Wattii, 89 Eulophiella Elisabethse, 407 Euphorbia Sapinii, 66 Fennel, Italian, 124 Fernery in Edinburgh Botanic Gar- dens, 11, 13 Ficus parasitica strangling a tree of Eheis guineensis, 41 Fir, the" Japanese Douglas, cone- bearing branch of, 307 Fceniculum dulce or Italian Fennel, 124 Fritillaria askabadensis, inflor- escence of, 185 Fuchsia splendens, 338 Gerberas exhibited by M. Adnet at the Temple Show, 350 Glasshouses destroyed by snow, 171 Grapes, bottle for preserving, 175 Cactus, a giant, 162 Carnation Lady Coventry, 297 Carnations and Roses, Messrs. Cut- bush's group of, at the Temple Show, 349 Cedar, removing a large, at Pad- dockhurst, 397 Cedars at Bayfordbury, Hertford- shire, 229 Celmisia spectabilis in New Zea- land, 1 Cereus gigantea growing in Arizona, 162 Charlesworth's, Messrs., nursery at Haywards Heath, 375 Chondropetalum Fletcheri, 9 Cineraria naveseens, 322 Cistus albidus in Mr. Notcutt's nur- sery, 117 Cleome spinosa, 115 Clerodendron fallax, a fine plant of, 324 Cloches, plan of arrangement of, in forcing Lettuces, 164 Cookson, Norman C, the late, 334 Cook, W. A., portrait of, 7 Cornus (syn. Benthamia) capitata, fruit of," 82 ; flower of, 83 Croquet Association's plans for a croquet lawn, 336 Croquet lawn, plan of a, 288 Cyclamens at Messrs. Sutton & Sons' nursery, 155 Cycnoches peruvianum Tracey's variety, 309 Cycnoches with male and female flowers, 26 H Harriss, E., portrait of, 6 Havering Park. Essex, 407; views at, 408, 409, 411 Hedsor. Buckinghamshire, the Wharf house at, 42 ; the Towers at, 43 : fishtraps at, 45 Hippeastrums from Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons' collection, 266 L.elio-Cattleya Felicia, 100; L.-C. Lustre gigantea, 168 Leaf-spot of Odontoglossum Uro- Skinheri, 145, 146 Loganberry, the, 86 M Makgam Park, Glamorganshire, Orangery at, 129 Megaclrnium purpureo-rachis, 293 Melbourne Botanic Garden, bed of succulent plants at, 250 Meryta Sinclairii in Mr. Cheese- man's garden, Auckland, New Zealand, 2 Miller. William, the late, 271 Moorman, J. W , portrait of, 6 Morris, the late George Field, 32 Mutisia Clematis, 415 Myrtle, fruiting spray of, 18 N Narcissus Challenger, 315; N. Queen of the West, 283 Notonia Grantii, 227 Nymphsea James Brydon in a nur- sery water-garden, 277 Odontioda X Bradshawise Cook- son's variety, 174 ; O. chelsonei- ensis, 348; O. x Ernest Henry, 321 ; O. Goodsonise, 195 Odontoglossom ardentissimum " Phoebe," 132; O. crispum Fow- lerianum, 211 ; O. crispo-Harrya- mira with expanded flowers, 133 ; O. Magali Sander, 37; O. Smithii. '212; O. x Theodora, 269 ; O. Uro-Skinneri affected with leaf-spot, 145, 146; O. Wyonia- num, 211 ; O. Xanthotes var. Mrs. F. M. Ogilvie, 258 Olearia insignia growing in New Zealand, 3: O. myrsinoides, 213 Oncidium Charlesworthii, 377 Orangery at Margam Park, 129 Orchids exhibited by Messrs. Charlesworth at the Temple Show, 376 ; by Messrs. Sander & Sons at the Temple Show, 367 Ourisia macrophylla, 390 I Ilex Pernyi, 75 Iris alata flowering out-of-doors on December 10, 52 Iris Bakeriana, 53 Iris reticulata var. Histrio, 55 Japanese garden as arranged by Messrs. Jas. Carter & Co. at the Temple Show, 341 K Killarney House. Co. Kerry, 180 ; the lake from. 181, 187; scroll- bedding at. 189 King, Sir George, the late, 138 Kniphofia multiflora flowering in a Newrv nursery, 196 Para-rubber plants packed for shipment, 58 Petrea volubilis in the Peradeniya Botanic Garden, Ceylon, 252 Phaltenopsis gigantea, 306 Pieris floribunda at Havering Park, 411 Pinus muricata, a tree of, 259; foliage and male inflorescence of, 260 ; cones of, 261 ; P. pinaster, tapping a tree of, for resin, 69 ; P. rigida, cone-bearing branch of, 178 Plan of a tennis lawn, 288 ; of a croquet lawn, 288 ; of cloche ar- rangement in forcing Lettuce, 164 Pleurothallis Birchenallii, 391 Plums affected with Exoascus defor- mans, 388 Polystichum aculeatum gracillimum Druervi, 98 Primula Forrestii, 274 ; in Edinburgh Botanical Gardens, 299 ; growing in Yunnan, China, 275 Primula Princess May, 197 ; P. sinensis, the stellata type of, 149; P. sinensis in its natural habitat, 148 Pseudotsuga japonica, cone-bear- ing branch of, 307 Rhododendron adenopodum, 291 ; R. Gloria Mundi, a fine bed of, 331 ; R. grande at Tregothnan, Cornwall, 290; R. Souliei, 381 Ribes Menziesii, 242 Rose festoons in the Warren House Gardens, Stanmore, 326 Roses, exhibits of, at the Temple Show, 352, 354 Rose White Killarney, 282 S Salads, an exhibit of, 190 Sansevieria Laurentii, 347 Saxifraga Clibranii, 301 ; S. deci- piens Arkwiightii, 314 ; S. Miss Willmott, 343; S. Fortunei flowering in November on a rock-garden, 20 Schizanthuses at Wisley Gardens, 384 School-garden, a Surrey, 226 ; ex- hibit of vegetables from a, 210 Scolopendrium vulgare muricato fimbi'iatum, 416 Snow-scene in Royal Botanical Gar- dens, Edinburgh, 4 Solanum Balbisii at Rosehill, Fal- mouth, 61 Stackpole Court, Pembrokeshire, 218 Succulent plants at Melbourne Botanic Garden, New South Wales, 250 Sundial in Wildernesse Park Gar- dens, 360 Sweet Pea Masterpiece, 417 Tennis lawn, plan of a, 288 The Warren House. Stanmore, 323 Tillandsia Blokii, 358 Trap, the Figure-of-4, 224 Tregothnan. Cornwall, 289 Tulips with branched inflorescences, 317 Turf-cutting machine, a, 202 Vanda teres exhibited by Mr. Leopold de Rothschild at the Temple Show, 365 Vegetables, a group of, from a school-garden, 210 ; grown by the " French " svstem of garden- ing, 190 Viburnum Carlesii, a flowering plant of, 340 ; Y. utile, a flower- ing tree of, 345 View in a plantation adjoining Mr. Notcutt's nursery, 116 W Wahlenbergia serpyllifolia, 243 ; W. s. var. Dinarica, 243 Water-garden in Messrs. R. Wal- lace & Co.'s nursery, Colches- ter, 276 Weston. J. G. portrait of, 7 Wharf House, Hedsor, 42 White. W. H.. portrait of. 7 Wildernesse Park, Sevenoaks, views in the gardens and grounds at, 360, 361 u E Z M o « U H O C/) If) s PS P < * O cq K Q p w passing C. Baron Schroder at all points while retaining its rich, deep claret-purple, white colouring and fine substance, and C. San Actaeus Etoniense being the result of trans- ferring the size and shape of C. insigne Hare- field Hall to the good habit and white dorsal sepal of C. Actaeus Langleyense. Orchid novelties were also shown during the year by Messrs. Armstrong & Brown, Tun- bridge Wells, Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Messrs. Stanley & Co., Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbridge ; Messrs. Moore, Ltd., Rawdon, Leeds, and others. Continental Exhibits. Mons. Chas. Vuylsteke, Loochristi, Ghent, whose hybrid Odontoglossums are the envy of all Orchidists, showed a selection of varieties at the Temple Show, those of violet-blue colour being specially novel and attractive. First-class" Certificates were awarded for O. illustre luxurians and O. eximium Queen Alexandra, and an Award of Merit for O. laudatum. At the same exhibition Mons. Graire, of Amiens, showed Odontioda St. Fuscien, a pretty scarlet-mottled flower. Earlier in the year Mons. Jules Hye de Crom, Ghent, secured First-class Certificates for his white Cattleya Suzanne Hye de Crom and for the variety Jungfrau. Mons. Mertens, Ghent, has been a frequent exhibitor of good Odonto- glossums at the Royal Horticultural Society's meetings. Mons. Chas. Maron, Brunoy, France, received Awards for Cattleya Rutilant (F.-C.C.) and Brasso-Cattleya Helene Maron (A.M.). The following new and rare Onchids are among those illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle during 1908. Bulbophyllum mirum, May 30, p. 348. Bulbophyllum orthoglossum, June 20, p. 406. Cataseteum Claesianum, Sep. 19, p. air. Cattleya Mendelii Holford's variety, May 2, p. 378. Cattleya Venus, Oct. 10, p. 258. Cypripedium Actaeus Bianca, Oct. 10, p. 261. Cypripedium Charlesworthii Bromiluwianum, Oct. 31, p. 210. Cypripedium Dreadnought, Dec. 5, p. 389. Cypripedium Minos Young's variety, Feb. 1, p. 74. Cypripedium San-Acta?us Etoniense, Dec. 12, p. 425. Cypripedium ventricosum album, June 27, p. 414. • Dendrobium Brymerianum Gatton Park variety. Supp., Aug 8. Dendrobium criniferum, Mar. 28, p. 194. Dendrobium Madonnae, Mar. 14, p. 162. Diacattleya Colmaniae, Feb. 22, p. 114. Epidendrum costatum, Dec. 19, p. 4-'> Epidendrum falcatum, Supp., Nov. 28. Epidendrum Lambeauianum, Sep. 26, p. 228. Laelio-Cattleya Elva Westonbirt variety, May 30, p. 349- Maxillaria lutco-alba, Mar. 14. p. 165. Miltonia vexillaria virginale, May 30, p. 351. Miltonia vexillaria Westonbirt variety, May, 30, p. 352. Odontioda Charlesworthii, May 30, p. 353. Odontioda St. Fuscien, May 30, p. 353. Odontoglossum ardentissimum Madame Vuylsteke, Jun^ 6, p. 363. Odontoglossum crispum Leonard Perfect, May 16, p. - 321. Odontoglossum crispum Memoria Waterloo, June ti, p. 18. Odontoglossum crispum Perfect Gem, April n, p Odontoglossum egregium Madame Jules Hye de Crom, June 6, p. 362. Odontoglossum Lairessei, May 23, p. 328. Odontoglossum Macnabianum, Jan. 18, p. 45' Odontoglossum maculatissimum. June 6. p. 362. Odontoglossum percultum J. R. Roberts, June 20,* p. 395. Odontoglossum Pescatorei Westonbirt variety, Supp., Oct. 3. Odontoglossum Phcebe, June 27, p. 421. Odontoglossum Queen Alexandra var. Crawshayanum, July 18, p. 42. Odontoglossum Wilckeanum imperiale, May 2, p. 287. Odontonia Lairesseae, May 23, p. 329. Orchis latifolia X maculata, Sep. 12, p. 194. Polystachya flexuosa, Oct. 17, p. 276. Sophro-Cattleya Doris, Nov. 21, p. 356. Vanda Ccerulea Charlesworthii, Nov. 28, p. 374. Vanda pumila, July 18, p. 43. Vanda Watsonii, Feb. 29 p. 131. (To be continued.) 6 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 2, 1909. The Week's Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. 'By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Preparations for forcing. — In every establish- ment where large quantities of soft fruit are required, it is imperative that a programme should be drawn up at the beginning of the season, thus systematising the procedure in re- gard to the forcing operations. In most cases it is not only necessary to cultivate fruit of the highest excellence, but it is of equal i m p o r t ance that the crops shall ripen at the proper time. More especially do these remarks apply to crops of a tem- porary char- acter. The gardener should obtain information as far as it is possible as to ^■■ffiesl*^228Eeis8S5^0.2 , p c approxi- mate dates when any special demand for fruit is likely to be made upon him. In the case of permanent ■crops such as Grapes, Peaches and Figs, it is a help to have neat boards hanging in each house, recording on these boards the dates of the stages in the new development of the sea- son, from closing the house before growth has commenced to the gathering of the fruit. Such records have a great value in the following season. Fruit trees at rest. — Fruit trees under glass need a period of absolute rest. When the prun- ing has been done, the house should be cleared of any pot plants it formerly contained and .the ventilators opened widely at all times un- less there is danger of the water in the pipes becoming frozen. If this can be done for several weeks before the house has to be closed for forcing so much the better. The piesence of pot plants on fruit-tree borders during the resting season has a very prejudicial effect upon the roots, often causing shanking and bud drop- ping- Melons. — If ripe fruits are desired at the end of April or early in May, no time must now be lost before sowing seeds of some trustworthy sort. Fill, therefore, some 2^-inch pots with loamy soil containing a little finely-broken mor- tar rubble, and warmed to the temperature of the house. Insert two seeds in each pot, and if both germinate, remove the weaker plant as soon as this can be determined upon. Plunge the pots in a moderately warm hot-bed until the seedlings are well through the soil, afterwards placing them on a shelf near to the glass. Al- though the earliest Melons may be grown suc- cessfully in pots, we find that the plants culti- vated in beds are most satisfactory. The earliest crops need the advantages of a hot-bed, and the material for forming this should be prepared at once using partially decomposed leaves and stable litter in equal parts. In our case we have the benefit of hot water pipes under the fermenting materials, and it is there- fore only necessary to have a small hot-bed, the top of which is raised to within a foot of the trellis. On this hot-bed is placed a bed of soil 18 inches wide by 9 inches deep. The soil is made quite firm, this point being essential. If the loam is of a retentive nature, the inclusion of some old mortar rubble will improve it, and poor soil may be enriched by the addition of finely-crushed bones. Cucumbers. — Young plants must be raised without delay to fruit in succession to the old plants now showing signs of exhaustion. Sow the seeds singly in 2i-inch pots containing a compost of loam and leaf-mould in equal parts. The soil should be warm when used, and in a sufficiently moist condition that no water will be required until the seeds have germinated. Plunge the pots in a similar hot-bed as advised for Melons. A hot-bed will afterwards be needed, as in the case of Melons, for forming the beds upon, and if a covering a few inches deep of half-rotten Oak leaves is placed over the bed it will be of great benefit. An atmo- spheric temperature at night of 65 J to 70 J, and an increase of about 10° during the day will alike be suitable for the Melons and Cucumbers. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicarv Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Failures. — Every gardener is bound to meet with failures sooner or later, some owing to un- avoidable circumstances, but others are due to improper methods and other adverse conditions which experience will in the future enable him to overcome. It will be well at this season to look back over the old year and note as far as possible the reason why such and such a crop was not the success it might have been, and take steps to rec- tify this dur- ing the New Year. Hot-beds.— It will be neces- sary in many gardens to augment these cons iderably during the present month as there are very many choice v e g e- tables which can be brought forward with the aid of hot-beds and portable frames. We should hear much less of the French system of garden- ing if, as I have long advocated, gardeners were provided with a greater number of these port- able frames and learned to put them to the best use. They are invaluable to the gardener who has to supply large quantities of forced vege- tables, and not only are these of use during the spring months, but they can be utilised with advantage every day in the year, and with the aid of freshly-fallen leaves much less expense incurred in providing the requisite heat. The chief danger in hot-beds lies in the engendering of too much, rather than too little heat, and be- fore adding the soil one should make absolutely certain that the heat is well on the decline, for if once the soil becomes baked, as it most assuredly will if the heat is excessive, no crops will grow in it satisfactorily. Asparagus, Car- rots, Turnips, Potatos, Radishes and such crops are all suitable to this kind of treatment. Cucumbers, Marrows and Melons can also be successfully grown by this method later in the year. Carrots. — Late sowings made either in heated pits or on hot-beds for supplying young roots early in the year should now be thinned just sufficient to prevent the young plants from be- coming drawn. The soil should be stirred be- tween the rows, and air admitted to the frame cautiously whenever the weather is sufficiently mild, on bright days syringing the plants and closing the ventilators at 1 p.m. Peas. — Those which were sown last month in pots will now have germinated. These should be kept as near the glass as is possible in a cool house or even a cold frame, avoiding the use of fire heat at all times. Make another good sowing of some of the early large-podded varieties in 10-inch pots, and raise the plants in cold frames. Broad Beans. — These require similar treat- ment, and provided they are not unduly forced, will produce sp'endid crops long before one can expect them in the open. Spinach. — If from any cause the autumn- sown crops prove to be a failure, it will be found a capita! plan to sow one or other of the very large-leaved varieties thinly in cold frames. It is surprising what large quantities may be picked from an ordinary-sized three-light frame. I have found the "Carter" a very reliable variety for this kind of treatment. Lettuce. — Make small sowings of this in a gentle heat for cultivation under glass. Choose those varieties best adapted to forcing. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J. W. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Park, London. Open spaces in London. — During the past two years much interesting and valuable information has been published in the Gardeners'" Chronicle on park management by the superintendents in the great provincial cities of Cardiff and Glas- gow. My own efforts, I fear, will be less suc- cessful than theirs have been, and I have some difficulty, from the fact that the parks and other open spaces of London are not under one authority. It has therefore appeared to me de- sirable in my first article to convey an accurate idea of London's open spaces, and of the divided responsibility that exists for their maintenance and control. The increase in the number and extent of the public parks, gardens, and open spaces within the county of London has been most remarkable dur- ing the past 20 years. They are controlled either by the Government, the London County Coun- cil, the City of London Corpo- ration, or the Metro politan borough coun- cils, of which there are 28 separate gov- erning authori- ties. The Royal parks. — The Govern ment have the con- trol of about 1 ,460 acres, which includes, among others, the important spaces of Green Park, Green- wich Park, Hyde Park, St. James's Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park, and Primrose Hill. These are all situ- ated within the count',, and in close proximity to thickly-populated districts. They are under the management of H.M. Office of'Works, and their maintenance is defrayed from the Imperial Exchequer. The L.C.C. parks. — The London County Coun- cil's area of parks, gardens, churchyards, and open spaces comprise about 5,003 acres, and number 112 places, extending from Hampstead and Highgate in the north-west to Tooting and .Streatham in the south-west, and from Hackney Marshes and Hainault in the north-east sections to Sydenham and Eltham in the south-east. The City Corporation. — The City of London Corporation has only a few small places within the county, but outside they have the charge of nearly 6,500 acres, which includes Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, and Coulsdon Common. The borough councils. — The 28 metropolitan boroughs have the management of 160 small enclosures, principally small squares, greens, and churchyards, bearing a total acreage of 266 acres. These are controlled and maintained by the borough council in whose area these small but useful enclosures are situated. A large number of them are admirably kept, and all fully justify their cost in procuring and adapt- ing them for the use of the public as an aid to healthful recreation. Open spaces as playing grounds. — When one considers that within the small area of the London county there are nearly 7,000 acres of park land and open spaces already secured for the use of its inhabitants and visitors, the fact is a very gratifying one. The admirable pro- vision of land for sports and games causes one to wonder how Londoners existed prior to the development of these open spaces. Encourage- ment is given to basket ball, bathing, boating, bowling, croquet, cricket, football, golf, January 2, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. gymnasium, hockey, hurley and shinty, lacrosse, lawn tennis, quoits, roller skating, skating on ice, and spiro pole, and a large sum of money is annually expended on bands and other forms of music. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C, Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. The forcing house. — Place successional batches of bulbous and other plants in this structure. Tulips will bear harder forcing than most bulbs, but Narcissi and Hyacinths must be brought on gradually or the results will be disappointing. It is essential that all bulbs for forcing should be well rooted before their introduct ion to heat. Among shrubs suitable for the forcing house at the present time are Acer, Lab u r n u m, Lilac, Prunus triloba, Sta- phylea col. chica, and Azaleas of all kinds (see ar- ticle on this subj e c t in Gardeners' Chronicle, De- cember 111, 19, 26, 1908). Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum multi- florum) forcae well, and if properly hardened afterwards may be used even in draughty corri- dors and similar places where most forced plants are not capable of remaining in a good condition. From the present date home-grown Lily of the Valley crowns may be forced suc- cessfully, and the flowers from these are usually much more fragrant than those obtained from crowns retarded last season. The moss that is laid over the Lily crowns should be kept in a moist condition, and it must not be allowed to become so matted together that the flower-spikes can only penetrate it with difficulty. Hippeastrums. — In gardens where there is a considerable stock of llippeastrum bulbs, a batch may now be started into growth, selecting for the purpose firm bulbs that do not require repotting. Carefully remove a little of the surface soil with a pointed stick and afterwards apply a light top-dresing. These plants should be labelled so that they may not be selected for early foicing next season. They will need to be repotted then and will flower later. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Pail, Kent. Fruit trees on walls. — The pruning and train- ing of hardy fruit trees should be pushed for- ward in favourable weather. After one of the best autumns on record, the weather broke in December, and caused this work to be delayed. With the aid of planks, however, to walk upon, training can be carried out when ground- work must of necessity be postponed. On n o account permit the ground to be trampled upon when it is in a wet and pasty condition. If any trees have suffered neg- lect it will be well to cut out a con- siderable amount of the o Id wood, even if this involves the sacrifice of a littie fruit for a season. Morcllo Cherries. — The season of Morello Cherries may be lengthened by planting a few trees in different aspects, though trees for sup- plying the mam crop should be planted on ths north side of a wall. The Morello is not fastidi- ous either as to soil or situation, and if they are planted in a position where fruit trees have not been grown previously, but the soil is in a fair condition, it is not necessary to provide new soil for them. In such a case, spread a coating of wood ashes and lime rubble over the top of the soil and let this be thor- oughly incorporated with the staple as the work proceeds. On the contrary, %if truit trees have formerly occupied the site, then apply a com- post of good loam, lime rubble and wood ashes. Good drainage is of the first importance, and if this does not exist naturally it must be pro- vided. If fresh drainage is required, place a quantity of brickbats, clinkers or stones in the bottom of the hole, adding slightly smaller material, then placing some turves with the grass downwards, this keeping the fine soil from clogging the drainage. After the turves, put in sufficient soil to bring the trees to the desired height, carefully spreading out the roots to their full length. Fill in between the roots with fine soil, then make the whole quite firm, this latter point being important, as trees planted loosely in rich soil are apt to make unfruitful growth. When finished, the soil should be slightly higher than the surrounding ground to allow for sinking, and till this has taken place, the trees should not be permanently tied. If the trees are young, very little pruning will be neces- sary the first season, beyond shortening any extra strong shoots. Mulch with some light pro- tective material, but not with heavy manure. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Alterations. — The commencement of the year is a favourable time for altering beds, borders, or shrubberies, either in regard to their outline or in the rearrangement of the plants. The fashions in flower gardening change from time to time, and in very recent years there has been decided re- action from the formal system of planting. W h a t e v e r style is favoured, the flower garden should not be limited to a set of beds of geometri- cal character collected around the dwelling- house, but should be spread over the entire area of the pleasure grounds. Every gardener should think out some different mode of planting for particular beds each season. Bulbs. — If there are still some bulbs that have not been planted, they should be put into the ground at once. There is something to be said for keeping Anemones over until January before planting them, and in such cases where the soil is of a stiff nature some leaf-mould and sand had better be mixed with the staple before plant- ing, placing a little sharp sand under the base of each tuber. It is rather late to plant Nar- cissi, but if any are still left over they may yet be capable of giving good returns. Shoots that are appearing now above the soil may need to be guarded from insects and birds. Protection from -frost. — Certain plants are apt to suffer injur)' from cold reaching their roots, and in such cases a thick covering of fine ashes or some other suitable material will afford them useful protection. Dracaenas and Palms may re- quire to have their tops protected, and whilst not neglecting to do this, be careful to avoid placing an excessive amount of covering on them before it is really necessary. Heather and .Bracken are suitable materials for protecting such p.ants, provided they were cut and dried for the purpose some months ago. General aw£.— Present work may include the making or renovating of old paths that have become green. Flower-beds may be dug or trenched, if the ground is not very wet. Fresh turf may be laid on parts of the lawn that have become shabby in appearance. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W, H. White, Gardener to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Platyclinis. — One of the most attractive plants now flowering in the Orchid houses at Burford is P. uncata ; although the individual flowers are very small, they are produced on elegant thread- like racemes. The inflorescences arise from half-grown shoots, and the plant having to sup- port so many flowers, and also continue growing, abun- dance of water must be given to the roots. P. C o b bi a n a has just passed out of bloom, and should also be kept well supplied with water. Plants of the spring- flowering P. glumacea have already commenced to grow, and from the present time until the new pseudo-bulbs are thoroughly matured the plants will need plenty of water at the roots. The summer-flowering P. filiformis is now at rest, but the roots must at all times be kept moist. Either of these plants, if they require it, may be repotted immediately they commence to grow, or within a very short time after flowering. To enable the plants to show off to the best advantage when in bloom, shallow Orchid pans are the most suitable receptacles. By using these pans very little drainage is required, thus lessening the weight which would inevitably occur with the well-drained ordinary flower-pot. For many years the plants at Burford have grown exceedingly well when potted firmly in a compost of fibrous peat and Sphagnum-moss in equal parts, both materials being chopped up finely and m.xed well together ; a moderate quantity of finely-broken crocks is added. An intermediate temperature where such plants as Miltonia, Sobralia, Cymbidium, and Ccelo- gynes are grown, will suit Platyclinis the whole year round. Suspend them near to the roof glass in a light but not sunny position, and on very bright mornings syringe the underpants of the leaves with tepid rainwater. Cattleya house. — Such plants as Vanda tricolor, V. suavis, and Aerides crispum are now produc- ing quantities of aerial roots. It is advisable to tie in each of these, at intervals, and without unduly cracking them, towards the stem of the plant, and afterwards to gradually guide the young points down into the potting material. The roots will then afford more support to the plant, and be less likely to suffer injury at their points. Afford these Vandas sufficient moisture to preserve the Sphagnum-moss in a fresh-grow- ing condition, and the surface of the stage upon which they stand should be kept moist. Onci- dium cheirophorum, which has been growing in this house is prominently showing its flowei- buds, and the flowers will open better if the plants are now placed in a light position in the East Indian house. While the plants are in bloom, keep the compost rather on the dry side. After flowering, return the plant to its former quarters, and when growth recommences it may be repotted as advised for the Platyclinis, with the addition of an equal proportion of leaf- soil. This Oncidium will also thrive when sus- pended or elevated upon suitable stands near to the roof of the intermediate house. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 2, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, w.c. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens o; 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 tapfr, sent as earlv in the week as possible and tlulv signed br the writer. If desired, the signature will ml bt 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 responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be care/itllo mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY AND FRIDAY— Herbaceous and Border Plants, Bulbs, Liliums, Azaleas, &c, at 12; 1,000 Roses, at 1.30, at 67 S 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. WEDNESDAY— Hardy Border and Herbaceous Plants, Liliums, Ferns, Bulbs, &c , at 12 ; 4,000 Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30 ; Palms, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Sea., at 5, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. FRIDAY— Choice Burmese Dendrobes, Established Orchids, &c. at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty ^ ears at Greenwich-38-3°. Actual Temperatures: — London. — Wednesday, December 30 (6 p.m.): Max. 25°; Min. 18". Gardeners' Chronicle Office. 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden London —Thursday, December 31 (10 a.m.): Bar. 303; Temp. 40° ; Weather— Slight rain. Provinces.— Wednesday, December 30 (6 p.m. : Mas. 53° Sligo ; Min. 21c Colchester. The process of the colonisation A Volcanic 0f a new ]an(] bv the vegeta- ,SJa^I!d tion that will ultimately cover its FlorK. J it, has formed an attractive subject for investigation ever since at- tention was directed to the new islands, coral and otherwise, that from time to time emerge from the sea. The whole- sale destruction of vegetation produced by violent volcanic activity is followed by the recovery of their temporarily lost territory by the adjacent survivors, or by those which are reintroduced through human agency. But it can only happen at infrequent intervals that it is possible to study on a large scale the solution of problems of dis- tribution involved in the re-establishment of the flora upon an island, somewhat remote from the nearest land, which has had its covering of plants entirely removed by a catastrophe such as that which devastated the island of Krakatau (or Krakatoa, as it is sometimes spelt) in the great eruption of 1883. The island, which lies about 22 to 28 miles to the north-west of Java, experienced an outburst of volcanic activity before which even the eruption of Mt. Pelee, in Martinque, appears almost commonplace. The dust that was ejected from the crater passed into the upper atmosphere, and is believed to have been concerned in the production of the marvellous sunsets that formed the sub- ject of so much comment in Europe for many months afterwards. It is estimated that something like four cubic miles of solid matter was shot out of the volcano, and the adjacent islands were covered to a depth of over 100 feet with pumice and ashes. The roof of the cavernous space below the craters then fell in, and the whole of the northern part of the island was submerged. The water which thus poured into and surged out of the depression formed great waves, which rose to a height of about 130 feet and washed the coasts of Java and Sumatra, whilst the effect of the disturbance even extended into the North Atlantic. The remaining part of Krakatau was steri- lised, so far as all things living were con- cerned, bv the rain of hot stones and pumice which fell over its whole surface. The island to-day, a quarter of a century after the event, is once again clothed with vegetation, and though it has been as yet- imperfectly explored, the results of several botanical visits mr.de for the special pur- pose of investigations of this nature have yielded results of -nat interest. The first visit after the eruption was made in 1886 by Dr. Treub, the Director of the Botanic Gar- den at Buitenzorg, in Java, and 11 years afterwards, in 1897, he again visited its shores. After a further interval of nine years another expedition was made to Krakatau and the nearest islands, and a very interest- ing account of the results of the discoveries thus made has been given by Prof. Ernst, of Zurich*. It might have been expected that the pro- cess of colonisation would have followed the same general lines as have prevailed in coral islands, but this is not the case, doubtless owing to the existence of the high land formed by the volcanic mountain Rakata, which rises abruptly to about 2,728 feet above the sea level. Dr. Treub, in the earliest visit, found that vegetation was not confined, as he had ex- pected, to the coast, nor were the immigrants derived from ocean-borne seeds and fruits. The winds had clearly formed the means of introduction of the earlier plants, consisting as they did mainly of the lower types of the vegetable kingdom. Algae, especially the gelatinous " blue-green " forms, and the Ferns were the first to arrive, and although a few flowering plants had established them- selves round the coast, they formed but a small proportion of the whole vegetation. In other words, the ocean currents were not the immediately effective agents of trans- portation, as seems to be generally the case with the low-lying coral islands. When Treub paid his second visit to the island the strand flora had markedly increased, and the characteristic dominant plants of the eastern tropical coasts were establishing themselves. The creeping Ipomea Pes-caprae, and other plants along with it, had already begun to form a characteristic association on the beach. Further inland a sort of grass steppe constituted almost a jungle of grasses, which in many places attained to a height of 5 or 6 feet. Shrubs were still 51 .lire, and trees were conspicuous by their absence. To-day the picture is largely changed. Many flowering plants, including trees, have reached the island, and the photographs of the coast show that in some districts there is. an arborescent vegetation which is invad- ing the coastal as well as the inland zones. Casuarina equisetifolia and the splendid Bar- ringtonias, together with other trees, such as Calophyllum, and Terminalia, have esta- blished themselves, whilst the Screw Pines (Pandanus) and Coco Palms are also spread- * The New Flora of the Volcanic Island of Krakatau, by A. Ernst, Ph.D. ; translated by Prof. Seward, F.R.S. Cambridge : University Press, 1908. ing over the littoral regions. The re- markable discovery was made of a fine Cycas circinalis, with fertile leaves arising from a stem over 5 feet in height. The ovules were not fertilised, and no male plants were seen, a circumstance which accounts for the isolation of the specimen. It was unfortunate that, owing to the expedition being imperfectly provided with the means of travelling in a land offering considerable obstacles to exploration, it proved to be im- possible to investigate the vegetation of the peak. The lowland flora was already SO dense that a way had to be cut through it, whilst, as might be anticipated, the heavy rains had ploughed out gorges and ravines in the soft, volcanic ash and pumice, and thus rendered rapid progress impossible. The analysis of the soil showed that it was remarkably poor in phosphorus and nitro- gen. It was of importance, therefore, to as- certain how the plants obtain these indispens- able elements. As to the former, we know no- thing positively as yet, but it is interesting to find that the leguminous species have already the bacteria associated with them which are responsible for the well-known leguminous tubercles on the roots of these plants. A new bacillus was also isolated from the soil which, like some others already known to science, has the power of fixing free nitrogen from the atmosphere, thus rendering it available for other forms of plant life. The existing vegetation, taken as a whole, and so far as it is at present known, has reached the island by three principal agencies. The wind, by which the earliest immigrants were imported, accounts for about 37 per cent, of the vascular plants, and this includes about 25 flowering plants and 16 Ferns, but leaves out of account the lowest organisms to which we have already referred. Sea. cur- rents and birds are mainly responsible for the remainder, and as time goes on it is likely that the proportion of those thus introduced will be increased. But, of course, as the land becomes occu- pied, the chances in favour of additional im- migrants succeeding in gaining a permanent footing in the land will become diminished, inasmuch as the newcomers will have to com- pete for growing space with individuals thai have already established themselves. The vegetation as it now exists is already beginning clearly to show that sub-division into plant associations which, in all places where free competition can occur, result from what we might term the political differentia- tion of the vegetable world. The strand flora is an easily recognised type. The grass steppe is another, as is also the Barringtonia-Calo- phyllum belt. As time goes on we may ex- pect the forest to invade the grass land, and each of these larger complexes will undergo further sub-division on lines which will be mainly determined by physical and biological factors working independently of human in- terference. For it seems improbable, with so much fertile country still open to settlers, both in Java and Sumatra, that man will find it worth his while, at any rate for the present, to spoil the progress of this large-scale ex- periment. We venture to express the hope that so great an opportunity for study will not be neglected, and that observations will in the future be made at intervals consider- ablv shorter than decades. _'. 1909 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. f^Vxtffifa FlG. 12. — CMOSDROPF.TA HI U, I HI RIC HYBRID (Z YGOPETALU M MACKAYJ X CHON DRORHYNCHA CHESTERTOKIl). SEPALS 1KB PETALS BRIGHT EMERALD GREEN WITH PURPLE MARKINGS) I. IP WHITE, TINGED WTTH SULPHUR VI r. A SHADE OF ROSY-LILAC. Ill THE GARDESERS CHRONICLE. [Jaw nv 2, 1909. ChONDROPETALUM Fletchehi.— Our illus- tration [fig. 1- repj ■ t« this singular bi- ric hybrid, raised in the Met .is. Sander , -. St. Albans, b; ing Zygopetalum Mackayi with th< similar Chondrorhyncha Chestertonii, whose ■ Us [-!. -Ii ."».,. d l^l- ll.'"> -• ■ - l~ ■ '■ ' I I iu some degree in the hybrid, Hut the strong indivj lualit; of i . ; laluni Mackayi has been proved before by crosses made be- tween it and various widely-separated genera, (he ro^ ; 1 1 1 .if which ' is been false hybrids, the 'I remaining '/. Mai kayi in • ffi t. In this case dthough thi exj ted result was .not arrived -'it, a decided step has been made in ■ ' beauti .' h id of neat habit . i ! | i ■ : I I 1 ' although -i botanist, tvithoui k I'lei ge of the ? i, which the plant has been obtained, w >uid tot I n feature I rate it i [opetalum. The plants whi h °. ;s, have conical pseudo-bulbs :; leaves. The in- Sorescen rt 18 I bes in height, the hands lowers, having the sepals and petals nearly equal, bright emerald gre< i with short incs and rpUsh-i lc> , late colour. The bi white, tinged with sulphur yel- low, ami hei rs no trace >: the blue veining of the seed-bearing parent, although the i at, which is oi en form, has i. ti ige v | :it of it. The p] cut ibited b) Me si i -am i « & Sons at the tl Hortii utturs -tint; on No- vember Hi 1 i-.t. Royal Horticultural Society. The first noting ol the Committees in 1909 will take j lace on i lay, January 12. in tin- - 1 1 til, '. . ■ there w ill be i om» petitive 'Li ■ ■ foi late Grapes, Royal Gardeners Orphan Fund.- We are informed that the Duke of POXTI.AWD will pre- i I i : ii !•• Itil .ll I this fund, V.I'Kll will take place at the line! Cecil on Thui Before the Snow. — The weather up to remarkable f, i u . mild ■ hax- acter a- the present weather <- foi it* severity, Kow '.1: . arJens have been so rei buried in .-now, it is difficult to realise that lit week maitv were gay with a host of flowers, including not a in last week's issue, on page id. of 88 in flowet in f Lord '-' it . ' I i i wall, o ' 1 1 e have our coramumi rti I ng sirni- I it 'i' m:,,.' ering v. ii. tteseot from A1 Dorchester, the residence -,! t ady M ,s f Ilchester, by tl ird r, Mr, i plants in bloom ..i Christmas Day. 'I In i i:. I lit p, in such tender genera as v uchsia, Hydrangea and Uahha. .Mr. Keupshali in- forms n ■ that nearly all tins,- flowers were de- d m De< ember 27, when 3 im hes of mow fell, followed by 8° of Frost \n the* list has '' i by Mi Henry I). Mi i H ■, Tal-y.Caftj, North Wa! plants in lot r in his garden at Christmas Mr, U.l.vBt.s .tile, that he .an usually tm-l be- tween 50 mi.. I 60 spe, ;,.. [n bloom at the end of »r, but this season the number at Christ- was 80 Mr Auciiiiiai |i BCCHAN-HePB] i;n ■ lit i tcluding .i!i, ik l" ind the '- i, a very wide One No ' i l; ■ ran-Hepbi kn s jar* ;. at Pres- tonkirk is situated on the south-east coasl oi '. 100 lee* above sea level and 29 I in th<- ,. i Sweet Pea Trials for 1909. We are in- f irmed that the Committee of the National Sweet Tea Society will continue its .-cries of trials at the gardens of the University College, Reading, in 1909, and will test novelties, and grant Awards and Certificates- act >rding to merit, for these trials the varieties will he accepted oni;. fr 'in raise! oi tnti - et charge of 2* 0-1 for each variety win be made, At the rem merous seedsmeii] the Committee will condacl another trial ■'•. for the purpose of lasting cnrrei tness ^.id pnnty of stocks of Sweet I'ras. A , harge o! as. it. oi I.. Ii sen! t-.r trial will be made. Sweet Teas tor these trials should be sent to Mr. C. Foster, University College <■ Reading, not liter than January 35. Foi the Novelty Trials not fewer than 15 should be sent, an.! foi the Puritj I'rials no; fewei tli. in two di sen teed ■ ii ... h vari slock. At the same tune, a fiat of the vari ■r with the amount due for I i should lx- sent to tin- hon. tec., Mr, C. 11 Cull is, Adelaide Road, lire u Novelties will in rei [ .! nnil. i number, although names are much preferred. Any variety meriting i . award must, it under num- ber, be ruamed before -M.H award can be granted The proceedings of the Floral I o . will i>e printed in the autumn of 1909, and a copy will be sent to every person or firm sending seeds to either or both of the trials. Cultivation of Leonotis Leonurus at the Cape.— The Lion - rail (Leonotis I eonurtn) has recently W-:n referred to in some of out contemporaries as a plant that should lie more extensively grown for autumn and winter flower- ing. Besides the attractive character of the plant, it may lie interesting to those who grow it or intend to do so, to know that it post !'•". an' properties (notwithstanding that it I.. . longs to the usually considered harmless * frdei l.abiatan, and 'hat its cultivation at the Cape of Good Hope, where it is a native, is a subject that recently occupied the attention of the live t ouncil, win. h broi Jit in a Hill t . prohibit the cultivation of tins plant as well as L. ovata and the common Hemp (f annabis ,m a), ill,- sun,. . iperty being tamed ill all three plants. It is a well-known he t Unit in tr..pn„l countries the Hemp plant ipa a mo. ..1 sinoui lating on the leaves, stem, and flowering tops, ■■ hich is used either for smoking or for infusing in water in ih- preparation of an i loxicating beverage. In India the gum resin is known as I hurrus or • haras, and "s said to lx- collected by men loth- d m teathei a i brushing about amongst the plant-, and thus bruising them, so that ih. exudes and becomes at- tarhe,! t„ (he clothing -f the collectors. The dried flowering tops, called Gunja, are smoked, and they are sometimes to bo seen in the London market, where the article ill) l: town ..- i ituua. ihe intctrJ latin j effects .it all these preparations of Hemp are well known, and ., similar print iple seems to be ( ■ ,!' -d in the plants i i Leonotis, hence the u • tion of ihe t 'ape Legislative C uncil, whose Hill provided that it should not be lawful fL,i any pen a; I., .ell or grow and cultivate either of the three plants before-mentioned under a fin,, oi E2S, Provision, however, is made that nothing should hinder a registered chemist and drt (ram using any .,l th -? plants f,.r medii inal • I under the dire Honi of ,i medii «l prac. titioner. li is provided also that licenses should !•■■ obtainable from a minister In. n p., me intend- ing to cultivate the plants foi purely medicinal purposes, ih.i- for the di esstty of legis- lative restrictions wete stated t" be that the habit of smoking the plants by the na caused them to become indolent and stupid, re- sulting in insanity and consequent confinement iu lunatic asylnms and [u;- ii-. Ju India simi- lar eflei ts aie pro lui ed by the continued use of Hemp — siiii.u.iii hi at first, followed by great depression tint often with wild reveri causeless laughter." Long continued use- to be a prominent ! i In iii .in I >. .-.:■ .1 . !-.■ is required to cultivate the plant. Biros ano their Food. The recenilvpuV lished Suppletnent to the /en.. Btmrd of Agrirulture (Decembei ts devoted to thi sideration of the food of British birds from three,.;. >mi standpoi it, as affecting th; farmer irdener. Mr. Neavstrad is to be congratu- lated on this ftrM instalment of tl„- resttll ■: n investigation that has long been greatly needed, booklet ought to bs in the hands if everyone who is interested m this impor- tant subject. Et si ' ■ as the tr. I cutting the stt. unci from under the ignorant statements so ifl n n . . to (he utility or that native bird. For example, it is si .. 38 thai this Ii of a blue litre . ■■ } ■. b had been red a tded at the Peas," was '"U" l not t.i contain a single Pea, but to have been filled with American blight in- . t, VVe note earwigs are said to b i i • apparently in large nnmbera, but um... -... tlx- Robin is mentioned. We recall an in lance that came under our own notice, in which a partly tame robin would always fly . hi n e irv, !.■ n.. i... ..•.. . . a .1. ami greedily devour every individual that it could We have also known of a ease in which r.,l;s have saved a large field of Wheat from 4 - •-' iineu was siio: and examined, i • ach wa d with the larva ind I n ft w : : . as -t the 9 I tun It i, [jointed out that many hard-billed birds feed their young on caterpillars and other pests, ,uid thus a bird which, in its adult state, may ordinarily be a gteal source of damage, may, in the breeding season, do much good. The work should do much to stimulate further re- seatt '>. and the directions given for i ollecting useful and accurate observations add greatly to its value. Masters Memorial Lectures. -The Royal Horticultural Society has arranged with I'ro. Hugq on Vara to deliver two lectures daring 1909 ii m with the fund raised as a memorial to the late Di Maxwbu Tylijen Masters. The first i.-, ture '.:!1 he delivered on June ii, the subject !>m.,K " Masters' Vegetable 'lent il.,.-,. ' 'ihe. ond lecture, on " The Pro- I Varieties," will :, given b) Pt I DK Vans .ai Septemlier 28, II. ih die dat are •ii .-. ,,! ordinary fortnightly meetings, and the will be delivered at a p.m. in the lecture- rodm. The Yellow Stripe Disease of Daf- fodils.--I he current number of the fournsl of He Royal Hortienllvrai Society contains an account ..f 'Yellow-stripe" m Daffodils, con- tributed by Mr 11, R. DaxuBGTOS This malady, which appears lo be on the increase, has bee i n-i rilied to various causes Some have regarded it as being due to over-manuring; • ahers p.. the presence ..f Bacterium to i a microbe which is known to cause disea the stored bulbs of Hyacinths. Mr DAjtt-i.vCTOM believes that Yellow-stripe is due, in some cases, to cold, in others, to tin- consequences ..t the • Ii in. n ..t the mot- in ihi caterpillar of the Swift moth, lb- concludes thai the malad Is >:ot infect s, and that, then >r,-, there is no need to destroy infei tcsl plants. January 2, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 11 British Gardeners' Association. — The next meeting of the London branch will be held on January 9, at Can's Restaurant, Strand, at 7.30 p.m., when Mr. Cyril Harding, of the Parks Department, Cardiff, will deliver an ad- dress upon " Garden Cities : What they are and what they might be." The Victoria Medal of Honour. — We understand that the President and Council of the Royal Horticultural Society have filled the two vacancies caused in the roll of the Victoria Medal of Honour in Horticulture caused by the death of Mr. Martin Smith, V.M.H., and Mr. George Nicholson, V.M.H., by appointing to this honour Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., and Mr. Charles Ross. Sir Jeremiah Colman has done much service for horticulture by a long series, extending over many years, of experiments in Orchid breeding and by the instructive ex- hibits which he has sent to the Society's shows. Mr. Charles Ross is one of our veteran gar- deners and fruit growers, and has raised a larger number of seedling Apples than any man living — more probably than any one ever has done before him — and many excellent ones amongst them, such as "Encore," "Charles Ross," and " The Houblon." We are very glad to find that his persevering work has at last been recognised by the bestowal of the highest honour the Society has it in its power to confer. An appreciative notice and portrait of Mr. Ross appeared in our issue for October 24, 1908, p. 299. Rose Canker. — Rose growers will read Mr. H. T. GOssow's account in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society of a new parasitic Rose canker with mingled feelings. Whilst they cannot but admire the admirable account which he gives of the disease, they will regret that they have a new enemy with which to con- tend. The disease, which the author shows to be due to a fungus, Coniothyrium Fuckeiii, starts on the one-year-old wood, but is not readily recognised till its attack is well advanced. The first indication of the presence of the parasite consists in red-brown or purplish spots on the young wood. Mr. Gussow considers that Conio- thyrium is a wound-parasite, and suggests that a careful watch should be kept for the disease in its early stages, and that, when it makes its ap- pearance, the affected shoots should either be removed altogether or the diseased spots cut out and the wound dressed with creosoted woc-i tar. THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, EDINBURGH. When the experimental garden of the Cale- donian Horticultural Society was added to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, in the sixties of the last century, part of the area was devoted to the cultivation of Conifers, and many new kinds were being introduced from America at about that time. The ground was laid out by James McXab, whose artis- tic feelings found expression in the admirable curves of the pathways through the newly- formed Pinetum. The illustration at fig. 4 shows one of the paths in winter, bounded on the left by a belt of Abies and Picea, and on the right by Cupressinae. Conifers do not thrive luxuriantly in the Edinburgh garden. As young plants they succeed well, but the ex- pectations formed 40 years ago upon the aspect of the young specimens in the collection have been by no means realised. The appearance of the taller trees, Abies grandis, A. Lowiana, A. firma, and Pseudotsuga Douglasii, on the left of the illustration, were planted by McNab, and their condition at the present time is not satisfactory. It has been the practice in these gardens for some years past to cultivate, as far as possible, the plants under glass in borders, rather than in pots. The illustrations at figs. 13 and 14 show the new fernery which was planted late in the spring of 1908. This house replaces one of the old houses which had fallen into disrepair — the very house in which William McNab cultivated his wonderful specimen Heaths. Large blocks of red sandstone hive been used for the rock- work, with here and there a tree stump for the epiphytic Ferns, Mosses, and Hepaticeae. Al- though the Ferns were only planted in May, their growth has been mai%ellous. Fine ex- amples of many species are seen, amongst which may be noted Lindsaya retusa, Acrostichum viscosum, Davallia tenuifolia Veitchii, Platy- THE AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS ACT, 1908. REMARKABLE INNOVATIONS. Those who, for some years past, have been agitating for codification of the law relating to Agricultural Holdings and Market Gardens by combining into one statute the principal Acts of Parliament relating thereto, will have good reason to congratulate themselves on the ad- vent of the New Vear, as on January 1, 1909, the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1908, which effects this reform, came into force. This Act (which, for the sake of brevity, -we will term the new Act) repeals not only the Market Gar- deners' Compensation Act, 1895, but also the Fig. 13. — a corner in the new fernery at Edinburgh royal botanic gardens. cerium grande, P. angolense, P. aethiopicum, Polypodium quercifolium, as conspicuous ex- amples. The Lygodiums form graceful plants for the pillars of the central dome. In one respect cultivation of this kind is very easy in Edinburgh. The low in- tensity of insolation renders elaborate shading unnecessary. The shading furnished by the growth of climbing plants is sufficient even dur- ing the short period of hot summer days. The Fernhouse was erected bv Messrs. Mackenzie & Moncur, of Edinburgh, and it is an admirable ex- ample of their work. R. L. Harrow. Agricultural Holdings Acts of 18S3, 1900 and 1906, together with certain sections of other Acts and embodies their provisions in a single new statute. The benefit conferred upon agriculturists and market gardeners by this partial codification of the law should be considerable, as, although the new Act does not purport to embrace in addi- tion the numerous decisions given in the courts on the effect of various words and phrases so as to bring to light the numerous traps which lie in the path of the unwary, yet it at least enables •hose affected to obtain a rough idea of their 12 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Januahv 2, 1909. rights, and will induce many to weigh with • more care than hitherto the 'effect of tenancy agreements to which they arc invited to bind themselves. It is, unfortunately, true, however, that although the new Act is of vast importance to the market grower, it does not yet interest the nurseryman, inasmuch as the Government has not yet found leisure to make the promised en- quiry into the possibility of extending to nur- serymen the benefit of the Agricultural Laws. In proceeding to explain the effect of the new Act, it may be useful to point out that many of its provisions will be familiar to those who watched the stormy passage through Parlia- ment of what was once known as the Land Tenure Bill ; on its becoming law, this Bill was legally termed the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1906, and was due to come into force on Janu- ary 17 1909. For the sake of convenience, how- ever, it now stands repealed, and its provisions, with those of the other statutes referred to above, are together incorporated in the new Act. Compensation for Improvements. Those who perused certain articles on the subject of agricultural law which appeared in these columns on November 3 and 10, 19'»fi, may recollect that the question of compensation for improvements was explained at some length, and it was then pointed out that, as regards improvements to which the Market Gardeners' Compensation Act, 1895, ap- plied, the Act was not retrospective ; that is to say, compensation could not be claimed there- under in respect of improvements made before January 1, 1896. As a matter of fact, those wb. framed that Act did not intend to make any dis- tinction between improvements carried out be- fore the date in question and those carried out afterwards ; but the section which dealt with this point was not worded quite so clearly a - could have been desired, and 'in a case which was taken to the House of Lords,1 it was decide : that the Act of 1895 only applied to improve- ments effected after it came into force. It wa felt at the time that this decision involved . hardship which was not intended by the legis- lature, and the matter has now been put right in the new Act, with the result that after Janu- ary 1, 1909, a considerable benefit is conferred upon market gardeners whose holding was, on January 1, 1896, in use or cultivation as a market garden with the knowledge of their landlord. In future they will be entitled to claim compensation for improvements which they carried out before January 1, 1896, provided they had not received written notice from their landlord that he objected to such improvements before they effected them. Such remaining sections of the new Act as create new law apply equally to farmers and market gardeners, and in connection with im- provements there is a further enactment of con- siderable importance. It was pointed out in the previous articles referred to above that when a tenant, on quitting his holding, claimed com- pensation from his landlord for improvements, he must not seek to take credit for that part ot the increased value of the land which was really attributable to the special character of the soil ; that is to say, the inherent capabilities of the landlord's property, as distinguished from works carried out by the tenant. This is no longer the law, as the outgoing tenant now becomes en- titled to claim, in respect of various improve- ments mentioned in the new Act, such a sum by way of compensation as fairly represents the amount of increased value to an incoming tenant, even though part of such increased value is clearly attributable to the inherent capabili- ties of the soil itself. The improvements to which this provision refers cover the items Nos. 1 to 16 in the previous articles referred to above, and include such matters as the reclaiming of waste land, planting orchards, laying down land to pasture, draining, etc. Arbitration. The new Act provides that all disputes are to be referred to a single arbitrator, and any agree- ment between the parties to refer the matter to more than one arbitrator is absolutely void. This provision applies irrespective of whether the dispute arose either before or after the pass- ing of the new Act. Furthermore, the arbitrator is bound, if desired by either party, to specify the amount awarded in respect of not only any particular improvement but also of any other special matter dealt with by his award. If, as is highly probable, the parties cannot agree on the person who is to act as sole arbitrator, then either party can call upon the Board of Agricul- ture to nominate someone to act in that capa- city. Damage by Game. In country districts the damage caused to crops by the depredations of game leads to many disputes between landlords and their tenants. The latter already have statutory protection in the case of hares and rabbits, but a different question arises when the damage is caused by what is legally regarded as " game " for this purpose ; that is to say, deer, pheasants, partridges, grouse and black game. The new Act provides that the tenant is to be entitled to compensation from his landlord for damage caused by such game (in cases where the tenant has not the right to take and kill the game) where the damage caused amounts to more than a shilling per acre. Any agreement to the con- trary between landlord and tenant is void, and any agreement made beforehand to limit the amount of compensation is also void. If, after the damage is caused, the landlord and tenant cannot agree on what would be reasonable com- pensation, the matter has to be referred to arbitration, but before seeking to recover com- pensation the tenant has to take several im- portant steps, viz. : — 1. He must give notice in writing to the landlord as soon as he observes the damage. 2. He must give the landlord a reasonable opportunity of inspecting the injured crop ; that is to say (a) in the case of a growing crop he must do this before the crop has begun to be reaped, raised or consumed ; or (b) if the damaged crop is already reaped or raised he must give the landlord a similar opportunity for inspection before beginning to remove the crop from the land. 3. He must claim the compensation by notice in writing given to his landlord within one month after the expiration of the calen- dar year (or such other period of 12 months as the parties may have agreed to substitute for the calendar year) in respect of which the claim is made. At first sight these provisions may appear a little contradictory, but on closer scrutiny it will be observed that the effect of them is that the tenant need only give notice of the damage to his landlord immediately, and is not obliged to give notice of his actual claim until a period which may be much later. Landlords reading the Act may perhaps be excused for feeling a considerable amount of anxiety with regard to amounts which they may have to pay by way of compensation for damage thus caused by game, but they may possibly feel some slight measure of relief when they reach a further clause which provides that in the case of tenancy agreements made before January 1, 1909, the arbitrator, in fixing the amount of compensation for damage of this kind, must give the landlord due credit in those cases where he has already made allowance for the anticipated depredations of game by accept- ing a lower rent than he would otherwise have demanded. Further, relief is also afforded to the landlord by a provision to the effect that if the right to kill and take game belongs to some person other than the landlord (e.g., a person holding the sporting rights), then such other person is bound to make good to the landlord any compensation which the latter has to pay to the tenant. H. M. V. (To be continued.) HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible Jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Grapes.— There can be no doubt as to the variety named " Canon Hall " Muscat being distinct ; but whether it is a sport or seedling from Muscat of Alexandria is a question of some uncertainty. I am inclined to think it is a seed- ling, the result of a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and some European variety. With a view to raising new varieties, numberless at- tempts have been made to cross "Asiatic" and European kinds of Grapes. As an instance of this, I may mention Melville's Muscat Cham- pion, Thomson's Duke of Buccleuch, and Thom- son's Golden Champion. These are all said to be crosses between the Asiatic Muscat of Alex- andria and the European Hamburghs, and, like " Canon Hall," not one of these can be said to be satisfactory, although all of them are remarkable for :heir large, handsome bunches and berries of excellent flavour. Like " Canon Hall," they are gross and robust growers, but, except in young vines that are grown in light, airy vineries, there is a great deficiency of firm pith in the wood. In consequence of this, the buds rarely produce ■ compact, shapely bunches, and the spurs often fail altogether after a few years, showing clearly that something is wrong in the constitution of these hybrids. At this season, horticultural societies usually revise their schedules of prizes, and in cases where Muscat of Alexandria classes are provided, it would be well if the word "Alexandria " were omitted, making it to read " White Muscat," and thereby prevent those unpleasant differences be. tween judges and exhibitors that have been fre- quent in the past. I note in the columns cf the Gardeners' Chronicle that the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society has decided to hold fortnightly exhibitions of fruit during the forth- coming year. This is a step in the right direc- tion, and it is to be hoped that Grape growers will come forward with the best varieties in their proper season. It would be instructive as well as interesting if a special effort were made to bring as many as possible of these so-called varieties of Muscat9 together, say, at one of the ' autumn shows. /. Mclndoe. Melons. — Seeds of an approved variety should be now sown. Take a number of carefully, drained 2j-inch pots, and fill them with moderately-moist, fine compost consisting of loam and leaf-mould. Plant a seed J inch deep in each pot, and cover with shaded pieces of glass. Plunge the pot in a hot-bed of 80°, and maintain an atmospheric temperature at night of 70°. No water will be required until the plants appear, when they should be placed near the glass in a house having a night tem- perature of 70°. Keep the plants carefully watered, and in bright weather syringe them, in each case using tepid water. The plants may be fruited in 10 or 12-inch pots, or be planted out at 2 feet apart upon a ridge or hillock of compost, placed well up to the glass, upon a hot-bed. The bed should be com- posed of carefully-prepared stable litter and tree leaves, or, as in our case, hot-water pipes may be used for affording the necessary bottom heat. Thomas Coombcr. Manuring of Land. — The weather having been unusually dry and mild, ground operations have been carried out under most favourable conditions. A general survey should now be made to ascertain which fruit trees need manure, as by so doing matters will be greatly facilitated later, when on frosty mornings manure may be wheeled to the different trees. No hard-and- fast rule can be laid down, as some soil re- quires much more manure than others, and trees that annually carry good crops of fruit need most assistance. Where farmyard manure is procurable, this should form the staple, using as auxiliaries wood ashes, lime, and such chemi- cal manures as- kainit and super-phosphate. Unless well manured every year or two, Apples and Pears grown on the dwarfing stock soon become exhausted, a frequent error with regard to these trees* being to apply too much manure when planted and too little afterwards. On heavy soils inclined to hold water, it may be better to defer mulching with manure until the growing season. Old-established Apple and Pear trees in orchards will be greatly benefited by a snrface mulch of manure, as the winter rains will then wash the manurial properties down to the roots. All bush fruit quarters are also considerably improved by a good dressing of manure annually, which should be lightly pointed over afterwards, as digging too deep injures the roots of these trees. F. Jordan. January 2, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 13 Escallonia.— Mr. Divers (p. 438, vol. xliv.) remarks on the probability of these lovely shrubs doing well in the climate of south-west Ireland. He is quite right, and it would doubtless sur- prise many if they were to see how remarkably vigorous most of the Escallonias are here. E. macrantha is almost as vigorous as the Laurel, and a variety with rather smaller leaves is a more continuous flowerer, but equally as strong in growth. E. montividensis attains to a height of 7 or 8 feet, and is about the same in diameter, flowering for fully three months (October to January) ; it has some fine panicled corymbs open now (December 22). E. Philippiana is a wonderful sight in June and July, with its dense panicles of small, white flowers. What I take to be E. pterocladon is a shrub about 12 feet high, and, at the present time, has quite a number of viding there be an eye at each piece, are planted in March, 5 rowes in the bed, plant not deep, neither in wet or stiff ground ; spend them with Parsneeps, and in housing spread only through a board floor." Lawson, in Scottish Agricultural Products, says : " To Thomas Pren- tice, a common day labourer, who lived near Kilsyth, is the honour due of bringing this use- ful esculent into general culture in Scotland in 1728." He adds there was long a prejudice against it, because it was not one of the food roots mentioned in the Bible. The first book on the Potato is that by John Forster, in 1664, en- titled, England's Happiness Increased, etc., by a Plantation of Roots called Potatoes. This work is also exceedingly scarce, and I* wonder if it is in the Earl of Haddington's famous library at Tyninghame? Donald McDonald. the ordinarily blue Gentiaaa campestris, re- marking that he had found it occupying an area of several square yards at an elevation of about 1,000 feet in the Scottish Highlands, while all the plants at a lower elevation were of the usual blue colour. The plant had evi- dently come true from seed, and this, he thought, was probably true of the majority of albinos when self-fertilised. There are numerous ex- amples of albino varieties of British wild plants occurring naturally, and Mr. Eraser produced a list which, supplemented by other members, is here reproduced, but it is by no means ex- haustive. Papaver Rhaecas Matthiola incana Viola odorata „ hirta lactiflora Centaurea nigra Carduus nutans Cnicus palustris „ arvensis Fig. H-- -VIEVV IN THE NEW FERNERY AT EDINBURGH ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS. (See p. 11.) its pretty whitish panicles in flower. E. lang- leyensis, although occupying a somewhat poor position, does equally well. The Escallonias make magnificent hedges here, the refreshing gloss of the foliage is ever attractive, and they bear close clipping quite as well as the Yew. .4. /. El gar, Killarney House Gardens, Co. Kerry. The Potato in Scotland. — With regard to Mr. R. P. Brotherton's note on p. 451, vol. xliv. although James Donaldson's little book, pub- lished in i697, may contain matter of no value, the book itself is very scarce. I saw £4 given for a copy last year in a London auction-room, and my own copy cost me 50s. John Reid, who ■wrote The Scots Gard'ner, and produced it in 1683, gave us the first book on gardening in Scotland. He states, on page 107 : " Potatoes being cut in as many pieces as you please, pro- SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. December '22.— Present : Mr. E. A. Bowles, F.L.S. (in the chair), Messrs. A. W. Sutton, G. S. Saunders, J. T. Bennett-Poe, E. M. Holmes, H. J. Chapman, L. Crawshay, A. Worsley, F. J. Baker, J. Fraser, and F. J. Chittenden (secretary). Malformed Cyclamen. — Mr. CRAWSHAY showed an interesting, though not very uncommon, mal- formation of the Cyclamen, where two flowers had been produced in the axils of two of the sepals of an otherwise quite normal flower. All the flowers on the plant, which was a seed- ling, were similarly malformed. Albinos among British wild flowers. — Mr. J. Fraser showed specimens of an albino form of Viola lutea amcena Polygala vulgaris „ serpyllacea ,, calcarea Silene acaulis Malva moschata Geranium Robertianum Ononis spinosa Tri folium incarnatum Rubus rusticanus Rosa canina dumalis „ ,, surculosa Rosa dumetorum Epilobium hirsutum Scabiosa succisa Campanula rotundi folia Calluna vulgaris Erica tetralix ,, cinerca Centaurium umbellatum Gentiana campestris Verbascum nigrum Bartsia Odontites Ballota nigra Thymus Chama*drys Galeopsis Tetrahit Ajuga reptans Polygonum Bistorta Orchis muscula ,, maculata Scilla nonscripta Plants in bloom. — Mr. Bowles showed speci- mens of Felicia petiolaris gathered from the open in a Wimbledon garden, where the plant had flowered up to the present since- the autumn. He also showed specimens of the following species of Crocus, which were flowering out-of- doors considerably before their normal period 14 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 2, 1909. of bloom: — Crocus Imperati (monophyllus) and a depauperate form of the same species ; C. Selberi and C. chrysanthus. C. Imperati was also shown from Wisley. Grease bands. — Mr. J. Watkins, orchard fore- man to Sir Edmund Loder, Bt., Maplehurst, Sus. sex, sent a grease band from an Apple tree with an enormous number of winter moths (Cheimatobia brumata and Hybernia auranti- ana), both male and female, adhering to it. Mr. Watkins wrote that when he took the band off nearly 400 male and female moths were upon it, and that there were many bands on which !200 and upwards have been caught. The trees had never been banded before; but now some 10,000 had been done. The mottled umber moth was the first to be caught, but later the small winter moth was entrapped in much greater quantities. Birds appear to take a great number of the moths from the bands and devour them, particularly the blue tits. Few moths were caught when the bands were first put on (in the first week in October). The larger propor- tion of females was caught from the middle to the end of November, and a few are still at- tempting to ascend the tree stems. Males were most abundant earlier. LINNEAN SOCIETY. December 17. — Mr. W. C. Worsdell exhibited living specimens of various forms of Selaginella, and remarked that in Selaginella inequalifolia, Spring, S. Willdenovii, Baker, S. canaliculata, Baker, S. serpens, Spring, S. Mettenii, A. Br., he observed rhizophores which had grown out spontaneously into leafy shoots. The mode in which this takes place shows that the rhizo- phore has the morphological character of a shoot, as there is clearly but a single organ here concerned, and there is no question of the shoot developing out of an organ of a different nature represented by 'he extreme base of the whole structure. The exogenous origin of the normal rhizophores, the fact that the two (upper and lower) at the base of each dichotomy of the stem form therewith a tetrachotomy, two arms of which are in a plane at right angles to the other two, and their constant, definite place of origin, are all in favour of their shoot-nature. Transitions occur between the normal rhizo- phore and the extreme leafy form. The rhizo- phore is probably homologous with the " proto- corm " of Lycopodium and Phylloglossum, and with the organ known as Stigmaria ; if so, it follows that both the " protocorm " and Stig- maria are also of shoot-nature. It is very un- likely that organs intermediate between shoot and root can exist in Nature. Mr. George Massee exhibited preserved speci- mens and lantern-slides of the " Black Scab" of Potatos. During the past few years this disease, caused by a parasitic fungus, has assumed the proportions of an epidemic in various parts of this country. The tuber is the part most fre- quently attacked, but very young leaves are sometimes infected. In tubers the young " sprouts " are attacked, and, owing to the stimulation induced by the parasite, the infected sprouts rapidly increase in size and form large coralloid masses or warts, which frequently cover the greater portion of the surface of the tuber (see fig. in Gardeners'' Chronicle, August 22, 1908, p. 146). These masses eventually become blackish-brown in colour, due to the presence of myriads of dark-coloured resting-spoies. In- fection always takes place from without, conse- quently the epidermal or peripheral cells alone are infected. The presence of mature resting- spores imbedded deeply in the tissue of the host, at first sight appears to contradict this statement, but this appearance is due to the rapid growth and division of uninfected epi- dermal cells, which soon forms a tissue super- posed on what was previously the periphery. A point of interest in connection with this disease is the absence of periderm, which in other diseases of Potato tubers is so readily formed. On germination, the inner, thin hyaline wall is extruded in the form of a sphere, through a crack in the thick-coloured outer wall of the resting-spore. The thin wall of the extruded inner membrane soon deliquesces, and liberates myriads of elliptical, 1-ciliate zoospores. The facts that the host is infected through the epi- dermal or peripheral cells, and the extrusion of the inner wall of the resting-spore as a sphere, from which the zoospores escape in an active condition, indicate that lhe parasite belongs to the old and well-known genus Synchytrium. \\ hat happens to the zoospores alter their libera- tion into the ground remains to be discovered, but experiments conducted at Kew prove that soil once infected produced a diseased crop even after a period of five years. Messrs. H. and J. Groves exhibited specimens of Luzula pallescens, Besser, collected in Wood- walton Fen, Hants., by Mr. J. Groves in com- pany with Mr. E. W. Hunnybun, who dis- covered the plant there last year. Dr. Otto Stapf, F R.S., Sec.L.S., exhibited, for comparison, specimens of L. pallescens from Central Europe. Mr. G. Claridge Druce, M.A., exhibited as a probable new British plant, Montia lampros- perm.t, Chamisso ; the characters by which it is distinguished from M. fontana being, it was stated, the larger, Chestnut-brown, shining seeds, reticulate rather than tubercular. In M. fontana they are small, dull-black, and strongly tuber- cular. The plant has a distinctly northern range, and from its being the only form found in the Faroes, and from its occurrence in Scan- dinavia, Russia, and North Germany, it might be expected to grow in Scotland. Mr. Druce has specimens which he found in Ross-shire in 1881 in Glen Spean, and on Loch na Gar, the latter at an altitude of 3,400 feet. Mr. Clement Reid believed he had met with the seeds of both species in his researches in British leal-beds. A paper, by Mr. R. P. Gregory, M.A., was communicated by Prof. A. C. SewarG*, F.R.S. The author stated that in 1877 Hermann Muller described four forms of Valeriana dioica, distinguished from one another by the size of the flower and by the relative development of the male and female reproductive organs. The phenomenon appears to be very similar to that which was described by Darwin in Rhamnus catharticus. It has been found that the indi- viduals of Valeriana dioica may be conveniently arranged in four groups, which are distinguished as, respectively, " Female," " Hermaphrodite," " Long-styled Male," and " Short-styled Male." But while the central types of each group are readily distinguishable, it must be distinctly re- cognised that they are connected by a series of intermediate forms, and that there is no discon- tinuity between successive groups. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL OF IRELAND. December 17. — The 79th annual meeting of this Society was held at 35, Dawson Street, Dublin, on this date. The following is an extract from the report of the Council: — "The Council's arrangements with the National Sweet Pea Society to hold its provincial show in Dublin was a prominent fea- ture. Public patronage, nevertheless, fell short of expectation, and this in spite of judicious ad- vertising. The spring show, extending over two days, came out somewhat better, yet, in hopes of obtaining more satisfactory results in the near future, the Council have considered the possi- bility of holding the next spring show in con- junction with the Royal Dublin Society's spring show at Ballsbridge. Sixty-two new members joined during the year, while losses by resigna- tion and death totalled 16. The membership includes three honorary members, 45 life mem- bers, 268 annual members, and 63 practical members, or 377 in all. Seven members of the Council retire by triennial rotation, viz., Messrs. G. Watson, J. McDonough, J. W. Henderson, Rev. Canon Hayes, E. D'Olier, Hamilton Drum- mond. and H. Crawford. Mr. Hamilton Drum- mond does not seek re-election, leaving two vacancies to be filled. " The Chairman, Sir John Nutting, Bart., said the Royal Horticultural Society had 10,000 mem- bers, and the Irish Society ought to have 1,000. The holding of their spring show in connection with the spring show of the Dublin Society was a step in the right direction. Agriculture and hor- ticulture were very closely allied. He wished that something could be done to induce the arti- san classes to take an interest in the Society's shows. The report was unanimously adopted. The Secretary stated that the Society would hold three shows next year, namely, one at the spring show of the Dublin Society, a Rose show in July) and a third show later on. The following were then elected to replace the outgoing members of the Council: — Mr. George Warren, Mr. James M'Donough, Mr. Wylie Henderson, Mr. Edmond D'Olier, the Rev. Canon Hayes, Lady Alhreda Bourke, and Mrs. Grier. Mr. Knowlden was appointed secretary. ST. IVES (HUNTS.) HORTICULTURAL. December 21. — The 10th annual show of the above society was held on this date in a large marquee in the centre of a wide street known as the Broadway, and 'consisted of garden, farm, and dairy produce. Being market day, the tent was at times crowded with visitors. Amongst the principal classes in the garden section were those for Apples and Pears. Of three dishes of cooking Apples there were 12 exhibits. The 1st and 2nd prizes were won by the Earl of Sandwich, Hinchingbrocke, Hunt- ingdon (gr. Mr. J. Barson), with large and richly-coloured fruit ; 3rd, Mr. C. Cousins, Croxton Park, near St. Ives. Of three dishes of dessert Apples there were 12 exhibits. Mr. C. Cousins won the 1st prize splendidly with Cox's Orange Pippin, Ribston Pippin, and King of the Pippins ; 2nd, R. M. Copley, Esq. ; 3rd, The Earl of Sandwich. For three dishes of dessert Pears, of which there were six exhibits, the 1st prize was well won by Sir A. W. Marshall, Buckden Towers, with Josephine des Malines, Glou Morceau, and an unnamed variety; R. M. Copley, Esq., fol- lowed closely with Josephine des Malines, Win- ter Nelis, and Glou Morceau. For one dish of dessert Pears there were 10 exhibits, and in every case these were of a high quality. Mr. T. Longi.ond was 1st with a magnificent dish of Doyenne du Cornice. For one dish of Apple Cox's Orange Pippin, there were 16 entries, R. M. Copley, Esq., easily won the 1st prize with perfect specimens. For one dish of any other dessert variety, R. M. Copley, Esq., again led amongst 11 entrants, staging very fine and well- preserved fruits of Ribston Pippin. The Earl of Sandwich showed the best cook- ing Apples. Prizes were also awarded for Onions, Carrots, and Potatos, and in each case these vegetables were well shown. E. B. NATIONAL DAHLIA. December 29. — The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the above society was held on this date at the Hotel WinrtRnr. \T.Vtn-?a Street, W., under the presidency of Mr. George Gordon. It was decided to hold one exhibition on Thursday and Friday, September 2 and 3, 1909, at the Crystal Palace, and another on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 21 and 22, at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park. The schedule was passed for both shows, and in addition to providing competitive classes for decorative and garden Cactus Dahlias, Certifi- cates of Merit will be awarded for seedling varieties suitable for this purpose. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending December 30. The eldest night for nearly 14 years. — After six weeks of unseasonably warm weather a chance tnnk place on Decem- ber 23, since which date some very low readings have been recorded. On two days the highest reading in the ther- mometer screen rose only to respectively 24° and 25°, while on the last three nights the exposed thermometer has registered from 23" to 31° of frost. The latter is the lowest reading recorded here since February 7, 1895, or for nearly 14 years. The ground temperatures have fallen considerably during the week, the reading at 2 feet deep being now only of about seasonable warmth, and at 1 foot deep 2° colder than the average. Snow has fallen on each of the last three days, and on the evening of the 29th covered the ground to the depth of 5^ inches. The sun «hone on an average for 26 minutes a day, or for about 50 minutes a day short of a seasonable duration at the end of December. During the nine days ending the 27th no sunshine at all was recorded. Light airs alone prevailed during the week, the direction being almost exclusively some pn^tprly point of the com- pass. There was about a reasonah'e amount of moisture in> the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. E. Af.» ticrk)uv>nsted% December 30, 1908. January 2, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 15 MARKETS. Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. CO VENT GARDEN, December 30. ■[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It % must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 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 occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.] Cut Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. 4 0-50 6 0-80 3 0-50 10-20 2 6- 1 0- s.d. s.d Acacia (Mimosa), p.doz. bunches 10 0-12 0 Azalea, p. dz. bchs. Bouvardiu, per dz, bunches Calla aethiopica, p. dozen Camellias, per doz. Carnations, per dozen blooms, best American various — second size ... — smaller, per doz. bunches 9 0-12 0 Cattleyas, per doz. blooms Ch rysanthemums, s p e c i m e n blooms p. doz. 3 0-50 •— smaller, per doz. bunches 9 0-18 0 Cypripediunis, per dozen blooms.. Daffodils, per bch. Eucharis grandi- flora, per doz. blooms Gardenias, per doz. blooms Hyacinths (Roman) per doz. bchs. Lilac (French) per bunch Lapagerias, p. doz. I i. .mi aiuatuni, f>er bunch ongiflorum ... — lane i f o 1 ium, rubrtim — album Lily of the Valley, p. dz. bunches — extra quality ... 8 0-10 0 16-26 10-13 3 0-40 3 0-50 8 0-10 0 3 0-40 16-20 2 0- 3 0- 1 0- 2 0- S il !> u 12 0-15 0 Marguerites, p. dz. bunches white and yellow ... Mignonette, per dozen bunches Narcissus, Taper- white, per dz. bunches — Gloriosa — Soleil d'Or ... O d on t oglossum cri spurn, per dozen blooms Pelargoniums, show, per doz. bunches — Zonal, double scarlet Ranunculus, perdz. bunches Roses, 12 blooms, Niphetos — Bridesmaid ... — C. Testout ... — Kaiserin A, Victoria — C. Mermet — Liberty — Mine.Chatenay — Mrs. J, Laing — The Bride Spiraea, per dozen bunches Stock s , double white, per doz. bunches Tuberoses, per dz. blooms — on stems, per bunch Tulips, per doz. ... Violets, per dozen bunches — Parmas, p. bch. s.d. s.d. 2 0-30 2 6-30 16-26 3 0-40 2 0-26 5 0-60 8 0-10 0 16-26 2 6-40 2 6-40 2 0-40 2 0-36 4 0-50 3 0-40 2 0-30 2 6-36 5 0-80 4 0-60 0 9- 0 10- 1 6- 4 0- 1 3 1 6 3 0 5 0 Cut Foliage, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. Adiantum cunea- tum, dz. bchs. Asparag us plu- niosus, long trails, per doz. — — inedn..,bch. — Spiengeri Berberis, per doz. bunches Croton leaves, per bunch Cycas leaves, each Ferns, per dozen bchs. (English) — (French) Galax leaves, per dozen bunches Holly, per crate ... 4 0-60 y 0-12 o 10-20 0 9-10 2 6-30 10-13 16-20 2 0- 0 6- 2 0- 4 0 2 6 s.d. s.d. Hardy foliage (various), per dozen bunches 2 0-60 Honesty (L'unaria) fier bunch ... 10-16 . eaves, bronze 2 0-26 — long trails per bundle 0 9-16 — short green, perdz. bunches 16-26 Mistleto, per crate 8 U-10 0 Moss, per gross Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English) small-leaved — — French Smilax, per dozen trails 4 0-50 4 0-60 10-16 Plants in Pots, &c. . Average Wholesale Prices. Ampelopsis Veit- chii, per dozen Aralia Sieboldii, p. dozen — larger speci- mens — Moseri Araucaria excelsa, per dozen Aspidistras, p. dz., green — rariegated Asparagus, plumo- sus nanus, per dozen — Sprengeri — te n u issimus Azaleas (Indian), p. dozen Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, p. dz. Bouvardias, per dz. Chrysanthemums, per dozen, best disbudded Clematis, per doz. Cocos Weddelli- ana, per dozen Crotons, per dozen Cyclamen, pr. doz. C yperu s alterni- folius, dozen ... Cyperus laxus, per dozen Dracaenas, per doz. Erica gracilis, per dozen ... — gracilis nivalis, per dozen Erica hyemalis, per dozen s.d. s.d. 6 0-80 4 0-60 9 0-12 0 4 0-60 12 0-30 0 IS 0-24 0 30 0-42 0 12 0-18 0 6 0-90 9 0-12 0 30 0-42 0 12 0-18 0 6 0-90 12 0-18 0 8 0-90 18 0-30 0 18 0-30 0 10 0-15 0 4 0-50 4 0-50 9 0-24 0 12 0 15 0 15 0-18 0 10 0-15 0 per Erica ovata, doz. .. ... 15 Euonyiuus.perdz., in pots 4 — from the ground 3 Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 — in small and large 60's — in 48's, per dz, — in 32's, per dz, F'icus elasiica, doz, — repens, per dz Genista fragrans. per doz. Isolepis, per dozen Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen 15 — Fosteriana, per dozen 18 Latania borbonica, per dozen ... 12 L i 1 1 u m 1 o ng i- florum, per dz. 12 — lancifolium.per dozen ... ... 10 Lily of the Valley, per dozen Marguerites, white, per dozen Pelargoniums, per doz., Zonal Poinsettias, per dz. Rose Madame Le- vavasseur, doz. Selaginella, per dz. Solanuius, per doz. Spiraea laponica, p. dozen Tulips in boxes, per dozen d. s.d. 0-18 0 0-9 0 0-6 0 7 0-10 0 18 0-20 0 0-10 0 0-1 y 0 0-10 0 0-8 0 0-15 0 0-6 0 0-24 0 0-30 0 0-18 0 0-18 0 0-18 0 0-30 0 0-10 0 0-6 0 0-12 0 0-18 0 0-6 0 0-10 0 0-12 0 0-16 per Pip- the Apples, Foreign — Califo r ii ia Newtown Pip- pin, per case, 4 tiers — 4^ tiers — New York Newtown, per barrel — (NovaScotian), per barrel : — Spys — Ribston Pippin — King of Tomp- kins County ... — Blenheim Pip- pin — York Imperial — Baldwin — English, bushel : — Blenheim pin — King of Pippins — Annie Eliza- beth — Peasgood's Nonesuch — Bra ni ley's Seedling — W e 1 li ngton (syn. Dume- low's Seedling) — Lord Derby ... per § sieve : — Cox's Orange Pippin — Do., per box of 2 doz. selected — Do., per tray... Bananas, bunch: — No. 2 Canary. — No. 1 „ ... — Extra ,, ... — Giants „ ... — (Claret) — Jamaica — Loose, per dz. Cranbei ries , p.c <- e Crystalised Fruits, }!b. boxes, per dozen — £lb. boxes — lib. boxes — 21b. boxes Custard Apples ... 1 lates (Tunis), per dozen boxes ... Figs (Eleme),p. dz. — pulled, per dz. 1 i ape Fruit, case Grapes (English), per lb.... — Hambros Grapes Gros Col- mar — Alicante s.d. s.d. 7 6-10 0 7 6-10 6 25 0-30 0 15 0-17 0 16 0-19 0 18 0 22 0 18 0-24 0 18 0-23 0 3 0-46 2 6-40 5 0-60 3 0-46 4 0-56 3 6-46 3 6-40 2 0-30 2 6- 4 6 6 6 — C 6- 8 0 8 0-90 10 0-12 0 5 0-76 5 0-56 0 6-10 10 0-12 0 29 — 5 6 — 9 6 — 17 0 — 4 0-12 0 4 9-50 4 3 — 7 6 13 6 10 0-13 0 0 6-16 0 6-16 10-19 0 0-13 Grapes, Muscat of Alexandria ... — Cannon Hall Muscat — (Guernsey) — (Almeria), per barrel Grenadilla, p. doz. Lemons : — Malaga, case... — (Naples) Limes I ycliees, per box... Mandarines (25's), per box — l96's), per box Mangoes, per doz. Medlars, per case — (English),l2lbs. Nuts, Almonds, per bag — Brazils, new, perewt. — Grenobles, per bag — (French), p. bag — Barcelona, bag — Cocoa nuts. 100 — Cob, per dozen lbs. ... — Chestnuts, per bag — (Italian), p. bag Oranges (Naples), per case — (Jamaica), per cave — (Almeria), case i — C al i f ornian seedless, per case — (Cape Naart- jes), p. box, 80 — (Valencia) per case (420) — per case (714)... Pears, Californian Cornice, per case — Pi t m as t o n Duchess, p. tray — English ( atil lac, per bushel — (U.S.), per box — per barrel — C a t i 1 1 a c (French), crate — (French), I ' \ time du Corn- ice, per crate... — (Califor n i ;i n), Glou Morceau, per case — Winter Nelis... Persimmons, box of 15's and 12 fruits Pineapples, each ... s.d. s.d, 2 0-60 2 0-80 0 4-09 9 0-17 0 16-20 9 0-13 0 18 0-i2 0 2 6-40 10-15 0 10- 1 6 4 0-46 3 0-60 4 &■ 5 0 2 6-36 45 0 — 50 0-65 0 6 6-76 8 0-90 30 0-32 0 11 0-14 0 14 0-15 0 7 0-00 13 0-16 0 8 0-10 0 9 0-10 0 7 6-10 0 14 0-15 0 16-26 10 0-25 0 ii 0 21 u 15 0-21 0 2 6-46 5 0-76 4 9-56 15 0-18 0 6 0-90 8 0-10 0 s n in ii H 0-11 U 16-26 2 6-46 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. Artichokes(Globe), pet dozen — white, p. bushel Asparagus, per bundle: — Sprue — Paris Green ... Auber^inc^, |>. doz. Beans — — (French), p. lb. — (Guernse y), per lb — (Madeira), per basket Beetroot, per bushel Brussel Sprouts, j bushel ... Cabbages, per tally — per mat — Greens, per bushel Cardoon (French), per dozen Carrots (English), dozen bnnches — washed, bag ... — unwashed — Dutch, p. bag. Cauliflowers, per dozen — per tally Celery, per roll ... — unwashed, per dozen Celeriac, per doz. Chicory, per lb. ... Chow Chow (Sec- hium edule), p. dozen s.d. s.d. 3 0-50 10 — 0 7-09 4 0-46 10-13 0 6-08 0 10- 1 3 2 0-40 1 6 — 3 0-40 8 0-10 0 4 0-50 2 0-26 12 0 — 2 0 — 2 3-26 16-19 1 6 — 2 6-50 10 0-20 0 0 11-10 7 0-10 0 16-19 03 - £0-40 Cucumbers, perdz. Endive, per dozen Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles r.eeks, 12 bundles Lettuce (French), per dozen — French Cos, per doz Mush rooms, per lb. — broilers — buttons, perlb. Mustardand Cress, per dozen pun. Onions, per bag ... — (Valencia).case — Dutch, pr. bag — pickling, per bushel Parsley, 12bnnches Parsnips, per bag... Potatos, Sweet, per cwt. Radishes (French), per doz. bunches Salsafy, per dozen bundles Seakale, per dozen Spinach, p. basket Savoys, per tally... Turnips, per dozen bunches — washed, p. bag Tomatos (Tener- iffe), per bun- dle of 4 boxes Watercress, per doz s.d. s.d. 10 0-18 0 16-19 11 0-12 0 10-16 10-16 5 0-56 0 6-08 0 6 — 0 6-08 1 0 — 8 0-10 0 10 6-12 0 7 0-80 4 6 — 3 0-36 3 0 — 20 0-24 0 10-13 4 0-46 9 0-12 0 3 6-46 7 6-10 6 2 0 — 3 0-40 8 0-12 0 4 0-60 Remarks.— All vegetables are very dear owing to the wintry weather. The Christmas trade generally was good, Apples especially maintaining good prices. The supply of Pineapples was greater than the demand, and, consequently, these fruits did not realise the high prices anticipated by the brokers. The Grape trade was good, and satisfactory prices were made, Valencia Onions are much dearer owing to the cold weather and small consignments. Trade generally is at a standstill. E. H. R-, Covent Garden, Wednesday, December SO, 1908, Potatos. Kents— Snowdrop Sharpe's Express Epicure Up-to-Date ... Lincolns— Epicure British Queen Up-to-Date ... Main crop s.d. s.d. ... 4 0-43 ... 3 6-39 ... 3 3-36 ...3 0-3 6 ... 2 9-30 ... 2 9-33 ...30-36 .36-39 Sharpe's Express ... 3 0-33 Lincolns— s.d. s.d. Evergood ... 2 6-29 Bedfords Up-to-Dale ... ... 2 6 2 9 Epicure ... 2 9-30 Blacklands... ...2 8-2 6 Dunbars — Langworthy ...4 8 — Up-to-Date, red soil 3 9-40 » ii grey soil 2 9-38 Remarks.— Prices are about the same, but trade is not so good. Very small consignments are arriving on account of the severe weather. Edward J, Newborn, Covent Garaen and St. Pa7icrast December 30, 1908. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. The Christmas trade finished satisfactorily, though no exceptional prices prevailed. In some few instances, chiefly for best quality produce, things were a little dearer. The sudden change in the weather may make a considerable difference in the value of all things, and if the conditions remain severe the supplies from France will fall off. This morning (Wednesday) the market presented a very bare appearance; there was very little produce and few buyers. Supplies for some time to come will probably be short, as most growers market all that can be gathered for the Christmas trade, and with 18 to 20 degrees of frost and the houses covered with snow succeeding flowers will open very slowly. Cut Flowers. Good Chrysanthemums are becoming scarce, but ordinary blooms are plentiful, although dearer. Sup- plies of Roses have fallen off considerably, and their value is sure to advance. Carnations have been fairly plentiful, and there has been no decided advance in prices. They were among the few things in demand this morning. Tulips were numerous, but there were few buyers for these flowers. The value of Liliums at Christmas was not above the ordinary, but in frosty and snowy weather they are always dearer. Callas were also plentiful at Christmas. Some growers of these flowers must have harvested them very closely, lor some of the blooms were not fully developed. Lilv-of- the-Valley of the best quality did not advance in prices. Lilac from English growers is very good. Violets also are of the best quality. Pot Plants. There was the usual activity caused by the Christmas trade, but since then there has been practically no demand for plants. Azaleas are a leading feature ; these plants are well flowered this season. Begonia Gloire dc Lorraine has been good from several growers, but the severe weather will stop the trade for this plant and also for Poinsettias, of which growers still have many on hand. At the end of last week I noted some well-flowered plants of the old double white Primula and also a few of a single variety. Cyclamen in various colours are now better flowered. Tulips and Roman Hyacinths are plentiful ; most of these are grown in boxes of about two dozen bulbs in each. Chrysanthe- mums were well supplied for the Christmas trade, but supplies will not hold out much longer. Erica hyemalis is of the best quality and promises to be plentiful for some time to come. Erica Wilmoreaila will be ready when this is finished. Erica ovata has a very pretty inflorescence, and the flowers are of a colour that is much appreciated. Solanums were over plentiful, and I noticed that there were many unsold at the end of last week. Holly was the only thing that was scarce at Christmas, and well-berried samples made very high prices. Christmas Trees sold fairly well, but some were left over, especially the larger ones. A. H,, Covent Garden, Wednesday, Decem- ber jo, igoS. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. SEEDS. Harrison & Sons, Leicester. Austin & McAslan, 89, Mitchell Street, Glasgow. Dickson, Brown & Tait, 43 and 45, Corporation Street, Manchester. Little & Ballantyne, Carlisle. Robert Veitch & Son, Exeter. Cooper, Taber & Co., 90 & 92, Southwark Street, London, S.E. (Wholesale). H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent. Dicksons, Chester. Horsnail & Reynolds, High Street, Strood, Kent. W. Drummond & Sons, Ltd., Stirling. Samuel Finney & Co., Ltd., Newcastle-on-Tyne. Stewart & Co., 6, Melbourne Place, Edinburgh. MISCELLANEOUS. Isaac Godber, New Town Nurseries, Bedford— Chrysan- themums (Wholesale). Stascliffe Estates Co., Ltd., Darley Dale, near Mat- lock—Trees and Shrubs, Ruses, Hardy Plants, &c. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth, Devon— Chrysanthemums. Frank Lilley, Guernsey— Chrysanthemums. FOREIGN. J. M. Thorburn & Co., 33, Barclay Street, New York, U.S.A.— Seeds (Wholesale). Pape S Bergmann, Quedlinburg, Germany-Dahlias. W. Atlee Burpee & Co., 275 North Fifth Street, Phila- delphia, U.S.A.— Seeds. 1G THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. fjANUARV 2, 1909. (SHrituarjj. Alexander Whvte. — We regret to announce ' trie death of Mr. Alexander Whyte, F.L.S., F.Z.S., the well-known explorer and authority on economic botany. Mr. Whyte was a son of the parish minister of Fettercaim, Kincardine- shire. As a young man he went out to Ceylon ; Coffee-planting was then in its hey- day. His interests were markedly scientific. He studied tropical botany, particularly in its economic and trade aspects. When he left Cey- lon Mr. Whyte became attached to Sir Harry Johnston's expedition to Central Africa in the official capacity of naturalist, and in the course of these journeys in Nyassaland and Uganda, he laid the foundations of a knowledge of the plant and animal life of the continent possessed by few, if any, men of the time. Some 500 new species were discovered by Mr. Whyte in these journeys. In 1898 his services were secured by the British Administration in Uganda. His headquarters were at Mengo, the native capital of Uganda, and there he started experimental gardens and commenced other branches of research work. On his return from Mombasa to Uganda, Mr. Whyte had passed through British East Africa, and in 1902 the Government selected him as Director of Agri- culture in that Protectorate. Here he made many and important discoveries in the botany and natural resources of the Protectorate. He retired in 1903 from the Government service, but in the two succeeding years he made visits to Liberia to investigate the rubber resources of that country in the interests of a London company, which held important concessions from the Liberian Government. He travelled widely through Liberia, and made many discoveries of scientific and com- mercial importance. He brought home with him a large collection ot herbarium specimens. These were classified at Kew, between 60 and 70 of the plants proving to belong to genera and species new to science. These plants have been described and named by Dr. Stapf in the Journal of the Linnean Society. Among them are many new rubber-yielding vines of genera closely allied to Landolphia, the well-known rubber vine of the Congo. These rubber vines are dis- tinct from the Brazil rubber tree, which was introduced some years ago in Ceylon and the Malay Peninsula. Mr. Whyte was never mar- ried, and is survived by a sister. John Lewis. — The death of Mr. John Lewis occurred recently in Canterbury, New Zealand, where he had built up a most successful florist's business. Mr. Lewis was born in Hereford- shire in 1842. He began his career in England with the late James Cranston in 1852, and, after serving for a few years, he went to Messrs. R. Smith & Son's nursery at Worcester. Later, he worked in turn at the nurseries of Mr. C. Turner, Slough, and Messrs. Lee Bros., of Hammersmith, being manager of a branch for the latter firm. After this, he left for New Zealand. He proceeded to Lyttel- ton in the ship " Blue Jacket " in 1866, and a few months afterwards settled in Timaru. Hav- ing taken out an assortment of seeds, he com- menced nursery work on some land near the Smithfield Freezing Works. About three years later he established himself at Maori Hill, where he bought several acres of land for nursery work, and erected six glasshouses — three being devoted to Grape growing and three to flowers. These houses, it may be mentioned, contain 4,000 square feet of glass. Mr. Lewis was one of the originators of the Timaru Floral and Horti- cultural Society over 30 years ago, and he has been one of its most enthusiastic supporters. The deceased leaves a widow and two children. George Walpole. — The news of the death of Mr. George Walpole, of Mount Usher, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, will be received with regret by the many garden lovers who have visited the famous gardens at Mount Usher, and more especially by those who had the privilege of Mr. Walpole's personal friendship. Mount Usher was jointly owned by the late Mr. Walpole and his brothers, and the gardens have developed to their present dimensions from a comparatively small begin- ning. Those who have seen Mount Usher can never forget it with its sparkling streams, shady trees, and wonderful store of horticultural trea- sures. There is no other such garden in Ire- land, and the writer has never met anyone who was disappointed with it. The brothers Walpole retired to this beautiful spot every Saturday morning, and there they worked, and planned, and enjoyed the company of their plants until Monday morning, welcoming any of their friends who came to see them. Each individual opinion and prospective change was carefully considered on these occasions, and altered or modified, as required, until unanimity prevailed. The late Mr. George Walpole was one of the kindliest, most hospitable, and generous of men, and was universally loved and esteemed. It is a regrettable coincidence that Mr. Acton, the Earl of Annesley, and Mr. Walpole, all of whom were connected with important gardens in Ire- land, should have died within a short period. F. W. M. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. [Correspondents arerequested to write the names ol persons and places as legibly as possible. No charge is made for these announcements, butt/ a small contribution is sent, to be placetl in our collecting Box for the Gardeners' Orphan Fund, it will be thankfully received, and an acknowledgment made in these columns.'] Mr. James A. Cook, for 2J years Assistant Gardener at Kingseat Asylum, Newmachar, Aberdeenshire, as Gardener to Colonel John Leith, J. P., Arnage Castle by Ellon, Aberdeenshire, in succession to Mr.. William Euhart, who has been appointed Gardener at Kingseat Asylum. Mr. L. Perfect, for the last 8 years Orchid grower to R. Brooman White, Esq , Arddarroch, Garelochhead, as Gardener to James Watson, Esq., Caldwell, Irvine. (Thanks for 2s. which has been put into R.G.O.F. box). Mr. R. Lickman, for the past 9 years Foreman in the Gardens, Coombe House, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey, as Gardener to J. E. Greaves, Esq., Bron Eifion, Criccieth, North Wales. Mr. James A. Paice, as Gardener to Rear Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, "Thornton," Harrow Weald, Middle- sex. GoTrmpcmdenU Apple Shoots Decaying : C. H. The twigs are attacked by Brown Rot. All dead branches should be cut off, and the bushes sprayed next spring with the Bordeaux mixture at half strength just when the leaves are unfolding. Apples : C. W., British Columbia. Cox's Pomona is said to have been raised by Mr. Cox, of Colnbrook Lawn, who also raised Cox's Orange Pippin. Chrysanthemums for Market : S. G. R. It is difficult to give a definite answer to your questions, for some of the early varieties may also be flowered later. Take Mme. Paolo Radaelli for an instance. This was shown in the first week in October and also in Decem- ber. Yet it may be classed as a mid-season variety. The following varieties may be re- commended : — Early flowering : Roi des Blanches, Boule de Neige, Carrie, Lady Mary Fitzwigram, Miss B. Millar, Horace Martin, Goacher's Pink, Harvest Home, Goacher's Crimson, Nina Blick, Le Pactole, Polly, Nellie Blake and Black Prince. Mid-season : Alice Byron, Mme. Paolo Radaelli, Mme. G. Rivol, W. Holmes, Mrs. Millar, Moneymaker, J. Shrimpton, Mrs. Wingfield, W. Duckman, Mrs. W. J. Scott, Cullingfordii, F. S. Vallis and Western King. Later flowering ; Negoya, W. H. Lincoln, Mrs. Thompson, Golden Ball (new), Violet Lady Beaumont, Snowdrift, Mme. R. Oberthur, Mathew Hodgson, Winter Cheer, Mme. Pankoucke, Mme. L. Charvat, Lord Brooke, Framfield Pink and Tuxedo. Many others might reasonably be added to the above list, and it must be borne in mind that considerable variation occurs in the same varieties when grown under different condi- tions. Some varieties which flower early may also be flowered late. Of new varieties we may mention Felton's Favourite, which flowers early, and continues to bloom on the secondary growths. December Gold and R. F. Felton are two good yellow varieties. These should be tried, but do not cultivate them in large quantities until you have proved their value. Varieties which succeed with one grower sometimes fail with another. The • incurved varieties are favourites in the mar- ket, and such old sorts as Mr. G. Glenney, Mrs. G. Rundle and Mrs. Dixon are of better form than some of the more recent additions. Cinerarias Failing : G. W. The plants appear to have suffered from the effects of frost before they were removed to the greenhouse. Cucumbers Failing: A. E. P. We have sub- mitted the fruits to our fungus expert, who states that no disease is present. The trouble must, therefore, be due to some cultural error, or to something that has caused a check to the plants. Fig Trees : F. S. The pruning should be done first and the prunings removed to the fire for burning, but it is more convenient to paint the trees before they are trained, always, of course, drawing the brush in the direction in which the buds are growing. It is not a good practice to smear the buds themselves over with this kind of insecticide, and where harm results from the painting, it is generally traceable to carelessness in its application. Names of Flowers, Fruits and Plants. — We are anxious to oblige correspondents as far as we consistently can, but they must bear in miud that it is no part of our duty to our subscribers to name either flowers or fruits. Such work entails considerable outlay, both of time and money, and cannot be allowed to dis- organise the preparations for the weekly issue, or to encroach upon time required for the conduct of the paper. Correspondents should never send more than six plants or fruits at one time : they should be very careful to pack and label them properly, to give every information as to the county the fruits are grown in, and to send ripe, or nearly ripe, specimens which show the character of the variety. By neglecting these precautions correspondents add greatly to our labour, and run the risk of delay and incorrect determinations. Correspondents not answered in one issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following numbers. Fruits: Expectant. Mannington's Pearmain. — C. L., Co'.burg House. Striped Beefing, Plants: W. A. B. A very pretty form of Cypripedium Leeanum, but we know of no distinguishing name for it. So many varietal names have been given 'that there seems to be no room for others. Many thanks for the postal order for the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. — R. A Epi- dendrum O'Brienianum. — P. M. 1, Calanthe rosea; 2, Oncidium flexuosum ; 3, O. sphacela- tum. — J. M. 1, Cassinia fulvida (syn. Diplo- pappus chrysophyllus) ; 2, Cupressus pisifera variegata ; 3, Pinus Strobus ; 4, Cupressus Lawsoniana stricta ; 5, Pernettya mucronata ; 6, Cupressus Lawsoniana ; 7, Phillyrea media ; 8, Ilex aquifolium var. crispa ; 9, Cupressus sempervirens ; 10, Berberis stenophylla ; 11, Thujopsis borealis ; 12, Cupressus Lawsoniana erecta viridis. Purchase of Goods : Holt. Judging from the facts as related in your letter, you are entitled to reject the whole of the goods, but if you prefer it you may accept such as are in ac- cordance with the contract and reject the rest. In either case, you are not bound to return the rejected goods to the seller ; it is sufficient to intimate to him your lefusal to accept them. But you might send them back to him, leaving him to pay the carriage. It would be desirable to have the goods ex- amined by an expert, so as to have an inde- pendent witness in case of further trouble. Roman Hyacinths : G. W. The bulbs, though of fair size, do not appear to have developed an inflorescence, due probably to improper ripening last autumn. In cutting them through, there is no appearance of a flower- spike. Violets Diseased: F. A. The plants are in- fested with Botrytis. Spray them with sul- phide of potassium at the rate of one ounce in three gallons of water twice a week. De- caying wood harbours the fungus, and < ny dead shoots of trees should therefore be re- moved. Communications Received. --F. W. M.— J. E. R. F., New South Wales— A. T.— S. J. M.— W. H. S.-J. W. G.— Rev. T. A. H.— J. O'B.— A. W.— R R.— P. W.— H. S. T.— E. B. — E. M.— H. W. (not suitable for our columns)— Rev. C. B.— W. E. B.-W. J. G.— J. F. McL.— W. H.— R. L. H.— B. L.— C. T. G.-W. W— W. W. N.— E. S.— J. V.— Lady D. January 9, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. V THE ^Hrbcncrs'CibronicI No. 1,150.— SATURDAY, January 9, 1909. CONTENTS. Absorption of moisture by leaves Agaricus elvensis Agricultural Holdings Act, 1908 Apple William Crump... Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal Books, notices of — Botanical Magazine... My Garden Diary Publications recei' I Cattleya Mendelii " Hi;. Majesty the King "... Cornwall, the weather ii. Cycnoches niaculatum Florists' flow i rs New French Chrysan- themums French garden, notes from a ... Fruit culture under glass Fruit Show, the K.H.S. autumn Grapes, varieties of Muscat Ipomcea mexicana Lurgan, public park for Myrtle, the common .. Nepenthes Dr. J ihn MacFarlane Nicholson, George, sale of books belonging to the late Nitro-Bacterine, experi- ments on the value of Obituary — Morris, George Field Orchid notes and glean- ings— Laelio-Cattleya Coun- tess Torby ... OdontiodaGattonensis Plant-collecting in China Plant novelties of 190S Plants, new or note- worthy— Wedelia oblonga Rosary, the — Cultural notes for January ... — Saxifraga Fortunei Seed employes annual dinner Societies- Manchester and N. of England Orchid ... Royal Horticultut.il .. Table decorations Tropical fruits Week's work, the — Apiary, the Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden ... Kitchen garden, the... Orchid houses, the ... Plants under glass .. Public parks and gardens 32 25 ILLUSTRATIONS. Apple William Crump Cycnoches, with male and female flowers Hive, dimensions for a standard Morn-, the late George Field ... Myrtus communis, a fruiting spray of Nepenthes Dr. John MacFarlane (Supplementary Illustration) Saxifraga Fortunei flowering in November on a rockery ... 21 26, 27, 29 23 3ii 20 THE COMMON MYRTLE. OF the ioo or so species of Myrtus, the best known is Myrtus communis, which was first described by the great botanist Linnaeus. The " Common " Myrtle, as it is called, is very widely distributed, being found as far west as I he Azores and as far east as Afghanistan and Beluchistan. Forms of it — there are, apparently, many — are found on both shores of the Mediterranean, and also for some miles inland, the chief habitat ranging between the 30th and 40th degree of northern latitude. In looking over the speci- mens in the herbarium at Kew I noticed one fine, large-leaved form, almost identical in appearance with that illustrated at fig. 15, with a Geneva label attached to it. As Geneva is slightly above the 46th degree of latitude, and probablv too cold for the Myrtle in winter, it is possible the specimen may have been taken from a cultivated plant ac- customed to have protection of some kind during the coldest period of the year. One is apt to think that there is only one form of the Common Myrtle, but an exami- nation of specimens from different parts of the geographical area mentioned shows that there are considerable differences between the plants from various regions — geographical forms, no doubt, modified by soil, climate, altitude and general environment. This ac- counts in a measure for such names as Dutch, Italian, Roman, Box-leaved, &c, which have been applied to certain forms. Myrtus communis is a beautiful evergreen shrub varying from 3 to 10 or 12 feet in height, and, in the Holy Land and Afghani- stan, even forming a small tree. The leaves vary much in size, some being large and ovate lance-shaped, tapering to a sharp point ; others are smaller, but similar in shape ; while others, again, are even smaller, not exceeding half an inch in length and not more than a quarter of an inch in width. Some forms appear to be stunted and " scrubby " in appearance, owing to the fact that, the internodes being shorter, the leaves are much closer together. Others have a more luxuriant appearance, with largei leaves and longer internodes. Speaking broadly, the Common Myrtle may be said to have three distinct form-;, namely, the large or broad-leaved (a- shown in the sketch), the medium-sized, and the small or narrow-leaved, with intermediate variations. The flowers, which appear during the sum- mer months, are pure while, with numerous conspicuous stamens. They are, in all 1 that I have seen, borne singly in the axils of the almost opposite leaves and on the young wood only. The flov ers ire, as a rule, freely produced, even on pi ints two or three Mar- old raised from cuttings, slips or layers. It is not often, however, that one sees .1 Myrtle not only 'flowering freely, but also producing its fruits abundantly in the open air in such a fickle climate as that of Middlesex. The spray illustrated is from a plant about 10 years old and nearly 4 feet high grown in a 14-inch pot. Each year it is exceedingly effective when clothed in its white blossoms, but until this season I have never noticed it in fruit before. The shape of the fruits is as drawn, each being three- celled and containing several kidney-shaped seeds, as shown in the illustration. Just as the haves of the Common Myrtle vary considerably in shape and size, so do the fruits. In some cases they are smallish, globular berries, but in the herbarium speci- mens examined none was quite so large or so long as those shown in the illustration. At first they are green, but assume a dark or blackish-purple colour when ripe. There seems, however, to be a white-fruited form (baccis albis) of the Italian Myrtle, but it is exceedingly rare. "Another form, cultivated at Kew in 1885 and 1SS6 under the name of M. mucronatus, has vellou ish-white fruits. This is apparently identical with another form called " tarentina," the leaves of which are about half an inch long, narrow, lance- shaped, acute, and about a quarter of an inch in width. So far as cultivation is concerned, plants flourish in a compost of loamy soil and leaf- mould, which should be firmly rammed round the roots when pots are used. The plant from which the illustration at fig. 15 was pre- pared receives practically no attention during the year beyond the usual watering. From April or May to October or November it stands outside the house, facing westwards. This year, however, it was still outside until Christmas Day, but the fall of snow and the frost necessitated its removal to a greenhouse on the morning of December 28. The plant itself was raised from a shoot placed in a bottle of water. This seems to be an easy method of propagation, as roots are soon pro- duced even in an ordinary dwelling room if the atmosphere is not too hot and dry. Cut- tings of the half-ripened shoots inserted in moist, sandy soil during July and August also root freely. Of the other species of Myrtle, perhaps the best known is the more tender Chilian plant, Myrtus Ugnii, known formerly under the name of Eugenia Ugnii. This species pro- duces, under greenhouse culture, roundish.red or black fruits of an agreeable taste. Other species of Myrtle are distributed over Peru, India, the Falkland Islands, and other parts of the world, but from a garden point of view they do not possess the importance of the Common Myrtle, Which, in the most favoured parts of the kingdom, can be grown out-of- doors against walls or in other sheltered posi- tions. /. Weathers. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. L.EI.IO-CATTLEYA COUNTESS TORBY. (L.-C. HlPFOLYTA VAR PHCEBE X L.-C. EXIMIA.) This is a pretty new hybrid raised by Messrs. Moore, Ltd., Rawdon, Leeds, and ted by J. Talbot Clifton, Esq., Lytham Hall, Lytham. In size and colour it approaches L.-C. eximia (L. purpurata x C. Warned), the orange-yellow colour of L.-C. Hippolyta (L. 1 innabarina x C Mossias) being entirely elimin- ated, as we have seen in other instances where varieties with deep shades of yellow have been d with rose-tinted flowers. The sepals are lanceolate, nearly 3 inches long ; the ovate- acuminate petals 1;; inches wide; both silver- white, delicately tinged and veined with pale The base of the lip is white, with a yel- low flush extending to the chrome yellow disc, the front being deep rose-purple. It is a very attractive winter flower. ODONTIODA GATTONEN5IS. (Odontogi.ossum Kegeljanii (syn. polyxan- thu.m) x codilioda noezliana.) This hybrid has flowered in the collection of Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park (gr. Mr. Collier), from a cross made and raised by Mr. W. P. Bound, until recently gardener at Gatton Park, ft may be compared with O. Brad- shawite, illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, January 19, 1907, p. 36, but it has a yellower ground colour and firmer texture, inherited from O. Kegeljanii. The sepals are lanceolate, the upper the broadest; the ground colour lemon- yellow, showing on the reverse side in a broad band up the middle, the face being reddish- orange, with the lemon-yellow ground showing at the base and tips. The petals are broader than the sepals, and similarly coloured, except that on the lower halves a few lemon-yellow markings appear. The lip has the expanded side lobes striped with reddish-brown, the front lobe having a large reddish blotch surrounded by a narrow primrose-tinted band, the toothed margin being deep orange colour The callus has four strongly-developed teeth of a yellowish tint, and an imperfectly-developed ridge on each side. The column is reddish-purple, darkest on the wings. It is a charming flower ; the nearly scarlet surface colour is on a substantial lemon- yellow ground. 18 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 190&. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. *WEDELIA OBLONGA. The species here described is a pretty novelty which has been grown by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons from seed collected in British East Africa by Mr. Diespecker. The flower-heads measure from 1J to 2 inches in diameter, and are of a pleasing lemon-yellow colour, whilst the ray- florets are somewhat conspicuous by reason of the deeply-trifid corolla limb. From the ab- sence of a pappus in this species, one would expect it to have a very restricted distribution. As we have no information, however, as to the exact locality in which the seeds were collected, a correct idea cannot be obtained until additional material is forthcoming. The genus Wedelia consists of about 90 species, the greater portion of which are Ameri- can. It is very difficult to distinguish it from Aspilia, which differs merely in having neutral ray-florets, the Latter being fruitful in Wedelia. Indeed, Bentham considered that Wedelia, Aspila, and Blainvillea might be regarded as one large genus, the whole group scarcely dis- tinct from several other purely American genera. He, however, kept them apart, chiefly for prac- tical purposes. Wedelia belongs to the sub- tribe Verbesineae, which, as defined by Bentham and Hooker in the Genera Plantarum, comprises about 700 species, contained in 71 genera. The great majority of these are American, and they are very difficult to separate into groups, except into very artificial series. Bentham was of the opinion that the tribe Helianthoideas was proba- bly the most ancient of the order Compositas. The species referred to it are usually rather coarse herbs or shrubs, with more or less sca- brid or hirsute indumentum, and leaves, or, at any rate, the lower ones, mostly opposite. The following description was drawn up from a living plant sent to Kew by Messrs. Veitch & Sons: — A subprocumbent plant, attaining a height of almost 3 feet. Branches grooved or somewhat angular, more or less densely covered with white, glandular hairs. Internodes 2J to 3 inches long. Leaves oblong or oblong-lanceo- late, acute, mucronulate, auriculate at the base, 3 to Z\ inches long, j to 1 inch broad, with glandular hairs on both surfaces ; lateral nerves seven to ten on each side of the midrib, im- mersed above, prominent below. Heads pedun- culate, \\ to 2 inches in diameter; peduncles \\ to 2^ inches long. Outer bracts of the involucre foliaceous, ovate-lanceolate, about \ inch long, glandular-hairy, ciliate ; inner bracts somewhat scarious. Palea of the receptacle lanceolate, cil- iate towards the apex, subacute. Ray flowers about 12, tridentate ; achenes somewhat four- angled, glabrous ; pappus absent ; tube densely pilose ; limb oblong cuneate, deeply trilobed. Disk flowers about 30 ; achenes subterete, glabrous ; tube densely pilose on the lower por- tion ; style branches apiculate, acute, pilose. J . Hutchinson, Kew. * Wedelia oblonga (Hutchinson), sp. nov.—Planta sub- procumbens, circiter 1 m. alta, ramis sulcatis vel subangnlaiis plus minus dense glanduloso— pubescentibus, internodiis 6-7 cm. longis. Folia oblonga vel oblongo-lanceolata, acuta, mucronulata, basi-auriculata, 7-9 cm. longa, 1-5-2 cm. lata, utrinque glanduloso— pilosa, nervis Iateralibus 7-10 supra immersis subtus prominentibus, venis arete anasto- mosantibus. Capitula pedunculata, 3-4 cm. diametro ; pedunculi 4-6 cm. longi. Involucri bractea externae foliacece, ovato-lanceolatas, 8-10 mm. longae, 3-5 mm. latee, utrinque glanduloso-pilosa?, ciliatae; interna? subscariosas. Recepta- culi palea lanceolatse, versus apicem ciliatEB, subacute. Flares radii tridentati, circiter 12; achasnia subquadrangu- laria, 2 mm. longa, glabra ; pappus O ; tubus 2 mm. longus, dense pilosus ; lamina oblongo-cuneata, 1-5 cm. longa, 7 mm. lata, dentibus 3 mm. longis, 2 mm. latis obtusis. Flores disci circiter 30 ; achtenia 1-5 mm. longa, subteretia, glabra ; tubus 4 mm. longus, inferne dense pilosus. Anthem 2 mm. longas. Stylirami apiculati, acuri, pilosi. British East Africa: from seeds collected by Diespecker 1 Eldoma Ravine, Whyte I FlG. 15. — FRUITING SPRAY OF THE COMMON MYRTLE (MYRTUS COMMUNIS). (See p. 17.) January 9, 1909] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 19 NOVELTIES OF 1908. [Concluded from page 5.) In its application to garden plants, the term novelty admits of very broad interpretation, for it is usual to describe as novelties plants long known to science, but only recently introduced to cultivation, and also plants aheady known in gardens, but whose uses for decorative purposes have only recently been fully recognised. Then we have the florists' varieties obtained by hybridisation and selec- tion— an ever-productive and remunerative field of operation which is, perhaps, the most in- teresting of garden pursuits. The seedsmen may be said to produce the largest number of sterling novelties, which are all the more to be held in esteem in that they are within the reach of all lovers of pretty flowers, from the cottager to the millionaire. Yet it is this class which is the most difficult to deal with in the matter of recording novelties, for such novelties are seldom exhibited at public exhibitions, and, even in the gardens which they beautify, their names are often not recorded. Yet, if we take, for instance, Stocks, Wallflowers, Dianthuses, Primulas, and other showy flowers, usually obtained from the seedsmen, and compare these now sent out by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Messrs. Carter & Co., Messrs. Webb & Sons, Messrs. Cannell, Messrs. Dobbie & Co., and other of our seedsmen, with those we knew even a few years ago, the improvements wrought wijl be evident. Would it not be possible for the Royal Horticultural Society to arrange for periodical displays of annuals and biennials? Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., Bur- ford (gr. Mr. Bain), has flowered many pretty and rare shrubs during the year, and received awards at the Royal Horticultural Society for Viburnum Carlesii, Thiladelphus Lemoinei rosacea, Asparagus filicinus, and Zephyranthes aurea, the last-named a pretty, yellow, Vallota- like flower. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, continue to exhibit desirable novelties, chiefly new Chinese species, plants from this firm cer- tificated during the past year including Deutzia Wilsonii, Rosa Moyesii, Eremurus Bungei mag- nificus, Thalictrum dipterocarpum, Sarcococca ruscifolia, the compact-growing Ilex Pernyi, Populus lasiocarpa, Stock (Matthiola) Veitch's Magenta, Begonia Col. Laussedat (good yellow bedder), B. Kewensis (a cream-white variety, ex- cellent for baskets), Acanthus montanus, the ele- gant Dracaena Doucettii var. de Grootei, and Nepenthes Dr. John McFarlane, which secured a First-class Certificate, and which Messrs. Veitch consider one of the best they have shown. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans and Bruges, exhibited a remarkable selection of new Palms and foliage plants at the Ghent Quinquen- nia! Show, and at the last Temple Show, a num- ber of which will be found in the appended list of novelties illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle. One of the most generally useful, Pereskia Godseffiana, with beautifully-coloured leaves tinted with gold, green, and purple, may be grown for all decorative purposes and also as a bedding plant. Caladium Cen- tenaire is a robust and strong-growing variety with beautifully-coloured leaves. Leopold de Rothschti r>. Esq., Gunnersbury House, Acton (gr. Mr. J. Hudson), grows with his fine-coloured Nymphaeas, a selection of the best Nelumbiums, and secured a First-class Cer- tificate for the crimson N. speciosum Osiris. On September 29 he showed 18 varieties of hardy Heaths from his novel Heath-garden at Gun- nersbury, many of them new varieties. Hippeastrums have made good progress, as shown by the exhibits of Lt.-Col, G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O. (gr. Mr. Chapman), Alfred de RoTHSCHrLD, Esq. (gr. Mr. Sander), Messrs. Kerr & Sons, and Mrs. Burns, Hatfield (gr. Mr. Fielder), the last-named of whom obtained a First-class Certificate for Purity, the best pure white Hippeastrum yet raised. Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon, Bath, se- cured awards for tuberous Begonias Empress Marie, Duchess of Cornwall, and Frilled Queen. Begonia Clibran's Pink, shown by Messrs. W. Clibran & Son, is also a pretty novelty, and one of the very best of the winter-blooming sec- tion, obtained by crossing B. socotrana with a tuberous-rooted variety. Ferns appear to be returning to favour, and deservedly so, if we call to mind the varied and beautiful collections shown by Messrs. Hill & Sons, of Edmonton, who received a First-class Certificate for Nephrolepis rufescens amabile ; and Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, Edmonton, whose best new exhibits were Aspidium falca- tum Mayi, Pteris aquilina Nicholsonii, and Nephrolepis rufescens Mayi ornata. Mr. C. T. Druery obtained a First-class Certificate for the elegant Polystichum aculeatum gracillimum Drueryi. Roses. — While the large double Hybrid Per- petual and Tea-scented sections have been strengthened with new seedling varieties, the elegant Ramblers and Wichuraiana hybrids have increased in favour, especially the Wichurai- anas whose glossy leaves, graceful climbing habit and profusion of flowers render them among the best of garden subjects for cultiva- tion on pillar9, arches, and rockeries. The gold- medal novelties of the year are Mrs. J. Campbell Hall, shown by Dr. J. C. Hall, Monaghan ; Mita Weldon, Alex. Hill Gray, and Dr. O'Donell Brown, by Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons, Newtownards ; Lady Alice Stanley and His Majesty, shown by Messrs. McGreedy & Sons, Portadown. Others, which have received awards and attracted attention, are Florence Edith Coulthwaite, Geo. C. Waud, Mrs. David Jardine, and Molly Sharman Crawford, all from Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons ; Rosa Wichurai- ana Lady Godiva, Messrs. Geo. Paul & Sons ; Tausendschon, Hobbies, Dereham, and Wm. Paul ; Elaine, Refulgence, White Dorothy Per- kins, B. Cant ; Mrs. E. J. Holland, Mrs. Alfred Tate, and Mrs. Christie Miller, the last three from Messrs. McGreedy & Sons, Portadown. Carnations have been shown at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society, and it is noteworthy that the method of showing the flowers with a proportionate length of their own stems and foliage is preferable to the old-time method. The groups of these beautiful florists' flowers shown by Leopold de Rothschild, Esq., from his gardens at Ascott, Leighton Buz- zard (gr. Mr. Jennings), by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Cutbush & Sons, Mortimer, Burnett, and Douglas were most artistic. Mr. Jas. Doug- ] as, Edenside,' Great Bookham, received awards for Cardinal, Hercules, and Splendour. With Auriculas, Mr. Douglas stands almost alone in the novelty list, having secured awards for Vanguard, Harrison Weir, Mrs. Jas. Doug- las, and Phyllis, at the National Primula and Auricula Society, on April 29, and with Coronet, Mayday, and Mildred Jay, on May 12. Chrysanthemums and Dahlias have received great augmentation by novelties, which have been regularly reported in the Gardeners' Chronicle, and some of the best of them illus- trated. Miscellaneous. — Gladioli, Delphiniums, Py- rethrums, and other showy specialities of Messrs. Kei.WAY & Sons, Langport, have been much in evidence, Gladiolus Golden Measure and G. White Cloud gaining Awards of Merit on September 1. At the same meeting, Messrs. Wallace & Co., Colchester, secured similar awards for a new and beautiful strain of Gladio- lus raised between G. primulinus and varieties of G. gandavensis ; also for KniphofiaR. Wilson Ker, K. Goldelse, and Delphinium Progression. Narcissus novelties have also been evolved dur-. ine 1908, but the recognition of distinct new- kinds becomes difficult. Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, showed many good novelties, and secured awards for Dimorphotheca auranti- aca and the dark-coloured Helleborus " Peter Barr." Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, continually shows rare Alpines, Himalayan Rhododendrons, and other rare flowering shrubs, his awards being for Rhodothamnus kamtschaticum, Cam- panula Raddeana, Erica cinerea pygmaea, and Tunica Saxifraga flore pleno. Other exhibitors have brought to notice novelties of varying degree of value. The following new or specially noteworthy plants and fruits have been illustrated in tire Gardeners' Chronicle during 1908 : — Acacia podalyriifolia, Jan. 4, p. n. Acantholimon venustum, Oct. 11, p. 259. Adenium obesum, April 11, p — 'j. Androsacc imbricata, May 30, p. 344. Anlhurium Lauchcanum, April 25, p. 258. Anlhurium Sanderi, Supp., May 2. Apples Feltham Beauty, Sep. 5, p. 178; Red Victoria, Oct. 24, p. 297 ; Renown, Oct. 24, p. 292. Arctosiaphylos manzanita, Aug. 29, p. 163. Asparagus filicinus, Aug. 15, p. 122. Asparagus filicinus Giraldii, Aug. 15, p. 123. Aster Climax, Oct. 2r, p. 308. Auricula Phyllis, May 16, p. 320. Begonia Clibran's Pink, Nov. 21, p. 357. Brachyglottis repanda, July 18, pp. 52-53. Bromelia tricolor, April 25, p. 261. Caladium Centenaire, Supp., April 25. Campanula Raddeana, Aug. 22, p. 139. Carnation Enchantress, Aug. 8, p. 107. Carpenteria cahfornica, Aug. 8, p. 112. Cclastrus articulatus, April 18, p. 242. Cocos nucifera aurea, May 2, p. 279. Codiaeum Fred. Sander, May 2, p. J75. Columnea magnifica, Feb. 1, p. 66. Cyclamen Mont Blanc, April iS, p. 253. Cytisus kewensis, Nov. 7, p. 323. Dahlia Snowdon, Sep. 19, p. Darwinia Hookeriana, April 18, p. 243, Dianthus arboreus, Jan. 25, p. 52. Dimorphotheca aurantiaca, June 6, p. 364. Dipelta ventricosa, Aug. 8, p. 102. Encephalartos Woodii, Supp., May 2. Erylhronium, species of, April 4, pp. 2r2, 213 and 215. Eucryphia cordifolia, Aug. 15, p. 129. Euphorbia, species of, Nov. 28, p. 3:2. Grape Prince of Wales, Oct. 24, p. 301. 1 Sutherlandii, Feb. 29, p. 138. Hrlianthemum roseum, June 27, p. 419. Hillrluandia sandwicensis, Supp., Dec. 13. Huernia brevirostris, Sep. 12, p. 198. Iris Amethyst, June 13, p. 386. Iris gracilipes, Aug. 15, p. 125. Iris tcctorum and var. album, Aug. 22t pp. 142-3. Juliania (new genus; adstringens, Feb. 15, p. 99. Leonotis Leonurus, Feb. 29, p. 139. Lewisia Cotyledon, May 30, p. 342. Libertia grandiflora at Kew, Jan. 4, p. 2. Lopezia lineata, May 9, p. 294. Lupinus arboreus Snow Queen, Nov. 7. p. 324 Malvastrum hypomadarum, June 20, p. 394. Meconopsis sinuata, Sep. 12, p. 202. Melon Eminence, Nov. 14, p. 343. Mesembryanthemum pyropeum. Jan. 18, p. 42. Montanoa mollissima, Supp., Jan. 18. Moraea iridioides, Supp., Feb. 8. Narcissus Evangeline, April 11, p. 22-. Nephrolepis rufescens Mayi ornata, Dec. 5, p. 391. Nigella integrifolia, Sep. 26, p. 227. Nuttallia cerasiformis, with flowers and fruit. April 25, pp. 266-267. Oliveranthus elcgans, Oct. 17, p. 275. Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, Aug. 1, pp. 82-83. Paeonia lutea superba, Supp., July 18. Paeonia Mlokosewitschii, Supp., July 25. Peach Albatross, Oct. 24, p. 294. Pear Blickling, Feb. 22, p. 122. Pereskia Godseffiana. April 2s. p. 260. Philadelphus grandiflorus laxus, Feb. 8, p. 82. Philodendron Ilsemanii, May 2, p. 289. Pinanga Micholitzii, April 25, p. 259. Platytheca galioides, Oct. 24, p. 290. Polystichum angustifolium densum, June 13, p. 3S1 Polystichum falcatum Mayi, May 16, p. 312. Primula malacoides, Dec. 5, pp. 396-397. Primus tomentosus and fruits, May 9, pp. 296-297. Ptychoraphis Siebertiana, Supp., April 25. Rhododendron Countess of Haddington, Mar. 28, p 197. Rhododendron Pink Pearl, July 18, p. 48. Rhodothamnus kamtschaticum, Aug. is, p. 128. Robinia Kelseyi, Dec. 19, p. 427. Rodgersia tabularis, Sep. 19, p. 210. Roses Albatross and Lyon-Rose, Supp., Dec. 5: Alex. Hill Gray, Sep. 26, p. 236; Blush Rambler, July 11, P. 391 Elaine, July 11, p. 20; Lady Alice Stanley, Sep. 26, p. 237; Lady Godiva, July n, p. 25; Madame Plantier at Frogmore, Nov. 21, p. 361 ; Mrs. Ed. J. Holland, Mrs. Alfred Tate, Supp., Dec. 19; T:i-i- sendschon, Supp, July 11: The Garland, July 4, p. 14; White Dorothy Perkins, July n, p. 27. Sempervivum holochrysum, July 25, p. 62. Stapelia Bayfieldii, Aug. 29, p. 168; S. bella, Aug. 29, p. 168; S. flavirostris, Sep. 5, p. 1S8 ; S. gigante"., Sep. 5, p. 182; S. glabriflora, Sep. 5, p. 186; S. Hanburyana, Aug. 29, p. 167 ; S. hirsuta var. depressa, Aug. 29, p. 170; S. hirsuta unguiptlal.i, Aug. 29, p. 169; S. longideiis. Sep. 12, p. 106; S. olivacea, Sep. 12, p. 197 ; S. Pillansii, Sep. 5, p. 187. Stachyurus prsecox, Mar. 28, p. 196. Tropaeolum double-flowered, May 16, p. 311. Viburnum Carlesii, May 30, p. 346. Zephyranthes aurea, June 20, p. 405. — James O'Brien. 20 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [January 9, 19C9. SAXIFRAGA FORTUNE! While the great majority of Saxifragas flower in spring and early summer, there is a small group, consisting of some three or four species, which do not open their flowers until autumn. Perhaps the best-known species belonging to this group is S! sarmentosa, more often grown for its foliage than for its flowers. Of the others, the best is Saxifraga Fortunei (Botanical Maga- zine, t. 5377), which is illustrated in fig. 16 from a photograph taken in the Kew rock-gar- den at about the beginning of November. It was introduced to cultivation from Japan by the tra- veller after whom it is named nearly 50 years ago, and is hardy when planted in sheltered positions. The reniform cordate leaves are lobed, lacinately toothed, and form a rosette, from which arise the stout stems bearing panicles of pure white flowers. These flowers are re- markable for the unequal petals, of which one or more may be twice or thrice as long as the others. The petals, which vary in length from J to 1 inch, are unequally serrated. Although hardy, and capable of flowering outside in favourable seasons, Saxifraga Fortunei succeeds best when grown in a pot and kept under EXPERIMENTS ON THE VALUE OF NITRO- BACTERIA, As all horticulturists know, Nitro-Bacterine is the name given to the preparation of the nodule- organism Pseudomonas radicicola, which we owe to Professor Bottomley, and for which it is claimed that, when applied to the seed of leguminous plants, or to the soil in which such plants are grown, it increases the yield of the crop. Mr. Chittenden, the director of the research station of the Royal Horticultural Society, has published recently (/. R. H. S., xxxiv., November, 1908) the results of an exten- sive series of experiments made at Wisley on the value of this preparation. Mr. Chittenden's paper is prefaced by an excellent review of the history of the progress of our knowledge con- cerning the nitrogen-fixing powers of leguminous plants. Since the history of this subject has already been dealt with in these pages (Gardeners' Chronicle, Dec, 7, 14, 21, 1907) we need not now recapitulate the whole story. Nevertheless, it is essential to make clear, with respect to this subject, what is known with certainty and what is doubtful or conjectural. l^hutograpH by W. living. Fig. i6. — saxifraga fortunei as it flowered at kew in November last. the cover of a cold frame, where it is pro- tected from any frosts that occur about the time when it is in flower. Closely resembling this species, but with a less hairy stem, is S. cortusifolia (Botanical Magazine, t. 6680), which flowers about the same time. The chief difference lies in the petals, which, in this species, are entire. It is a later introduction than S. Fortunei, having been sent home by Maries in 1883 from the cen- tral mountains of Japan, where it is found at a high elevation. Another species, closely resem- bling S. Fortunei, is S. madida, seeds of which were received from Tokio in 1907. This species also has entire petals, but the leaves are more deeply, 8-9 lobed. Broadly speaking, these three plants may be considered as distinct forms of one variable species, for they are all of the same habit, and flourish under similar conditions. Owing to their lateness in flowering, they do not produce seed in the open, but may be readily propagated by division of the crowns in the spring. The other species belonging to the group is S. cuscutaeformis, which may be de- scribed as a miniature S. sarmentosa. W. I. As to known facts : It is certain that most leguminous plants avail themselves of atmo- spheric nitrogen. Unlike the generality of plants, which soon perish unless provided with suitable supplies of coloured nitrogen, legu- minous plants may flourish in the absence of such supplies. It is also known that the power of nitrogen- fixation does not reside in the green plant it- self, but in a colourless micro-organism, the bacterium known under the name of Pseudo- monas radicicola of Beijerinck. This bacterium is a member of the large community of micro- organisms which inhabit the soil. Pseudomonas gains access to the leguminous plant through its roots, multiplies therein and sets up the abnor- mal growth of the tissues of the root which re- sults in the formation of nodules or tubercles. It has been isolated, cultivated in the labora- tory on suitable artificial media, and has been shown under these conditions to bring the free nitrogen of the air into combination with other elements, and so, ultimately, to construct the protein — substances on which its life and growth depend. Quite recently Greig Smith (J. Soc. Chem. Ind., 26, 304, 1907) has shown that, when cul- tivated, apart from the leguminous plant, in an alkaline medium containing saccharine sub- stances, the micro-organism produces a nitro- genous slime. This substance, gum-like in nature, he considers to be that which, when produced by the bacterium in the nodules of the root, is taken up by the cells surrounding the nodules, and so serves as the source of nitrogen to the leguminous plant. That some such series of events occurs in the plant is un- doubted, though the exact nature of the nitro- genous substance produced by Pseudomonas and laid hold of by the plant is not yet known. Further, there appears to be no doubt that Nitro- Bacterine, like its commercial forerunners, is capable of inducing nodule-formation. So much for the undisputed facts ; now we turn to the consideration of what is not certain. It is not certain whether nodule-formation, without which nitrogen-fixation is impossible. necessarily and always means nitrogen-fixation. Greig Smith states, for example, in contra- diction to earlier investigations, that Pseudo- monas occurs not only in the roots but in the stems of leguminous plants, and points out that, in the stem, nitrogen-fixation does not occur, owing to the unfavourable (acid) medium in which the bacterium finds itself. In such situa- tions then, Pseudomonas must not only not be yielding up combined nitrogen to the plant, but must, in some measure, be actually robbing the plant of its nitrogen compounds. This conclusion is supported by the facts that under certain conditions Pseudomonas in pure cultures loses its powers of nitrogen-fixation. In the light of these facts, Pseudomonas ap- pears in a very different character from that commonly ascribed to it. Instead of being an inevitable nitrogen-benefactor, disinterestedly handing over its nitrogen-wealth to its host, the leguminous plant, we see it as an invader which may at one time, and under one set of circum- stances, succeed in plundering the scanty store of nitrogen in the plant, and at another time and in other circumstances, may be subdued by the plant and, domesticated within its tissues, serve as a source of nitrogen to the plant. Just as disease-producing organisms may, under certain conditions, become attenuated and so fail to exert their characteristic effects, just as the fungus responsible for the germination of various Orchids may, in certain circumstances, lose this power (Gardeners' Chronicle, November 14, p. 344), so Pseudomonas may lose its viru- lence of nitrogen-fixation and, though in the plant, it may cease to play the part of a paying guest. It is of no use to point to the success of leguminous plants on poor, uncultivated land in support of the argument that the nodule-organism does supply the plant with nitrogen compounds. The fields of nature's battles are broad and cover many failures. It is not enough to be able to say in favour of Nitro-Bacterine that it may do good. It must be proved that it must do good or at least it must be known that, under such and such precise conditions, it does good. The horticulturist is not practically interested in sterile soils. Those which he labours may not always be ideally rich, but it is doubtful whether they are ever without their own home- made brand of Nitro-Bacterine. It is, therefore, incumbent on any one who advocates the use of artificial cultures of Nitro- Bacterine for horticultural purposes to demon- strate that the bacteria which constitute the essential part of such preparations are more potent agents of nitrogen-fixation than are the races which, as there is every reason to believe, are universally present in ordinary cultivated land. Again, it is not known whether very early in. oculation of leguminous seedlings is beneficial or not. It does not follow that, because seed- ling Peas develop nodules at a very early stage, they will grow into more vigorous plants than they would have done had inoculation followed its normal, more tardy course. January 9, 1909] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 21 If these arguments are admitted, and they could be reinforced by many other considera- tions, it will be recognised that the application of Nitro-Bacterine to horticultural practice can- not as yet be based on scientific knowledge, but only on empiricism. We must either relegate the problem to the laboratory and wait with what patience we may till more is discovered as to the detailed be- haviour of Pseudomonas under rigidly con- trolled conditions, or we must submit Nitro-Bac- terine to the test of experiment and be guided by the results. It must, of course, be admitted that if the horticulturist had to wait, befoie consenting to try new methods, till they had received the im- primatur of the scientist, his advance would indeed be slow. For the scientist has to adopt the laborious practice of unravelling, thread by thread, the intricately tangled skein of Nature. Therefore, it is well that the readier though rougher empirical method — that of giving the thing a trial — should proceed in pioneer fashion in advance of the slow-moving scientific body. But the method of large-scale experiment has its own difficulties, and must be tested by such trials as those carried out by Mr. Chittenden at Wisley. Frederick Keeble, Sc.D. DM. Caylty. (To be continued.) THE ROSARY. CULTURAL NOTES FOR JANUARY. Material used for protection, whether straw, Fern or litter, should be as loose and as dry as possible when applied, as it will then resist the action of severe frost much better. This applies also to drawing up the soil about tender dwarf varieties — if planted against a wall they will re- quire the protection of a mat. As I have before stated, October is the best month to plant most classes of Roses, for the ground is then warm and favours root action long before the top growth is active. In spring-planted Roses the reverse is often the case, the wood breaking into growth first. But in town gardens, where the atmosphere is heavily laden with im- purities, the treei do better if planted in the spring as thev will thus escape much of the dirt and smoke, and the new growths will suffer less injury. The success of spring-planting will be more assured if the land to be planted has been well trenched and manured during the autumn, since this affords the ground time to settle. Moreover, the soil will not be liable to shrink as in the case of planting on freshly-dug ground. Dwarf-budded Roses should be planted 2 inches below the union of stock and scion, but previous to this operation all suckers and bot- tom growths should be removed. There is much to be said in favour of employing budded plants rather than those on their own roots, for one year's growth on worked plants will equal that of two years' or more made by varieties grown from cuttings1. Of course, i' these latter plants can be had of equal strength to worked plants there will be no objectionable suckers, for all the shoots will be of the proper variety. Hardy climbing and pillar Roses may be thinned out where the growths are much crowded, re- moving the unripened and weakly shoots. This will permit increased light and air to reach the shoots which are left. The following Roses can be recommended for spring planting and growers can depend on their distinctive char- acter. Hybrid Teas. — Caroline Testout (satin pink), Liberty (bright crimson), Madame Ravary (golden yellow), Madame Abel Chatenay (pink and salmon), Countess Gosforth (pink, suffused yellow), Grace Darling (creamy white), Gros an Teplitz (bright crimson), Florence Pember- ton (creamy white), and Frau Carl Druschki (snow white). Hybrid Perpctuals. — Ulrich Brunner (bright red), Mrs. R. G. Sharman Craw- ford (soft pink), Margaret Dickson (white and pink), Hugh Dickson (brilliant crimson), Prince Camille de Rohan (velvety crimson), Mrs. John Laing (brilliant soft pink), Duke of Edinburgh (bright crimson) and Marchioness of Londonderry (ivory white). Tea-scented varieties. — Madame Hoste (pale lemon), Madame Lambard (salmon), Madame Cochet (rose), Marie van Houtte (yel- low), Mrs. E. Mawley (carmine), Perle des Jar- dines (rich yellow), Souvenir de S. A. Prince (white), Madame Falcot (apricot), Devoniensis (white), and Papa Gontier (rosy-crimson). Forced pot Roses may, at the beginning of the New Year, be given a few more degrees of heat up to and not exceeding 50"J, except when caused by the sun, when the temperature may be allowed to reach 60°, provided that a free circulation of air is maintained and that the syringe is freely used during the day. Should red spider or aphis be troublesome, fumigate forced Roses that have been cut down should be placed in a cool house or frame. This will furnish room for the newly-grafted plants as they are taken from the frames. Another batch of Roses can now be pruned and brought into the cool end of the forcing house for furnishing a succession of flowers. These plants, having plenty of root action, will bear a considerable rise of temperature with abundance of ventilation, but the house should be closed early, leaving the ventilators open a little during the night. Planted-out Roses under glass which have made much progress may be given gentle warmth during the day, with a good circulation of air. A small quantity of fresh air may be ad- mitted at night time also. One good syringing during the day, with a slight damping late in the day, will suffice for the present. /. G. D. it* <{iAK><:"^' FlG. 17. — NEW DESSERT APPLE WILLIAM CRUMP. or vaporise the house towards evening, when the foliage is dry. If mildew appears use " sul- phur-vivum " and soft soap. These should be well dissolved and applied to the hot-water pipes when they are fairly warm. One or two applications will generally suffice to kill the fungus. Towards the end of the month, when the flowers and buds are ready to cut from the earliest batch of plants, there will be a plentiful and continuous supply of green wood for herba- ceous and soft-grafting, which can be used after the flowers are gathered. The dormant graft- ing under glass will now soon cease, and as the earliest-worked plants are taken from the frames their places can be filled by stocks grafted with green shoots until all the stocks, Briar, Manetti, and De la Grifiera? are dealt with. The early APPLE WILLIAM CRUMP. This new variety of dessert Apple was ex- hibited at the last meeting of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, when it received an Award of Merit from the Fruit and Vegetable Committee. It was shown by Mr. W. Crump, of Madres- field Court Gardens, Malvern. It is the result of a cross between Cox's Orange Pippin and Worcester Pearmain. The fruits, as shown, vary a little in form, for, whilst some of them bore a considerable likeness to Cox's Orange Pippin, one fruit in particular had the upper portion cone-shaped, as in Worcester Pearmain. The fruits have much of the high colouring of Worcester Pearmain. In the illustration the fruits are shown of the natural size. <>9 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Janualy 9, 1909. The Week's Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Hariuss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Early vines in pots. — If the vines were started at the beginning of November, the buds should now be breaking freely. Until the vines have safely passed through the flowering stage, be careful not to employ high temperatures at night, especially during cold weather. Should it be necessary to resort to hard forcing in order that the crop may ripen at the earliest possible time, such forcing may be more safely employed when the days become longer and the roots of the vines are more active than at present. Examine the hot-bed, and if it is found that the plunging materials are declining in heat, re- move part of the bed, and afterwards add some fresh stable litter and leaves, mixing the whole together. These materials should have been previously prepared for this purpose, and if this has been done they may be used with greater safety. Extra care is necessary in water- ing until the weather becomes more favourable to growth. At the same time, when a plant is re- ceiving water, fill up the pot twice, that the whole of the soil in the pot may be moistened. Diluted liquid manure and an occasional water- ing with weak soot-water will provide sufficient stimulants until the fruits are set. On fine days the vines may be syringed in the morning and again at noon. The atmosphere should be kept moist by damping the paths and other ground surfaces in the house at frequent inter- vals. When it is necessary to commence disbudd- ing, remove the weakest growths first, and afterwards, when it can be seen which shoots are required to furnish the trellis, the surplus may be also removed. At the disbudding stage, the atmospheric temperature at night may be in- creased to 60° or 65°, according to the weather, but full advantage should be taken of the sun's ray9, admitting air only on the most favourable occasions. Early permanent vines. — Do not be in too great a hurry to remove growths from these vines. Although useless shoots may be rubbed off at once, the general disbudding should be deferred until it can be determined which shoots are likely to develop the best bunches of fruits. In the case of these vines, I always defer the removal of surplus shoots to a later stage than is usual with crops that are not forced so early. If the borders were thoroughly watered before the house was closed, thev should need no more until the vines have passed out of flower; but they must be examined, and, if water is necessary, let it be applied in a clear, tepid state. When there are both inside and outside borders, it is sometimes necessary to place coverings on those outside to carry off excessive rain or snow; but, except in very cold districts, it is not wise to cover the borders with fermenting materials, which are apt to sour the soil. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwel! Park, Kent. Planting an orchard.— Autumn is undoubtedly the best time for planting fruit trees, but cir- cumstances sometimes arise which compel the work to be postponed until the spring. In cases where this has occurred, there is no reason why complete success should not be obtained, pro- vided the work is now taken in hand, and a little extra care is extended to the trees in the event of a period of dry weather coming before they have become established. When a new orchard has to be planted, it frequently happens that the gardener is not able to choose the most suitable site for fruit culture, but has to select a piece of ground convenient to the existing gar- den, and make the best of it. The best site is one sheltered on the north and east sides, lying pretty high, having a gentle slope to the south or south-west, and where the natural drainage is more or less perfect. The soil should be of a deep loam, but if it is not exactly what is required, its condition may be improved by adding various materials. Having selected a site, it has to be decided whether the orchard shall be cultivated for crops or laid down in grass. It is much better to cultivate the ground, cropping it with vegetables or small fruits be- tween the rows of trees. This culture will brins^ in a return the first season for the capital invested, and the trees will afterwards succeed better than if the surface is covered with grass. Suppos- ing the former plan is adopted, the land should be bastard trenched, and, as the work proceeds, thoroughly cleaned of all the perennial weeds. When this is finished and the ground has settled, any addition of wood ashes or lime rubble which may be thought necessary may be made. The ground may after- wards be marked out in rows according to the style of tree to be planted. Half standards, such as trees with stems 3 to 4 feet high, are suitable for this class of plantation ; but if it is intended to graze calves or other animals in the orchard, trees with 6-feet stems will be better. On the exposed and colder side of the orchard, Damson trees may be planted somewhat thickly, following next with Apples and Plums, thus reserving the warmest positions for Pears, in localities where these will succeed. The dis- tance allowed between the trees may vary from 1- to 20 feet, according to the variety and style of tree chosen. The intervening spaces in the rows should be filled with bush fruits, leaving the open breaks to be planted with Potatos and other vegetables, or with small fruits. Strong stakes should be in readiness to secure the trees from damage by winds, immediately after plant- ing. Planting should be carried out as soon as the ground is in a workable condition ; but it is better to delay it for a few days if the soil is wet or pasty. Before planting a tree, shorten any damaged or excessively strong roots in order to encourage the formation of fibres. Plant the trees firmly, and apply a light mulching when the work is completed. I always prune newly- planted trees, but not excessively, merely shortening the shoots until they are 12 to 18 inches long, removing all weak wood, especially any in the centre of the trees. Do not allow such trees to ripen fruits the first season after planting. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elslree, Hertfordshire. Trenching.— I do not advise this work to be practised, in the case of heavy lands, before the New Year ; but where a large area of ground has to be trenched, no time should be lost in pushing forward with the work. I advocate deep cultivation and the working of the soil, wherever possible, to a depth of at least 3 feet. Moreover, it is of the utmost importance that the bottom layer of the soil should be brought to the sur- face and exposed to the influence of the weather, whatever its condition or nature may be. By such treatment, a considerable depth of soil can be quickly converted into a suitable medium for the growing of all kinds of vegetables. There is probably no land more difficult to work in any- thing but the most favourable weather than stiff, retentive clay, having, perhaps, only 2 or 3 inches of surface soil. In order to convert such a soil into good garden mould, considerable perseverance must be exercised. But, assum- ing that the garden has been well drained to the depth of 3 feet 6 inches, the conversion can be brought about in a very few years by deeply working the soil and adding to it various ingre- dients for making it more porous and less ad- hesive. Such a soil is frequently lacking in lime. A liberal surface dressing of this ma- terial will therefore be very beneficial if ap- plied every alternate year. Wood ashes, or ashes from the refuse heap, leaf-mould, road-scrap- ings, soot, and especially old mortar rubble, are other valuable ingredients to mix with such a soil. Burnt ballast, which is generally known as burnt or charred clay, is frequently used for lightening and assisting in draining stiff land ; but I am not persuaded of its good results and consequently am unable to recommend it. Leeks.— In order to obtain the finest specimens of Leeks, it is necessary to sow seeds at once in a gentle heat. Much the same treatment is re- quired as that previously recommended in the case of Onions. Seeds may either be sown in boxes and the seedlings pricked out into other boxes when quite young, or they may be sown in 3-mch pots and potted on as required. For the purpose of getting extra fine specimens during August and September, the latter method is to be preferred. Potatos. — The earliest crop of Potatos in pots should not be unduly forced, but the growths should be kept in an upright position by sup- porting them with neat, bushy sticks. At this season the plants require all the light possible, but not much water. Potatos growing in heated pits should be moulded up directly the shoots are from 3 to 4 inches in length, using a light compost, which has been previously warmed to the same temperature as the atmosphere in the pit, and choosing the warmest part of the day for the operation. A little fresh air should be admitted to these pits each day when the weather is favourable. Plant successive batches of tubers, and see that sufficient stock for suc- cession is laid out to form sprouts in a light position where frost cannot enter. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Dendrobium Wardianum — Plants of this species that have been rested in a cool house, and on which the flower-buds are well advanced, may now be placed in a slightly warmer house. The cool part of the intermediate house will be warm enough for these plants for a week or two, after which time they will require the lightest position available in the Cattleya house. Not. withstanding that the plants are pushing forth new growths simultaneously with the flower- buds, the cultivator must not be tempted to afford them much water at the roots, or the new pseudo-bulbs will grow too rapicly and prevent the proper development of the flower-buds. If the plants are removed from their resting quar- ters and placed in a high temperature, the flower-buds are liable to turn yellow and fall off. Until the inflorescences open, water must be given at comparatively long intervals of time and then not in sufficient quantity to saturate the compost. Dangers of excessive warmth in early stage of flowering. — Beginners in Orchid culture will probably have noticed that for several weeks past some of these plants have been pushing their flower-buds at the extreme nodes of the pseudo-bulbs only, and that the blooms on the back nodes are gradually developing. If these plants had been removed into the warmer house when the first flower-buds appeared, the later would never have developed. These re- marks apply to nearly all of the D. Wardianum hybrids, including D. Aspasia, D. micans, D. Warriiano-japonicum, D. Juno, D. Clio, and D. Euterpe. Very large numbers of Burmese Den- drobiums, including D. Wardianum, D. thrysi- fiorum, D. crassinode, D. primulinum gigan- teum, D. Devonianum, D. Falconeri, and D. Pierardii, are, at this season, being imported into this country, therefore a few notes on their cultivation may prove useful. Treatment of newly-imported plants. — The plants, when received, should be placed in a moderately cool and dry atmosphere. After a few days, they may be potted in pots or pans just large enough to accommodate them for one season. With the exception of D. thrysiflorum, the other species mentioned are all of pendulous habit. For these, shallow pans, or ordinary flower pots, with suitable wire handles at- tached, should be used in order that they may be easily suspended from the roof of the house. D. thrysiflorum succeeds best in pots. The plants, on being placed in the pots or pans, should be made quite firm by placing broken crocks around them up to the rim of the re- ceptacle, and also by tying a few of the pseudo- bulbs to the wires or to neat sticks. The crocks in which the plants are fixed should be well watered two or three times each week, and as soon as root and top growth have started freely, the potting materials may be added. In doing this, take out the crocks to about one-half of the depth of the pot, and refill with a compost of Osmunda fibre and Polypodium fibre in equal parts, cutting the substances up moderately fine, and adding plenty of small crocks to assist proper drainage. Some growers prefer to add Sphagnum moss to the compost, but I find it is immaterial whether moss is used or not. After potting, place the plants in a Warm atmo- sphere, such as is maintained in a Cattleya house, and afford light waterings at first, being careful not to over-water them. As the new- growths gain in strength and roots become plenti- ful, water may be more frequently and liberally given. January 9, 1909] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C, Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Salvia. — As Salvias pass out of flower most of the plants should be destroyed, retaining scarcely more than are sufficient to supply cut- tings for propagating purposes later on. Plants thus kept for stock purposes should be pruned to induce them to make strong, clean growths. When the plants have again started into growth, a few specimens of S. spiendens and its varieties may be potted on to furnish extra large plants. Plants in frames. — As the weather may become colder, provision should be made for protecting plants in frames by means of outside coverings. Field mice are sometimes driven into frames by stress of weather and if they are not detected and trapped will quickly do irreparable damage. Ventilate the frames freely in favourable weather and exercise great care in watering. Encourage the plants growing in these compara- tively cool conditions to become of sturdy habit, and therefore the better able to withstand low temperatures. The conservatory. — Now that most of the late- flowering Chrysanthemums have be-en removed from the show house, there may be a deficiency of bright-flowering plants of fair size. For plac- ing at the front of the groups, or on the side stages, scarlet Tulips are obtainable in abun- dance ; but amongst the taller, forced plants, the paler shades of colours largely predominate. This lack of brightness may be remedied in some degree by the use of tall plants of some of the perpetual-flowering Begonias, such as B. fuchsioides, B. coccinea, and B. gracilis, which flower very freely. Duiing the winter months such Begonias may be exposed to all the light available ; but later, as the sun gains power, they require partial shade. Careful consideration must be given to the ventilation of the house and the watering of the plants, for on most days at the present season the out-of-doors atmosphere is heavily charged with moisture and moisture of this kind is apt to prevent the flowers lasting so long as they would otherwise. At the same time, it is necessary to admit some air to the conservatory each day, and, in the matter of watering, it must be remembered that, whilst it is better to keep most plants on the dry side at this season, yet extremes of dryness must be avoided. Any water that may drain, or be spilt, on the slate or stone pathways must be mopped up at once, for cleanliness in every particular should be rigidly insisted upon in the house where the preservation of flowers is a matter of the greatest importance. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. C«ok, Gardener to Sir Kdmcnd G. Lodkr, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Plants in flower. — Christmas Roses are now gay, and should be afforded some protection from slugs and worms. If soot and lime be mixed in equal quantities and spread around the plants it will answer the purpose. Erica lusitanica is perhaps one of the best of the Heather family, on account of its early and free-flowering character. It grows 6 tb 8 feet high in a short time Chimonanthus fragrans grandiflora is beautiful Against a wall, the plants in the open are only now in bud. Jas- min um nudiflorum is well adapted for walls or pergolas or for training up the stems of trees or on fences. Rhododendron Nobleanum, flower- ing during mild weather, affords a touch of colour which is much appreciated from the present time until March. Bamboos. — These are a fine feature in the dull winter months. They may be planted at the present time if the weather is of a suitable character. Arundinaria anceps is one of the first to feel the effects of a shift, and therefore should be moved some day when the weather is moist. Protection of tender plants. — It should be re- membered that, although certain plants need protection from frost, the protective material should not be applied until the last possible mo- ment, nor should the covering be so dense as to exclude light and air ; for otherwise it would have the effect of making the plants even more ten- der. It is important also that the material should not be allowed to remain upon the plants for a longer time than is absolutely necessary. The material employed should be of a light charac- ter, such as dry Bracken leaves or Heather. Heather may be entwined amongst the branches m such a manner that it will not cause a great weight upon the plants in the event of heavy snowstorms. As the roots of many plants are lnble to surfer considerable injury from frosts, these also should be nrotected with dry peat, leaves, or ashes, applying the material in sufficient quantities to repel frosts. Gunnera manicata should have its crowns wrapped up in dry bracken, or even dry hay and over the pro- tective material may be tied an old leaf belong- ing to the same plant. .This will serve as a sort of waterproof, keeping the crown dry, and therefore less liable to injury. Rhododendron Thomsomi should have some dry material placed around its base and similar treatment is required by many tender species of Rho- dodendron, such as R. aucklandii, R. Edg- worthn, or any hybrids of these species. Crinums should have their tops protected. Dra- caenas need to have their stems bound up. Romneya Coulteri requires protection for its roots. Phormiums not only need to be tied up but some slight protection should be afforded to the roots also. In some districts it is necessary to protect the choicer Tea and Hybrid Tea Roses. Choisya ternata should have some lon^ branches placed ovar it, fixing the branches in the ground. Carpenteria califomica should be Fig. 18. — the making of a bee-hive, 1, base of the hive showing the alighting board at A ; 2, body or brood-chamber; D and C, sides; E, E, iron band on which the upper frame rests; F, position of front of frame ; 3, plan of the angle joints. given some protection over the roots, and simi- lar protection is also needed by the more tender Arundinarias, such as A. falcata, Falconed, A. nobilis, and others. Among Alpine plants, the Androsaces should be kept dry by a handlight or some squares of glass placed over them. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J. W. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Park, London. Acquisition of sites. — If we except the Royal parks and thos9 open spaces over which the public have obtained common rights, which were rendered inviolable by the Act of 1866, all other sites now utilised either as parks or open spaces in the London district have been secured by the municipal authority for London : in the past bv the Metropolitan Board of Works and since 1889 by the later-instituted authority, the London County Council. These authorities have availed themselves of every opportunity of securing vacant land in all parts of the county, and have frequently paid large sums of money for small sites in congested and densely-popu- lated districts. What are distinguished as L.C.C. parks are known as Victoria, Battersea, Brock- well, Peckham, I'insbury, Dulwich, Southwark, Golder's Hill, Avery Hill, Ravenscourt, Spring! field, Waterlow, Ruskin, Kennington, and Myatt's Fields. Each park is in the care of a superintendent who is responsible to the chief officer of the L.C.C. Parks Department. The largest of these parks is Victoria, consisting of 217 acres, and Myatt's Fields is the smallest, being only 14J acres. They are classified ac- cording to size as first, second, third, and fourth class parks. The staff. — Employment is found in the L.C.C. parks for nearly 900 persons, some for the main- tenance of order, but the greater number for the carrying out of park work. It is open to anyone in the gardening department to qualify for pro- motion to the position of a first-class superinten- dent ; but, before promotion can be gained by one of the lower ranks, it is necessary to pass an examination in horticulture. These examinations are undertaken every year by the Royal Horticultural Society. The object of the test is to stimulate observation and interest in all the details of park work, and all those who pass in the first and second classes are given a weekly increase in salary of 2s. or Is. respec- tively. Upwards of 100 young men sat for this examination in January, 1908, and it is probable that there will be more candidates at a similar examination to be held in the course of a few days. The removal of snow. — The recent heavy fall of snow caused considerable work in the parks : snow being so great a hindrance to loco- tion that it is the superintendent's duty to- remove it from the paths as quickly as possible. Carriage drives are best cleared by snow ploughs drawn by horses. Every effort has to be made to clear the snow from all thoroughfares before a thaw takes place, or the paths would remain in a most unsatisfactory condition for a long time. Skating on ice.— For a few days it appealed as if there would be skating on some of the park waters — a recreation eagerly sought after by the public. Everything should be done for the purpose of meeting any emergency that may arise ; fortunately the regulations require the ice to be 3 inches thick before the public is allowed to use it. There are about 24 places under the control of the L.C.C. where skating is per- mitted. Everything is done to render the pas- time available to the greatest number of persons possible, and also to prevent accidents. When skating can be carried on safely the parks re- main open until 10 o'clock at night. THE APIARY. By Chloris. Hive-making. — In order to save trouble when, fitting up hives, it is desirable to make every part of new hives to a standard dimension, for then all the portions will be interchangeable. There are many patterns, all embodying the same idea, but the one illustrated at fig. 18 is one of the best. At diagram 1 is shown the tioorboard. This requires little explanation, as the dimensions are clearly indicated. The portion marked A is the alighting board and, if it is desired, it may be made larger than the dimensions indicated. This would be an advantage during stormy weather, for heavily- laden bees are often blown to the ground when, if the wind is very cold, they perish. The hive should be raised on four legs, so that the floor- board is about 1 foot from the ground. At dia- gram 2 is shown the body of the hive or brood- chamber. The outside walls of this chamber should be made of J-inch boards at the least and, to make the joints watertight, the ends should be doubly rabbeted and nailed, as shown at diagram 3. If the inside pieces (C and D) are 8J inches high, and strips of tin or iron are nailed, as at E, E, so as to stand above C and D about three-eighths of an inch, there will be left a sufficient space for the fingers to be in- serted under the frame-ends when it is desired to remove it. But, besides affording a further grip of the frame, it leaves less space for the bees co propolise and, further, it provides fewer risks of bees getting crushed under the frame-ends. The front of the hive, when fixed at F, should have a passage-way about 10 inches long and f inch high cut out in order to enable the bees to enter. A porch constructed over the entrance to the hive would serve to keep out the wet. 24 THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens oj 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 earlv 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 responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. SATURDAY, JANUARY 9— London Branch B.G.A. lecture on " Garden Cities." MONDAY, JANUARY 11— R.H.S. Examination for Public Parks and Garden Employes. TUESDAY, JANUARY 12— Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Competitive Classes for Grapes. Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. C. D. McKay. on " the French System of Intensive Cultivation"). British Gard. Assoc. Ex. Council meet. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13- Ann. meet. Bolton Hort. and Chrys. Soc. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 38°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, January 6 (6 p.m.): Max. 45° ; Min. 36". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.— Thursday, January 7(10a.m.): Bar. 302; Temp. 44s'', Weather— Fair. , Provinces.— Wednesday, January 6 (6 p.m.): Max. 47° Cornwall and Ireland S. coast ; Min. 35° York. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY— Herbaceous and Border Plants, Liliums, Bulbs, Azaleas, &c, at 12 ; Roses at 1.30, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. WEDNESDAY— Perennials and Herbaceous Plants, Liliums, Hardy Bulbs, &c, at 12 ; Roses and Fruit Trees at 1.30 ; Palms, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, &c, at 5; thousands of mis- cellaneous Bulbs, &c, at 11.30; 776 cases Japanese Liliums at 1, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. The In a recently-published lecture Absorption on " The Absorption of Rain of Moisture and Dew by the Green Parts by Leaves. of plantS)..* prof George Henslow endeavours to disprove the current view that the amount of absorption of water by the leaves of ordinary plants is normally but small. Professor Henslow criticises Duchartre's experiments which showed that, with pot- plants, no water is absorbed by the leaves during the night or that the quantity ab- sorbed is so small as to be negligible ; accord- ing to the former authority, little or no absorption of water by leaves takes place at night except when the leaves are exceptionally flaccid at the beginning of the period of dark- ness. This is a considerable admission. For plant-physiologists would not be disposed to deny on general grounds that wilted leaves of such plants as do not close their stomata in darkness may absorb a certain amount of water from the atmosphere. Professor Hens- low does not appear to have made experi- ments in support of this suggestion, but he thinks that absorption of rain or dew by leaves may take place in the morning. To use his own words, " then, any part that may be the first to become dry will begin to trans- pire and so cause an indraught of dew in any neighbouring spot where it may have been retained ': (p. 169). * Journal of the Royal Horticultural Societv, vol. xxxiv., pt. 2. It is not clear what is meant by " an in- draught of dew " set up in consequence of transpiration. By far the greater amount of transpiration of water from leaves takes place through their stomata, and, in the process of transpiration, water-vapour escapes by diffu- sion from the inter-cellular spaces of the leaf through the stomata into the surrounding air. Now, diffusion is a molecular — and not a mass — phenomenon. It is not possible that the movement of molecules of water-vapour can produce an indraught. Professor Henslow's experiments do not prove his thesis that an ordinary plant in the open absorbs water-vapour, rain, or dew in appreciable quantity. They show that if young shoots or leaves, or even older leaves, the cuticle of which is thin, are dipped in water or wrapped in wet blotting-paper they absorb a certain amount of water. But facts of this kind, which are dealt with in the ordinary text-books, cannot be admitted as evidence of any considerable water- absorptive powers under ordinary conditions. The present position of our know ledge on this subject may be briefly stated. In such parts of plants as are concerned with absorp- tion of water, as, for example, in the rcot- hairs, the layer of water-proofing material (cuticle) present in other parts of the integu- mentary system (epidermis) is wanting. In special cases, for instance, in the leaves of epiphytes such as Tillandsias, where, owing to their situation and to their poorly-developed root-system, it is necessary for the leaves to undertake the work of supplying the plant with water, there are special uncuticularised water-absorbing cells. In ordinary plants a layer of cuticle covers the epidermal cells of the leaf, and with greater or less efficiency, according to the degree of its development, prevents the loss of water from the general leaf surface, thereby confining that loss to that due to stomatal transpiration. We may go further, and say that the presence of rain or dew on the surface of a leaf may in the long run tend to provoke more active transpirati< ~, and so cause actual loss of water. For 11 has been shown that the stomata open more widely when the leaf is actually wetted than even when it is in a saturated atmosphere. If, then, this widely-open state persists for some time after the rain or dew- is removed, transpiration will proceed more rapidly than would have been the case had the leaf not been wetted. Professor Henslow has made a good point in suggesting that wilted leaves may possibly absorb a certain amount of water from the air. We are not aware of any accurate ex- periments bearing on this question and would suggest that it is a subject which, together with the effects of spraying, would well repay careful investigation. We are indebted to Professor Plant- c s Sargent for furthei- in- collecting . ° in China. formation extracted from a letter written by Mr. E. 11. Wilson on October 1 last at Kiating, near Szechuan. " The trip through the wilderness behind Mounts Omi and Wa proved fairly profitable, but, owing chiefly to bad weather, hard and uncomfortable. Above 4,000 feet altitude the country is of limestone formation. As is usual with this rock, it is much broken up, forming steep cliffs and crags which present wild and savage scenery. Charcoal burners have destroyed all the forest, leaving in its place a dense jungle of shrubs ; above 7,000 feet (to 10,000 feet) Bamboos form one absolutely im- penetrable thicket. Nothing is more dishearten- ing to a botanical collector than these Bamboo jungles. Practically nothing can grow in them but Bamboos. There is no traversing them, save by the recognised paths, unless there is time to cut a new track, and if there is the slightest rain falling at the time one is drenched through by the overhanging culms. " I ascended the famous Mount Wa-wu, un- visited previously by any foreigner, but was very disappointed. The summit is only 9,200 feet alti- tude, undulating and park-like, clothed with a dense jungle of Bamboo scrub with Silver Fir and a few Tsuga interspersed. This mountain is sheer on all four sides for fully 4,000 leet. We ascended by a precipitous path up the 1101th- north-east angle. Formerly magnificent trees of Magnolia, Davidia, Tetracentron, /Eseulus, Betula, Acer, and Castanopsis were abundant on this mountain, but now only mere shrubs and the stumps of felled giants remain. Iron, copper, and lead are common in this region, and it is the making of charcoal for the smelt- ing of these ores that has caused the total de- struction of all forest trees. Even the soft- wooded Silver Fir is now used in making char- coal for lead-smelting. Had the weather been better, one might have got some enjoyment out of the trip. But wet through day after day, with bedding and clothing drenched, sleeping in the filthy dilapidated huts of the charcoal burners at night, and er.veloped by dense mists nearly every day with a perspective limited to a radius of 40 yards, enjoyment was out of the question. " By dint of much exertion I managed to secure quite a number of seeds, and also a cer- tain amount of herbarium material. I saw many trees of Silver Fir and Tsuga, and also a few Spruces, but not a single new cone could I discover. I am afraid we shall have but poor luck this year in the matter of Conifers. " Details of the seeds forwarded are given in the lists enclosed, but as some are of ex- ceptional interest, a few extra details may be acceptable. Of Lonicera, several species are sent. Without instituting comparisons, Loni- cera No. 942 and L. subsqualis may be in- stanced as of unusual interest. The No. 942 is possibly one of the forms of the variable L. hispida, but the flowers are enor- mously large, creamy yellow in colour. It in- habits thickets on Mount Wa, and is only known to me from this one locality. L. subaequalis is one of Rehder's new species ; the fruits, which are red, globose, the size of a small Pea, and somewhat glandular, were heretofore unknown. I have sent several species of Sorbus — all in- teresting, but Nos. 874 and 941, on account of the curious colour (pale purple) of their fruit, are more than ordinarily so. " The pubescent form of Idesia polycarpa (No. 962) has been given varietal rank by Dr. Diels. It occurs at higher altitudes than the type ; un- fortunately, there are very few seeds. The Schizandras are all ornamental in fruit, and No. 921, with large, rich maroon flowers and scarlet fruits a foot or more long, is very fine. " Styrax (No. 884) is a very pretty species, forming a bush 4 leet high, with small leaves and ivory-white flowers. I enclose a fragment of this Styrax and also a flower and leaf of Clematis No. 868. This latter is the largest- flowered Clematis in the West of China and possibly in the whole of the country. It is evi- dently allied to C. montana, but, to my mind, distinct. The flowers are white — 2 to 3 inches across, solitary, axillary, on stout peduncles 4 to 6 inches long. " The Piptanthus (No. 885) forms a bush 3 to 6 feat high, and has rich, golden-yellow flowers. January 9, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. From 'the altitude at which it occurs (7,500 to 10,000 feet) it should be hardy. It is finer than P. nepalenMs. " Seeds of a number of species of Actinidia have been sent, and I should like to say a word in favour of this genus. The four or five Japanese species in cultivation in England of this genus are regarded as doubtfully hardy, and of very little horticultural value. A. chinensis, introduced by Messrs. Veitch, has so far failed to do itself full justice; but, in the years to come, I believe it will be one of the finest orna- mental climbers in cultivation. In the west here, and to a lesser degree in Hupeh, there are many kinds of Actinidia, several of them un- described. With their wealth of fragrant flowers, snow-white, salmon-red or yellow, Acti- nidia, with Clematoclethra. make the finest dis- play of any scandent shrub in the vest. The flowers are borne in myriads, and their fra- grance is an additional attraction: The fruits of all are edible, and some, notably A. chinensis and A. No. 934, are delicious. A difficulty to the classifier- and a drawback from the culti- vator's point of view is the fad of, the flowers being polygamous: However, in spite of this, I believe there is a future for these climbers, and I hope the Chinese species will be more amen- able to cultivation than the Japanese appears to have been. "Closely allied to Actinidia is the compara- tively new genus Clematoclethra. Of this genus seeds of three species have been sent. What has been said in regard to the ornamental value of Actinidia applies equally to Clemato- clethra, save that the fruits, though succulent and edible, in this latter genus are of little value. An interesting feature (shared by one or two species of Actinidia also) is that a large percentage of the ordinary foliage leaves are constantly snow-white, becoming pinkish with age. A light, well- drained soil, rich in decayed leaves and a sunnv position, where they can remain undis- turbed for years, are the essentials for the suc- cessful culture of both Actinidia and Clemato- clethra. "In addition to Magnolia villosa, of which I hope to send more seeds and a note later, seeds of one, possibly two, new species of Magnolia have been forwarded. The?e latter are large trees with ovate to obovate leaves, densely pubescent below. The fruits are irregular in shape, resembling those of M. Yulan, but much stouter. The flowers are unknown to me, but the country-folk describe them as rosy-pink." Our Supplementary Illustration repre- sents a hybrid Nepenthes, raised by Messrs. James Veitch 88 Sons, from a cross between N. sanguinea and N. Curtisii superba. The plant was exhibited by the raisers at the meet- ing of the Royal Horticultural Society on Sep- tember 29, 1908, when the Floral Committee granted it a First-class Certificate. The pitchers of N. Dr. John MacFarlane have a shape similar to those of N. Curtisii, and are about 7 or 8 inches long. The tone of the body of the pitcher is brownish- red and there are splashings of a deeper colour, which add additional beauty. The in- terior of the pitcher, just below the handsome rim, is bright green, with frequent purple markings. The leaves are very broad, measur- ing as much as 5 or 6 inches across, a width greater than in the foliage of either parent. The plant bore five large pitchers and several smaller •ones. Horticultural Club. — The next house dinner of the club will take place on Tuesday, January 12, at 6 p.m., at the Hotel Windsor. The Rev. Canon Hoesley will deliver a lecture ■on the "Flowers of Switzerland," which will be illustrated by unpublished slides of the peo- ple and scenery of the Bernese Oberland. The Nicholson Library. — Many of our readers will be interested to know that the books which belonged to the late George Nicholson-, F.L.S., V.M.H., will be offered for sale at Messrs. Sotheby & Company's Rooms on Fri- day, the 15th inst. The first lot is numbered 617. It will be offered at 1 o'clock p.m. There are 66 lots. Changes at Kew.— On the retirement of Mr. W. Botting Hemsley, F.R.S., from his official position in the Royal Gardens, Kew, Dr. Otto Stapj, F.K.S., has been appointed Keeper of the Herbarium. Mr. C. H. "Wright, A.L.S., is now the Chief Assistant in the Phanerogamia. The Selborne Society. — We are informed that this society has revived the old title of its magazine, which will henceforth be called The Selborne Magazine (and'Ka I ), and will be published by Messrs. George Philip & Son, Ltd., of 32, Fleet Street, E.C. All, communi- cations with regard to the society should be addressed, as heretofore, to the Honorary Gen- eral Secretary of the Selborne Society, 20, Han- over Square, London. Public Park for Lurgan. — Public com- petition having been invited for plans for laying out 72 acres of land as a public park for the town of Lurgan, Co. Armagh, we are informed that Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons have been awarded the first premium, and that their plan is accepted by the council. The " Botanical Magazine." — The January number of the Botanical Magazine contains il- lustrations and figures of the following plants : Encefhalartos Barteri, tab. 8232. — This tropical African species is described by Lt.-Col. Prain. It was originally met with during Dr. Baikie's Niger Expedition of 1858, when it was collected by the late Mr. C. Barter, " three miles south of Jebu on the Yorubua side." The species is described as resembling E. villosus. Its value for cultivation in this country appears at present undetermined, it being stated that at Kew the plants have rarely more than three leaves, and although carefully grown in a moist tropical house, only one of the stems has pro- duced a cone. The largest stems ever received at Kew have not exceeded a foot in height. The female cone figured is one of a number received from Labo Labo on the Volta, early in 1908, having been sent by Mr. J. Anderson. A male cone collected by Barter is also depicted. Angadenia nitida, tab. 8233. — This Apocyna- ceous plant has been known as Echites nitida, Odontadenia nitida, O. cordata, &c. In Miers' Monograph of the genus Angadenia, he included 26 species, but Dr. Stapf proposes to treat Angadenia in a narrower sense, limiting the name to a smaller group of forms more or less resembling A. nitida. The restricted genus includes Miers' species A. hypoglauca, A. coriaoea, A. elegans, and A. geminata, and appears to be confined to North-eastern Brazil, Guiana and Trinidad. A. nitida, which extends from Para, through Guiana to Trinidad, was received at Kew in 1906 from the Trinidad Botanic Gardens, where it was known as Echites neriandra. It grows freely in the tropi- cal house at Kew, extending its shoots for several yards along the rafters under the roof. It flowers freely in July, and has the appear- ance of a small-flowered yellow Dipladenia. It is described as a useful plant for clothing a pillar in a tropical house. Eria rhynchostyloides, tab. 8234. — This new species was originally described in the Gar- deners Chronicle for November 30, 1907, page 370, by Mr. James O'Brien. The figure now published in the Botanical Magazine, like the original description in our own pages, has been prepared from a plant which was presented to Kew in 1908 by the Hon. Walter Rothschild. Clerodendron ugandense, tab. 8235. — This species is described as differing from C. myri- coides as figured in the Botanical Magazine, tab. 5838, in having much shorter, semi-orbicular calyx-lobes, a shorter corolla-tube, and larger, more deeply-coloured corolla-lobes. Seeds of C. ugandense were received at Kew in 1906 from Mr. M. T. Dawe, who had collected them in Voi, Uganda, 2,000 feet above sea level. The plants have grown freely in an intermediate house, quickly forming shrubs 2 to 3 feet in height, with long, slender, leafy branches termi- nated by loose racemes of blue flowers. Young plants raised from cuttings formed of the young shoots flowered freely in October. The species is recommended as a winter-flowering decorative greenhouse shrub. LONICERA Giraldii, tab. 8236.— Seeds of this new species were first obtained by Mr. M. L. de Vilmorin from Szechuen in 1899, and with whom it first produced flowers in 1903. The figure has been prepared from specimens re- ceived from Messrs. Vilmorin-Andrieux in 1908. Although very nearly allied to L. acuminata, a Himalayan species, this Chinese plant, Mr. Hutchinson points out, is readily distinguished by the somewhat narrow leaves, which are clothed on both surfaces with a yellowish, some- what stiff indumentum. The flowers are about 1 inch long, the corollas red, and the fruits glo- bose and purplish-black. Orphan Fund Dinner. —The Duke of Rutland will preside at the forthcoming festival dinner of this fund. Owing to a printer's error last week, it was announced that the Duke i 1'ortland would preside. Seed Firm Employes Dinner. — The annual dinner of the employes of Messrs. Dickson & Robinson, Seedsmen, Manchester, took place on December 22, at the Victoria Hotel, Man- chester. Mr. Robinson, the senior partner, occupied the chair. The gathering afforded op- portunity for the presentation of a timepiece, subscribed for by the employes, to Mr. W. P. Robinson, marking the occasion of his recent marriage. " My Garden Diary." — This dainty annual, published by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, contains excellent reminders of the work to be done in the various departments of the garden during each month in the year. These are based upon actual experience, and may be relied upon by amateur growers, whilst they will refresh the memory of professional gardeners. Space is left for the insertion of memoranda, and alto- gether the pamphlet is a most desirable com- panion for the gardener. The issue for 1909 has a cover beautifully illustrated with blue, pink, and white Cinerarias. Agaricus elvensis. — Dr. M. C. Cooke, in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, describes the reappearance of specimens of Agaricus elvensis, a species of Mushroom re- ceived by the late Rev. M. J. Berkeley in 1865 from Wales. This species appears to have a predilection for the neighbourhood of Pear trees, for twice in Dr. Cooke's experience it has turned up in gardens in which fragments of the Agaric had been thrown, and in both cases it made its appearance under the drip of a Pear tree. Dr. Cooke expresses the hope that there may be a future in store for Agaricus elvensis, whose esculent qualities, he says, are excellent. 26 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [Januaky 9, 1909. A Large - flowered Ipomcea. — Mons Chadaud, writing in the Revue Hprticole, draws attention to the fine Convolvulaceous plant, Ipomoea mexicana. Unfortunately, the blos- soms only open late in the afternoon and close on the following morning, but the delicious per- fume, and the large size of its white flowers (6 to 8 inches in diameter) when they are open, compensate in a great measure for their shyness during the greater part of the day. The plant was described in 1854 by Verlot, from the Botanic Garden at Grenoble. It is a tender plant, though it succeeds in the open in the south of France. In suitable conditions, it is a vigorous grower, and the flowers are said to be useful for cutting. Publications Received.— Fourth Report of the Board of Commissioners of Agriculture and Forestry of the Territory of Hawaii, for the year ending December 31,1907. (Honolulu: Bulleton Publishing Co.)— Kew Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information, Appendix I. — 1909. Containing list of seeds of hardy herbaceous plants and of trees and shrubs. (London : Wyman & Sons.) — Transactions of the Royal Scottish Arbor i- cultural Society, January, 1909. Vol. XXII., Part I. (Edinburgh : Douglas & Foulis, Castle Street.) Price to non-members, 3s. — Contributions from the Botanical Laboratory of the University of Pennsylvania. Vol. III., No. 2. A comparative study of the genus Pentstemon, by Louis Krautter, B.S., Ph.D. (Phil- adelphia: The John C. Winston Co., 1,006-16, Arch Street.) — The Estate Magazine (January). Price 6d. — Beautiful Flowers and How to Grow Them (Part 6). Edited by Horace J. and Walter P. Wright. (London : T. C. & E. C. Jack.) Price Is. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. SOME NEW FRENCH CHRYSANTHE- MUMS. The Chrysanthemum is more popular in France than ever now and there are more raisers than at any time during the past 25 years. At the exhibitions at Tours and at Paris, seedling Chrysanthemums were shown in great quantity. Many of these varieties would have been warmly welcomed by our own growers 15 years ago. But with the present keen competition there is little chance for any raiser who has not already made a name in this country introduc- ing his novelties into Britain. There is prac- tically no room for him unless he specialises in the decorative or early-flowering section. Amongst the raisers of large exhibition flowers there is practically only one name to be considered : that of M. Ernest Calvat. American, French or Belgian growers who cul- tivate the popular autumn flower for exhibition are still in a large measure dependent upon M. ( alvat for all that is newest and best in the way of novelties, and with good reason. In England the other French raisers, except- ing M. Aug. Nonin, whose chief work has been amongst the decorative section of the flower, have had no chance of obtaining a footing. M. Calvat's displays, both at Tours and at Paris this year, were quite up to his usual standard. At the former place they gained one of the leading awards, and at the latter a Grand Prix d'Honneur and 18 First-class Certificates. I have compiled a selection which includes the best of those which will be put into commerce. Belle Estezcllc. — A large Japanese variety with long-spreading florets, very full and double : colour a shade of rich golden yellow. Calvat iqoS. — A Japanese variety with rather broad florets, the tips incurving slightly in- wards. The bloom is very full, compactly formed and of great size and substance. The tone is a beautiful, bright rosy-amaranth with a silvery reverse to the florets. Paul Delaroche. — Another Japanese Chrysan- themum of large dimensions ; the florets are of medium size, twisted and intermingling. It is a very compact and closely-built flower, with a pearly-blush colour slightly tinted and shaded with lilac-mauve. Le Maroc. — A large Japanese variety of the Edwin Molyneux type, with very broad florets lightly pointed at their tips. The inside of the florets is of a rich, bright crimson : the reverse side is golden. Ulysse La.'font. — Japanese, a large bloom, with rather narrow florets, and very full and double. It is a very close, compact flower of massive proportions, the colour being ochre-yellow shaded golden apricot. It forms an effective and distinct variety. Henry Decault. — Also of the Japanese type and of fine form. The blooms are densely packed with long florets forming a spreading flower of striking effect. The tone is a very delicate and rich shade of pale rosv-amaranth. of a medium size, arranged compactly, forming a deep solid flower of massive appearance. Col- our pure white slightly tinted. Thamara. — A very close, compactly-formed Japanese variety, having florets of a medium size. The colour is purplish-mauve with a re- verse of silvery pink. Cularo. — This also is a Japanese variety, the florets being rather broad. The flower is lull, double and large in size, the tips of the florets being pointed. The colour is chestnut-yellow. Alceste. — A fine Japanese bloom of great merit. The florets are of medium size and of a good length. It forms a big, solid, do;.:', '.e flower. The colour is pale yellow. Fig. 19. — cycnoches with male and female flowers: the male flowers in the long raceme; the female flowers in the short spike. (See page 27.) Ferdinand de Bievre. — A Japanese Chrysanthe- mum with florets of great width. It forms a rather finely-built flower of spreading form. The colour is pale yellow. This variety was one of the biggest shown by this raiser. Heine Fiammetle. — A Japanese variety of large size. The medium-sized florets form a reflex- ing Japanese bloom of the old type. The colour is a pale rosy-amaranth with purplish shading. Thais. — A Japanese bloom of medium size and very deep and globular in build. The nar- row florets are richly shaded a chestnut-crimson with a golden reverse. Miarka. — An old type of incurved Chrysan- themum. The big blooms have grooved florets Mine. Travouillon. — A very large Japanese variety, shown in fine form at Tours. The long spreading petals are numerous and double to the centre. The colour is a bright lilac rosy- mauve. Belle Trouchoise. — Another Japanese variety with very long florets. A big, imposing bloom, very effective in its rich shade of reddish sal- mon-rose and reverse of gold. Cecilia Monteil. — A large, solid bloom of the Japanese type and with very long florets. The colour is pure white, but towards the outer edge it becomes shaded with pale purple. Rev. W. G. Sharpin. — Of the Japanese section and with grooved florets. It forms a flower of JAM AlU 9, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. the greatest possible size and substance. The inside of the florets, which are of good breadth, are coloured a dull shade of old rose with a reverse of golden yellow. Dr. Nicolas. — A laige Japanese variety with rather broad, flat florets. The colour is deep purplish-violet with a silvery reverse. Rachel VAibe. — A Japanese bloom of large size, with rather long, narrow, twisted and in- termingling florets curling at their tips. It is a deeply-formed flower, the colour being white slightly tinted with green in the centre. Mme. E. Bonnefond. — Another huge Japanese Chrysanthemum of much merit and forming a graceful, reflexing flower, very full and double. The florets are of a medium width. Colour a rich golden apricot passing to golden yellow. General Sauret. — Another large Japanese bloom of great solidity and depth. The medium- sized, grooved florets are curly at the tips. This variety is of great promise. The colour is rich golden yellow. Souvenir de Mme. Gagnaire. — A Japanese Chrysanthemum of the largest dimensions with verv long florets which are of a medium width. The tone is a bright pinkish-rose with a reverse of silver. Claudius Denis. — A very deep, medium-sized flower of the Japanese type with narrow florets. The colour is a rich golden yellow. C. Harman Payne. CHRYSANTHEMUM FRAMFIELD PINK. During the past two seasons this Chrysanthe- mum has been of a very poor colour in these gardens, and I should like to know if any other gardener has experienced the same difficulty with it. I obtained last spring a fresh stock of plants, which were treated in the way usual with other late Chrysanthemums. I find the variety W. Durkham a most useful late Chrysanthemum as a bush plant. It is •f a colour greatly appreciated at this time •f the year. R. Richards, The Hermitage Gar- dens, Holmes Chapel. CHRYSANTHEMUM VIOLET LADY BEAUMONT^ This variety, raised some five years since, is never seen in a competitive stand of Japanese flowers, to which class it belongs ; but as a late- flowering sort for Christmas decoration it is distinctly valuable. In sprays of half-a-dozen or so nice blooms on stiff stems, its rich surface colour of crimson and reverse of chestnut are distinctly effective. E. M. CYGNOGHES M1CULATUM. Our illustration at fig. 19 represents Cyc- noches, which Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. ob- tained as C. pentadactylon (fig. 20), but which is doubtless Cycnoches maculatum, a species which has appeared in gardens frequently of late, some- times under the name of C. peruvianum. The illustration is from a photograph kindly sent by Messrs. Low. The feature pointed out by them is that the specimen bears both male and female flowers. A similar plant, how- ever, which flowered with Messrs. Low, was acquired by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., whose Orchid grower, Mr. W. H. White, concludes that the larger flowers are of Cycnoches chlorochilon ; and that, however closely united they may appear to be, the two species are growing together. Considering that both species are found in Nature in juxtaposi- tion, this is very probably the case. The dis- similarity in the male and female flowers of Cycnoches, which are sometimes produced separately, and sometimes on. the same inflor- escence, bas provided a botanical pu.'zle for many years. From time to time fresh evi- dence on the subject has been secorded i:i the columns of the Gardeners' Chronicle. But still much remains to be known both as to the speci- fic distinctness of some of the allied forms and as to the true character of their sexual forms. Cycnoches Egertonianum in the male form produces a long raceme of purple flowers, and the variety viride has pale green flowers ; but in 18-13 there appeared at Westonbirt, then, as now, famous for its Orchids, an example in which the raceme bore flowers which were purple in some cases, green in others, and in one instance mottled green and purple. A plant of Cycnoches, Warscewiczii also flowered with both sexes present in 1879. We reproduce the illustration of this plant in fig. 21. No more interesting class of plants than the Cycnoches can be found by reason of the won- Fig. -20. — cycnoches pentadactylon. A, male ; B, female flowers. derful peculiarities of their floral structure. It is, therefore, to be hoped that the genus will be given the place it deserves in collec- tions and that structural peculiarities will be noted and communicated. Species of Cycnoches, best known by the less variable Swan Orchid (C. chlorochilon), grow well with the allied Catasetums and Mormodes in an intermediate or Cattleya house. They are best suspended in baskets or Orchid pans, and should have a well-marked growing season with plenty of water at the roots, and a thorough resting season when water must be withheld after the mature pseudo-bulbs Show, by the turning yellow ol the leaves, that active growth for the season is finished. From thai time, until growth commences again, the plants should be given a rather lower temperature. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. The start with the hot-beds has been delayed by the snow and cold weather which have also been the cause of stopping the growth of the young Lettuces. As soon as the weather permits we shall start the hot-beds for Radishes, Let- tuces and Carrots. The dry manure has been spread over a very large surface of the soil. The beds wiil be made 18 inches thick, and will be composed half of hot manure and half dry manure. As soon as the beds are ready the frames are set level and 2 inches deep of dry manure is placed inside, with soil in sufficient quantity to fill the frame to within 2 inches of the top. The soil is levelled and raked over as finely as possible and before the sowing of the seeds it is pressed down by means of a flat board. Some growers sow as many as 100 seeds of Early French Breakfast Radish in each light ; but others object to this, since, when sown so thickly, the Radishes require ventilation at a time which is injurious to the Lettuces. We sow 250 seeds of Carrot Early Parisian in each light, and not more, for if the proper quantity of seeds is sown the plants will require no thinning in March. The seeds are covered very thinly with finely-sifted soil and the beds are again pressed down by means of a flat board. They are left for two or three days till the heat comes through the seed-bed into the frame, which may be known by the glass becoming dry. The little Black Gott Lettuces are then taken from their winter quarters, and after removing all decayed leaves, rejecting any plants which show signs of red rust or mildew, 35 Lettuces are put in each light. The lights are afterwards kept closed. If frost' seems probable, the lights are covered with mats. If the cold frames and the lights have been put in position before Christmas, seeds of Early French Breakfast Radish may at once be sown. The planting of Passion Lettuces may fol- low, 25 plants being put under each light. If the variety of Lettuce to bo cultivated is that known as Little Black Gott, it will be better not to plant until the end of the present month. When a succession of salads is required, a few seeds of Cos Lettuce White of Paris or Cabbage lettuce All the Year Round may be sown on the hot-beds among the Carrots ; but if larger quantities are needed, a small bed of three lights or more can be made up for the purpose. In the gardens around Paris, large quantities of Radishes being constantly in demand, some growers place a layer of 5 or 6 inches of manure on the ground, cover it with 2 inches of well- decomposed manure, and sow seeds of the early Radish already mentioned. The only pro- tection afforded is that given by mats, which are supported by wire or sticks. These are only used if frost is anticipated. P. Aquatias. THE AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS ACT, 1908. REMARKABLE INNOVATIONS. (Concluded from p. 12. J Freedom of Cropping. The new law which is laid down under this head represents perhaps the most remarkable of any of the provisions of the new Act. As regards freedom of cropping and disposal of produce, the new law overrides not only any custom of the country, but even any agreement made between landlord and tenant. In future, the tenant is to have full right to practise any system of cropping he chooses on his arable land and to dispose of the produce grown by him without incurring any penalty for depart- ing from the old practice of leaving certain produce on the land. As is often the case, he may have entered into the most solemn promises with his landlord to grow various crops in rotation for the benefit of the land. All these solemn promises now become null and void, subject only to 28 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1909. certain qualifications, the principal of which are as follows : — 1. The tenant must make adequate pro- vision to protect the land from injury or de- terioration. In the case of disposal of the produce, this "adequate provision " is to con- sist of the return to the land of the full equivalent manurial value of all crops sold off or removed when in so doing the tenant is acting contrary to the custom of the coun- try or to his agreement with his landlord. 2. In cases where the tenant has a lease for some years, he must not crop the land or dis- pose of the produce in such a manner as to be contrary to his obligations as mentioned above during the year before his tenancy ex- pires. If he holds only from year to year he must not so act either during the year before he quits the land or at any time after he has given or received notice to quit. 3. If the tenant actually injures the holding or is likely to do so by thus acting, the land- lord may recover damages, and, if necessary, obtain an injunction restraining the tenant from further injuring the land ; and if the par- ties cannot agree on the amount to be paid for the damage, this is to be fixed by arbitra- tion. 4. Where the tenant carries out certain im- provements merely for the purpose of avoid- ing injury to the land, which would otherwise result from his acting in the arbitrary manner above explained, he is not to be entitled to compensation for these improvements. 5. The landlord may still insist on the tenant carrying out an undertaking given by him not to plough up grass land. Compensation foe Disturbance. We now pass to another important innovation which seems calculated to pave the way towards " fixity of tenure." Hitherto, when the owner of land has let his property to a tenant for a fixed period of years, he has naturally expected to get back possession of his land at the expira- tion of the agreed term. From the legal point of view this certainly appears to be reasonable enough ; but it has been urged that certain land- lords have sometimes exercised their rights very harshly in refusing to renew a tenancy, especi- ally in the case of yearly tenants. The new Act therefore provides that if " without good and sufficient cause and for reasons inconsistent with good estate management " (whatever that may mean) a landlord (a) puts an end to a tenancy by giving the tenant notice to quit or (b) refuses to grant a renewal of the tenancy in cases where the tenant has made a written re- quest for such renewal at least one year before the tenancy would expire in the ordinary course ; or (c) demands from his tenant an increased rent on account of an increase in the value of the premises owing to improvements which have been executed by the tenant or carried out at his cost (and for which the tenant has not re- ceived some equivalent benefit from the land- lord), then the tenant, if he leaves owing to any of these causes, is to be entitled not only to compensation for his improvements, but also for the loss or expense which he may thus unavoidably incur in connection with the sale or removal of his hous ods or his imple- ments of husbandry or his produce or his farm stock. The tenant cannot agree to give up his rights in this respect, as " contracting out " is expressly forbidden. It will be noticed also that nothing is said with regard to the manner in which the expenses of removal are to be esti- mated. The Act does not say whether the tenant is to be allowed just such an amount as might enable him to remove into a neighbouring farm, market garden, parish or county, or whether he may claim for the cost of removing from one end of England to the other. There are, how- ever, certain steps which the tenant has to take before he can claim expenses of this nature, namely : — 1. lie must give the landlord a reasonable opportunity of valuing the stock. 2. lie must give the landlord written notice of his intention to claim compensation, and must be careful to do this within two months after he has received notice to leave or after the landlord has ] Fi sed to renew the tenancy as the case may be. 3. In addition to giving notice of his in- tention to claim as mentioned in item No. 2, the tenant must also make his formal claim for compensation within three months after leaving the property. 4. Where the tenant, with whom a contract of tenancy was made, has died within three months before the date of the notice to quit, or before the landlord has refused to renew the tenancy, his executors, legatees, or next-of- kin, as the case may be, cannot demand any compensation for disturbance. Before leaving this subject, it may be pointed out that, owing to slovenliness in the wording, numberless disputes are likely to arise in de- ciding as to whether the landlord has turned out his tenant or refused to give him a newj lease " without good and sufficient cause and for reasons inconsistent with good estate man- agement " so as to entitle his tenant to claim this compensation for disturbance. What is precisely meant by this vague wording will have to be decided by the law courts, and an enor- mous amount of litigation is likely to result un- less an Explanatory Act is speedily passed. For this the draftsman of the Act can scarcely be held responsible, as the words were inserted by way of compromise during the debate in the House of Commons when the Land Tenure Bill came up for discussion in 1906. Repairs to Buildings. In addition to compensation for the erection or enlargement of buildings, a tenant will in future be entitled to claim for repairs to such buildings provided the buildings are necessary for the proper cultivation or working of the land, and provided also that these repairs are not such as the tenant is already under an obligation to execute. The tenant is not obliged to obtain the landlord's consent before execut- ing such repairs, but is nevertheless obliged to give him written notice of his intention to exe- cute them so as to give his landlord the option to carry them out within a reasonable time in- stead of allowing the tenant to do so. Record of Condition. In the case of any tenancy entered into after January 1, 1909, either the landlord or the tenant may, at the commencement of the tenancy, require a record to be kept showing the condi- tion of the fences, gates, roads, drains, ditches and cultivation of the land. This record has to be made within three months after the tenancy commenced, and if the landlord and the tenant cannot mutually agree on nominating a person to make such record, then, on the application of either party, the Board of Agriculture will ap- point a suitable person and, unless the parties otherwise agree, the cost of making the record is to be shared between them in equal propor- tions. Enough perhaps has been said to show that a statute of far-reaching importance is about to come into force. Time alone will show whether its effect will be precisely that which was intended by its promoters, but in any case it must be obvious that the new law demands the very careful consideration of both landlord and tenant. H. M. V. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Christmas at Paddockhurst. — A Christmas entertainment took place at Pad- dockhurst, the seat of Sir Weetman D. Pearson, Bart., on the 30th ult. Tea was provided for upwards of 500 tenants and employes, with their wives and families. The snow being thick on the ground, the aged and very young were conveyed to and from the house by motor- cars. During the afternoon Sir Weetman and Lady Pearson paid a visit to the tea room and said a word to each of those present. Subsequently the company adjourned to the heated motor-house, where a gramaphone con- cert, followed by a cinematograph display, was given. Before leaving for their homes, each of the visitors received a present from the bran- tub. W. The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. — The voting papers issued by the committee of this gardeners' charity show a list of no fewer than 73 candidates for e'.ection. If it is comforting to think that at least 18 out of that very large number will be elected, it is not otherwise than distressing to realise that some 58 out of the total number must be disappointed. Yet no fewer than 58 of the applicants have in the past been subscribers to the institution, or are widows of subscribers. Two candidates apply for the sixth time, three for the fourth time, and 11 for the third time. Fourteen candidates are already credited with more than 2,000 votes and five others have to their credit over 1,800 votes. Hence it will be seen that those candidates whose present totals are much below the latter figures have little hope of success. One applicant is aged 81, and two others are 80 years of age. The list of candi- dates includes 19 widows of gardeners and in only two cas%- were the husbands sub- scribers. Subscriber. Table Decorations. — I was pleased to see Mr. E. Molyneux's comments on the table deco- rations displayed at the November Show of the N.C.S. at the Crystal Palace. The exhibit which was passed by the judges and favourably mentioned by Mr. Molyneux was, in the opinion of many, distinctly better than any other. I do not agree with Mr. T. S. Williams' criticism (p. 451). The flowers were better grown and of a higher class than those in any other ex- hibit and the blending of the colours was charming and harmonious. The flowers were not pressed together and sufficient stalk wa3' visible and the foliage ample and perfect. The white flowers were arranged in silver vases of re- fined pattern. For several years the table deco- rations have been of one stereotyped pattern, es- pecially those found at the autumn shows ; yellow and bronze have been the predominating colours ; and the receptacles in which the flowers have been arranged of the so-called rustic pattern. Re- cently I heard a gardener protesting against the use of these stands or vases, saying that they were only so much tinsel. There is nothing handsome, striking or beautiful in most of the present-day table decorations ; all other con- siderations are being surrendered to the secur- ing of so-called "lightness." \V . J. G. Resting Fruit Trees under Glass. — In his admirable notes on " Fruits under Glass," p. 6, Mr. Harriss points out the need of allowing fruit trees under glass a period of ab- solute rest. In most cases that have come under my observation neither vines nor Peach trees are given the period of rest they require. Ventilation should be ample at all times during that period, even when frost is present. To obviate the danger of the water in the pipes be- coming frozen, the fruit houses here are built in four sections, which embrace early, second early, mid-season, and late houses. They are separately heated from independent boilers, each separate stokehole being provided with two 9-feet boilers. The supply of water to each boiler is also separate. The water of any one system can thus be drained from the pipes by simply drawing a plug fixed over a drain. This can be done as soon as the leaves have fallen, except, of course, where there are late crops still hanging on the trees. The ventilators are thrown open to their fullest ex- tent and no fears are entertained of burst pipes. It is better to have movable roof-lights; .ins, unfortunately, are all fixed roofs. The strongest and best break of vines I ever saw was in a vinery containing Gros Colmar, with a vine of Canon Hall Muscat on either side of the doorwav. The roof of this house was en- tirely removed by high wind in December, 1892, and the vines were left exposed to all weathers throughout the winter, being some- times covered with snow ; the inside borders being often frozen hard. After the roof was replaced, the vines developed strong shoots and the crop of Grapes was exceptional, both in weight and in quality. Pot plants should be wintered in houses suited to their needs and not be allowed to interfere with the proper winter treatment of the fruit trees. A. B. January 9, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 29 Tropical Fruits. — As supplemental to the interesting article on "Tropical Fruits" in the Gardt tiers' Chronicle for December 26 last, I should like to add the following notes. First, with re- gard to the Kaki (Diospyros Kaki), it is satisfac- tory to learn that the fruit travels well from the south of Europe to the London market, as this leads to the hope that the supplies will be larger, so that the fruits may be retailed at a cheaper rate than 8d. to lOd. each. My experience of this fruit does not quite agree with that of Mr. Mac- millan, who says that it has "a peculiar astringent flavour, for which a taste has to be acquired before it can be enjoyed." Some years ago, when the plant was first fruited at Kew, I had an opportunity of tasting it. My description of it at the time was that it had a flavour resem- bling that of the Apricot, with a slight suspicion of the Medlar. It must be remembered that, to eat it in perfection, it must be absolutely ripe, or even in a bletted condition. In a less ripened state the fruit is frequently preserved in syrup by the Chinese and Japanese. Samples of such preserved fruits have been shown End grocers', are, or used to be, sometimes roasted. With regard to the Litches, or Lychee, as it is most generally spelt in the shops, it seems a great pity that we should get only the dried, shrivelled fruits in this country. The "sweet, jelly-like, opaque pulp," described by Mr. Macmillan, has, before it comes into the hands of the English buyer, mostly changed into a black, shrivelled condition, in the centre of which is the big, bony seed. The pulp or aril has, in this state, but little to recommend it be- yond an ordinary Raisin or Muscatel ; but, in the fresh state (in which condition I had an opportunity of tasting it at one of the inter- national exhibitions), it is of a pale pink colour, cooling, refreshing, and of a delicious sub-acid flavour. Specimens of there pulpy arils, deprived of their seeds and preserved in syrup, were shown at the exhibition referred to, thus suggesting capabilities for their preservation and export in syrup, as is now so extensively done with the Pineapple. Referring to the Durian (Durio zibo- thimus), my experience is somewhat limited. Only once have I had a chance of smelling a juice and should not be eaten until it is abso- lutely ripe or bletted. A ludicrous illustration of the necessity of this precaution was witnessed in the colonial market attached to the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in 1886, where more than one consignment from the West Indies was offered for sale. The really ripe fruits were pro- nounced delicious by the purchasers, whilst those who were unfortunate enough to get unripe fruits suffered from the milky juice coagulating with the warmth of the lips and sticking thun together : thus considerable inconvenience to the eater and much fun for the onlookers were pro- vided. This fact of the introduction of the fruit into London may be of interest to Mr. Macmil- lan, who says he is not aware that it has ever been seen in Europe. In conclusion, I may, per- haps, add that sliced Papau is frequently to be found in pickles from tropical countries, intro- duced on account of the papain, as an aid to digestion, as described by Mr. Macmillan. Weather in Cornwall. — In some dis- tricts there appear to have been snowstorms FlG. 21. — CYCNOCHES WARSCEWICZII, WITH MALE AND FEMALE FLOWERS. (See page 27.) at the several international exhibitions, so that the Kaki, or Chinese Date Plum, as it is sometimes railed, might be also in- troduced to the English market in this form, or even crystallised with sugar. The name- Per- simmon, which seems to be the Coved Garden name for it, has apparently been adopted from the North American allied species, D. virgini- ana, the fruit of which is so astringent that it is impossible to eat it until it is dead ripe. A word or two may be added about the Cashew Nut 'Anacardium occidental^, and this, per- haps, by way of a warning, for it is necessary that the kernel should be carefully removed from the hard, brown shell, which contains a power- fully acrid and vesicating oil, becoming black by exposure ; while the oil from the kernel itself is sweet and of a pale yellow colour. The kernels, as occasionally seen in some of the best West- raw, unripe Durian fruit, which was sufficient to prove the appropriateness of one of its names, •' Civet Cat Fruit," and to endorse the following extract from Sir George Watt's Dictionary of the Economic Products of India : " It has a strong odour, considered by Europeans as highly offensive, which resembles that of putrid animal matter, combined with rotten Onions." With these opinions attaching to the fruit, notwith- standing all that has been said on the other side, it will probably be difficult for the Durian to capture the palate of the ordinary Englishman The Sapodilla or Naseberrv lAchras sapota) stands on a different footing from the Durian and deserves all that Mr. Macmillan says of it. It may be added, however, that, as the plant be- longs to the Natural Order Sapotaceae, which is a rubber or gutta-yielding family, it contains, in an unripe state, a proportion of elastic, milky such as have not been experienced for 28 but beyond a little hail and sleet, with 2C of frost on one night, there was nothing here to show that such storms had occurred. Fuchsias are still flowering in the open garden, also Abutilons, Eupatorium glabratum, Calceo- larias, Nicotianas, Roses, Schizostylis coccinea, Ileleniums, Veronicas in variety, Clianthus puniceus, and the white variety ; Cytisus race- mosus, Habrothamnus elegans, which is splen- didly in flower on an east wall ; Solanum jas- minoides, Hydrangeas, Choisya ternata, Pitto- sporum, one or two plants of Rhododendron, and Camellias. This list will show what mild weather prevails in this district. With laggards of one seasi n there are mingled flowers of Polyanthus, Narcissus, Primrose, and Snowdrop. R. IF. Norman, ?leligan Gar- dens, St. Austell, Cornwall, Jan. 5. 30 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1909. Muscat Grapes, &o. — Mr. Mclndoe (see p. 12) strikes the right note in respect to the word- ing of schedules in classes relating to Muscat Grapes. If his advice is followed much friction will be avoided in the future. Then there is that source of perennial trouble, " What are herbaceous plants?" I would suggest that the Royal Horticulaural Society should issue a list of species and varieties that are to be considered as herbaceous plants ; that such lists should be available for purchase by Horticultural societies who have classes for these plants in their schedules ; and that copies of the lists should be handed to judges for their guid- ance (to be returned to the secretary on comple- tion of their duties). If exhibitors in these classes will also purchase the list and exhibit only such plants as are enumerated, much fric- tion will be avoided, and time saved to the judges. J. Tunning/on, Feme Gardens. The Autumn Fruit-Show of the Royal Horticultural Society. — Whatever may be the result of the competitive classes in- stituted this year by the council of the Royal Horticultural Society for fruits and vegetables at the ordinary meetings it is certain that many gardeners and others who have regarded the Autumn Fruit Show as a sort of pomological Mecca will be greatly disappointed by its abolition. Certainly in the few classes to be established at each meeting there will be no substitute for the fruit show, any more than a series of similar classes for Orchids and other plants or trees and shrubs would compensate for the omission of the Temple Flower Show. These two annual shows, one in the spring and the other in the autumn, have proved to be strong attractions to gar- deners from all parts of the kingdom and the discontinuance of one of these can only be re- garded with regret. It will not perhaps be so much regretted by the habitual frequenters of the Society's numerous meetings, for, to them, doubtless, a great, if rather monotonous, show of fruit, repeated year after year, becomes in time unattractive. Whether it is possible to institute next October some more than usually attractive meetings or competitions is for the council to determine ; but country gardeners and fruit growers, now deprived of their annual fruit exhibition and special attraction, certainly merit sympathy and considerr.tion. A. D. Cattleya Mendelii His Majesty the King. — In to-day's Gardeners' Chronicle (January 2), at page 5, I read, anent my Cattleya Mendelii His Majesty the King, "whose picture, it is said, was accepted by her Majesty Queen Alexan- dria." The fact is that her Majesty greatly ad- mired this Cattleya when she visited the last Temple Show and was graciously pleased to accept from me Mr. Lamont's painting of it. In acknowledging this painting, her Majesty was pleased to thank me for " such an artistic repre- sentation of such a magnificent flower." As " His Majesty the King " is considered to be the finest variety of Cattleya Mendelii yet seen, I think it is proper for me to add that, although the plant flowered for the first time here, it was, neverthe- less, imported by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., of Bush Hill Park, from whom I obtained it, to- gether with several other imported and un- dowered Cattleyas. Francis Wellesley. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. The following circular letter is Leing dis- tributed by the Royal Horticulturil Society for the purpose of obtaining information in regard to the " Scab" disease in Apples and Pears: — Wisi.ey, Ripley, Surrey, Dear Sir, — Some investigations in connection with the disease of Apples and Pears, known as " Scab," are being carried out at Wisley, and, being desirous of obtaining as full particulars as possible concerning the extent of the damage caused by this disease, I am venturing to send you a number of questions, with the request that you will be so good as to furnish me with replies to as many as possible and return the signed form to me at the laboratory at your earliest convenience. A considerable number of questions are asked, but it is felt that the larger the amount of in- formation that can be collected, the greater the chance will be of suggesting a really efficient method of dealing with this disease, which probably does more damage at present than any other to Apples and Pears. The replies received will be collated and a report upon the occurrence of the disease will be drawn up and will appear in the Journal of the Society. It is therefore hoped that growers will not think the trouble of filling in answers to these questions too great when they remember that their work will be for tire benefit of the fruit-growing industry the country through. I may point out that replies from those who are fortunate enough to be free from the disease are as important as from those whose fruit suf- fers. If in doubt as to the disease in any particular case, I should be glad if you would send speci- mens to the laboratory that they may be ex- amined.—Yours truly, Fred. J. Chittenden, Director. Schedule of Queries. 1. Has the Apple or Pear scab made its ap- pearance among your fruit during the past sea- son? 2. If so, what is your estimate of the propor- tion of the crop damaged by the diseas? (a) Apples, (h) Pears. 3. What is the total quantity (estimated) of fruit damaged by the disease? (a) Apples. (*) Pears. 4 Are the damaged fruits allowed to rot on the ground or fed to pigs? 5. Do you find that the fruits slightly attacked tend to rot in the store more quickly than others that show no attack? 6. Is the disease, in your experience, more prevalent now than in years past? 7. What is the kind of soil and sub-soil on which 3'our trees are planted? 8. Is any system of manurial treatment prac- tised? 9. Are the trees growing in grass or in culti- vated land? If in both, do you find any dif- ference in the amount of disease under the dif- ferent conditions? 10 Do you find the disea?e more prevalent in some parts of the plantations than in others? If so, what is the character of those parts? 11. Are the '.rees grown mainly dwarfs or standards? Do you find any difference in the amount of the disease on the two forms where both are grown? 12. About what age are the bulk of the trees? Do you find the disease worse on the older or the younger trees? 13. Are the trees systematically pruned in the winter? In the summer? Is all dead wood, both branches and twigs, cut out every vear? 14. What is done with the prunings? 15. Have you noticed whether, in the case of your trees, the leaves are attacked or not? (a) In Apples, (A) In Pears. 16. Do you find any trace of the disease upon the shoots in the shape of small scabby spots or otherwise? 17. At what time and upon what part of the plant is the disease us. tally first noticed? 18. Are there (a) in the near neighbourhood any old and neglected orchards and (A) Crab Apples or wild Pears in any considerable num- ber in the hedges, &c. ? 19. Do you suspect any conditions, seasonal or otherwise, to favour the appearance and spread of the disease? 20. Do you find some varieties are more se- verely attacked than others? If so, what are they? Please indicate which varieties are caused to crack badly? (a) Apples, (A) Pears. 21. Do any varieties growing amongst others which are diseased remain free from the attack? If so, please give their names, (a) Apples. (A) Pears. 22. Have any remedial or preventive measures been tried, and with what success? MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. December 17th. — A meeting of this society was held on the foregoing date in the Coal Exchange, the building being filled with exhibits. G. Shorland Ball, Esq., Burton, West- moreland (gr. Mr. Herdman), was awarded a Silver-gilt Medal for a group of Cypripediunis, the best of which was C. x Germain Opoix, Westfield variety, which was awarded a First- class Certificate. Other choice plants in the group were Chondropetalum x Fletcheri (see fig. 12 in the last issue), and Cypripedium X King Edward. Cypripedium insigne var. Fran- cis Wellesley was brought before the delibera- tions of the committee, and was declared to be synonymous with C. insigne, Harefield Hall var. Drewett O. Drewett, Esq., Riding Mill-on- Tyne (gr. Mr. Renwick), was awarded a Silver Medal for a group of Cypripediums, princi. pallj' seedlings of Cypripedium insigne, many of which were of great merit. C. insigne var. James Renwick was awarded a First-class Cer- tificate, whilst C. X insigne var. Northumbria, C. Spicerianum " Orchidhurst variety," and ('. insigne var. The Sultan also received Awards of Merit. H. J. Bromilow, Esq., Rainhill (gr. Mr. Morgan), staged a large and choice group of Cypripediums, for which a Gold Medal was awarded. Amongst the plants shown were many elegant forms of Cypripedium insigne, C. X Minos Youngii, C. x Fulshawense, C. X Thalia Rann Lea variety, and C. X Germain Opoix. A. Warburton, Esq., Haslingden (gr. Mr.. Dalgleish), was awarded a Silver Medal for a group of Cypripediums, which included C. X Fulshawense, C. X Gaston Bultel var. King Edward, and C. X Euryades Sanders' variety. E. RoGERSON, Esq., Didsbury (gr. Mr. Price |, was awarded a Silver Medal for a group of plants, including a specimen of Odontoglossum crispum, with 40 fine flowers on one inflores- cence. Cypripedium x Ardwickense (parentage unknown) received 3.n Award of Merit. Mr. H. Arthur, Blackburn, was awarded a Silver Medal for a group of plants, which in- cluded some well-grown Oncidiums, Cymbidium X Winnianum and several varieties of Cypri- pedium insigne. Z. A. Ward, Esq., Northenden (gr. Mr. Weatherly), staged a charming group of plants consisting principally of Odontoglossums. (Sil- ver-gilt Medal.) E. Ashworth, Esq., Wilmslow (gr. Mr. Hol- brook), was awarded a First-class Certificate for a hybrid Cypripedium, the parentage of which was C. insigne var. Sanderas X C. insigne var. " Laura Kimball." The quality of the seedling was good, and there was an entire absence of the tiny spots seen in C. i. var. Sanderae. It is named C. X Sanderae-Kimball Ashworth's variety. S. Gratrix, Esq., Whalley Range (gr. Mr. Shill), was awarded a First-class Certificate for a choice hybrid named C. X Sir W. Houlds- worth, the parentage of which was not le- corded. The plant was slightly past its hest condition, but it has good qualities. Mr. C. Parker, Preston, was awarded a Silver Medal for a group of Cypripediums, which in- cluded seveial good forms of C. X Leeanum. J. McCartney, Esq., Bolton (gr. Mr. Holmes), was awarded a Silver Medal for a miscellaneous group. R. Ashworth, Esq., Newchurch (gr. Mr. Fletcher), was awarded a Silver Medal for a group of plants, which included Odontioda X Bohnhoffias. Messrs. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, were awarded a Silver medal for a beautiful group of Orchids. Mr. J. Robson, Altrincham, exhibited Cypri- pedium X Evansianum and C X exquisitum. Messrs. Armstrong & Brown, Tunbridge Wells, showed a large and valuable collection of Orchids. Other exhibitors at the meeting were Messrs. Keeling & Sons, Bradford ; Mr. J. Biechenall, Alderley Edge; Mr. J. Stott, Radcliffe ; Mr. Webster, Shackleton ; Messrs. Bolton, of Warrington; J. 11. Craven, Esq., Keigh'ev ; Messrs. Moore & Co., Leeds ; Messrs. Low & Co., Enfield; Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Havwards Heath; and O. O. Wrigley, Esq. P. W. JANUARY 9, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 31 MARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, January 6. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 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 occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.] Cut Flowers, 4c: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Acacia (Mimosa), p.doz. bunches 10 0-12 0 Azalea, p. dz. bclis. 4 0-50 Bouvardia, per dz. bunches 6 0-8 0 i alia aethiopica, p. dozen 2 6-40 Camellias, per doz. 10-20 arnations, per dozen blooms, best American various 2 6-36 — second size ... 10-20 — smaller, per doz. bunches 9 0-12 0 Catcleyas, per doz. blooms 10 0-12 0 C h rysanthemums, s p e c i m en blooms p. doz. 2 0-30 — smaller, per doz, bunches 9 0-18 0 Cypripediums, per dozen blooms.. 16-26 Daffodils, per bcli. 10-13 liucnaris grandi- tlora, per doz. blooms 2 0-30 1 iardenias, per doz. blooms 3 0-50 Hyacinths (Roman) per doz. bclis. 9 0-12 0 Lilac (French) per bunch 3 0-40 Lapagerias, p. doz. 16-20 Lilium auiatuin, per bunch 2 0-30 — longilloruin ... 3 0-40 — lane i f o lium, rubruoi 10-16 — album ... 2 0-26 Lily of the Valley, p. dz. bunches 8 0-90 — extra quality ... 12 0 15 0 Marguerites, p. dz. bunches white and yellow ... Mignonette, per dozen bunches Narcissus, Taper- white, per dz. bunches — Gloriosa — Soleil d'Or ... Od on to glossum crispum, per dozen blooms Pelargoniums, show, per doz. bunches — Zonal, double scarlet Ranunculus, perdz. bunches Roses, 12 blooms, Niphetos — Bridesmaid ... — C. Testout ... — Kaiseiin A. Victoria — C. Meruiet — Liberty — Mme.Chatenay — The Bride Spiraea, per dozen bunches Stocks, double while, pel doz. bunches Tuberoses, per dz. blooms — on steins, per bunch Tulips, per doz. ... Violets, per dozen bunches — Parmas, per bunch s.d. s.d. 2 0-8 0 2 0-30 2 0-26 16-26 2 6-36 2 0-26 8 0-10 0 12 0-15 0 16-26 2 6-40 2 6-40 2 0-40 2 0-36 4 0-60 4 0-60 2 6-36 5 0-80 4 0-60 0 9- 0 8- 16-30 4 0-60 Cut Foliage, ftc. : Ave s.d. s.d. \diantum cunea turn, dz. bchs. 4 0-60 Asparagus plu- mosus, Ioml; trails, per doz. H 0-12 0 — — niedm.,bch. 10-20 — Sprengeri ... 0 9-16 Berberis, per doz. bunches ... 2 6-30 Croton leaves, per bunch 10-13 Cycas leaves, each 16-20 Ferns, per dozen bchs. (English) 2 0-30 — (French) ... 0 6-09 Galax leaves, per dozen bunches 2 0-26 Holly, per crate ... 4 0 — Plants in Pots, &c. : Av s.d. s.d. Ampelopsis Veit- chii.per dozen 6 0-80 Aralia Sieboldii, p. dozen 4 0-60 — larger speci- mens 9 0-12 0 — Moseri 4 0-60 Araucaria excel sa, per dozen ... 12 0-30 0 Aspidistras, p. dz., green 15 0-24 0 — variegated ... 30 0-42 0 Asparagus, plumo- sus nanus, per dozen 12 0-18 0 — Sprengeri .. 9 0-12 0 — tenuissimus 9 0-12 0 Azaleas (Indian), p. dozen 30 0-42 0 Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, p. dz. 12 0-18 0 Bouvardias, per dz. 6 0-90 C h rysanthemums, per dozen, best disbudded .. 12 0-1S 0 Clematis, per doz. 8 0-90 Cocos Weddelli- ana, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Crotons, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Cyclamen, pr. doz. 10 0-15 0 Cyperus alterni- folius, dozen ... Cyperus laxus, per dozen Dracaenas, per doz. Erica gracilis, per do/en .. — gracilis nivalis per dozen *— hyemalis, per dozen 10 0-15 0 rage Wholesale Prices. s.d. s. Hardy foliage (various), per dozen bunches 2 0-6 Honesty (Lunaiia) per bunch ... 10-1 Ivy-leaves, bronze 2 0-2 — long trails per bundle — short green, perdz. bunches Mistleto, per crate Moss, per gross ... Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English] small-leaved ... — French Smilax, per dozen trails 0 9-1 16-2 8 0-10 4 0-5 4 0-6 I 0- 1 4 0-50 4 0-50 9 0-24 0 12 0 15 0 15 0-18 0 4 0-60 eiage Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Erica ovata, per doz 15 0-18 0 E uony nni s, perdz., in pots. . .. 4 0-90 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, pei IOC 7 0-10 0 — in small and large 60's ... 12 0-20 0 — in 48's, per dz. 4 0-10 0 — in 82's, pet tlz. 10 0-18 0 Ficus elaslica, doz. 8 0-10 0 — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 Genista fragrans, per doz. ... 10 0-12 0 Isolepis, per dozen 4 0-60 Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen 15 0-24 0 — Fosteriana, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Latania borbonica, per dozen ... 12 0-18 0 Lilium 1 o ng i- florum, per dz. 18 0-24 0 — lancifohum,per dozen 10 0-18 0 Lily of the Valley, per dozen ... 18 0-30 0 Marguerites, white, per dozen ... 6 0-10 0 Poinsettias, per dz. 9 0-12 0 Rose Madame Le- vavasseur, per dozen 12 0-18 0 Selaginella, per do.zen 4 0-60 Sola.iums, peidoz. 9 0-12 0 Spiraea japomca, p. dozen ... ".. 8 0-12 0 Tulips in boxes, per dozen ... 0 9-10 Fruit: Apples, Foreign — California Newtown Pip- pin, per case, 4 tiers — 4£ tiers — (American), per barrel : — Baldwin — Greening — Newtown Pip- pin — Oregon New- town Pippin, per case — per case (165- 185 — (N'ovaScotian), per barrel : — Spys — Russet — Baldwin — French Russet, per case Bananas, bunch: — No. 2 Canary. — No. 1 „ ... — Extra ,, ... — Giants „ ... — (Claret) — Jamaica — Loose, per dz. Cranberries, per dozen punnets Custard Apples ... Dates (Tunis), per dozen boxes ... Figs (Eleme),p. dz. — pulled, per dz. Grape Fruit, case Grapes (English), per lb.... — Hambros — Gros Colmar... — Alicante — Muscat of Alex- andria — Cannon Hall Muscat Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Grapes (Guernsey) 0 8-10 — (Almeria), per barrel 12 G 20 0 Lemons, box : 8 6-10 6 — Messina, 300 .. 10 0-12 0 7 6-10 6 — Do. 360... 9 0 10 6 — per case, 300.. 14 0-26 0 — do. 360... 14 0-20 0 Lychees, per/box... 10-15 Mandarines (25"s), per box ... 0 10- 1 6 — (96's), per box 4 0-46 Mangoes, per doz. 3 0-60 Nuts, Almonds, per 23 0-25 0 26 0-28 0 28 0-35 0 13 0-14 0 10 0-14 0 21 0-25 0 23 0-25 0 18 0-23 0 9 0-10 0 6 6 — 6 6-8 0 8 0-90 10 0-12 0 5 0-76 5 0-56 0 6-10 5 0 — 4 0-12 0 4 9-50 4 3 — 5 0 7 6 10 0-13 0 0 6-16 0 6-16 10-20 10-13 2 0-60 2 0-80 — Krazils, new, perewt. — Grenobles, per bag — Barcelona, bag — Cocoa nuts, 1UU — Cob, per dozen lbs — Chestnuts, per bag — (Italian), per bag — (Spanish) Oranges (Jamaica), per case — (Der.ia) — Calif ornian seedless, per case — (Valencia) per case (1.0) — per case (714)... — Jaffa Navels, case — Jaffas Pears, Californian Cornice, per case — C a t i Mac (French), crate — (Californ i a n), Glou Morceau, per case Pineapples, each... 45 0 — 50 0-65 0 6 6-76 32 0-35 0 11 0-14 0 16-19 7 0-90 18 0 20 0 14 0-16 0 6 6-80 9 0-20 0 14 0-15 0 10 0-25 0 12 6-16 0 16 6 - 9 6-10 0 15 0-21 0 8 0-12 0 8 0-10 6 2 0-46 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. Articliokes(Globe), per dozen — white, p bushel Asparag u s, per bundle: — Sprue — Paris Green ... Beans — — (French), p. lb. — (Guernsey), per lb — (Madeira), per basket ... Beetroot, per bushel i i ussel Sprouts, i bushel Cabbages, per tally — per mat — Greens, per bushel Cardoon (French), per dozen Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bag ... — unwashed — Dutch, p. bag. — (French), p. pad Cauliflowers, per dozen — per tally — Italian Heads, per basket Celery, per roll ... — unwashed, per dozen Celeriac, per doz. Chicory, per lb. ... Cucumbers, per dz. s.d. s.d, 3 0-50 10 — 0 8-10 4 0-46 0 6-08 10-20 2 0-40 1 6 — 3 0-40 8 0-10 0 4 0-50 2 0 2 6 12 0 — 2 0 — 2 3-26 16-19 1 6 — 26 — 2 6-50 10 0-20 0 3 9-40 0 11- 1 0 7 0-10 0 3 0-40 0 5 — 10 0-18 0 i Chow Chow (Sec- hium edule),p. dozen .. Endive, per dozen Horseiadish, for- eign, per doz. bundles Leeks, 12 bundles Lettuce (French), per dozen MusDroomSfperlb. — broilers — buttons, perlb. Mustaicland Cress, pei dozen pun. Onions, per bag ... — (Valencia), case — Dutch, pr. bag — pickling, per bushel Parsley, lSbmiches Parsnips, per bag... Potatos, Sweet, per cwt. Radishes (French), per doz. bunches Salsafy, per dozen bundles Seakale, per dozen Spinach, p. basket Savoys, per tally... Turnips, per dozen bunches — washed, p. bag Tomatos (Tener- ltt i , per bun- dle of 4 boxes Watercress, per doz s.d. s.d. 2 0-40 2 0-26 11 0-12 0 10-16 2 0-26 0 8 0 10 0 6-08 0 8-0 10 1 0 — 8 6-10 0 12 0 — 7 0-80 4 6 — 3 0-36 3 0 — 20 0-24 0 1 0- 1 3 4 0-46 9 0-12 0 3 6-46 7 6-10 6 2 0 — 3 0-40 8 0-12 0 10-30 Remarks. — The supply of Granadillas has finished for the season. A few of these fruits were to be had last week, being those left unsold from a late consignment. Messina Lemons have risen considerably in value, as was to be ex- pected. Foreign Apples are arriving in smaller quantities, especially from America. It is stated that the packers are finding a better market for Apples at continental ports. Grapes generally are dearer. Jamaica Oranges are almost finished. Denia Oranges are of fine quality and flavour, but unfortunately they are arriving in an unsound condition. English vegetables generally are arriving in a bad condition. French salads have been very scarce owing to the re- cent severe weather. Trade generally is quiet, which is usual after Christmas. E. H.R., Ccveut Garden, Wednesday, January, 6, 1909, Potatos. Kents— Snowdrop , Sharpe's Express ... Epicure Up-to-Date Lincolns — Epicure British Queen Up to-Date Maincrop Sharpe's Expres- ... Remarks.— There not altered. Stock recently. Edward Patterns, January 6, s.d. s.d. 4 0-43 3 6-39 3 3-36 3 0-36 2 9-30 3 0-33 3 0-36 3 6-39 3 0- 3 J Lincolns— Evergood Bedfcrds— Up-to-Date ... Epicure Blacklands... Dunbars— I- any.-. s.d. s.d. 2 6-30 2 6-29 2 9-30 2 3-26 46 Up-to-I'.: :i 9- 4 ° J 'J- 3 3 is a slightly better trade, but prices have s in London are not quite so heai /. Vetoborn, Covetit Garden and St. , 1909. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. Owing to the severe weather of last week, prices ad- vanced for all flowers and plants, but with the warmer conditions which followed prices have again dropped. Trade fluctuates greatly at this season of the year, and should another cold spell of weather occur, which appears likely, there will be a shortage of supplies, especially of good flowering plants. On Tuesday morn- ing there were many empty stands, for growers find it more profitable to be engaged with their early spring crops than in marketing their produce when trade is uncertain. Many market nurserymen have finished with flowering plants by the end of the year. I have lately visited several nurseries and have found pre- parations already made for the spring trade. In one establishment I noticed both I\y-leaved and Zonal Pelargoniums in large quantities in their flowering pots. It is possible to have some crops, and especially flowering plants, too forward, but in the case of the London trade, provided the weather is favourable, good flowering plants are always in demand early in the season. Pot Plants. Good Chrysanthemums are still available, but in some instances, whilst the flowers are good, the foliage is sparse. Ericas are not quite so abundant as formerly. E. hyemalis is very good. E. ovata is pretty and of good habit. Good plants of E. gracilis in both the white and the normal red variety are still obtainable. Azaleas are not quite so well flowered as they were last week. Genistas are well flowered, but they are not selling readily. Begonia Gloire de Lor- raine was in demand at Christmas, but since then this plant has not sold so well. The cold weather has stopped the demand for Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poin- sett.as). Cyclamen withstand the cold better than Poin- settias, and well-flowered plants have realised good prices. Marguerites are remarkably good considering the time of the year. Hyacinths in all shades of colours are now offered for sale; the white varieties are best. The blue kinds are of a pale shade, but p nk and red varieties are moderately good. Very few Tulips in pots are seen, but boxes containing about 24 plants are over- plentiful. As bulbs generally were dear last autumn, it is surprising that so many growers have them in large quantities. Solanums have been over-plentiful and some plants left over since the frost have a rather bad appearance. Orange trees with ripe fruits in various sizes are very good. Ferns and Palms are not quite so abundant as formerly, but the supplies are equal to the demand. Cut Flowers. Chrysanthemums are still plentiful, and it is difficult to estimate their prices. Fine blooms of Madame Charvet are offered at 2s. per dozen. The blooms of this variety are not of the best colour this season, and care needs to be exercised in select ng the stock plants. Roses are plentiful but rather small. 1 noticed blooms of Ulrich Brunner or Captain Hayward on long stems, with beautiful ioliage, but ihey were worth not inure than about 6s. per dozen. L berty, however, has risen in value to 8s. per dozen. Blooms of Madame Abel Chatenay are small, but prices are rather high, varying from 3s. to 6s. per dozen. Lilac from English g row e rs is good. Lily -of -the- Valley does not advance in price; there is a great variation seen in the quality of this flower. Violets are plentiful, both from French and hnglish growers. Acacia (Mimosa) from France is very pretty. Ranunculus in various colours have been making high prices. Carnations, which appeared likely to be scarce, are over-abundant : they are one of the most prominent features in the market. The blooms need to be very good to realise more than 2s. 6d. per dozen. Eucharis is cheaper, also Tuberoses. Many growers sell their Tuberoses on the stems. Camellias are also plentiful. Roman Hyacinth is very good and has been making better prices. Tulips are abundant ; the majority are procur- able with fairly long stems, though some are still rather short. Of ornamental foliage that of Ruscus racemo- sus is one of the most useful, as it lasts fresh for a long period : the American Galax leaves will last fresh for several weeks. Asparagus, Smilax, and other cut foliage is plentiful. A. H.t Covent Garden, Wednes- day, January 6, iqoq. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mr. H. Lloyd, for 4 years Gardener to Major Wvndham Pain, Beech House, Christchurch, Hants, as Gardener to the same gentleman at his new place, Bransgore House, Christchurch, Hants. (Thanks for contribution to R.G.O.F. box.) Mr. Arthur Walling, for the past 3 years Foreman in Chevet Park Gardens, as Gardener to J. D. Cobbold, Esq., and Lady Evelyn Cobbold, at Holy Wells, Ipswich. Mr. J. E. Roberts, for the past 18 months General Fore- man at Strensham Court, Worcester, as Gardener to Miss A. J. Behrens, Ripple Hall, near Tewkesbury, Gloucester. (Thanks for contribution to R.G.O.F. box). Mr. G. W. Longhurst, for the past 3 years Gardener to George Blackall-Simonds, Esq , Bradfield House, Berkshire, as Gardener to W. A. Horn, Esq., Wimble- don Park House, Wimbledon, S.W. TRADE NOTICE. Mr. F. W. Russell, for some years Gardener at Paxton lark, St. Neots, and recently of Ashby St. Ledger's Gar- Jens, Rugby, has purchased the Blenheim Nurseries, Ramsey, Hunts., which until recently were carried on by the late Mr. Redman. 32 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [JANUAEY 9, 1909. THE WEATHER. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending January 2, is furnished from the Meteorological Office: — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather.— The earlier days of the week were rough and wintry, with heavy falls of snow in nearly all parts of Great Britain, and of rain, sleet, or snow in Ireland. After Wednesday the general condition was much milder and quieter. The atmosphere became very humid and slight rain was experienced at times. The temperature was below the average throughout Great Britain, the deficit being about 6" over the major portion of England, and rather more than 7° in England S.E. In Ireland, where the change to a milder condition arrived earlier, the week was warm for the time of year. The highest of the maxima occurred in most places on January 2, when they ranged from 55w in England N.W. and the English Channel to 49° in England E. During the earlier days of the week the day temperatures were extremely low in many parts of England, the thermometer sometimes standing between 14tf and 20° for some hours. The lowest of the minima were generally registered on December 29 or 30, and were as low as 3° in England S.E. (at Swarraton on the 30th), 5U in the Midland Counties, and 7W in England E. (at Cambridge). In the other districts the readings ranged from 15" in England S.W. to 22w in Scotland N. and W., 27° in the English Channel, and to 29° in Ireland S. In addition to the very low readings quoted the following temperatures were registered at some supplementary stations. At Liphook the screened thermometer fell to 1° below zero on the 30th, at Buxton and Epsom to 4", and at Great Billing, Northampton, to 6°, while at Tunbridge Wells the thermometer exposed on the snow descended to 2° below zero, and at Epsom to 8° below zero. The mean temperature of the sea.— Except at Eastbourne and Aberdeen and one or two other places the water was again warmer than during the corresponding week uf last year. The actual values for the week ranged from 51^° at Plymouth, to about 39° at Eastbourne and Scarborough, and to 36J° at Aberdeen. The bright sunshine was less than the average in all dis- tricts, the percentage of the possible duration ranging from 17 in the English Channel to 11 in England E. and S.E., 1 in England N.W. and to 0 in Scotland W. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending January 6. Mild, damp, calm and gloomy.— The recent spell of cold weather lasted eight days, but on only three of these was the temperature exceptionally low. The first day of the past week was very cold, but since then the weather has been warm for the time of year. On the warmest day the temperature in the thermometer screen rose to 50 J, and on the one cold night the exposed thermometer registered 21° of frost. The ground is now 2° warmer than is seasonable, both at 1 and 2 feet deep. Rain fell on three days, but the total depth was only one quarter of an inch. Nevertheless, owing to the melting of the snow which fell in the previous week, three and a quarter gallons of water, or more than twice the rainfall of the past week, passed through the bare soil percolation gauge, and two and a half gallons through that on which short grass is growing. The sun shone on an average for only 11 minutes a day, which is 1 hour 10 minutes a day short of the average duration for this period ot the year. On five days no sunshine at all was recorded. This was a very calm week; in fact, in no hour did the mean rate of movement of the air exceed 8 miles The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. exceeded a season- able quantity for that hour by 7 per cent. December, The coldest December day and night for at least 23 years.— Taken as a whole, this was a month of about average temperature. During the first three weeks the weather remained, as a rule, warm both during the daytime and at night, whereas the last nine days were all more or less cold, and for three consecutive days and nights exceptionally cold. On the warmest day the temperature in the thermometer screen rose to 52°, which is an unusually low extreme minimum for the month. The lowest maximum day- temperature was 24° on the 29th, making this the coldest day I have yet recorded here in December. On the coldest night the thermometer exposed on the surface of the snow indicated 31u of frost, making this also the coldest night I have yet recorded here in December. Rain or snow fell on as many as 21 days, but to the total depth of only 2J inches, which is one quarter of an inch below the average for the month. On the 29'h the ground was covered with snow to their an depth of 5J inches. This was a remarkably calm winter month. In fact, in the windiest hour the mean velocity only amounted to 19 miles— direction W.N.W. The aver- age amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by 3 per cent. The Year. Rather warm, dry and very sunny.— The mean tempera- ture of the past year was slightly in excess of the average. The most unseasonably warm months were February, May, and October, whereas only A i nl was as unseasonably cold. On the hottest day, July 3, the temperature in the thermometer screen rose to 83-', and on the coldest night, December 29, the exposed thermometer indicated 31° of frost. The total rainfall fell short of the average for the previous 52 years by 3J inches. The only three months when the total fall exceeded the average were March, April, and August. Taking the year as a whole, the sun shone on an average for 10 minutes a day longer than is usual. The sunniest month of the year was June, when the record of bright sunshine exceeded the average by one and three- quarter hours a day. Oi i Underground Water Supply. The total rainfall for the last three months has fallen short of the average for tli- same period in the previous 52 years by 3J inches, which is quivalent to a loss of 74,200 gallons on each acre in this district. Last year at the same time there was an excess of 61,300 gallons per acre. E. M.. I erk- hamsted, January 6, 1909. tSHHtuarj). ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. George Field Morris. — We regret to have to announce the death of Mr. George Field Mor- ris, F.S.I., which took place at his residence, Cambridge Park, Wanstead, early on Saturday, January 2. Mr. G. F. Morris, who was born on September 2, 1831, may be said to have been the founder of the widely-known firm of Messrs. Protheroe & Morris, auctioneers, of 67 and 68, Cheapside, London, on its present lines, for he, in conjunction with Mr. W. H. Morris, about the year 1874, opened the City branch, then et 98, Gracechurch btreet, and later at the present headquarters in Cheapside. As an auctioneer, when conducting sales, either indoors or out, in good or bad weather, his cheerful and pleasant demeanour always led to the best results, lie conducted many sales at the old Auction Mart, Bartholomew Lane (now Parr's Bank), the Lon- don Tavern, Bishopsgate Street, and at Garra- way's Coffee House, Change Alley, and was a well-known figure at the present Auction Mart, Tokenhouse Yard. The firm was started about 1830 as a nursery business at Highbury by Mr. Thomas Morris (father of Mr. George Field Mor- ris) and Mr. Alexander Protheroe. In 1840 busi- ness was commenced at Leytonstone, where the firm even now possesses an establishment. THE LATE GEORGE FIELD MORRIS, F.S.I. At the age of 14 years Mr. G. F. Morris entered the nurseries and diligently acquired a know- ledge of the trade. In 1860 he conducted his first auction sale, and from that time until his retirement in 1903 he pursued an active career not only as an auctioneer, but as a valuer and arbi- trator in railway and other claims. Mr. G. F. Morris enjoyed the best of health, and, making a pleasure of business, he was always to be found in the same pleasant mood. He was smart and alert up to the last, the actual cause of death being heart failure. After Mr. G. F. Morris re- tired in 1903, the firm was carried on by the present partners, Mr. H. G. Morris, Mr. T. A. Morris, Mr. A. E. Protheroe, and Mr. J. B. Slade. Consequently there will be no change in the management of the business. DEBATING SOCIETY. READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. A meeting, was held in the Abbey Hall on Monday, Decem- ber 28. Mr. T. Tunbridge presided. Officers were nominated for lf03, and they will be elected at the annual meeting on January 11. The subject for the evening was " Straw- berries in Pots," the lecturer being Mr. Durbidge, of the Gardens, Mapledurham House. Mr. Durbidge dealt with the general culture of Strawberries in pots and named the varieties he had found best suited for the purpose. The lecturer gave a few useful hints on the packing of Strawberries for transit by rail or post. Beech and Hornbeam Hedges: A. E. il. These may be cut any time between September and March. Cost of Digging Land : W. R. C. The usual cost of digging a moderately heavy soil, one spade deep, is from 2d. to 3d. per rod. The price will vary between the sums mentioned according to the texture ot the soil, which cannot be accurately described in a letter, and the cost of labour in the locality. Hippeastrums : A. T. Htppeastrum Johnsonii is a hybrid raised earlier than the year 1800 between H. Reginae and H. vittatum. It is of the class which loses its leaves and re- quires a long, dry rest each year. You ought to be able to distinguish between it and H. aulicum, which has much more fleshy leaves and is practically evergreen. If your plant is H. Johnsonii and it has fully matured all its leaves, it is natural for them to turn yellow, indicating that the time for rest has arrived. With re- gard to the inflorescences in nature, they aie allowed to die off, but in gardens they are usually cut. We do not know of an im- porter of South American Amaryllids. Some of the trade bulb-growers catalogue occasion- ally two or three species of Hippeastrum. Muscat Grapes : G. D. Muscat of Alexandria is undoubtedly easier to grow than Canon Hall Muscat. This latter variety does not set its fruits easily, even under favourable condi- tions, this being the chief reason that it is not more generally cultivated. The flavour is quite equal to Muscat of Alexandria. In size of berry and bunch Canon Hall is superior when seen at its best, which is very seldom. We advise you to plant the house entirely with Muscat of Alexandria, excluding the variety Canon Hall, as you appear not to have had any experience in growing Muscat Grapes of any kind. You should lose no time before securing the young vines for planting. Cut them back to three or four buds in about the middle of the present month. Plant them just when the buds are breaking into growth, which is usually about the end of March or begin- ning of April. Names of Fruits : E. Shaw. 1, Ribston Pippin ; 2 and 3, Cox's Orange Pippin ; 4, Brabant Belle- fleur— D. &■ Son. 1, DArcy .Spice; 2, Old Hawthornden ; 3, Reinette de Canada. Names of Plants : EaiiSoham. Iris unquicularis. — 0 H. 1, not found ; 2, Codiaeum interruptum ; 3, C. angustifolium maculatum ; 4, C. elegan- tissimiun ; 5, C. Johannis ; 6, C. Mortii ; 7, C. angustifolium ; 8, C. Laingii ; 9, C. pictum ; 10, C. Queen Victoria; 11, Calanthe William Murray; 12, C. Bryan; 13, C. Sedenii : 14, C. vestita rubro-oculata ; 15, Ophiopogon Jaburan variegatus, of gardens. — H. H. T. 1, Res- trepia maculata ; 2, Pleurothallis obovata; 3, Stelis ophioglossoides ; 4, Bulbophyllum rufi- num ; 5, Aerides odoratum ; 6, Brassia verru- cosa.— V. I. R. 1, Adiantum hispidulum ; 2, A. Capillus-veneris ; 3, Aspidium (Cyrtomium) falcatum ; 4, Selaginella paradoxa. Nerine : B. L There is a very fine scarlet Nerine named Coruscans, which flowers later than N. Fothergillii major. Turf : /. McG. The larva; are those of Melo- lonthids (Chafer larvae). They were both dead when received, and their identification is dif- ficult ; but they are probably those of the common garden chafer. Trap them by plac- ing, here and there, a grass turf upside down on the earth, or just below the surface. " Vaporite," if worked well into the soil, will destroy Chafer larvae. Water Freezing in Ornamental Pond : S. J. M. The goldfish will not be killed unless the frost is exceptionally severe. The water caw best be kept agitated by a fountain or inlet that is allowed to run continuously. In ex- ceptionally hard frosts even these methods will not avail. Communications Received.— T. B.— F. Boulton— A. C. B. —J. G. W.— W. J. M.— W. H. W.— W. A. C.-W. W. — W. H.— G. W.— E. H. T. -Capt. Dorrien S.-H. M. V — C. F.— T. H.— J.E. F., New South Wales-W. R. 1>.- K. & K.-H. H. R.— W. H. Y.-A. B. YV— H. W.— S. F. W.— F. B., Straffan-Ucv. C. B.— J. W.-A. D.— F. W., Rotterdam-L. G.— R. L. H.-VV. A. M., New- Jersey— E. M.— B. R. D. & Sons. Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle." WUj Nepenthes x Dr. John MacFarlane, being a hybrid from N. sanguinea and N. CURTISII SUPERBA, RAISED BY MESSRS. JaS. VeITCH & SONS. COLOUR OF PITCHER, BROWNISH RED WITH DEEP RED MARKINGS. Printed by Temple Press Ltd., London, E.C. January 16, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. ■through the soil, with a long stalk, and broadly bipinnatifid ; and still later, at some distance from this single frond, an axis of growth reached the surface and produced four other fronds of similar type — the contrast between this and the adjacent plant with normal fronds being very marked indeed. This spring, in order to repot it, I extracted this plant and the reverted one and found that they were attached by a string- like stolon, which had first produced the one frond from sortie depth down in the soil, and then continued its way, until, reaching the sur- face, it produced the others. Mr. Fraser informed me on enquiry that all his plants had entirely reverted to the normal. We have here conse- quently a singular case of general reversion of a very marked form found in fair quantity (17 plants, I believe) and then a sudden and entire resumption of the new character by bud-sport- ing. Spores of the plants found have yielded a number of young Blechnums of very foliose character, indicating, I think, that they have inherited the capacity for subdivision, though this remains to be seen. In another case, within my own experience, the severed base of a frond of a fimbriate cris- pum form of Hartstongue S. v. Drum- monda? produced two buds, one of which developed a simple crispum or frilled form, the other a form with long, slender, attenu- ated fronds with ramose tips and spur-like basal lobes : all fronds being exactly alike and as dif- ferent as possible from the type and from the plant yielded by the companion bud a quarter- inch away on same frond base. This rase ob- viously belongs to the dimorphic category which embraces the Cornubiense Polypody (P. v. cornubiense or elegantissimum). In this install e the plants appear to be built up of a series of cells, in which there is a constant struggle be- tween the normal plan of structure and the abnormal with alternate victories on either side. There is also a curious case in A. F.-f. setigerum cristatum. A. F.-f. setigerum found in the Lake District has fronds of a normal outline and somewhat bristly edges and points. From it, whether by crossing or otherwise, uncrested when found, a number of very charming cristate and percristate varieties have been raised. It, however, not infrequently reverts, and I have a plant which partially reverted so far that some of the fronds were crested as before but without a trace of the seti- gerum character. Eventually, by a process of fission, the one crown became two, one beinc; a constant percristate setigerum, and the other, equally constant, a mere percristatum, minus a trace of bristles. Here the two probably parental characters appear to have dissociated themselves in the process of fission to the extent, at any rate, that the crested form has discarded the setigerous character throughout in one case and retained it throughout in the other. That very beautiful, and indeed unique, hardy Fern A. F.-f. Kalothrix (beautiful hair), with hair-like, lucent fronds, is also apt, from time to time, to produce merely plumose fronds or, portions of fronds of normal texture, and when its spores are sown there invariably results a large percentage of plants so characterised throughout. Apart from these dimorphic or multi-morphic variations, that of "truncation" may also be mentioned, a form which, odd as it is, has occurred in several British and one exotic species, viz., Lastrea mon- tana, L. Filix-mas, Athyrium Filix-fcemina, Sco- lopendrium vulgare and Polypodium hexagonop- terum. In all these the terminals of both frond and side divisions or pinnae end abruptly and squarely, the midrib continuing for a short distance as a projecting thorn or bristle. Why in the Fern the lateral leaf tissues should be so suddenly and uniformly sup- pressed at a definite stage of otherwise nor- mal growth is, like variation generally, a pro- found mystery, but we give it special mention here on account of its recurrence in the several distinct species named. Chas. T. Drucry, V.M.H., F.L.S. EXPERIMENTS ON THE VALUE OF NITRO- BACTERIA (Concluded from page HO.) To these trials we will now devote our atten- tion. For details of Mr. Chittenden's results we must refer our readers to the original paper. It is sufficient for us that, in these experiments, culinary Peas were the crop, and that they were cultivated on 24 plots, each of which had an area of 2 square rods. The plots were in two series, one extending over well-cultivated land, and one over fallow land. Into the manurial treatment of these plots we need not enter, the essential point of the trial being that pairs of similar plots, similarly manured or unmanured, were planted, one of the pair with seed treated with Nitro-Bacterine (the inoculated plots), the other with uninoculated seed. Mr. Chittenden's conclusions are: — That "seven out of the 12 plots on which inoculated seed was sown gave smaller crops than the cor- responding uninoculated plots, and one gave an equal crop." He finds that " the total crop from the whole of the plots receiving inoculated seed was 450 lbs., while the total from the plots in which uninoculated seed was sown was 515 lbs. The uninoculated seed, therefore, gave a crop 14 per cent, heavier than the inoculated. " The crop from the inoculated seed was no better in any way than that from the uninocu- lated, nor did it reach maturity earlier. " It is concluded that the inoculation of legu- minous crops with Nitro-Bacterine in ordinary garden soil is not likely to prove beneficial." As will appear immediately, our own experi- ments confirm this last and all-important con- clusion, but they do not confirm the somewhat surprising conclusions reached by Mr. Chitten- den that inoculation generally decreases the yield. We will first give a brief account of our own experimental results, and then return to this question of decrease of yield from inoculated seed. The experiments to which we desire to refer were conducted during the summer of 1908, in the grounds attached to the Botanical Laboratory of University College, Reading. Though on a smaller scale than the Wis- ley trials, they were of much the same na- ture, and consisted in comparing the yield from culinary Peas (Sutton's Early Giant garden Pea) which had been inoculated with Nitro-Bacterine with that from uninoculated seed of the same variety. The details of these experiments are given in an appendix to the present communication. Here we need only give the actual results. Culture A — Inoculated seed : Yield Uninoculated seed : Yield ... Increase in favour of inoculated seed = us 6£ = 7.1 per cent. Culture B— lbs. ozs. Inoculated seed : Yield : 6 3 Uninoculated seed : Yield 5 7+ lbs ozs • 6 5 11 Increase in favour of inoculated seed = Hi = 7.6 per cent. Culture C— lbs. ozs. Inoculated seed : Yield 4 4J Uninoculated seed : Yield 4 5| Increase in favour of uninoculated seed =; 1 = 1.5 per cent. Average increase in favour of inoculated seed — j.6 per. cent. We had intended to defer the publication of these results till next year, when, as we hoped, we should have had others available for com- parison. But having regard to the distinctly adverse results obtained at Wisley, it seems only fair to put them on record. We do not know in what light Professor Bot- tomley will regard our results ; but, for our part, we consider that, though they may be less discomforting than Mr. Chittenden's, they can afford but cold comfort to ardent believers in Nitro-Bacterine. We may state our own con- clusion thus : — The increase of yield from inocu- lated seed is so small that it does not represent a sufficient increase of profit as to make the use of Nitro-Bacterine on ordinary garden soils of prac. tical value. The detailed records of our experiments also indicate, like those of Mr. Chittenden, that this APPENDIX. Table I. Nitro-Bacterine Inoculation Experiments. Botanical Laboratory, University College, Reading, 1908. Culture A. Control A. Treatment of Culture A. Total Crop. Marketable. Marketable. Total Crop. Treatment of Control A. No. of Pods. Weight. No. of Pods. Weight. No. of Pods. Weight. No. of Pods. Weight. No manure. Watered with Nitro- Bacterine. \ row once. $ row twice. No seed-inoculation. 368 lb. oz. 6 i 313 lb. oz. 6 lj 275 lb. oz. 5 11J 328 lb. oz. 5 m Watered with nitrate of soda at the rate of ^ oz. to the square yard. § row once. | row twice. Treatment of Culture B. No manure. Seed-inoculation only. Culture B. Control B, 372 lb. oz. 6 5^ 318 lb. 6 oz. 3 303 lb. oz. 5 74 373 lb. 5 oz. 11 Treatment of Cotitr B. No manure. No seed-inoculation. Treatment of Culture C. Culture C. Control C. Treatment of Control C. Manured with 4 cwt. super-phosphate and rV cwt. potassium sul- phate (rate per acre). Seed inoculated and soil watered twice with Nitro-Bacterine. 283 lb. oz. 4 7 238 lb. oz. 4 4J 248 lb. oz. 4 5£ 297 lb. oz. 4 8i Manured with super- phosphate and potas- sium sulphate as Culture C. Seed not inoculated. Soil not treated with Nitro-Bacterine. Seed used: Sutton's Early Giant Pea; sown May 29. First picking July 24 (an early variety sown late to get a midsummer crop). Soil: Fairly deep calcareous loam. Weather: Dry, hot summer; plots watered equally from time to time. Number of plants : Seedlings when about 4 in. high, thinned to 60 plants per plot. Rows running N.— S., 5 feet apart. ■66 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1909. preparation is without effect in producing earlier crops. Thus two only out of six different " in- oculated " plots produced more pods than their corresponding, uninoculated plots on their first pickings, and the plants on all the 12 inoculated and uninoculated plots began flowering at about the same time. It remains to consider briefly the curious re- sult of the Wisley series of experiments, viz., that the yield from inoculated seed was generally lower than that from uninoculated seed. Though, as indicated in the introduction to this paper, it is not impossible that Nitro-Bac- . terine or any similar preparation might not, under certain conditions, exercise results the re- verse of beneficial, yet we cannot but think that this lessened yield must be due rather to the method of experiment adopted than to an actual injurious effect on the part of Professor Bottom- ley's preparation. It appears from Mr. Chitten- den's account of his experiments that he used a definite weight of seed for planting each plot (60 grams). Hence the number of seeds per row varied (within narrow limits) from plot to plot. Moreover, Mr. Chittenden does not record in his paper the number of seedlings which germinated, nor the number of plants which matured on each plot. Since the crop suffered from an attack of the Pea-weevil (Sitones lineatus), it may be that the chance death-rate was higher in some plots than in others. We have not been able to gather from Mr. Chittenden's paper what was the yield per plant. This, though a matter of no impor- tance in practice, is one of fundamental impor- tance in a trial of this kind. In such experi- ments, for the testimony of the results to be con- vincing, the number of plants and the yield of each must be recorded. We think that it would add materially to the value of Mr. Chittenden's results if he would publish the exact details as to the number of plants which actually grew and bore seed on each plot. Till, therefore, further experiment confirms this adverse- effect of inoculation, we need not speculate as to how it is brought about. We do not think that an unprejudiced reader of Mr. Chittenden's very elaborate results can doubt the truth of his main conclusion, for it is too much to believe that the bad luck of a higher chance death-rate can have always befallen the inocu- lated seed. Moreover, there are our own re- sults, in which the same number of seeds were sown in each plot, and in which the same num- ber of mature plants were cropped, which, as we have already indicated, confirm his main con- clusions. After all, the problem must be sent back to the laboratory, and science must know more before the question as to how Pseudomonas radicicola may be exploited in the interest of horticulture can be regarded as solved. Frederick Keeble, Sc.D. &■= DM.Cayley. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. IRIS HIMALAICA (Sp. n.). The following is the description of the new Iris which formed the subject of my article in the issue for January 2, p. 3:- — Species, rhizo- mate gracili repente elongato ; foliis linearibus incurvis, 2-3 ped. longis, J poll, latis, supra nitidis, infra glaucoviridibus ; scapo solido, nun- quam fistuloso, folia longe superante, capitulis pluribus ; spathis bifloris 3 poll, longis ; pedi- cellis spathis aequantibus ; perianthii tubo tri- quetro \ poll, longo ; segmentis externis, 2 poll, longis, 1 poll, latis, obovato-cuneatis, violaceis albomaculatis, imberbibus ; segmentis internis, \\ poll, longis, J poll, latis, subpatentibus, vio- laceis, venis inconspicuis ; styli ramis latis, con- vexis, carinatis, li poll, longis ; eapsulis trigonis 2 poll, longis : seminibus orbiculis, compressis, tenuibus. W. R. Dykes, Charterhouse, Godal- ming. ASTER GRANDIFLORUS. Although this plant was introduced into cul- tivation by Mr. Mark Catesby as long ago as the year 1720, it is comparatively rare in gar- dens. This may be accounted for by the late- ness of its flowering season, which occurs during the month of November. Hence it is seldom seen in perfection out-of-doors. Last season, however, owing to the favourable mild weather during the autumn months, all the fine large flowers developed, making an effective display after the other stai worts were past. The plant is of bushy habit, rather over 2 feet high, with stiff, rigid branches, each terminated by single, purple-blue flowers, about 2 inches in diameter. Unlike most of the other members of this family, this plant does not require any sup- port, the growths being stiff and erect. The foli- age is not conspicuous, consisting of small, linear, subamplexicaul leaves, those of the upper blanches being reflexed and hispid at the edge. A. grandiflorus is found growing in dry and gravelly soil in the United States, extending from Virginia to Georgia. It is hardy in this country, and is easily propagated by division during the winter season, or early in spring. Its late-flowering habit should render it a valuable plant for the greenhouse, as it might be grown out-of-doors in pots, to be brought into the house just when the flowers are opening. W . I. plants themselves will be prevented or reduced. It need hardly be mentioned that no insulation, such as was described in the articles on " Cold Storage," will furnish heat to a plant. What in- sulation does is to prevent the passage of heat through the intervening medium. In the case of a cold store or cold cabinet it prevents the pas- sage of the heat from the external air to the sub- stances inside. In the case of plants to be protected from frost, it prevents the passage of heat from the plants to the outside air, and, there- fore, prevents or reduces the lowering of the tem- perature of the plants. Any of the substances mentioned as insulators for cold stores or cold cabinets, if properly placed between the plants and the surrounding air, will keep out frost. In addition, there are several other substances, some of which gardeners have already found use- ful by practical experience. Such are brown paper, mats, cloths, and even ordinary news- papers. The reason the substances act as insu- lators is that they are all of a porous nature. They all contain minute air spaces, which resist the passage of heat through them. Still, dry air is one of the best-known insulators, and this has its application in the protection of plants from frost. Dry cloths, particularly woollen ones, dry brown paper, dry newspapers, and, in- fact, any dry and porous substances will keep out the cold. But it is absolutely neces- RSrar ***•*?<*. •""'- *l%* [Photograph by W. Irving. Fig. 24. — aster grandiflorus: a large-flowered SPECIES BLOOMING IN NOVEMBER. SIMPLE METHODS OF KEEPING OUT COLD. The Spaniards have a proverb, that what will keep the cold out will keep the heat out, and the proverb may be reversed : what will keep heat out will keep cold out. All that was stated, in connection with the construction of cold stores (see Gardeners' Chronicle, November 7, 21, 28, 1908), for keeping plants at a low temperature, applies to the protection of plants from low temperatures. The cabi- nets described in those articles for keeping small quantities of plants or bulbs at low tem- peratures should answer equally well for preserv- ing bulbs or plants from frost for a certain time, omitting, of course, the provision of ice or freez- ing mixtures. Frost attacks plants because the surrounding atmosphere is at a very much lower temperature than the plants are, and, therefore, heat passes from the plants to the surrounding air, their temperature being gradually lowered in the process. If the passage of heat from the plants and from the soil containing the roots can be prevented, or if its rate of passage can be reduced, the lowering of the temperature of the sary that the substances should be dry. Imme- diately they become moist they lose some of their insulating properties. Water evaporates at all temperatures and in evaporating absorbs heat. Hence heat is taken from the sub- stances immediately in contact with it ; thus, wet wraps produce cold, even in cold weather. The porous earthenware used for flower-pots is a good insulator, provided it is dry. When wet, it has the opposite effect. Almost any degree of protection may be obtained by the careful use of any of the substances named, if applied in sufficient quantity. Two sheets of brown paper should, if carefully applied, give more than double the protection of one, because of the air-space between them. la applying two or three thicknesses care should be taken that the air enclosed has not much chance of getting into motion. The paper or cloth should be so arranged as to break up the air space into as many sections as possible. Air currents, which are produced at all tempera- tures, are another source of cold. They set up evaporation. Evaporation uses up heat, and, therefore, cold results. S. F. W. January 16, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 37 THE ROSARY. NOTES ON NEWER VARIETIES. There are many beautiful, new Roses still to describe, and I will now deal with the dwarf Polyantha or Pompon Roses, which are, at last, beginning to be better known and appreciated. I have also been requested to deal with all the best climbing Roses. Before proceeding with these two most interesting types, I should like to advise readers to include in their collection, if they have not already obtained them, a bed or two, or a long border of " Arethusa " (1903) and "Queen Mab " (1896), both of which were raised by Wm. Paul & Son. A grower asked me the other day " which I considered the two best China Roses?" My reply was these two most wonderful bloomers. I have a row of 300 of these planted alternately. They are a beautiful blend. "Queen Mab" is well known ; the blooms are of a lovely rosy- apricot tint with an orange centre ; the buds are pretty and of almost perfect shape. "Arethusa" most beautiful edging plants for other Roses in beds ; or they can, grouped by themselves, be used to form very rich colour-effects, but care must be taken to blend the colours nicely. I will now describe all the sorts that I have found worthy of cultivation : — Cecile Brunner (Ducher, iSSo).— This variety remains the queen of all this class of Roses. The blooms are of most distinct and exquisite shape, bright rose in colour : when open, the flower, owing, to the colour of the bases of the petals, has a yellowish centre. In the late autumn the colour is intense. The plant is a fairly strong grower for a Pompon variety. Phiixipine Lambert (P. Lambert, igoj).— My wife calls these our baby "La France." They are hardly that, the flowers not being so high pointed, but they are beautifully imbri- cated, very full, of a fair size, and produced in clusters of three to eight. The blooms all open well. In colour they are a lovely silvery-pink, and the buds are carmine-pink. The blooming is very free and perpetual, and the habit strong for a Pompon. FlG. 25. — ODONTOGLOSSUM MAGALI SANDER: SEPALS AND PETALS CREAM-WHITE, MOTTLED WITH ROSE. is a clear deep yellow, very slightly tinted with apricot ; its habit is exactly similar to that of " Queen Mab," and the blooms are of the same shape. From the last week in May till frost appears these are always literally a sheet of bloom. Indeed, there has never been any Rose yet introduced that can beat these two for free- dom of blooming, and, unlike most other Chinas, they are nicely-shaped blooms, too. Comtesse du Cayla (Guillot, igo2) is a sweetly pretty flower in its bud state, but it is nothing like so free a bloomer as those already mentioned. I will now consider the " Pompon " or dwarf Polyantha Roses. Most of them are of very dwarf growth, and have very small flowers, yet they are nearly all most distinct. I often think how greatly many gardens could be improved by a free use of these little gems in place of such a lot of bedding plants. Once properly planted, Pompon Roses are a joy for very many years, and they need so little attention. They form Leonie Lamesch (P. Lambert, igoo). — The blooms of this variety are of an extraordinary colour, being coppery-red with a golden centre, shaded deep red and, as the flower ages, 3'ellow. The blooms are produced singly and are of medium size. The plant has a very erect growth and strong habit for a Pompon. Taking both its flower and beautiful foliage into con- sideration, it is a very distinct and striking variety. Eugenie Lamesch (P. Lambert, igoo). — This is of bushy growth and very dwarf. The colour is a beautiful orange-yellow, passing to clear yel- low with age. The delicate little flowers are produced in clusters. Perle d'Or CRambaux, 1S84). — The flower is of a most striking and extraordinary colour, a coppery-orange, turning, when fully opened, to nankeen-yellow. The bloom is fairly full, but is not of a particularly nice shape: still, it is a IcrMy little variety and wonderfully free in blooming. Mignonette (Guillot, 1882).— The beautiful, soft, rose colour changes to nearly white ; ihe small flowers are borne in very large trusses. With me it is a sheet of bloom during June and July; then it goes off in August, but flowers again in September. This Rose is especially effective when massed in a bed. Gloire de Polyantha (Guillot, 1887). — We call this Mignonette's little twin sister, but in colour it is a deep rose with a white base. Katherine Zeimet (P. Lambert, igoi). — A de- licate, white variety, undoubtedly the best white Pompon. The very small, full flowers are borne in great clusters, and with me it is extraordin- arily free. In addition to this it has, perhaps, the sweetest scent of any Pompon Rose. Madame Zelia Bourgeois (Vilin e> Vilin, igoy). — Another very sweetly-scented variety. The small, white, double flowers are very freely produced. Schneewittchen (P. Lambert, igoi).— This Rose has, in large trusses, ivory-white, very small, semi-double flowers with golden stamens. I do not recommend it, however, as it does not last well, and the quickly-fading flowers give the whole an untidy effect. Schneekopf (P. Lambert, igojJ.—A pure white, fairly large, full flower that opens well, and is produced in large clusters. The growth is erect and bushy. It is to be recommended as a good Rose. Anna Marie Montravel (Rambaux, 1879). — This has pure white, very tiny, full flowers with slightly imbricated petals. They grow in enormous trusses, a hundred or so flowers in each truss. The habit is very distinct. Perle des Rouges (Dubreuil, iSg-j).— The velvety, crimson flowers have the reflex of their petals cerise ; they are small and double and are produced in large clusters. This Rose is the brightest of all the crimson Pompons. It is very free in flowering and is quite a little gem. Madame N. Levavasseur (Levavasseur, igo2). — This is nothing more nor less than a perpetu- ally-flowering Pompon Crimson Rambler. Maman Levavasseur (Levavasseur, igoy). — Sometimes called " Baby Dorothy Perkins," is a perpetually-flowering, dwarf-growing form of the well-known " Dorothy Perkins." Princess Ena (fV. B. May, /goS).—I am informed this is a very pretty sport from "Madame N. Levavasseur." The flowers are rosy-pink, with small, white centres, and pale yellow stamens. Marie Pavte (Aligatiire, 1889). — I have only had this Rose one season, but think it one of the best. It has a full, laige flower for its class, and or.e that lasts well. Leonard. Petrie, Gayton, 1 heltenham. (To be continued.) ODONTOGLOSSUM MAGALI SANDER. (Rolfe^ x Adrians var. F. K. Sander.) Our illustration (fig. 25) represents a flower of this superb Odontoglossum, for which Messrs. Sander & Sons were awarded a First-class Certifi- cate at the Royal Horticultural Society, on Decem- ber 22, 190S. It may be said that it came as a surprise even to Messrs. Sander & Sons, who did not expect that the introduction of the compara- tively small O. Adrianae, even in the highest form, as represented by their variety F. K. Sander, would produce such results, for it has indeed increased the already broad proportions of O. Rolfeae, while the deep colouring and even distribution of the blotches are almost identical with the markings of O. Adrianse F. K. Sander. The sepals and petals are cream-white slightly mottled with rose, the blotches being deep claret- purple. The lip is white with a yellow crest, and dark reddish-purple blotches ; there being a rose- coloured ray in front of the largest blotch. The plant bore a very large spike of many flowers. 38 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1909. The Week's Work. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W, A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Planting of trees and shrubs. — Proceed with the planting of all kinds of Conifers, such as Abies, Pinus, Picea, Cedrus, Cryptomeria, Larix, and Taxodium. It is usual either to trench the ground or prepare some good-sized • holes for the trees. Whichever system is adopted, it should be recognised that it is im- possible to exercise too much care in tree-plant- ing. With species of Pinus success is more diffi- cult of attainment than with other Conifers. But it is possible to give them such a start that they will make good-sized specimens in a few years. Spread out the roots evenly, work in as much fine soil as possible about -them, and carry out the planting in every detail with care, riace a support to each tree immediately it is planted. Montbretia. — It is not too late to lift Mont- bretia corms for the purpose of sorting the bigger ones out and replanting them. This operation is necessary every two or three years. The largest corms should be selected for plant- ing in clumps or beds. The ground should be enriched with manure and a little sand may be added. Place the corms at distances of 3 or 4 inches from each other. Plant the small corms in some out-of-the-way place in the garden. After the planting has been done, the ground should be mulched with long manure. Mont- bretias have the best effect when planted in large breadths. Erica. — Ericas may be planted at the present time. They do not require as much peat as is sometimes given them. They will succeed in a light loam if sand and leaf-mould are added. Some of the earlier-flowering sorts require a sheltered situation. E. lusitanica and E. carnea are finely, in flower at the present time. They will last until the Almond-scented E. arborea and E. Veitchii flower in March or April. Annuals. — Seeds of the best annuals should be purchased in order that they may be sown as time and opportunities present themselves. Some of the best sorts are here enumerated : — Aquile- gia ccerulea, A. chrysantha, Antirrhinum "Fiery Belt" (coral red), Carmine Pink, and Orange King ; Chinese Asters, including a distinct and pretty variety known as " Crushed Strawberry " ; Bartonia aurea, Begonias of various types, Calendula, Calliopsis, Candytuft, Centaureas (Sweet Sultan), Clarkias, Cosmos bipinnata, Cyanus minor, Nigella " Miss Jekyll," Del- phiniums, Dianthus, including the varieties Salmon Queen and Vesuvius; Eschscholtzias, in- cluding Double Orange, Carmine King, Diana, Dainty Queen, and Rose Cardinal ; Gaillardias, Godetias, Gypsophilaelegans, and other species ; Hollyhocks, Lobelias in variety, Lupinus poly- phylius, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Nemesia stru- mosa. Linarias, Nicotiana, Sanderae and N. affinis ; Phlox Drummondii, Papavers, includ- ing the Iceland and Shirley Poppies ; Portu- lacas, Salvias, Salpiglossis, Sapouarias, Sca- bious, Stocks, and Zinnias. Sweet Peas are very effective when grown in clumps, and the flowers can be cut conveniently. If the varieties are mixed in long rows they also make an excellent feature in the garden, and vield a great number of flowers. Such rows, however, should be grown in the supply garden rather than in the flower garden. General work. — Sweet Peas sown in Octo- ber should have a ridge of dry ashes placed on either side of the rows. Prepare a quan- titv of soil that it may be ready for use in pot- ting and seed-sowing. The leaf-mould, loam, and other ingredients should be placed under cover where they will remain moderately dry. Protect border Carnations from sparrows either by stretching a netting supported by small stii ks, or by straining some black cotton over the plants. Remove all decaying leaves from the Carnations growing in frames and admit air tn the plants during favourable weather. Cut- tings may now be prepared of such tender bed- ding plants as Alternanthera, Iresine, Lobelia, and Pelargonium. Border Carnations. — These plants should be tieated almost as Calceolarias, the difference being that the Calceolarias, being in small pots, will require water, even though it be at long intervals. Spray them occasionally with an in- secticide. The borders for their reception should be prepared in fair weather. Let the ground be deeply dug and a liberal application of cow manure be placed under the top spit. '1 he roots will benefit from this manure, and more particularly in dry weather. An application of soot may be worked into the surface soil dur- ing the season the plants are making their growth. Good loam, cow manure, and soot are the chief necessities for Carnation roots, but sharp sand or road grit may be added if the loam is of a heavy nature. the borders with clear water, and follow this by a liberal application of dilute, farmyard-manure water. If the vines have been unsatisfactory through shanking, or they have failed to finish their crops properly, some renovation will be necessary. Assuming that there are indoor and outdoor borders, the inside borders may be dealt with at the present time, without interfering with the prospects of the crop this season. The de- tails of the renovation of such borders were fully explained by Mr. T. Coomber in this column a few weeks ago. See pp. 392 (Dec. 5) and 71 (Feb. 1), 1908. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Early Peach and Nectarine trees in pots. — In gardens where only limited conveniences exist for the forcing of fruit, the cultivation of early Peaches and Nectarines in pots has much to recommend it. A longer supply of ripe fruits may be thus maintained, which is a consideration of the greatest im- portance in districts where Peaches cannot be successfully cultivated out-of-doors. Trees which were started in December should now be in flower. Therefore the atmosphere of the house should be kept moderately dry, and the flowers should be pollinated in the middle of the day by passing a rabbit's tail carefully over them. Ventilate the house during favourable weather, but exercise care to prevent draughts of cold air. As soon as the fruits have set, any shoots not required for the extension of the trees may be pinched hard back. When and where the permanent shoots must be stopped will be gov- erned by a study of the formation of the tree. Should there set a large surplus of fruits, some of those which are badly placed may be re- moved, but the final thinning of the fruits should be deferred until the stoning stage is past. Syringe the trees twice each day during fine weather, and damp the walls and paths in the house at frequent intervals. Should aphis appear on the foliage, the house may be lightly fumigated. As soon as. it can be seen that the fruits are commencing to swell, occasional ap- plication of diluted liquid manure may be given. Weak soot water is also beneficial. Early Peach trees in borders. — Let disbudding be commmenced as soon as the shoots are large enough to handle. It is a good plan to disbud once just before the trees come into flower, so that it will not be necessary to repeat the opera- tion until that stage is past. About half the shoots may be removed at the first operation, taking care to leave one or two shoots as near to the base of the bearing wood as possible, and another at the point of the shoot. When the trees are in flower keep the atmosphere of the house in the condition recommended for the pot trees ; pollinate the flowers, especially those on the upper sides of the branches. Before the flowering stage is reached the borders should be examined, and, if they need moisture, a tho- rough application of clear, tepid water should be given. Fumigate the house just before the trees come into bloom. The atmospheric tempera- ture at night should be 50° to 55°, varying ac- cording to the weather, allowing a rise of about 5° during the day. During sunny weather the temperature may even rise, to 80°, provided the ventilators are open at the time. A little air may be admitted through the top ventilators during the night. Strawberries. — When the flower-spikes can be seen the plants should be removed to a warmer house, placing them near to the glass. After that stage has been reached, liberal applications of liquid manure, alternated by some approved fertiliser, should be given two or three times each week, except during the time the fruits are setting. At this season of the year Straw- berry flowers need to be pollinated very care- fully with a camel-hair brush. Keep the atmo- sphere dry and admit air when possible. The minimum atmospheric temperature should be 60°. Late vines. — Now that the fruit has been cleared from the latest vines, the borders will need some attention. If the crops have been satisfactory, it will be sufficient evidence that the roots are in good order. In such a case, water PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C, Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Chrysanthemums. — As soon as any cuttings are sufficiently rooted let them be removed from the propagating frame. During the first few days after their removal from the atmosphere of the propagating frame the newly-rooted plants will be very susceptible to draught, therefore place them for a short time in a temporary frame, which should first be given a layer of the same material as that in which the pots were pre- viously plunged, whether cocoanut fibre, refuse or ashes. Later, the little plants may be placed with earlier ones in a brick pit that can be securely protected on frosty nights. It is time to insert cuttings to furnish plants for general decorative work. If it can be avoided, neither weakly shoots nor those which have flower-buds upon them should be used for this purpose, but instead, sturdy growths which appear as suckers from the base of the old plants. Carnations. — Inspect frequently the plants of Souvenir de la Malmaison for the purpose of removing any portions of leaves which show signs of the rust fungus. This is the best way to eradicate the disease from the collection, but care must be taken to burn the infected leaves directly they have been removed from the plants. Fumigate all Carnation plants at frequent in- tervals, remembering that the presence of a few aphis is sufficient to disfigure the leaves. Pro- pagation of the winter-flowering kinds may be commenced as soon as good cuttings are pro- curable, but it is better to wait for a month than make use of inferior cuttings. Insert three or four cuttings in sandy soil around the sides of a 3-inch pot. Unless they are too long, the side growths, carefully pulled off with a " heel " attached, will form roots more easily than cut- tings made in the ordinary way. Do not keep the frame-lights too close or the cuttings will commence to grow before they have formed roots. Do not allow the bottom heat to exceed 60° or 65°. Rickardia africana. — It being impracticable to fumigate these plants in the show house, it is necessary to watch carefully for the appearance of green fly, and to sponge them from the ex- terior of the spathes before they unfold. Make frequent applications of liquid manure to the roots. Dormant bulbs. — These should be examined frequently in order that there may be no losses either through the bulbs being in too dry sur- roundings, or by any precocious individuals making growth : a condition which calls for their removal from the plunging material. The earliest batches of Caladiums, Gloxinias, and Begonias may now be introduced to heat. Many gardeners obtain good results by at once putting the tubers into pots and using ordinary compost, but others prefer to start the tubers into growth in boxes filled chiefly with leafy mould and sand. This latter method is to be preferred. Violets in frames. — One of the most essential requirements of Violets is fresh air, and this must be frequently supplied to the plants in frames, whilst, at the same time, cold draughts are prevented. Remove any decaying leaves on any that show signs of disease as soon as they are observed, and stir the surface soil frequently. If advantage was taken of the mild weather at the beginning of December to apply a copious watering, no further water will be needed at the present time. Blooms which are required for vases should be gathered before they are fully expanded, and, if they are placed in a warm greenhouse for a few hours after being gathered, they will develop greater perfume. January iG, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 39 THE ORCHID HOUSES. By \V, H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Tkevor Lawrence Bart., Burford, Surrey. Calanlhe, Eulophia, Cataselum, &*c. — Plants of the Calanthe vestita section will now be passing out of flower. Since these plants require a period of thorough rest as soon as the spikes are cut, they should be placed on a dry shelf or in some other suitable position. Keep them well up to the roof glass of a house where the atmospheric temperature at night is maintained at about til - Afford them no more water at the roots until new growths develop from the base of the current sea- son's pseudo-bulbs, when it will be time to repot them. The Calanthes of the Regnieri section like C. Sanderiana, and C. Stevensii, now opening their flowers, should be kept just moist at the roots until the flowers open, when water should • be gradually discontinued. After blooming, the plants require the same resting treatment as those of the C. vestita group. Eulophia guineensis and E. congoensis should be rested with the Calanthes. As the leaves ripen and fall off from such species as Catasetum, Cyc- noches, and Mormodes, let these plants be ele- vated to the lightest position available in the Cattleya house. Do not apply water at the roots until growth recommences, unless it is seen that the newly-made pseudo-bulbs are commencing to shrivel. All these deciduous plants are liable to become infested with white and brown scale-in- sects while at rest, therefore they should be peri- odically examined, for the purpose of cleaning them with brush and sponge. Zygopetalum. — Plants of Z. maxillare that have overgrown the blocks of Tree Fern upon which they were imported, must now be given attention, as they will soon be starting into growth. Cut away as much of the old block as is possible without causing injury to the roots ; wire the remaining part with the plant attached "to a new piece of Tree Fern. Suspend the plant in a shady position in the intermediate house, and never allow it to become in the least dry. As soon as '/.. Mackayi, Z. crinitum, Z. Murray- anum, Z. brachypetalum, and the hybrid Z. Wiganianum pass out of flower, they should be repotted, if this is necessary. Fibrous loam, .peat, chopped Sphagnum-moss, and plenty of small, broken crocks, well mixed together, form a suitable compost for them to root in. Pot the plants exactly in the same manner as for an ordinary stove or greenhouse plant. Such varie- ties as /.. Ballii, Z. leucochilum, Z. Clavi, Z. Protheroeianum, Z. Burkei, '/.. Perrenoudii, and ■ Z. triste, grow and root well in a mixture of ■ Osmunda and Polvpodium fibre in equal parts, with the addition of small crocks. The same compost will suit Z. rostratum and Z. Roeblingi- snum, if an equal ratio of chopped Sphagnum- moss be added. For several weeks after these plants have been disturbed by repotting much judgment is needed in affording water, it being safer to err rather on the dry than on the wet side. As the plants become re-established, gradually increase the quantity of water at the root and in the atmosphere. These Zygopetalums thrive best when arranged together in a shady corner of the intermediate house. Small yellow thrips are exceedingly fond of the young growths, and when once they have obtained a footing low down in the growths thev are very difficult to eradicate. As a preventive against attacks, •place the plants at least once a week in a house that is being treated with a nicotine vaporising : compound PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J. W. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Park, London. Trees and shrubs in the London Parks. — It is often a matter of comment that the varieties of trees and shrubs in our London parks are re- stricted to a few genera and species. This is necessarily so because many desirable plants will not succeed in a smoke-laden atmosphere, or be- cause the soil or other conditions are unsuited to them. This is especially true of Conifers gener- ally, and in the more central parts of the Metro- polis it would be a waste of time and money to plant them. We have to depend mainly upon deciduous trees for inner-town effects. Any form of plant life that possesses rough or woolly foli- age collects the soot and other deleterious sub- stances from the atmosphere, which soon render the plants unhealthy. In addition to the vari- ous forms of deciduous trees and shrubs, Ever- green shrubs with smooth leaves are the most suitable for town-planting. Some good shrubs for town-planting. — Aucuba japonica in all its forms is, without exception, the best Evergreen shrub that can be planted in smoky districts ; the bushes are free in growth, soon becoming large-sized specimens. The male and female plants should both be planted, as this is necessary for the production of the beautiful scarlet berries. The variegation of the foliage is not so handsome as in the case of specimens grown under more favourable sur- roundings, but the symmetry of habit, together with the beautiful, broad, leathery foliage, places the Aucuba in the front rank of all other Ever- greens. The Skimmias in all their varieties are also desirable town shrubs. The dwarf, bushy habit makes them valuable for placing in the front row of a shrubbery or border. The various forms of Euonymus are also useful, and these plants, being easily propagated, can be freely planted. Box, again, does splendidly in town parks, where the large bushes with shin- ing, Myrtle-like leaves are always attractive. The Brooms, including Cytisus albus and C. praecox, find many admirers in spring, when they are in flower. The plants in a few years become " leggy " and need to be replaced with young specimens. Olearia Haastii is a shrub that flowers freely in the London parks, produc- ing clusters of miniature white flowers. The Osmanthus ilicifolius adds another pleasing variety, reminding one of the Holly (Ilex aqui- folium) that is freely employed in its many handsome forms. The large-leaved Hollies, such as the variety Hodginsii, are far superior for town-planting to the other kinds ; they form large pyramidal trees. There are several varie- gated varieties that might be planted, but their beautiful markings are spoiled by the soot and other dirt in the atmosphere. Tamarix gallica is well worthy of inclusion in the list of useful shrubs. Yucca gloriosa and other species suc- ceed and flower well with us. They form beau- tiful plants, thriving in almost any situation, and remain objects of interest for many years. The common Laurel (Prunus Laurocerasus) is one of the freest growing and most useful Ever- greens, but the environment of a town causes it to lack that free and luxuriant growth that characterises it under more suitable conditions. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. 1. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Tht propagation of bush fruits. — It is advis- able to propagate a number of Gooseberry and Currant bushes each year in order to make good any gaps in existing plantations or to form additional plantings. Cuttings of the Black Cur- rant require rather different preparation from those of White or Red Currants or Gooseberries. Select strong, well-ripened shoots about 12 to 18 inches in length, and with a sharp knife make a clean, straight cut across the base of the cut- ting directlv under a node (joint). Cut the weak end of the shoot off at the top and insert the cutting without removing any of the buds. This latter point is important, as the best fruits are always borne on young wood, and, if the cuttings are prepared as I have recom- mended, there will be young growths pro- duced every year from the ground, this being in every way desirable. The cuttings should be in- serted firmly in the ground to a depth of four or six inches. Almost any position will suffice for the cuttings, but a shady border sheltered from drying winds is best. The three best varie- ties are Boskoop Giant, Lee's Prolific, and Black Naples. Gooseberry and Red Currant. — Cuttings of these should have the buds removed on two-thirds of the length, leaving an upper portion of four to six inches long to form the foundation of the future bush. If the removal of the lower buds is neglected, the production of suckers will prove a perpetual cource of trouble, especially in the case of Gooseberries. Excellent varieties of Red Currants include Comet, La Versaillaise, Mammoth, and Red Dutch, with Raby Castle and La Constante for the latest crops. The varieties of Gooseberries are so numerous that it is inconvenient to enumerate a selection here, but, in some of the best catalogues, the nurserv- men have published lists of varieties best suited for special purposes. General work. — During frosty weather manure may be wheeled upon the fruit quarters, allow- ing it to remain in heaps until pruning is com- pleted, when it may be spread over the ground and forked in amongst the trees. If any graft- ing has to be done later, let the trees to be grafted be headed down at the present time, leav- ing the branches sufficiently long to allow an- other few inches to be cut off them immediately prior to the grafting. The requisite scions should be prepared now and laid in the soil in a cool and shady border. They will keep perfectly fresh in such conditions until they are wanted. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. French Beans. — As the days lengthen there wilt be less cause for anxiety regarding the success of these plants. A maximum temperature of 60° and a minimum of about 55° will suit them, admirably. Place them in the lightest position possible, and see that the roof glass is kept thoroughly clean. Maintain a moist atmosphere, otherwise the foliage will become infested with red spider. Liquid manure should be applied every alternate watering to those plants which are fruiting, and they may be syringed thoroughly in the mornings and early afternoons with tepid water. Damp the paths with farm- yard manure water last thing in the afternoon. Further sowings should be made in 7 or 8-inch pots in a considerable heat. Support the young plants with neat stakes immediatelv they require it, and stop the points of the growths soon after they have made the first seed leaf. This will cause them to make two side breaks, and the plants in consequence will be kept dwarf. Cucumbers. — Plants that were raised last month and have been potted into 6-inch pots may be planted out on a mild hot-bed. At this season of the year it is necessary to use a compost of lighter materials than might be recommended later. Let it therefore consist of decayed leaf- mould and a light, fibrous loam in equal parts, adding a little finely-broken charcoal. Place a neat stake to each plant in order to conduct the growth to the trellis. The atmospheric tempera- ture should range from 60J to 70°, varying in accordance with the weather. Syringe the foliage twice each day with water which has been warmed to the temperature of the house. Pinch out the point from the growth directly it has reached the first wire. Plants in bearing should have as many of the old shoots cut out as can be spared, it being necessary to train in as much young growth as possible. Be careful to avoid over-cropping the plants. Cut the fruits as soon as they are fit for use, placing tie ends in water. If any red spider is noticed on the plants, carefully sponge the foliage with water and soft soap. Vaporise the house occa- sionally with a nicotine vaporising compound to prevent attacks of thrip and aphis. The roots will need a surface dressing of light loam and leaf-mould. Do not allow them to suffer for want of moisture. Make further sowings of some reliable varieties in 3-inch pots and raise the plants over a brisk bottom heat. Broad Beans. — Seeds may now be sown in boxes, placing the Beans 2, inches apart each way. Place the boxes in a cool house or frame. The plants will eventually be used for produc- ing a very early crop in the open. The long- podded varieties such as Leviathan. Aquadulce, and Mammoth Long Pod are much to be pre- ferred to the older, sinall-podded varieties. Radishes. — Sow seeds of Radishes at intervals of a fortnight or so on mild hot-beds. If they are not allowed to become overcrowded they will develop crisp roots that will sure to meet with appreciation. Cauliflowers. — Seedlings raised last month of such varieties as Early Forcing, Magnum Bonum, and Early Giant should now be pricked out into box<-s, the plants being placed at dis- tances of 3 inches apart. Make another sowing of the same sort in a gentle heat. 40 THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 4i, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters tor Publication, as well as specimens of 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 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 responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.- The Editor will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c, but he cannot be responsible for lossor injury. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige bysendingto the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20— Roy. Meteorological Soc. meet. THURSDAY, JANUARY 21— Gard. Roy. Benev. Inst. Ann. Meet, and Election of Pensioners at Simpson's Restaurant, Strand, 2.45 p.m. Linnean Soc. meet. Ann. meet. Brighton and Sussex Hort. Soc. SATURDAY, JANUARY 23— Ann. Dinner Soc. Franc. d'Hort. de Londres at Cafe Royal, Regent Street, W. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 38-7°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, January 13 (6 p.m.): Mas. 46°; Min. 36". Gardeners' Chronicle Office. 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London— Thursday, January 14 (10 a.m.): Bar. 293 ; Temp. 45" ; Weather— Sunshine. Provinces.— Wednesday, January 13 (6 p.m.): Max. 48° Cornwall ; Min. 35° North Scotland. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY NEXT- Border Plants and Perennials, Hardy Bulbs, Lilies, Azaleas, &c, at 12. Roses and Fruit Trees at 1.30, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, EX., by Protheroe & Morris. WEDNESDAY NEXT— Herbaceous and Border Plants, Bulbs, Liliums, Spiraeas, &c, at 12. Roses and Fruit Trees at 1.30. Palms, Azaleas, &c, at 6, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. FRIDAY NEXT— An importation of Burmese Dendrobes in variety, established Orchids in variety, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. Attention was drawn in our issue Rubber of October 3 last, to the de- Cutture , f . . , a , , in Ceylon* velopments which have taken place during recent years in the cultivation of rubber plants. It was pointed out how largely these develop- ments have been due to the activities of the Government Botanic Departments in various parts of the world. Although the cultivation of rubber is being prosecuted with zeal in the tropical possessions of other nations, it is gratifying to be able to record that the pioneer work was carried on within the British Empire. The lirst important step was the introduction to Ceylon and elsewhere of the supplies collected by Mr. H. A. Wick- ham in the Amazon Valley and brought to Kew under circumstances of considerable difficulty. The expense of Mr. Wickham's expedition was borne by the Government of India, but, as Ceylon seemed to offer more suitable conditions, the young plants were despatched thither, and later this colony acted as the distributing centre for other British possessions. The staff of the-Ceylon Botanic Gardens, moreover, carried out ex- perimental work and mack discoveries which were, in a large measure, instrumental in securing for rubber cultivation the position of a profitable industry. The world's annual output of rubber is now about 69,000 tons, of which amount tropical America contributes some 64 per cent., tropi- cal Africa 34 per cent., and tropical Asia the remaining 2 per cent. The tropical American yield is credited in the main to three plants, Hevea brasiliensis (Para rubber), Manihot Glaziovii (Ceara rubber), and Castilloa elas- tica (Central American rubber). Other species of Hevea and various species of the allied genus Sapium probably also contribute to the output of " Para rubber." More than one species of rubber-producing Castilloa have also been recognised, and recent observations point to there being other useful species of Manihot besides M. Glaziovii. The three plants mentioned may, however, be regarded as being the main sources of American rubber. They have all been introduced into Ceylon, and we may consider separately their histories in the colony. Of Hevea brasiliensis. a supply of some 2,000 young plants was received in Ceylon in 1876, transmitted from Kew in 39 Wardian cases. These plants had been raised from the seed collected by Mr. Wickham in the Amazon Valley. A special garden was pre- pared for their reception at Heveratgoda in the low, moist country, and some were also planted at Peradeniya, about 1,500 feet elevation. The plants succeeded very well. Heveratgoda soon supplied plants to widely distant parts of the tropics, at first from cuttings and later from seed. As the plants became old enough to yield rubber — usually about their sixth year— experimental tap- pings were commenced. To this end V- shaped incisions were made in the bark of the young trees, and the exuding latex col- lected in cups of cocoanut shell placed at the base of each trunk. In this manner the late Dr. Trimen, F.R.S., the then Director of the Gardens, obtained from one tree, during six years, by tappings made in 18.SN, 1890, 1892 and 1894, a yield of over 10A lb. of good, dry rubber. A definite step forward resulted from the experimental work of Dr. J. C. Willis, the present Director of the Ceylon Botanical Gardens, and Mr. J. C. Parkin, who carried out the investigations from 1897 onwards. They discovered the existence of the phenomenon known as " wound re- sponse." It was found that if a definite region of the bark was tapped several times at shin! intervals the yield of rubber increased considerably at each tapping. Many methods of coagulation of the latex were also tried, resulting in the preparation of the now familiar thin " biscuits." The net result was to show that Para rubber culti- vation in Ceylon might be looked upon as a reasonably profitable industry. Planting made such rapid strides that, at the present time, there are in the colony some 180,000 acres under rubber crops. Definite evidence of the progress of the industry is afforded by the increase in amount and value of the ex- ports of rubber from Ceylon during the past seven years. Whereas, in 1900, the quantity of rubber exported from the colony was but 8,223 lbs., of £859 in value, by 1908 it had increased to upwards of three-quarters of a million pounds, anil was valued at .£195,475;. It was thought at Ills', that Para rubber would not succeed in Ceylon at elevations greater than about 500 feet, but the tree has since proved to do well at heights even ex- ceeding 2,000, and probably 3,000 feet should be regarded as the limiting altitude in the colony. The tree will grow at much higher elevations, but would not be likely to prove profitable. The history of Hevea cultivation in Ceylon affords an excellent example of the usefulness of Botanic Gardens equipped with proper facilities for the carrying out of experimental work. If the Ceylon Gardens had done no- thing else during their history than establish this industry they would have more than jus- tified their existence. But, in addition, they were, as is well known, the means of intro- ducing coffee, tea, and cinchona, to take only the more striking instances, all of which plants have played important parts in the economic history of Ceylon. Ceara rubber (Manihot Glaziovii), another South American tree, was introduced into Ceylon by Kew in 1S77, the supplies of seeds and plants having been obtained by Mr. Cross. By 1883 as many as 977 acres were reported as being under this plant. The yield of rubber, however, was very disappointing, and, with the rapid development of the tea industry about this period, the cultivation of the Ceara-rubber tree fell into neglect. The Para rubber tree afterwards gave more promising results and interest was transferred to it. Recently, however, it has been shown that rubber of very high value can be pre- pared in Ceylon from the Manihot, and it is not improbable that, in the future, it will be grown in places too high or too arid for the Para rubber tree but well suited to the more drought-loving Ceiira plant. Central American rubber (Castilloa elas- lica), known to the Spaniards as the Ule, was introduced into Ceylon with the Para rubber plants in 1876. It was grown like the Para rubber ' at Peradeniya and Heveratgoda. Trees are now distributed about the island, but they have not been cultivated on an extensive scale, and comparatively little is known as to the yields obtainable from this species in the island, although experimental tappings have yielded rubber of high value. Amongst other rubber trees introduced into Ceylon are the Assam rubber tree (Ficus elastica), the familiar India-Rubber plant of this country. The avenue of this handsome tree leading into the Peradeniya Gardens is well known to visitors to Ceylon, the curious buttress-roots being very characteristic. No serious use has ever been made in the island of Ficus elastica as a rubber-producing tree. From Africa there have also been intro- duced the Lagos silk rubber tree (Funtumia elastica), which has not proved successful owing to the young plants being very liable to defoliation by the attacks of a caterpillar, and the various rubber vines (Landolphia spp.) which, from their climbing habit, are not well adapted for estate cultivation. Linnean Society. — The next general meeting will be held on January 21, at 8 p.m. The fol- lowing papers will be read: — (1) Mr. Arthur W. Hill, "The Genus Nototriche, Turcz " ; (2) Dr. Percy Groom, " The Longitudinal Sym- metry of Centrospermeae." Dr. Otto Stapf, F.R.S., Sec.L.S., will exhibit a peculiar type of Plagianthus (Malvacese) from Western Aus- tralia. January 16, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 41 The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent In- stitution. — The sixty-ninth annual general meeting of the members and subscribers of this Institution will be held at "Simpson's," 101, Strand, London, on Thursday next, January 21, at 2.45 p.m., for the purpose of receiving the report of the committee and the accounts of the Institution for the year 1908 ; electing officers for the year 1909 ; and for the elec- tion of 18 annuitants on the funds. Also to con- sider the following notice of motion by W. A. BlLNEY, Esq., J. P. (honorary solicitor) : — "That every person having attained the age of 70 years who is in receipt of an annuity from the Institu- tion and is eligible for a Government Old Age Pension of less than the maximum allowance of 5s. per week, or whose total income does not exceed £31 10s. per annum, may have such charitable annuity reduced as the committee may determine under Rule III. 6, so as to render him or her eligible to apply for a pension on the Government scale, provided always that such reduction does not involve the beneficiary in any pecuniary loss." The chair will be taken by Harry J. Veitch, Esq., Y.M.H., treasurer and chairman of committee, at 2.45 p.m. The poll will be open at three o'clock and close at four o'clock precisely, after which hour no voting papers will be received. The annual friendly supper will be held also at "Simpson's" at 6 p.m., when W. J. Jekferies, Esq., of Ciren- cester, will preside. Royal Meteorological Society. — An ordinary meeting of the society will be held at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Creat George Street, Westminster, S.W., on Wednesday, Janu- ary 20, at 7.30 p.m. The annual general meeting will be held at 7.45 p.m. An address on " Some Aims and Efforts of the Society " will be given by the president, Dr. Hcgh Rouert Mill. Garden Changes. -Mr. T. II. Slade, after managing the gardens at Poltimore, near Exe- ter, for nearly 14 years, is seeking a re-engage- ment, owing to the death of the late Lord Poltimore. Mr. Slade is well known to our readers, and on several occasions has contributed to our weekly Calendar. During the time he has been at Poltimore he has carried out many improvements. He has also shown special skill in the cultivation of Carnations, and in the raising of seedling varieties. We hope Mr. Slade will soon obtain a suitable appointment. — Mr. A. B. Wadds, who has also contributed a weekly Calendar to these pages, will be leaving Paddockhurst, Sussex, at Easter. He has been gardener to Sir Weetman D. Pearson, Bart., for the past ten years. Florists and the Factory Acts.— An nouncements have recently appeared in some of the papers to the effect that certain regula- tions, which exempted florists from the opera- tion of various inconvenient sections contained in the Factory Acts, were rescinded. These statements are premature. It is only a few of the regulations referred to which are likely to be rescinded, and no order for rescission has yet been made. When the anticipated order is issued due notice of the fact will appear i:i these columns. Roses Elaine and Refulgens. — These new Roses, of which illustrations have been pub- lished in these pages during the past season, are home-raised varieties, being seedlings of Messrs. ffii. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, who exhibited and obtained awards for them at the R.1I S. meetings. We draw especial attention to them now, because in the article on page 19 in last week's issue these particulars were not given. Elaine is a H.T. variety and Refulgens a hybrid Sweet Briar. Germination of the Strangling Figs.— It is well known that many of the tropical species of Ficus behave in their seedling and juvenile stages as epiphytes : that is, they grow upon other trees, in the crevices of which the seeds lodge and germinate. When grow- ing in this way roots are produced by the seed- ling, and they extend downwards till they pene- trate the soil ; whilst in some forms other gird- ling roots embrace the trunk of the host. As soon as the roots have reached the soil their upper aerial parts thicken rapidly, and roots in contact with each other coalesce by a sort of inarch- ing. In this way they soon enclose the host- tree in a hollow network, the meshes of which may become obliterated as growth proceeds. The unfortunate tree thus included may perish by strangulation if it happens to be one that increases in girth, and even if it does not thicken, e.g., a palm, it may be killed ultimately ' ¥ $%. 1 M *id. i^9fi I: • I m \ V „.. Cardchrarr. llshwarlh t \Heredtlh [Photograph by H. M. MacmiUan. Fig. 26. — ficus parasitica strangling a tree of elaeis guineensis. by the shade produced by the Fig. Some- times these Figs will grow as ordinary trees directly from the ground, without the support derived from other plants, but in certain species this only occurs when the Fig is growing fully exposed to light in the open country. Professor Beney has made the interesting observation that, in the case of Ficus aurea, the seeds will not germinate unless exposed to light, and thus this plant can only establish itself in the forest when the seeds fall, or are deposited, upon the upper branches of the forest canopy. Other species, e.g., F. populnea, are less exigent as regards light, though their seeds also germinate more quickly in light than in darkness. In corre- spondence with this, these species do not always grow as epiphytes, even in the forest. The illustration in fig. 26 shows Ficus parasitica upon Elaeis guineensis, the Oil Palm of West Tropical Africa, in the Botanic Garden, Peradeniya, Ceylon. Ficus parasitica is com- mon throughout the eastern Tropics. In Ceylon it is found throughout the moist region up to about 4,000 feet elevation. It is a parasitic weed in the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens. Mr. W. Botting Hemsley, F.R.S.— Mr. Hemsley desires it to be known that, having retired from the Kew Herbarium, his address will be 24, Southfield Gardens, Strawberry Hill, Middlesex. "Willings Press Guide."— We have re- ceived the edition of this guide for 1909. It contains an alphabetical list of the principal periodicals published in this country. In addi- tion, the periodicals are classified according to interest, professions, trades, religious denomina- tions, sciences, and subjects. Those published in London are divided into morning, evening, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and so on. There is also a list of the provincial papers, divided into counties, and a list of the London addresses of Colonial and foreign newspapers. Altogether it is a most useful Press guide. "Le Chrysantheme," the journal of the Societe Francaise des Chrysanthemistes (No. 109, 1908), contains many matters of in- terest. The number opens with a brief history of the flower, in which it is suggested that the Chrysanthemum as we know it is of Chinese rather than of Japanese origin, though promi- nence is given to the conviction of M. Hayashi (Journal Royal Horticultural Society, December, 1906) that varieties similar to those at present in cultivation may be obtained by hybridisation of the wild species native to Japan. Among the other subjects dealt with in the number are methods of cultivation and of selection ; the types common now in Japan ; and the progress made in the flo.wer during the past 25 years. The Extermination of Goats in the Territory of Hawaii.— It is interesting to Englishmen to learn that those in charge of the forest reserves of Hawaii are urging upon the legislature of that territory the need for the ex- termination of the goat within the established forest reserves. The recommendation recalls a famous episode in the history of St. Helena. The forests of that island were once rich in Kbony. Goats were introduced, and, becoming natural- ised, increased in such numbers as to threaten the life of the forest trees. But goats were a very marketable commodity, securing, as they did, a high price from ships of call. Those on the spot, recognising the extent to which the gnats were damaging the forest, petitioned for permission to destroy them. They received the laconic reply, " Goats are more valuable than Ebony." The goat was spared, the forest spoiled, and thus the permanent source of revenue was sacrificed to the transient source, for, after the destruction of the forest, the goat industry could not long survive. TREES AND SHRUBS. THE WITCH-HAZELS. The most valuable additions within recent years to trees or shrubs that flower even before winter is past are the Asiatic forms of Hama- melis. The oldest of these, H. arborea, is stated in the Dictionary of Gardening to have been in- troduced in 1862, but when it was awarded a First-class Certificate by the Royal Horticul- tural Society in February, 1881, it was then very little known. Previous to the introduction of that species, the only Hamamelis in gardens was II. virginica, native of a considerable tract of country in the United States, from whence it was 42 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 1G, 1909. introduced in 1736. Examples are often to be seen in old-fashioned gardens, but it is the least showy member of the genus, the starry flowers, which are borne in considerable numbers in the autumn, being of a dull brownish-yellow tint. Hamamelis arborea.— This old-world species is the largest growing member of the genus. In this country its usual habit is to form a decided leading shoot, while numerous side branches are pushed out in a more or less irregular manner. The long, strap-shaped petals which go to form a starry flower are peculiarly crinkled and of a bright orange-yellow colour. The rich purple of the calyx is also another notable feature of this species. On a bright, clear day in late winter or early spring this Hamamelis, with the sun shining on it, stands cut like a golden cloud. If sprays are cut and placed in water the buds will develop and the expanded blossoms last for some time. H. japonica. — The flowers of this species resemble those of H. arborea, but are rather Gardens, Kew, brought the plant to notice. How this happened it is difficult to imagine, for the large, broadly-ovate leaves are distinct from those of any other species, while the flowers are larger than those of H. arborea. In addition, the petals are somewhat broader, and instead of being crinkled are almost straight, with hooked tips. The order Hamamelidacea;, which takes its name from the Hamamelis, is a comparatively small one, the best-known hardy members of it, beside the Witch-Hazels, being Parrotia persica, Fothergilla alnifolia, Corylopsis spicata, Loro- petalum chinense, and Liquidambar styraciflua. W. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. THE CLASSIFICATION OF DAFFODILS. The issue, by the Narcissus Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, of the classified FlG. 27. — THE WHARF HOUSE ON THE HtDSOH ESTATE. lighter in tint, while the petals are not quite so crimped. The habit is very different, for H. japonica naturally forms an open bush, all the branches of which have an upward tendency. As a rule, H. japonica flowers somewhat later than H. arborea. The variety Zuccariniana is very distinct and beautiful. It differs from II. japonica only in the colour of the flowers, these being of a clear citron-yellow. This feature causes it to stand out markedly from all members of the genus. H. mollis. — This species is a native of China and the latest addition into gardens. It is com- monly regarded as of recent introduction, Dr. Aug. Henry being in some instances, at least, credited with its discovery. In llorlus Veilciiii, however, it is stated that this, the rarest and largest-flowered of all the Witch-Hazels found in Kiang-su in the district of Kiu-Kiang, China, by Charles Maries, and sent by him to Coombe, was for 20 years overlooked, till the late Mr. George Nicholson, late Curator of the Royal list of over 2,000 varieties, marks an epoch in the history of th<- Daffodil. From some points of view it is a pity that the old classification based more nearly on a " natural " system can no longer be retained. But for show purposes, for which this new list is primarily intended, and, on account of the authority with which it is put forward, pro- bably everyone will accept the principle of measurements involved in the arrangement of the list as being the best, if not the only one, practicable. The actual sacle of measure- ments in accordance with which the first five divisions are determined is not given. It is, however, intimated that " it is intended in a future edition not only to correct and modify the arrangement according to further experi- ence," but also to elaborate further sub-divi- sions, especially with respect to the colours of the varieties in the present divisions or classes. It is probable, therefore, that in the meantime 1he Committee would welcome any suggestions for their consideration from c"Jtivators inter- ested in Daffodils. As to the classification in .he present list, the addition of a new division (II. Short Trum- pets) of secondary crosses, Trumpet x Incom- parabilis, and the suppression of the correspond- ing class of secondary crosses, the Burbidgei section, Incomparabilis X Poeticus, will pro- bably cause some dissent. For show purposes, Division II. is no doubt justified in the present condition of Daffodil seedlings, but I do not think it will be possible to maintain it, except as a sub-division, any more than the Burbidgei section. The most awkward result of the prin- ciple of measurements as affecting the present list appears to be in the case of the Triandrus hybrids. Snowdrop, Cecil Rhodes, and J. T. Bennett-Poe (Trumpet X Triandrus) are in Division I. Countess Grey (Trumpet x Trian- dus, Mrs. Berkeley, and Robert Berkeley (Tri- andrus x Incomparabilis) are in Division II. ; and Agnes Harvey, Ada, Betty Berkeley, and the Tazetta varieties in Division VII. Thus varieties which in common have the distinctive character of N. triandrus are dispersed 111. widely-separated divisions. I hope it will be possible eventually to provide a separate class, or sub-division, for Triandrus hybrids. It would add to the usefulness of future editions if the list were interleaved with blank pages, provid- ing space for additions, corrections and notes. It is especially desirable that in a future edi- tion the parentage of the varieties, so far as they are known or can be ascertained, should be added. To the raiser of seedlings, who is sel- dom a competitive exhibitor, such information would be especially valuable. The list would then form a record which would prove of great .use to students of heredity. The question of parentage would entail some extra labour, ; nd extra space would be needed for piinting. But some saving is possible in the matter of space by giving merely initials, or by abbreviating the names of the raisers instead of repeating them in full. The Committee need not assume responsi- bility for the accui acy of parentages given. They would merely collect the information from the raiser. It is true that in respect to many varieties, no record has been kept of the parentage : in. others only the seed parent is known, and in others, again, what information there was has- been lost. It is the more desirable to collect as- much as is known into a permanent record. A. J. Bliss. HEDSOR, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE (See figs. 27, 28 and 29, also Supplementary Illustration.) The beautiful residence depicted in our Supplementaiy Illustration is situated on high, land overlooking the charming scenery of the Thames Valley. The garden front enjoys a magnificent landscape view, whilst at the back is a broad valley with wood-clothed hills skirt- ing it around. Hedsor occupies the spur of a plateau broken by the river's bed. In the distance the land rises almost abruptly again at Cockmarsh, adjoining Quarry Wood, with' the well-known riverside town of Cookham on the left. The district is situated in the midst of many towns and villages that are famed as- river-side places, including Maidenhead, Mar- low, Loudwater and Bourne End. On the occa- sion of our visit in November we alighted at Maidenhead. Though Bourne End is mm h nearer, the journey by road frcyn Maidenhead is delightful, and leads past the gates of Tap- low Court, which was described in our issue for June 6, 1908, and Cliveden, to which refer- ence has often been made in the Gardeners'' Chronicle. Hedsor forms only a part of the estate of Lord Boston, which also includes an old-time residence of most picturesque appearance known as the Wharf (see fig. 27) preferred by Lord and Lady Boston to the more modern and commodious mansion of Hedsor. The Wharf January 16, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 43 is very close to the river, and consequently on a much lower level than the modern mansion. It is a very old building. Its walls are clothed with climbers, and it is set in a delightful, old- fashioned garden. Because of his preference for the Wharf, Lord Boston has recently leased the Hedsor residence on a short tenancy, and the present lessee is Mr. Malcolm Aird, a son of the builder of the Nile Dam. There is not so much flower bedding practised at Hedsor as formerly, but notwithstanding this the gardens and grounds are very beautiful, and although summer bedding is not largely practised, the borders and beds are filled with a wealth of flowering plants of a hardy nature, together with Roses and other flowering shrubs and trees, including many Rhododendrons and Azaleas. In front of the mansion is a broad lawn, and surrounding it is a terrace with stone vases, the Ivy-leaved Pelar- goniums in which were still in flower at the time of our visit. Towards the south-west is a fine herbaceous border backed by a clipped Yew hedge, and, as we saw it, gay with Michael- mas Daisies, Chrysanthemums, and other autumn flowers. Almost at the termination of Lord Boston's estate. The estate has had a long ecclesiastical connection, as the old building known as The Priory betokens. The church was built prior to 1220, but whether the one now standing is the original structure we were not informed, although from its appearance it might be. It is a small edifice capable of seating not more than 130 worshippers. A tablet records, well-nigh without a break, the names of in- cumbents almost from the beginning. The little graveyard surrounding the church has an extra- ordinary appearance, for •all the stones comme- morating the dead are placed flat upon the grass. From the churchyard, looking northwards, is seen the curious building shown in fig. 28, and known as The Towers. It is a stiff climb to reach the spot, but the toil is amply repaid by the magnificent view. The Towers are a " ruin " built by a former Lord Boston for the pur- pose, no doubt, of enhancing the grandeur of the scenery, which takes in a wide sweep of the valley of the Thames. The walls of the ruin are built of flint, solidly enough, and a portion of the building is used as a residence by one of the employes. The upper part of the Ivy-clad Tower is used as a tea-room. Note the incon- VEGETABLES. Fig. 28. — the towers in the grounds at hedsor. the lawn westwards an ornamental pond has been formed for the accommodation of Nym- phaeas and other water plants. Scattered about the lawns are several large oval beds planted with Rhododendron, and, in the well- kept turf, are planted Almonds, Thorns, Roses, Laburnums, and native trees. Lord Boston has in recent years planted many Conifers. Opposite to a summer-house is the avenue of Sequoias that will form a fine feature in future years. There is an enclosed Rosary that one alights upon unexpectedly, a tall hedge of Portuguese Laurel hiding it from view. On the right is a fine specimen of Weep- ing Ash. The Rose-garden is very pleasing, the ^centre being planted with Roses trained en festoons as a bell to a central pole. Animation is lent to the scene by the numerous statues of cherubs which adorn the Rose-garden. Of coniferous trees there are some large Cedars, and Picea Cephalonica, Abies con- color, A. canadensis and Yews in the grounds, but the most important Yew has disap- peared. Two venerable specimens still stand in the ground leading from the kitchen garden to the village church of Hedsor, which is situated on gruous combination of the crescent and the cross. The curious structures seen in fig. 29 are fish-traps. The grounds of the Wharf include a backwater from the Thames, with lock-gates. When the traps are dropped into the water these gates are opened, and, with the flow of water, the fish are trapped. Eels form the majority of the " bag," but roach, perch, carp and bream are occasionally secured. The pointed portions are detachable caps, which per- mit of the fish being taken when the traps are raised. A bridge leads over to an island, on which are a tea- and a bathing-house. The kitchen gardens, glasshouses, and a small farmstead lie in the valley to the north of Hedsor. The kitchen garden occupies about four acres, and is surrounded by fine walls, on which are trained fruit trees. Thera are four ranges of glasshouses, with pits, &c, all in an excellent state of repair. The gardener is Mr. James Wood, who has had the care of the gar- dens for about 17 years, and who has done much in conjunction with Lord Boston in making Hedsor one of the most beautiful spots in the Thames Vallev. PEAS. New varieties of culinary Peas must be of ex- ceptional merit to surpass in quality the best of those introduced during the past few years. Many of these newer Peas are not only highly productive, but also good in colour of pod and in maturing early. They also have the desir- able qualities of withstanding a fair amount of drought, and resisting the attacks of mildew better than the older kinds. These are qualities that have doubtless been considered by the raisers, who have also aimed at securing short internodes and the production of the pods in pairs. Not only are some of these newer Peas large as regards pod, but the Peas themselves are of extraordinary size and of that marrow-like flavour so much appreciated in this vegetable. For market purposes the dealer prefers a fine dark pod, and I know of instances where large, pointed pods have been preferred to those with broad, square ends, although the latter were of excellent quality, well filled, and weighed from 61b. to 81b. per bushel more than the others. A good appearance doubtless helps to keep up the price, and, from a market point of view, it does not pay to grow the older, smaller-podded varieties. The Pilot is a fine addition to the early sec- tion of culinary Peas, and was, I believe, sent out by Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons. It is round-seeded, therefore . hardy : the pods are almost equal in size to those from the best stocks of Gradus. It may not be generally known that there are light and dark-podded forms of this very excellent Pea, and for private consumption deep-green Peas are usually preferred to paler ones. All growers of early culinary Peas should cultivate this variety. I.AxroMAN. — This Pea was sent to me by Messrs. Laxton Bros., of Bedford. I consider the variety an advance upon some others of the early dwarf Teas. It is a sturdy grower, with short internodes, and produces a remarkable crop upon its 18-inch-long stems. Both the pods- and Peas are of a deep green colour : the haulm is dark and the broad pods are nearly as large as those of the variety Gradus. Lightning and EXPRESS". — Gardeners who cul- tivated the old Lightning and Express varieties will be interested to know that these two excel- lent hardy Peas are being introduced in a " Giant " form. Since the introduction of so many excellent early marrowfat varieties, they have become less popular in this country ; but on the Continent, where large size is less insisted upon, these kinds, and especially the free- frmting Express, are very popular. Both the varieties are very hardy under ordinary cultiva- tion and produce early pods even if no protec- tion is given them. Reading Wonder is a very dwarf, early variety. For a dwarf Pea it is in every way ex- cellent and one that does remarkably well in shallow frames or under the protecting shelter of warm walls. World's Record. — This variety is of the Gradus type, but it is dwarfer in growth by several inches and not quite so large in the pod as that variety. It has the advantage of being several days earlier and is of the best marrow- fat quality. International has for its parents two of the finest of all culinary Peas. From the size of the pods exhibited at the Holland House Show it is sure to become a favourite with gardeners. The haulm is tall growing, and in season it follows the Gradus section, but matures before Duke of Albany variety. Harvestman. — This is a distinct podo^d, heavy-cropping variety growing about 5 feet in height. Snowdrop is a blunt-ended pod of the Thomas Laxton type, growing about the same li ight as that variety. 44 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1909. Evergreen Delicatesse is worth a trial in gardens, being a good cropper of very fine quality. Rearguard. — I was much impressed by the qualities of this Pea as seen in one of the trials last summer. I look upon it as an advance on the older varieties that crop in the late summer and early autumn. Almost anyone can be assured of a fair amount of suc- cess with Peas during the earlier summer months and so long as moisture is present in the soil ; but great constitutional vigour must be one of the foremost points about a main crop and late-cropping variety. Rearguard has all the good qualities possessed by Gladstone, and, as seen growing, was more heavily cropped with somewhat longer pods than that variety. The pods are dark green in colour. This Pea pro- mises to become a standard variety. I believe it originated from the same source as The Pilot. Majestic is a very heavy-cropping variety, having the low-growing habit of Dwarf Defi- ance. It is recommended as a market Pea. Glory of Devon and Royal Salute are two fine Peas not often seen. They have many qualities to recommend them, producing pods of good colour, with Peas of excellent quality, and the haulm has a robust constitution. Tall varieties for main crop. — Amongst the taller-growing varieties, such Peas as Quite Con- tent, Centenary, Alderman, Duke of Albany, and Telegraph, when cultivated from carefully re- selected stocks, are hard to surpass. Amongst the darker-foliaged, vigorous-growing varieties with good staying powers during hot weather and which mainly grow from 3 to 4 feet in height, I made special note of Superlative, one of the finest of this type for use in July. Dis- tinction and Best of All have plain, dark-green foliage and produce a heavy crop of long, rather narrow pods containing Peas excellent in quan- tity. Perfection, Kaiser, New Model, Incom- parable, and Masterpiece are all very fine Peas. Masterpiece is a wonderful cropper, and In- comparable is also an extra fine variety with a blunt-ended pod. Most of these varieties, if sown the second week in May, will, under ordinary conditions, give a gathering of pods at the end of July, and continue to crop until August. Early tall-growing Peas. — This type in- cludes varieties varying from 3 to 4 feet in height, that are, if anything, earlier fruiting than the dwarfer varieties, with shorter internodes. Excepting that varieties of the dwarf type can be protected more conveniently and are suitable for planting near to sheltered fences and walls, there is otherwise no gain to the grower in their cul- ture. The following varieties have, after repeated trials, been found excellent, and, with ordinary cultural care, will not fail to satisfy both as re- gards crop and quality: — Gradus, Early Giant, Early Morn, Ideal, Duchess of York, World's Record, Pilot, Thomas Laxton, and a good stock of Al. Ideal is a Pea I prefer to any other in the early section. Sown in February in the open in exposed positions, on a well-drained soil, I can usually gather Peas the second week in June, although the dates vary from a day or two to sometimes a week, according to the weather con- ditions. Early dwarf-growing Peas. — Reliable varie- . ties in this section are Little Marvel, a small-podded, very prolific variety, suitable for home use, Pioneer, Sherwood Green Gem, Mayflower, Chelsea Gem, Carter's Eight Weeks, and Reading Wonder. The three last named are very early of their class. Second-early dwarf-growing Peas. — Apart from the foregoing Peas named, there are those of the dwarfer, second-early type, usually of free cropping quality and yielding Peas of excellent flavour. These include Daisy, Dwarf Defiance, Stratagem, King Edward, a fine square-ended pod of the type of Defiance ; and Rentpayer, a desirable market Pea. There are doubtless other varieties amongst Peas that, for particular pur- poses may be valuable to some growers, yet those named, for high-class quality and general productiveness would not be easily surpassed. Charles Foster. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Grape Mill Hill Hamburgh. — It is re- markable that this excellent variety of Grape is neglected. It possesses all the good qualities of the Black Hamburgh variety and colours as well as Gros Maroc. The splendid " ham- mered " berries are as noble in appearance as those of the latter variety. I was dis- appointed to observe that it was not represented in the Wisley collection exhibited at the Horti- cultural Hall on September 29 last. I fear that inferior varieties have been sold as Mill Hill Hamburgh, and, for this reason, the variety has fallen into bad repute. An excel- lent description of this Grape is given in Hogg's Fruit Manual. F. B. S. Grape Canon Hall Muscat. — It is generally recognised that this well-known Grape was ori- ginally a seedling of Muscat of Alexan- dria, but no proof has been furnished as to such origin, and the late Mr. A. F. Barron stated that its origin is uncertain. Sports have originated from Muscat of Alexandria, but few of these have proved worthy of cultivation. One which originated on a Muscat of Alexandria vine in the great vinery at Chiswick presented all the external characteristics of the Canon Hall form, but proved to be very unsatis- factory. There is, however, one notable ex- ception to the common rule of failure on the part of these sports. It .will be remem- bered that the late Mr. William Cole, of Felt- ham, when at Ealing Park Gardens, was a first- class grower and exhibitor of Muscat of Alex- andria Grapes. Some years later at Feltham, he grafted Muscat of Alexandria on to a stock of Lady Downe's Seedling, with the result that he obtained fine fruiting rods. On one of these branches a spur developed a distinct sport simi- lar in bunch, berry and foliage to the Canon Hall variety. Vines were propagated from that sport, and two span-roofed vineries were planted with them. The crops of Grapes were excel- lent. After Mr. Cole's death, his sons continued in possession of these vineries. In a recent communication from them respecting the vines, I learn that whilst the first generation from cut- tings did not always come true to character, the second generation has done so, and the sport is now thoroughly fixed. Altogether the second stock is a material improvement on that of the first. The fruits of this form set equally as well as those of Muscat of Alexandria. The bunches are always well filled with berries, and a better price is obtained for the Grapes than for the true Muscat of Alexandria. A vine of the Canon Hall variety was planted in one of the houses as a test ; whilst it is similar in all other respects, the Feltham sport is superior in setting quality and it therefore produces heavier bunches. A. Dean. The American Carnation.— If the Ameri- can or winter-flowering Carnation is to be judged by the standard of the few novelties noticed at a recent exhibition in Vincent Square, the only conclusion to be arrived at is that a turn for the worse has been taken. I am referring more particularly to such varieties as Mrs. Sarah A. Hill, Afterglow and Winona, all thin and papery in texture arid inferior to varieties already in cultivation. The American Carnation is said to " improve with America's sun," and doubtless there is truth in the remark. It will take much sun, however, to raise Mrs. Sarah A. Hill to the standard of White Perfection, to render After- glow a fit companion to Aristocrat, or to make Winona a flower equal to Winsor. Some of these Carnations, and in particular such as Afterglow, whose flowers have much blue in them, are ill-suited to an ordinary Eng- lish winter, and quickly feel the bad effects of the fog and sunless days. Therefore, apart from the thinness of petal and other shortcomings, they are not likely to be regarded with much favour. On the contrary, such varieties as Beacon, the magnificent vase of Victory staged by Mr. Dutton, or the superb white-flowered varieties from leading growers in Hampton, Bal- combe and other places, unmistakably demon- strate the perfection to which this type of Carnations can be grown on this side of the Atlantic. A noticeable feature at the exhibi- tions is the number of pink-flowered seedings from English raisers, no fewer than four of those displaying varieties of merit, Rose Felton and Evangeline being among those to which names had been given. These are of deeper colour-tone than Enchantress, and will be seen to advantage under artificial light. The only certificated variety, Ross Dore, is a superb flower from certain points of \ .ew, viz., size, shape, and length and strength of stem. The calyx, too, is all that can be desired. The shade of colour — between red and rose — is novel if not striking, and the flower is of ex- ceptional fulness. As shown, the variety had many erectly-disposed petals towards the centre of the flower, and these reveal too much the less well-coloured parts of the flower. E. H. Jenkins, Hampton Hill. Apple and Pear Scab. — It is to be hoped that the investigations that are being carried out by Mr. Chittenden, on behalf of the Royal Hor- ticultural Society, concerning the Apple and Pear scab fungus may result in helping fruit-growers to prevent this disease. In spite of the great increase in the practice of spraying with the alkali and other washes, the disease seems to be more prevalent than ever. Apples are keeping very badly this winter. If I except Bramley's Seedling, nearly all other varieties are turning . soft. What with " scabby " Apples and Pears, Black Currant mite, and Gooseberry-mildew, fruit-growers are experiencing a very bad time. W II. Y., Rotherfield Park Gardens, Alton, Hants. The Common Myrtle (see p. 17). — An old specimen of Myrtus communis, growing at the foot of a south wall in the kitchen garden here, produces every year its pretty white flowers, though in some years they are more abundant than in others. Four years ago I inserted in the spring several cuttings which rooted with free- dom and became by the second autumn 18 to 24 inches in height. During July and August these small plants were covered with flowers, and these set fruits which eventually ripened. Out of curi- osity, I separated the kidney-shaped seeds from the pulp of several fruits and sowed them in pots of fine soil, placing them in a warm green- house. The seeds germinated within a month, yielding a high percentage of plants which made excellent growth, the strongest reaching a height of 10 inches the first season. With the exception of the seedlings, all the other plants are grown out-of-doors during the summer, be- ing generally housed with the Chrysanthemums in autumn. The soil of this district is largely composed of chalk, yet it never adversely affects the free development of the common Myrtle, either when grown in pots or as cultivated in the open air. In the last five winters, that of 1S07-8 is the only one in which the points of the shoots upon the old plant were injured by frost. Thomas Smith, Wahnsgate Gardens, Louth, Lin- colnshire. The Absorption of Water by Leaves. — In the article dealing with my paper (Gar- d> nns' Chronicle, January 9, p. 24t, it is said, "It is not clear what is meant by 'an indraught of dew.' " What I meant was, that, as transpiration is renewed by the oncoming of light, the dew deposited on the surface of a leaf during the night is presumably absorbed as soon as light causes transpiration to commence. Of course, no drop of water can enter a stomate if air be below, as the orifice is far too small to admit it. A point I wanted to emphasise was, the great ease with which any ordinary leaf (not provided with a very thick cuticle, like that of desert Xerophytes) can absorb water by either surface. If the upper surface of any leaf having no stomata be gently laid on water it will remain fresh for a long period, enabling axillary buds to develop into leafy shoots, if the stem and bud be attached and raised into the air. The stomata being on the surface exposed to air, transpiration can, of course, go on un- interruptedly. George Hensloiu. January 16, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 45 Cattleya labiata. — Some few years ago I sent you some notes on growing this well- known early winter-flowering Cattleya on rustic blocks. At that time several horticultural friends told me the method would only answer for a year or two, when fresh blocks would be required. I enclose a recent photograph (not suitable for reproduction) of a plant which has been grown for seven years in this manner, having been transferred to fresh blocks but twice in that time. The gar- dener, Mr. Taylor, tells me there are 15 flowers on the plant. Elder wood was used each time, and this for two reasons : (1) it was thought that the bark, when freshly cut, is not liked by insects ; (2) when decayed, the bark peels freely from the wood, thus allowing the living roots to be sepa- rated therefrom when it is necessary to move them to a new block. A mixture of peat fibre and Sphagnum-moss was affixed, by means of thin cop- per wire, to the blocks as a rooting medium. The plant in question is one of several grown thus in a roomy plant stove at Byram Park in this county, being suspended at a distance of about 3 feet from the roof glass. During the growing season these blocks require dipping in the water-tank almost daily, and they are regularly sprayed over with the syringe when the house is closed for the night. For placing in a lady's boudoir or drawing-room where there is an equable tem- methods of culture, except that during the surn- mer months all the flower-heads were pinched off. The shoots were also pinched down to about 2 feet 6 inches from the ground, as I supposed the pinching might encourage the formation of tubers, but the result was no better. Our seed came from the Consul-General at Rome, and no doubt it is the correct variety. The experi- ence of other cultivators of this Fennel would no doubt interest other readers. R. B. Eryngium pandanifolium.— Those who are looking for something uncommon to plant in the herbaceous border, would do well to give this plant a trial. As "its name implies, it is very like a Pandanus ; the leaves of a well-grown plant are about 5 feet long, glaucous, concave, with spiny margins. It throws up high spikes of purplish flower- heads about 7 or 8 feet high, which, although not particularly pretty, always command atten- tion. The group in these gardens threw up eight of these noble spikes last summer, causing many enquiries from visitors. It is described as being merely half hardy, but I should expect it to succeed in the south and west of England ; it is certainly more hardy than the New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax), as a clump of this in the same part of the garden was injured two win- ters back, whilst the Eryngium did not appear Fig. 29.— fish-traps on a Thames backwater at hedsor, bourne end. (See p. 43.) perature of from 55° to 60° no other floral object tan be more appropriate at this time of the year. This note is not meant for Orchid specialists, but for that larger class of plant- lovers who, having a plant-stove at command, wish to grow a few good Orchids in it. York- shire Gardener, December 7. Italian Fennel or Finochio. — I was much interested in the note on Italian Fennel that ap- peared in the Gardeners^ Chronicle, December 19, p. 433, and hoped that the note might lead others to give their experience on the subject. For two years I have tried, without success, to grow Finochio. In April, 1907, I sowed two batches of seeds — one sowing being made out-of-doors, the other in 5-inch pots. The seedlings were thinned to one in each pot, and they were planted out as good strong plants by the middle of May, into well- prepared, shallow trenches at distances of 3 feet between the trenches and 18 inches between the plants in the rows. Both sets of plants grew strongly, and had soil drawn up to their stems in September. In November and December when lifted there were no tubers, only feshy tap-like roots quite useless for culi- nary purposes. In 1908 I tried again similar old stubby besoms and large, hardwooded, feather-edged labels. When the pruning operation was completed and the prunings re- moved, all the moss-and-lichen-infested branches were syringed with hot, liquid lime applied to the trees through the garden engine, a calm day being chosen for doing the work. About a peck of new soot was stirred into the hot lime during the mixing in a 60-gallon tank, and the liquid was passed through a fine-meshed sieve into the engine before being applied to the trees. The men engaged in the work of mixing and applying the liquid lime to the trees wore white overalls. This dressing of liquid lime not only effectually rid the trees of the accretions indicated, but it also destroyed any insect larvas that happened to be in the moss. The trunks of the trees, as well as the main limbs, were smeared over with the limewash, which was applied with an ordin- ary whitewash brush. In the case of dwarf- growing trees, the liquid lime could be applied through an ordinary garden syringe. The trees thus treated (at intervals of two or three years) always bore crops of fine fruit, free from the attacks of scab and other diseases to which neglected trees are subject. As regards the use of insecticides for destroying green and black aphides on trees in April and May, I used tobacco juice at the rate of 1 quart of nicotine juice to 4 gallons of water, this being applied to affected trees through a syringe late in the after- noon in calm weather. This spray not only destroyed the aphides then on the trees, but it also rendered the trees and foliage distasteful to the insects during the remainder of the year. The " sprays " described above are simple, per- fectly safe, and effective in application. H. W . Ward, Lime House, Raleigh. to suffer. It is especially effective if planted on the lawn, whether as a single specimen or in a group. A. J. Elgar, Killarney House Gardens, Co. Kerry. Spraying Fruit-trees. — For many years a good-sized orchard, situated in a portion of the Home Park, half a mile from a garden in the Avon Valley (Wilts.), was included in my charge. The trees, mostly Apples, were of immense pro- portions, requiring the aid of long ladders in gathering the fruit in early autumn. The trees had not been pruned for many years prior to my taking charge of them, consequently the branches had become infested with moss, lichen and other undesirable accretions. Therefore, when the trees had shed their leaves in the autumn, I had the branches well thinned out with a pruning saw, cutting out all ill-placed and unpromising growths in order to admit plenty of light and air among the branches re- tained for bearing fruit, but without in any way reducing the external dimensions of the trees. While the work of thinning-out the branches was being carried out, another staff of men followed on with the cleans- ing of the trees, removing the moss and lichen from the trunks and main branches with SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. January 12. — The first meeting in 1909 was held on this date in beautiful weather. It was a small exhibition, but it included several groups of Orchids, a magnificent display of stove and greenhouse plants, groups of Carna- tions, Alpine flowers, and Ferns. The Floral Committee granted two Awards of Merit to new plants. The Orchid Com- mittee granted one First-class Certificate and three Awards of Merit. A variety of Pear named Blickling, which had already received the minor award, was granted a First-class Certificate by the Fruit and Vegetable Committee. It was regrettable that only one stand of Grapes was entered in the new competitive classes for these fruits, probably because the announcement of these fortnightly competitions was not made sufficiently early. At the afternoon meeting of the Fellows a lecture on " The French System of Intensive Cultivation " was delivered by Mr. C. D. McKay. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. H. B. May, Jno. Green, Jas. Walker, E A. Bowles, G. Reuthe, R. Hooper Pearson, Walter W. Ware, W. Howe, Jno. Jennings, Jas. Hudson, N. F. Barnes, Arthur Turner, Chas. Dixon, H. J. Jones, J. F. McLeod, Herbert J. Cutbush, F. Page Roberts (Rev.), Chas. E. Pearson, E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James, George Paul, W. A. Bilney, R. C. Reginald Nevill, and C. T. Druery. A magnificent group of ornamental-leaved and flowering plants was staged by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea. It was similar to the fine displays that are made by this firm each year at the Temple Flower Show, but larger, as more space was available. The brilliant colouring and general high culture exhibited by the plants were subjects of re- mark, and the manner of their staging was ex- ceptionally pleasing. A background was formed of Cocos flexuosa, and against these plants were arranged tall specimens of Dracaena Veitchii, D. Goldieana, D. Sanderiana, D. Victoria, Dief- fenbachia Fournieri, Heliconia illustris, Phcenix humilis Roebelinii, and other handsome foliage plants. The group also included a superb ex- ample of Anthurium crystallinum and specimens of Alpinia Sanderiana, Davallia dissecta, Til- landsia tessellata, Alpinias in variety, Aralias, Pandanus, Selaginellas, with a host of Ferns and 46 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1909. other graceful foliage plants. Tall stands carry- ing densely pitchered plants of Nepenthe Chel- sonii excellens, N. Dicksoniana, N. Morganae, and other species served to break the continuity of the groundwork, whilst standard plants of Codiaeums and Aralias also furnished relief. Bright patches of colouring were afforded by groups of Orchids, Coleus thyrsoideus, Crowea latifolia, Begonias, Primula X kewensis, Camel- lias, greenhouse species of Rhododendron, Acacia leprosa, and Goinphia olivaeformis. The same firm exhibited as a separate group plants and cut blooms of Carnations of the per- petual-flowering type. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nurseries, Upper Edmonton, exhibited a collection of Ferns, all of which had some peculiarity of habit or growth, the group being labelled curious Ferns. There were climbing species, others with such dense cresting as to be totally different in appearance to the types represented. Many belonged to the so-called flowering species, in which some of the leaves are wholly con- cerned with spore formation. Some species, such as Hymenodium crinitum, a plant known as the Elephant's Ear Fern, were densely covered with hair. Drymeria quercifolia has leaves of two forms ; the basal fronds resemble large Oak leaves, and are simple, but the fertile fronds are 3 feet in height and pinnate. Many of the species of Polypodium and Drymoglossum have long trailing rhizomes, which enable the plants to climb. Sometimes the rhizome is short and thick, resembling a hare's foot. Oleandra articulata has leaves similar to Scolo- pendrium vulgare, but they arise from long rhizomes. From these latter are given off long hair-like roots, and when these reach the rooting medium they bind the plant to the soil. (Silver- gilt Flora Medal.) Some very fine Carnations of the perpetual- blooming type were shown by Mr. W. H. Page, Tangley Nurseries, Hampton. Most of the popular kinds were included in the group, which also contained large bamboo stands filled with flowers of Lilium Harrisii. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Another pleasing exhibit of these flowers iva^ shown by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield. The same firm displayed a batch of the elegant Dracaena Victoria ; also D. Prince Albert, Cyclamen in variety, a variegated-leaved ' variety of Cobcea scandens, Daphne indica rubra, &c. (Silver Banksian Medal. | Carnations of the perpetual-blooming type were shown in variety by Mr. H. Burnett, Guernsey, who had, amongst others, the beauti- ful variety named after Mrs. Burnett. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Arthur W. Sutton, Esq., Bucklebury Place, near Reading, exhibited plants of Cycla- men grown from corms collected by himself in Palestine. Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, Surrey, showed varieties of the handsome-leaved Ber- tolonias and a batch of small plants — all excel- lently berried — of Ardisia crenulata. They were highly decorative little specimens, specially suitable for the embellishment of dwelling- rooms. (Silver Flora Medal.) Hybrid Freesias were displayed by Mr. Her- bert Chapman, High Street, Rye, Sussex. Varieties with a suffusion of citron colour were very pleasing ; a few were tinted were shades of rose and lilac. Messrs. Wm. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, Lon- don, N., arranged a pretty exhibit of Alpine plants in a setting of virgin cork ; early-flower- ing subjects such as Irish Histrio, I. histrioides, Adonis amurensis, Cyclamen Coum, Colchicum hydrophilum were planted in " pockets," with berried plants of Pernettya, Aucuba japonica vera and Skimmia Fortunei intermixed. At the back of the group were sprays of Hamamelis arborea, and the variety Zuccariniana (which has paler coloured petals than the type) ; Daphne Mezereum album. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, London, showed early-blooming species of hardy plants, including Snowdrops of the large-flowered Elwesii type, Crocus etruscus, C. imperatii, C. Sieberi, Cyclamen Coum, Tulipa saxatilis, Iris unguicularis, I. reticulata, Helle- borus nigeT Scoticus, H. n. angustifolium. Lachenalias, and Freesias. The Misses Hopkins, Mere Gardens, Shepper- ton-on-Thames, arranged a small rock-garden exhibit. Messrs. John Peed & Sox, West Norwood, London, S.E., showed boxes of Alpine plants, principally species of Saxif raga ; also a batch of flowering plants of Primula obconica of a selected strain. The exhibit had well-berried sprays of Skimmia japonica at the back. Awards of Merit were recommended to the two plants mentioned below: — Begonia X Patrie. — This was shown by MM. M. V. Lemoine et Fils, Nancy. It is described as being from a cross between B. socotrana ? and a variety of B. Pearcei cf • The hybrid partakes more of the habit of B. socotrana than B. Pearced. The plants shown were about 10 inches high, and compact in habit. The flowers were rather small, the petals being short. In colour they are rich rosy-pink, but by reason of the bright yellow anthers, they appear to have an orange shade. The foliage resembles B. soco- trana. So far, the plants have not formed pro- per tubers, but rudimentary ones such as are common to the winter-flowering Begonias raised from crosses made between tuberous-rooted varieties and B. socotrana. Chrysanthemum Maud Allan. — This is a pure- white Japanese decorative variety. The florets appear rather narrow, being slightly revolute at the margins. The value of this variety rests upon its late blooming quality and purity in colour. Shown by Mr. N. Molyneux, Wickham. Orchid Committee. Present: J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), Harry J. Veitch, de B. Crawshay, H. Little, W. Boxall, J. Forster Alcock, J. Wilson Potter, F. J. Hanbury, A. A. McBean, 1. M. Ogilvie, C. H. Curtis, W. Cobb, H. G. Alexander, J. Char'esworth, H. J. Chapman, W. H. White, W. P. Bound, A. Dye, H. A. Tracy, H. Ballantine, Gurney Wilson, and C. J. Lucas. Lt.-Col. G. L. Holford showed a selection of hybrids, together with a grand specimen of the pure white Vanda Watsonii with four spikes. Brasso-Cattleya Mrs. J. Leemann variety Rajah has primrose-yellow and rose-coloured flowers. Sir Jeremiah Cm max, Bart., Gatton Park, Reigate (gr. Mr. Collier), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a most interesting group, in- cluding Gatton hybrids, rare varieties of species and singular botanical Orchids. The best of the hybrids included Cymbidium Lady Colman, an elegant and delicately-coloured flower ; the fine white Ccelogyne Colmanii, and Spathoglottis Colmanii, this latter being a very handsome yel- low and crimson variety. The showiest plants included a selection of varieties of Laelia anceps. The most distinct was L. a. Gatton Park variety, with white flowers having the blue tint on the lip peculiar to several other albinos in the Gatton Park collection. Other varieties were L. a. Hilliana Rosefieldensis and Cymbidium grandiflorum. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., Bur- ford (gr. Mr. W. H. White), showed a fine spike of a showy hybrid Odontoglossum resembling O. Wilekeanum, but of a deep mahogany-red colour with white margins and tips to the petals ; also a Maxillaria resembling" M. callii hroma. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Hay wards Heath, were awarded a Siver-gilt Flora Medal for a group which included a fine batch of white Laelia anceps, a number of the pretty Cattleya Octave Doin, and a selection of hybrid Cypri- pediums. Other good plants in this collection were the scarlet Sophro-Cattleya Doris, the mas- sive Cymbidium Ilolfordianum, Brasso-Cattleya Queen Alexandra, the pure-white Odontoglossum ardentissimum album, Saccolabium bellinum, and a selection of hybrid Odontoglossums. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, secured a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of Odontoglossums and Cypripediums. Among these were C. insigne E. J. Seymour, a very distinct form of good shape ; C. Minos Young's variety, C. Helen II. and C. trium- phans. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, in their magnificent group of fine foliage plants, already noticed, had two small groups of hybrid Cypri- pediums. Among the showiest were their varie- ties of C. Countess of Carnarvon. A small group of Odontoglossums and Lycastes was also included in the group. Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbridge, staged an effective group composed principally of Cypripediums, the specimens of C. Memoria Jerninghamiae, C. aureum excelsum, and C. Thompsonii superbum being very handsome. Other specially fine plants in the group were forms of Cattleya Trianae, including one with white floW'ers having a bright purplish blotch on the lip ; a superb form of Laelia anceps Schro- derae of rich colour and of the shape of good typical L. anceps, and a clear white Odontoglos- sum. Frakcis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, Wok- ing (gr. Mr. Hopkins), sent Sophro-Cattleya Mrs. Francis Wellesley, the plant being the sole seed- ling raised from a cross between Sophronitis grandiflora and Cattleya labiata. The plant is small and bore a flower resembling Sophro- Cattleya Doris. It was of good size and shape and of a peculiar shade of carmine-red, with an orange-tinted base to the lip, which has red veining. Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr. Mr. H. J. Chapman), showed Cypripedium Actaeus Oakwood variety (Leeanum Clinkaberry- anum x insigne Harefield Hall), a large and finely-formed flower ; and Odontoglossum ar- dentissimum var. Norman Cookson. (See Awards.) Messrs. Armstrong & Brown, Tunbridge Wells, staged a selection of Cypripediums which included Cypripedium Helen II. var. Arm- strongiae, C. aureum Surprise, C. Maudias, and two good seedlings of C. insigne. Mr. A. W. Jensen, Lindfield, show-ed a small group of Odontoglossum crispum. H. J. Bromilow, Esq., Rann Lea, Rainfall, Lancashire (gr. Mr. Morgan), showed Cypripe- dium ^Eson giganteum in excellent form ; also ('. Charlesworthii Bromilowiae, a charming albino with pale green and pure white flower. It dif- fers in form from C. Charlesworthii Bromilowi- anum which secured a First-class Certificate and was illustrated in the Gardeners' CSrotiicle, October 31, 1908, p. 310. H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr. Mr. Thurgood), showed Maxillaria Ilubschii, and a very fine specimen of C. Ful- shawense. Mons. Mertens, Ghent, staged a selection of hybrid Odontoglossums. C. J. Lucas, Esq., Watnham Court (gr. Mr. Duncan), showed Cypripedium Alcibiades Chardwar variety, and the curiously-striped C. Harlequin. Walter Cobb, Esq., Rusper (gr. Mr. C. J. Salter), showed a hybrid Cypripedium from C. insigne Sanderas X C. bellatulum album. Henry Little, Esq., Baronshalt, Twicken- ham (gr. Mr. Howard), sent the pretty and dis- tinct Cypripedium insigne Little's variety. R. G. Thwaites, Esq., Chessington, Streat- ham (gr. Mr. Black), showed Cattleya Leda Thwaites' variety (Dowiana aurea X Percivali- ana), a very pretty, rosy-lilac flower, with gold veining in the lip. AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Cattleya Pereivaliana Charlenvorth's variety. — A charming pure white flower, with a deep reddish-purple blotch on the front of the lip, and a chrome-yellow disc. Award of Merit. Cattleya Maggie Raphael "Westonbirt variety" (C. Dowiana aurea x C. Triana Imperalor]. — A beautiful and finely-shaped flower, of a delicate rose tint, the petals having a fine silvery-white veining. The front of the lip is of a glowing, deep, rosy-crimson colour, the base being tinged with purple and netted with golden veining. From Lt.-Col. G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander). Vanda Watsonii. — An elegant species, allied to V. Kimballiana, but with pure white flowers. The plant bore four spikes. From Lt.-Col. G. L. Holford Odontoglossum ardentissimum Norman Cookson, from Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr. Mr. H. J. Chapman). — A compact flower, having equally broad sepals and petals, white, with two-thirds of the flower heavily blotched with violet-purple. Cultural Commendation to Mr. H. Ballan. tine, gr. to Baron Sir H. Schroder, The Dell, Egham, for a large plant of Masdevallia ignea, bearing upwards of 70 flowers. January 16, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 47 Fruit and Vegetable Committee. I'nsuit: (.!■..! ._"■ Hi m v.u il, I'.sq. (Chairman), and Messrs. Jos. Cheal, W. Bates, Alex. Dean, Geo. Keif, A. R. Allan, J. Davis, H. Markham, Owen Thomas, W. Crump, J. Willard, P. D. Tuckett, G. Reynolds, J. Jaques, Geo. Wythes, J. Mclndoe, Chas. Foster, John Harrison, W. l'oupart, II. Parr, Edwin Beckett, C. G. A. Nix, H. Somers Rivers, A. H. Pearson, John Lyne, and Jas. Vert. Competitive classes for late Grapes. — Although there were five classes, the only exhibitor was Sir Wai.poi.e Greenwelx, Bart., Marden Park, Woldingham (gr. Mr. W. Lintott). This exhibi- tor showed in the class for two bunches of one variety of black Grape, having moderately good bunches of Lady Downe's Seedling. The ex- hibit was awarded the 1st prize. From the University College Gardens, Reading (gr. Mr. C. Foster), came excellent fruits of Tomatos Sutton's Eclipse, and Sun- beam, the latter a yellow variety ; also Let- tuce French Frame raised from seeds sown on September 16 last : and Early Nantes Carrot, pulled from the open after they had been subjected to 26' of frost. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Fikst-Class Certificate. Pear Bliciling. — This variety received an Award of Merit on January 8, 1907. The award was on this occasion raised to a First-class Cer- tificate. An illustration and description of this Pear is given in our issue for February 22, 1908. Shown by Hon. C. Harbord, Gunton Park. Norwich (gr. Mr. W. Allan). ,, Norwich. Gee & Sons, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. John R, Box, Derby Road, Croydon. Clark Brothers & Co., 65, Scotch Street, Carlisle. Hogg & YOUNG, 177, Morningside Road, lidinburgh. Browne, Thompson & Co., 66, Patrick Street, Cork. Kent & Brydon, Darlington. Tilley Lie is., 183, London Road, Brighton. Toogood & Sons, Southampton. John McKerchar, 35, Giesbach Road, Upper Hollouay, London, N. Thos. Kennbd\ & Co., Dumfries. Barr & Sons, 11, 12, 13, King Street, Covent Garden, London. Mack & Mii.n, Darlington. Geo. CooLtNt; & Sons, Bath. K. P. Dixon & Sons, Ltd., Hull. W. H. Young, Mercury Nursery, Romford, Essex. MISCELLANEOUS. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, Middlesex— Carnations. Blackmore & Langdon, Twerton Hill Nursery, Bath- Begonias, Carnations, &c. Jessie Handscombb, 11 lV 13, High Street, Feltham— Peat and other horticultural sundrit . Protherob & Morris, 67 & 68, Cheapside, London, E.C. — Monthly si!u, of estates, farms, Ac. FOREIGN. Georg Abends, Rousdorf, Rheinland, Germany — Novelties in flower seeds. Haage & Schmidt, Erfurt, Germany — Seeds and Plants. Ant. Roozen & Son, Overveen, near Haarlem, Holland (Agent, Mertens & Co., 3, Cross Lane, St. Mary-at-Hill, London, E.C.) — Seeds, Bulbs, &c. R. Vincent, Jr. & Sons, While Marsh, Maryland, U.S.A. — Pelargoniums. Harlan P. Kelsey, Salem, Mass , U.S.A. — Rhododen- drons, Azaleas, and other plants. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. [Correspondents ate requested to write the names of person* and places aa legibly as possible. No chatge is made for these announcements, butt/ a small contribution is sent, to be placed in our collecting Box Jot the Gardeners' Orphan Fttttd, xt will be thankfully received, and an acknowledgment made in these columns.] Mr. J. Smith has succeeded Mr. L. Perfect as Orchid Grower to R. Brooman White, Esq., at Arddarroch, Garelochhead, Dumbartonshire, N.B. (Thanks for 2s. sent for R.G.O.F. bos.) Mr. George Stott, lately residing at Crag Bank, Carnforth, as Superintendent and Manager of the parks belonging to the Valparaiso Sporting Club, Chili. Mr. S. J. Nott, late Foreman at Shugborough Park Gardens, as Gardener to Mrs. Thumas, Thames Bank, Reading. Mr. V. Wall, until recently Foreman at The Dell, Kings Norton, as Gardener to Alfred Hughes, Esq., Pack- wood Grange, Knowle, Warwickshire. Mr. Thomas S. Dick, for the past 2 years Foreman and Decorator in the gardens of Robert M. Donaldson, Esq., Bl.iiivaddick, Row, Dumbartonshire, as Gardener to A. Whitelaw, Esq., Gartshore, Kirkintilloch, Dum- bartonshire. Mr. A. Morphett, for 3 years Gardener to Jeremiah Col- man, Esq., J. P., Wick Hall, Hove, as Gardener to E. J. Arbib, Esq., Martins Mount, Crayford, Kent. F. Sivell, for the past 2 years Gardener at Billingham Manor, Isle of Wight, and previously in the service of the Earl of Portsmouth, Hurstbourne Park, Hants, as Gardener to Captain Chichester, Gipsy Hill, Pinhoe, near Exeter. (Thanks for Is., which has been placed in the R.G.O.F. box.) Mr. Arthur Edwards, formerly Gardener at The High House, King's Norton, and of Bushey Hall, Watford, as Gardener to J. B. Hackett, Esq., Lea Hall, Vardley. Mr. A. B. Hudd, late Gardener to A. Williamson, Esq., Bramling House, Dover, as Gardener to Mrs. F. Chalmers, Farrants, Bickley, Kent. M SCHEDULE RECEIVED, M ARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, January 13. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. ' It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 way in which they are packed, the supply in the market, and the demand, and they may auctuate, not only from day to day, but occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.] Cut Flowers, Ac. : Average Wholesale Prices. 16-26 4 0-50 6 0-80 2 6- 1 0- s.d. s.d. Acacia (Mimosa), p. doz. bunches 10 0-12 0 Anemone fulgens, p. dz. bunches Azalea, p. dz. bchs. Bouvardia, per dz. bunches Calla arthiopica, p. dozen Camellias, per doz. Carnations. per dozen blooms, best American various — second size ... — smaller, per doz, bunches 9 0-12 0 Calileyas, per doz. blooms Cb rysanthemums, specim e n blooms p. doz. 2 0-30 — smaller, per doz. bunches 9 0-18 0 Cypripediums, per dozen blooms.. Daffodils, per bch, Eilcoaris grandi- flora, per doz, blooms Freesias (white), p. doz. bunches... Gardenias, perdoz. blooms Hyacinths (Roman) per doz. bchs. Lilac (French) per bunch — — (mauve) ... Lapagerias, p. doz. Lilium aiiratum, per bunch — lon^illorum ... — lane i folium, rubrum — album Lily of the Valley, p. dz. bunches — extra qualily ... 2 6-36 10-20 10 0-12 0 16-26 10-13 2 0-30 2 6-30 3 0-60 9 0-12 0 30-4 0 4 0-50 16-20 2 0-30 3 0-40 10-16 2 0-26 8 0-90 12 0-15 0 Marguerites, p. dz. bunches white and yellow ... Mignonette, per dozen bunches Myosotis, per doz. bunches Narcissus, Paper- white, per dz. bunches — ■ Gloriosa — Soleil d'Or ... O do n to glossum crispum, per dozen blooms Pancratiums, per dozen Pelargoniums, show, per doz. bunches — Zonal, double scarlet Ranunculus,perdz, bunches Roses, 12 blooms, Niphetos — Bridesmaid ... — C. Testout ... — K ai se rin A. Victoria — C. Mermet — Liberty — Mme.Chatenay — The Bride — UlrichBrunner Spiraea, per dozen* bunches Stocks, double white, per doz. bunches Tuberoses, per dz. blooms — on stems, per bunch Tulips, per doz. ... Violets, per dozen bunches — Parmas, per bunch 2 0- 3 0 3 0 3 0-10 16-26 2 6-36 2 0-26 3 0-40 5 0-60 8 0-10 0 ... 12 0-15 0 16-26 2 6-40 2 6-40 2 0-40 2 0-36 4 0-60 4 0-60 2 6-36 6 0-80 5 0-80 4 0-60 0 9-13 0 8-10 16-30 Cut Foliage, &c: Average Wholesale Prices. Chester Paxton Society's list of lectures for 1909. Adiantum cunea- tum, dz. bchs, A spar ag us plu- mosus, long trails, per doz. — — medm.,bch. — Sprengeri Berberis, per doz. bunches Croton leaves, per bunch Cycas leaves, each Daffodil foliage, p. doz. bunches- Ferns, per dozen bchs. (English) — (French) Galax leaves, per dozen bunches Holly, per crate ... Plants In Pots Ampelopsis Veit- chii, per dozen Aralia Sieboldii, p. dozen — larger speci- mens — Moseri Araucaria excelsa, per dozen Aspidistras, p. dz., green — variegated Asparagus, plumo- sus nanus, per dozen — Sprengeri — ten uissimus Azaleas (Indian), p. dozen Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, p. dz. Bouvardias, per dz. C h rysanthemums, per dozen, best disbudded Clematis, per doz. Cocos Weddelli- ana, per dozen Crotons, per dozen Cyclamen, pr. doz. C y perus alterni- folius, dozen ... Cyperus laxus, per dozen s.d. s.d. 40-60 1 0- 2 U - 1 6 2 6 0 9-16 s.d. s.d. Ha rdy foliage (various), per dozen bunches 2 0-60 Honesty (Lunaria) fier bunch m eaves, bronze — long trails per bundle — short green, perdz. bunches Moss, per gross ... Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English) small-leaved — French Ruscus racemosus, p. dz. bunches 18 0 Smilax, per dozen trails 4 0 1 6- 4 0- 4 0- 1 0- 26 6 Q 6 0 1 6 60 8 0-12 0 10-20 0 9-16 2 6-30 10-13 16-20 2 6-80 2 0-30 0 6-09 2 0-26 4 0 — , &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Daffodils, per doz. 9 0-12 0 Dracaenas, perdoz. 9 0-24 0 Erica gracilis, per dozen ... ... 12 0 15 0 — gracilisnivalis, per dozen ... 15 0-18 0 — hyemalis, per dozen 10 0-15 0 — ovata, per doz. 15 0-18 0 Euonymus, perdz., in pots 4 0-90 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferus, in thumbs, per 100 — in small and large 60's — in 48's, per dz. — in 32's, per dz. Ficus elastica, doz. — repens, per dz. Genista fragrans, per doz. Gravilleas, per dz. Isolepis, per dozen Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen 15 0-24 0 — Fosteriana, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Latania borbonica, per dozen ... 12 0-18 0 Lilium I o n g i - florum, per dz. 18 0-24 0 — lancifolium,per dozen 12 0-24 0 6 0-80 4 0-60 9 0-12 0 4 0-60 19 0-80 0 15 0-24 0 30 0-42 0 12 0-18 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 30 0-42 0 12 0-18 0 0 0-90 12 0-18 0 8 0-90 18 0-30 0 18 0-30 0 10 0-15 0 4 0-50 4 0-50 7 0-10 0 12 0-20 0 4 0-10 0 10 0-18 0 8 0-10 0 6 0-80 10 0-12 0 4 0-60 4 0-60 48 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1909. Plants in Pots, ate: Average Wholesale Prices (Contd.). Lily of the Valley, per dozen Marguet iies, white per dozen Poinsettia=, per dz. Rose Madame Le- vavasseur, doz. 12 0-18 0 18 0-30 0 6 0-10 0 9 0-1*2 0 Selaginella, per dozen Solanuuis, per doz. Spiraea japonica, p. dozen Tulips in boxes, per dozen s.d. s.d, 4 0-60 9 0-12 0 8 0-12 0 0 9-10 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s d. Apples, Foreign — California Newtown Pip- pin, per case, 4 tiers — 4J tiers — (American), per barrel : — Baldwin — Greening — Newtown Pip pin — Oregon New- town Pippin per case — per case (165- 185) ... — (NovaScotian), per barrel : — Spys — Russet — Baldwin — Ben Davis — Fallawaters ... — French Russet per case Bananas, bunch: — No. 2 Canary. — No. 1 „ ... — Extra „ ... — Giants „ ... — (Claiet) — Jamaica — Loose, per dz. Cranberries, per dozen punnets Custard Apples ... Dates (Tunis), per dozen boxes ... 4 9-50 Figs (Eleme),p. dz. 4 3 — — pulled, per dz. 5 0 7 6 Grape Fruit, case 10 0-13 0 Grapes (English), per lb.„. — Hambros — Gros Colmar... — Alicante — Muscat of Alex- andria — Cannon Hall Muscat 8 0-90 8 C- 8 6 23 0-25 0 25 0-26 0 28 0-35 0 10 0-12 0 10 0-14 0 18 0-22 0 23 0-25 0 ly 0-23 0 18 0-21 0 23 0 25 0 9 0-10 0 6 6 — 6 6-80 8 0-90 10 0-12 0 5 0-76 5 0-56 0 6-10 5 0 — 4 0-12 0 0 6-16 0 6-16 10-20 10-16 2 0-60 2 0-80 Grapes (Guernsey) — (Almeria), per barrel Lemons, box : — Messina, 300 .. — Do. 360... — per case, 300.. — Naples, 360... Lychees, per box... Mandarines (25' s), per box — (96's), per box Mangoes, per doz. Nuts, Almonds, per bag — Brazils, new, percwt. — Grenobles, per bag — Barcelona, bag — Cocoa nuts, 100 — Cob, per dozen lbs — Chestnuts, per bag — (Italian), p. bag — (Spanish) Oranges (Jamaica), per case — (Denia) — Cal if ornian seedless, per case — (Valencia) per case (420) — per case (714)-.. — Jaffa Navels, case — Jaffas Pears, Californian Cornice, per case — C a t i 1 1 a c (French), crate — (Californ i an), Glou Morcean, per case — Cal if or nian Winter Nelis, per box Pineapples, each ... s.d. s.d. 0 8-10 12 6-20 0 10 0-12 0 9 0-10 6 14 0-26 0 14 0-20 0 10-15 0 8-10 3 0-36 3 0-60 45 0 — 50 0-55 0 6 6-76 32 0-35 0 11 0-14 0 16-19 7 0-90 18 0 20 0 13 0-16 0 7 0-96 9 0-18 0 9 0-21 0 10 C-14 0 16 6 - 8 0-96 8 6-12 0 8 0-90 8 0-10 6 8 0-11 0 2 0-40 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. Artichokes(Globe), per dozen — white, p. bushel Asparagus, per bundle: — Sprue — Paris Green ... Beans — — (French), p. lb. — (Guernsey), per lb — (Madeira), per basket Beet root, per bushel Biussel Sprouts, h bushel Cabbages, per tally — per mat — Greens, per bushel Cardoon (French), per dozen Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bag .*.. — unwashed — Dutch, p. bag. — (French), p. pad Cauliflowers, per dozen — per tally — Italian Heads, per basket Celery, per roll ... — unwashed, per dozen Celeriac, per doz. Chicory, per lb. ... Chow Chow (Sec- hium edule),p. dozen ... s.d. s.d. 2 6-30 1 0 - 0 7-08 3 6-46 0 6-08 0 10- 1 3 2 0-40 10-16 2 0-30 6 0-80 3 6-40 2 0 — 8 0-10 0 2 0 — 2 3-26 16-19 1 6 — 2 6 — 2 0-30 6 0-12 0 3 0-33 0 11- 1 0 7 0-10 0 3 0-40 0 3-0 3A 2 0-40 Cucumbers, per dz. Endive, per dozen Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles Leeks, 12 bundles Lettuce (French), per dozen ,.. Mushrooms, per lb. — broilers — buttons, per lb. Mustardand Cress, per dozen pun. Onions, per bag ... — (Valencia), case — Dutch, pr. bag — pickling, per bushel Parsley, 12bunches Parsnips, per bag... Potatos,Sweet, per cwt. — (French), p. lb. Radishes (French), per doz. bunches Rhobarb (English), forced, per dz. bundles Salsafy, per dozen bundles Seakale, per dozen Spinach, p. basket Savoys, per tally... Turnips, per dozen bunches — washed, p. bag Tomatos (Tener- iffe), per bun- dle of 4 boxes Watercress, per doz s.d. s.d. 10 0-18 0 16-20 11 0-12 0 10-16 13-20 0 8-0 10 0 6-08 0 8-0 10 1 0 — 8 6-10 0 12 0 — 7 0-80 4 6 — 3 0-36 3 0 — 20 0-24 0 0 3£- 0 4 10-13 10-11 4 0-46 9 0-12 0 3 6-46 7 6-10 6 2 0 — 3 0-40 8 0-12 0 0 6-08 Remarks. — The demand for American Apples re- mains good. There is also an improved sale for Cali- fornia Newtown Apples. Oranges generally are arriv- ing in a bad condition : best samples sell freely. Eng- lish Grapes are a good trade and their prices remain firm. Canary Tomatos are arriving in a splendid con- dition. Prices generally for vegetables are lower. English Rhubarb has very little demand. Trade in all departments is very bad. E. H. R., Covent Gar- den, Wednesday, January /_j, igog. Potatos. PotatOS (Continued). s.d. s.d. I Dunbars— s.d. s.d. ...2 6-2 9 Langworthy ... 4 3 4 6 ... 2 9- 3 0 J Up-to-Date, red soil 3 9-40 ... 2 3- 2 6 | ,, ,, grey soil 2 9-33 s.— Trade is very steady and there is no alteration in prices. Stocks in London are increasing daily. Edward J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St. Patterns, January 13, 1909. Bedfords— Up-to-Date ... Epicure Blacklands Remarks COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. During the past week supplies have not been exces- sive and, in most instances, prices have advanced. Yet trade has not beta very brisk. Many growers will not be marketing produce until their spring plants are ready. Bulbs and Azaleas are the more prominent sub- jects at the present time. French flowers are numer- ous; these are not all sold in the new market which was built specially for the purpose, and French flowers are a prominent feature in the ordinary flower market. What may be termed a retail trade is done by some salesmen in the flower market, and at the same prices as are charged to florists' for larger quantities. At one time the growers would not sell produce except to persons engaged in the trade. Pot Plants. Except in the case of bulbous plants and Azaleas, supplies are limited. Erica melanthera is seen in the market, and there are some fairly good plants of E. gracilis obtainable. Genistas are very good, also Mar- guerites in plants of various sizes. Another prominent subject is Begonia Gloire de Lorraine. Spiraeas are not quite so abundant as they were a few weeks ago. A few Cinerarias are seen, but I have not included them in the price list. Narcissus in pots may be had, the variety being Obvillaris. Hyacinths improve in quality : the early white varieties are the best. Tulips are almost wholly sold in boxes, from which they can be easily transferred to pots or vases. Lily of the Valley can also be transferred to other receptacles from boxes without suffering much check. Liliums of various kinds, Solanums and Chrysanthemums are seen, but best plants of Poinsettia (Euphorbia) are no longer pro- curable. Foliage plants, including Aspidistras and Kentias, are well supplied. There is usually a shortage of best plants of small Ferns at this season. Cut Flowers. During the past week there has been rather a better demand for flowers, and supplies generally have not been so large, except in the case of Carnations. Roses are well supplied ; the variety Ulrich Brunner on long stems is worth 8s. per dozen blooms. Chrysanthemums are plentiful. Best quality blooms of Lilium are realis- ing high prices, but ordinary blooms are very cheap. Callas are plentiful and good ; fairly good prices are sustained for this flower. Azalea Fielder I, Camel- lias, Eucharis, and Tuberoses are all plentiful. Gardenias are dearer. French flowers have been plentiful during the past week. A. H., Covent Garden, Wednesday, Janu- ary J 3, igog. to Correjfoondente Kents— Snowdrop ... Sharpe's Express . picnre Up-to-Date ... s.d. . 4 0- . 3 6- . 3 3- . 3 0- s.d. 4 3 3 9 3 6 3 6 Lincolns — hpicure . 2 9- 3 0 Lincolns— s.d. s.d. British Queen ... 3 0- 3 3 Up-to-Date 3 0-36 Maincrop 3 6-39 Sharpe's Express ... 3 0-33 Evergood 2 6-30 Belladonna Lily in Pots : Bella. It is not possible to obtain flowers of Amaryllis Belladonna in January unless the bulbs can be retarded, as is done in the case of Lily of the Valley crowns and many Liliums. As you say your bulbs flowered grandly in October last year, they can hardly be expected to flower again now, only three or four months after- wards. The foliage which you say the pot bulbs are now producing in abundance is al- ready showing on those cultivated out-of-doors. If the Belladonna Lily is cultivated in pots in the same way as Hippeastrums, it may be obtained in flower during August and Septem- ber. The best time to pot the bulbs is in June or July, when the roots become active. We would suggest that you grow a large batch of Hippeastrums (Amaryllis) to flower at the present time. This can be done easily by starting the bulbs early in December in a tem- perature of 60° to 65° and a bottom heat of 70° Fahr. Broccoli Disease : D. The disease affecting the leives of the Broccoli is due to a fungus — Sphaerella brassicaecola, a difficult pest to get rid of. Spray the plants either with weak Bordeaux mixture or with potassium sulphide, using the latter in preference to the former if the Broccoli are fairly well advanced in growth. Grub Attacking Carnations : Dumas. The insect that had burrowed in the stem of your Carnation is probably the grub of an Antho- myid fly But it had become damaged in transit, and correct determination was im- possible. Please send another specimen. In the meantime remove all shoots containing grubs and burn them. Horticultural Instructor : E. H. T. Ap- pointments as instructors in horticulture to school gardens under the Education Depart- ment of the various counties are not numer- ous. They are, as a rule, advertised in the gardening papers. The candidate is expected to have a general knowledge of the theory and practice of horticulture, and evidence of his capacity to teach is usually required. In ad- dition he must have a good general education and possess satisfactory references as to his conduct and abilities. Lancashire Crown Bowling Greens : Hortus, New South Wales. The distinguishing feature of these bowling greens is that the centre, or, as it is termed, the crown of the green, has a rise of from 6 to 12 inches from the outside portions. The players may bowl from any point of the green, except along the immediate edge of it. In the Scotch greens, or rinks, the bowls can only be trundled from given points. In laying out a bowling green, it is absolutely necessary to ensure perfect drain- age. The means taken to obtain this will vary slightly, according to the nature of the soil. The following method has been adopted with success in the Liverpool parks and recreation grounds where 22 greens are provided for the game of bowls . — A trench is made 12 feet in width; and in the bottom of this is placed a. layer, 4 inches in depth, of clinkers. On the top of this are placed the old turves taken from the top ot the next trench. The sods are placed grass-side downwards, and they prevent the clinkers used as drainage material becoming choked with the finer soil. Above this layer of turves is placed soil to the depth of about 12 inches. After careful level- ling this is covered with a layer of sea sand about | inch deep. Another trench, 12 feet in width, is dug out, and the process re- peated until the bowling green is made. When all is well settled down and the surface again levelled, it is covered with the finest turf procurable. Subsequent rolling, top- dressing, and cutting must be given regular attention, in order to induce a growth of close, fine grass. Names of Fruits : J. L. 1, Glou Morceau ; 2, Hacon's Incomparable; 3, Uvedale's St. Germain. Names of Plants : A.W. Ornithogalum lacteum. — Pine. The Monterey Pine, Pinus insignis — /. M. 1, Cypripedium Calypso ; 2, C. Harrisi- anum ; 3, C. villosum. — H. H. B. 1, Selaginella Wildenovii; 2, Lastrea rigida ; 3, Adiantum cuneatum ; 4, Pteris longifolia. — Hillfield. A species of Tillandsia ; send again when in flower. — H. H., Canterbury. 1, Salvia gesnerasflora ; 2, Mimulns (Diplacus) glutinosus; 3, Codiaeuro (Cn ton) interruptum ; 4, C. angustifolium maculatum. — W. H B. Plantago Coronopus, a native species common in some districts. It will probably succeed under trees. We do not know where you can obtain seeds. Peach Roots Unhealthy : /. R. P. We find no sign of fungus disease in the roots. It is ppssible that they were attacked by eel-worm when very young, and that this attack, from which the specimens sent have recovered, has produced the malformations. Pronunciation : F. B. In this country the- pronunciation of Latin specific words usually follows the ordinary English usage. Thus, gigas (g is hard), violacea (the a as in "date"), to quote your own examples. Violets Diseased : W. II. W . The fungus attacking the leaves of the Violet is probably Cercospora violse. Spray the plants with dilute Bordeaux mixture. It is doubtful whether the flower-buds will develop into good flowers, as the leaves are so badly attacked. Burn all the diseased leaves. Before using' the frames again for Violet culture th. y should be disinfected and furnished with fresh soil. Communications Received.— J. P. R.— R. P.— J. W H., Darmstadt— Pennick & Co.— A Constant Reader— M. B., lava— L G.— W. B. H.-YV. E. G.-J. O'B.— C J.— C. I-. W.— I. G. W.— E. B.— A. C. B.— Readme Gard. A«„c._ A. S.-W. A. C— A. O.— Rev. D. R. YV. F. M.— T D.-H. F. M.— Dr. C— A. G.— J. O. E.— G. W. M.— S i ,—W. I.— W. P.-R. P. B.-C. F.— H W.— P. A., \m terdam— J. B. A.— G. B C. A. B.— T. H.— J.T.— B I Sons-G. A. F.-J. W.— J. V.— Capt. R.-R. G.— V. deC. II. c o u u C u < a J5 0 e n e 0) "a a s (A tti « Cf) «4 «! ffi a z u p w z o r- H K (/) O o a PQ Q M-H V, O H J -51 H< o H z w O u g z to H 1-1 H D O w C/J IS H w X H P* O January 23, 1909 ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 4'J THE (fiiirbeners'Cbronicic No. 1,152.— SATURDAY, January 23, 1909. CONTENTS. Adiantum grossum 51 Mealy-bug on vines 64 Afforestation, a national Mushroom culture, a scheme of 56,60 new system of 59 Agricultural co-opera- Nitro-Bacterine, experi- tion 57 ments on the value of 59 Agricultural lectures at Obituary — Aberdeen 57 Sage, George H. 64 Benevolent Institution, Para - rubber plants, Gardeners* Royal, Re- transporting 53 sult of Election 63 Potato in Scotland, in- Eig game as garden ti. "iuction of the 62 pests 57 Rainfall in 1908 57 Books, notices of — Rosary, the — Encyclopaedia of Gar- Notes on the newer dening 53 varieties 60 Garden Annuals and Transplanting large trees Directories 58 and shrubs 63 Kew Bulletin ... 57 1 1 enching ' ... Gl The New Phytologist 59 Societies— Thirty- nine Articles ( oventry Chrys. 63 on Gardening 53 Ghent Hort 63 Publications received 5S Horticultural Club ... 69 Bosahan Castle, Corn- Manchester and North wall 60 of 1 ngland Orchid 63 Chrysanthemum Fram- R o y a 1 Caledonian field Pink Gl Hon 63 Cultural memoranda— Royal Horticultural Acalyplia hispida 51 (Scientific Committee) (13 i i' tas at Christmas 51 Scottish Hon. G3 DaffodiU, a classifica- Surveyors' Institution 07 tion of 61 Week's work, the— Flowers at Rosehill, Flower garden, the ... 55 Faimouth Gl Fruits under glass ... 54 Haarlem flower show, Hardy fruit garden ... 55 forthcoming 51) Kitchen garden, the... 54 Hybrid between Bruns- Orchid houses, the ... 54 vigia and Amaryllis Plants under glass ... 55 Belladonna 57 Public parks and gar- Irises, winter-flowering 52 dens ... 54 Moisture-loving plants, Whortleberries and some 52 Cranberries 49 ILLUSTRATIONS. Adiantum grossum 50,51 Brunsvigia Josephinae x Amaryllis Belladonna (Sup- plementary Illustration) Iris alata flowering in the open garden in December 52 Iris Bakeriana 53 Iris reticulata var. Histrio 55 Para-rubbcr plants prepared for shipment from Ceylon to South America 53 Solanum Balbisii in a Cornish garden 61 THE WHORTLEBERRIES AND CRANBERRIES. IN the middle years of last century a place given up solely to peat-loving plants was not an uncommon feature in the old- established and more famous gardens of the time. It was sometimes termed an Erice- tum, sometimes an American Garden, and in it the Vacciniums and their allies occupied a not unworthy place. No grouping of shrubs could, one would imagine, be more pleasing than this. The usually neat and often dainty habit of the plants, their abundant and brightly-coloured flowers, the fine autumn colouring of many of the deciduous species, and, in the case of the Vacciniums, their hand- some fruits, present together a sum of attrac- tions which few other groups can equal. But the Ericetum had its day. Perhaps the formal or " geometric " arrangement that was usually preferred hastened its end. In some of these old gardens a few of the plants still survive on their ancient sites, the bulk of them having disappeared and but little trace of the original design remaining. Even now such places have a singular charm with their informal grouping of old Azaleas, Heaths, Vacciniums, and the like, rising from smooth, verdant lawn, and, pervading all, a sense of age and dignity. I have a memory of such a spot in the romantic grounds of Dunkeld set *midst glorious trees and where the music of the hurrying Tay is ever in one's ears. At Castle Kennedy, too, there is still a fine col- lection of Ericaceous plants, many of large size. The Vacciniums cannot lay claim to the exceptional attractions of Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Their charms are of a more sub-, dued kind, and consist, chiefly in their neat, close habit and handsome fruits, and in their occasional rich autumnal colouring. The genus comprises at least 100 species, which are distributed over the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America, and occur also in considerable numbers on the moun- tains of South America. About a score of species have been introduced that can be grown out-of-doors in England, and three species are nativi . No race of plants is more characteristic of the lone places of the northern hemisphere. There is scarcely a moor or mountain side they do not help to cover. The Natural Order to which the) belong and to which they give the name- -Vaccini- aceae— is represented in gardens by three other genera of hardy plant-., viz., Gaylus- sacia, Oxycoccus, and Chiogenes. They are very frequently merged with the Heath family— Ericaceae. The chief botanical differ- ence between the Vacciniums and the Heaths is in the relative position of the corolla and ovary. In the Vacciniums and their allies the corolla is superior; in the Heaths it is inferior. L'he Cranberries (Oxycoccus) differ from Vaccinium in their prostrate habit, wiry steins, and in the distinct form of the corolla, which has four comparatively long, narrow, reflexed segments. Chiogenes — of which there is but one species — is similar to Oxy- coccus in habit, but has small, bell-shaped flowers and white fruits. The Vacciniums prefer a soil of a peaty and sandy nature, but, provided lime is absent, almost any soil can be adapted to their needs by adding decayed leaves; they also like a naturally moist position. For Oxy- coccus and Chiogenes the position may be semi-boggy. The Gaylussacias are not dealt with in the following notes. VACCINIUM. V. arboreum (Farkleberry). — This strik- ing species is not often seen in cultivation now, although it exists in the Kew collection, and some years ago I noticed it in Mr. Anthony Waterer's nursery at Knaphill. As its name implies, it is a tree in its native home, which is the South-Eastern United States. According to Sargent, it attains its largest size in Eastern Texas near the coast, where it is, occasionally, 30 feet high, with a trunk 8 to 10 inches in diameter. It has never got beyond the dimensions of a shrub in England, although it is recorded by Uoudon to have been 10 feet high in the walled garden at White Knights. Probably it is only its most northerly form — the one found in the mountain valleys of North Caro- lina— that is hardy here. The leaves are evergreen, ovate or oblong, f to 15 inches long, very slightly toothed, smooth and shin- ing above, downy beneath. The flowers are gracefully pendent from slender stalks, and are either produced singly from the leaf axils or in terminal racemes; the corolla is white, 1 inch wide, bell-shaped, with five angular lobes. The berries are globular, J inch in diameter, shiny black, with a dry, rather astringent flesh. The species was originally introduced to Kew by Mr. John Cree in 1765. It flowers freely during July and August, and is one of the prettiest shrubs in blossom at that season. The arborescent and more tender form from Florida would be well worth trying in Cornwall and similar localities. V. Arctostaphylos.— So nearly allied is this species to V. padi folium that some authorities have made them forms of one. The true padifolium, however, is a native of the mountains of Madeira, whereas arcto- staphylos comes from the Caucasus. It has larger leaves (the largest, indeed, of all hardy Vacciniums) and it, apparently, grows more freely than the Madeira plant. This interest- ing species is deciduous, and grows at least 10 feet high. Its leaves, which have an ovate-lanceolate outline, are sometimes 4 inches long and ij inches wide, but their average length is 2 inches; they are finely toothed, dull dark green above, paler beneath and pubescent on the veins. The flowers usually hang from the lower side of short racemes produced in May from the naked wood of the previous year's growth. I have also seen them in September in the leaf axils of the current year'9 growth, but this was probably exceptional. The fruit is black and very palatable. An interesting theory, based by Sir Joseph Hooker on the geogra- phical distribution of this species and its Madeiran ally (together with some other plants) is referred to in the note on the latter. V. CANADENSE (CANADIAN WHORTLEBERRY). — Kalm, the Swedish traveller, who journeyed extensively in the Eastern United States in 1748, was the first to bring this species to the notice of botanists. It is a low, much- branched, deciduous shrub, with downy foliage and young wood. The leaves are from I to ij inches long, lanceolate, and dull green. It (lowers in April, and the blos- soms appear, four to six together, in a short, subcorymbose raceme, the corolla being short, campanulate, white tinged with red. The fruit is blue-black and very palatable ; it is sent in large quantities to the markets of some of the North-East American towns. 1 he species somewhat resembles V. pennsyl- vanicum, but differs in its much more hairy foliage and young shoots and its quite entire leaves. V. c-espitosum (Tufted Whortleberry). — So far as I know, this interesting little plant no longer exists in this country. If any reader of the Gardeners' Chronicle still possesses it, we should be glad to know of its whereabouts. It is one of the dwarfest of Whortleberries — sometimes only 2 or 3 inches high — of tufted habit, and quite devoid of pubescence. Its leaves are obovate, toothed, and from ;} to I inch long. Loudon records its existence in the Glasgow Botanic Garden 70 years ago, where it is said to have pro- duced numerous " exceedingly delicate and beautiful " flowers, white with a blush tinge. The berries are blue-black. The species has a wide distribution over North America, being found in regions as far apart as Labra- dor and the Rocky Mountains. V. CORYMBOSUM (SWAMP BLUEBERRY). — Of all the exotic species, this is the commonest in gardens. It is one of the best growers of 50 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [JANUAFY 23, 19 )9 the genus, and its leaves before falling often turn a fine red colour. Widely spread over Eastern North America and extending from Newfoundland as far south as North Caro- lina, it is one of the most variable of the species; at least a dozen forms or varie- ties being known. In the most suitable situations it grows 7 or even 10 feet high, and is often found in swampy ground or along the borders of watercourses. The leaves vary much in size according to the variety, or the vigour of the branch on which they occur ; occasionally as much as 4 inches long by i£ inches wide, they may often be seen scarcely 1 inch in length; they are entire, pubescent on the midrib and veins be- neath. The flowers are produced on the terminal part of the shoots of the previous year which remain without leaves, the new- shoots springing from below the flowering portion. The corolla is narrow, cylindrical, white tinged with rose, and the fruit is black. It is said in North America to have a pleasant acid flavour. Several of the American " blue- berries," once regarded as distinct species, have been reduced to varieties of V. corym- bosum; they include amcenum, fuscatum, marianum, and virgatum. V. CRASsiFOLiu.M. — Although this species— a native of the South-Eastern United States — was introduced to England as long ago as 1787, and is now in the Kew collection, it is by no means common. This is due probably to its being rather tender. It is a trailing, evergreen shrub with thick oval leaves, little more than 1 inch in length. The white or rosy-coloured flowers are borne during May and June in short clusters, and are succeeded by black berries. It occurs wild from North Carolina southwards to Georgia. V. erythrocarpum. — Besides its attractive- ness as a garden shrub, this species is of peculiar interest in forming a connecting link between the Whortleberries (Vaccinium) and the Cranberries (Oxycoccus). It has the habit, foliage, and fruit of the former, but the flowers of Oxycoccus. It covers large areas in the higher AUeghanies, especially in North Carolina, where it grows to a height of 8 or 10 feet. The late Mr. George Nichol- son collected it on Roan Mountain in 1893. It is one of the species known as Bearberries in the United States, on account of the fond- ness of bears for the fruit. First introduced to this country by the firm of Loddiges in 1806, it has never become common, although it was once thought that it might be worth a place in the fruit garden. It is a deciduous shrub, with ovate, pointed leaves 1 to 3 inches long, the margins set with fine, bristly teeth. Whilst young the leaves are tinged with red. The flowers appear singly in the leaf axils, borne each on a slender pendulous stalk. The corolla has the typical Oxycoccus form, with its four deep, narrow lobes curled back so as to leave the stamens standing up close together in a sort of erect column. The fruits are first green, then scarlet, finally black. At Kew they have a sweet, acid, and somewhat insipid flavour. Possibly they need the brighter sunlight of the Eastern United States to bring out their best qualities. V. glauco-album. — The only private gar- den I know to contain this species is that which belonged to the late Mr. Thomas Acton at Kilmacurragh, Co. Wicklow. Unfortunately, it is not hardy except in such warm localities as Kilmacur- ragh. Although Mr. Acton gave it to the Kew collection more than once, it has never suc- ceeded there in the open ground or even FlG. 30. — FROND OF ADIANTUM GROSSUM AS SKETCHED BY MR. WORTHINGTON SMITH Portion of pinnsB magn. 3 ; sporangium and spores mag. 120. (See p. 61.) January 23, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 51 survived more than a single winter. It is a Himalayan species, being found in Sikkim at 9,000 to 10,000 feet altitude; also in Bhotart. It is a low shrub, remarkable chiefly for the intense glaucous bloom of the under-surface of the leaves, which are ovate-oblong, up to z\ inches in length ; firm or even rather hard in texture. The (lower racemes are 2 to 3 inches long, and are rendered conspicuous by large blue-white bracts, which remain until the fruit is ripe. The corolla is white tinged with pink, and the fruits, each \ inch in diameter, are covered with the ^kiucous bloom so characteristic of the plant. W . J. Bean. (To be continued.) CULTURAL MEMORANDA. FREESIAS AT CHRISTMAS. For several seasons past we have not failed to produce a batch of Freesias at Christmas, and at the present time we have about 100 pots of these plants in bloom. These have been grown entirely without artificial heat, excepting on a few occasions, when the houses were frames until frost appears, when they are re- moved to a structure from which frost can be excluded. A light shelf in a Peach house is suitable. Our first batch of plants was in flower at the beginning of December. When flowering is over, the plants are placed on shelves in an early vinery, and they are given liquid manure and soot water to assist in maturing the bulbs, which I regard as one of the chief factors towards the successful culture of these plants. As the leaves begin to turn yellow, water is gradually withheld, but the plants are allowed to remain on the shelves in the vinery, where they are fully exposed to the sun. The bulbs thus become thoroughly ripened by the time they are required for their annual repotting. Wilmoi K. Yates, Rother- field Park Gardens, Alton, Hants. CULTIVATION OF ACALYPHA HISPIDA (SANDERIANA). The cultivation of this plant is in no sense difficult, but at the same time it should not be treated as the Cinderella of gardens. Sometimes it is treated as a semi-aquatic and stood in a saucer of water. Naturally, the plant, mismanaged after this FlG. 31. — PLANT OF ADIANTUM GROSSUM IN MESSRS. SANDER AND SONS' COLLECTION. warmed only to exclude frost. The plants are, in consequence, very robust, the foliage being about 2 feet in height. The bulbs are potted during the early part of July. About seven bulbs are inserted in a 5-inch pot, or 10 bulbs may be placed in a pot one size larger. The compost consists of loam, leaf soil, a little cow dung and sufficient sand to keep the whole porous. The pots are placed in a cold frame, and the soil is not watered till new growths appear, but a mat is spread over them, and this is sprinkled occasionally, and the surroundings kept moist. When shoots appear the mat is removed and the plants exposed to as much fresh air as possible. They are slightly shaded from hot sunshine. The lights are only placed on the frame when the weather is wet. The plants are supported by a separate stick to each growth. It is important that the plants be staked early, otherwise the growths soon be- come bent and, consequently, spoilt. As the plants grow, increased room is given in the frame to prevent them becoming drawn. They are accommodated in the co'd fashion, produces small, yellow leaves and miser- able blossoms, for aquarium-culture does not suit its needs. In particular, the plants must be kept free of all insect pests, and in the young state, therefore, before they commence to flower, they should be syringed frequently with Tobacco water or other insecticide. Afterwards, when the flowers have opened they need to be fumi- gated, using for the purpose Tobacco paper or the ribs of the Tobacco leaf which do not injure the flowers. As a means to avert attacks by thrips Tobacco ribs in some quantity should be laid on the hot-water pipes, and moistened frequently with water. Stock plants should be placed in a warm house, in order to get them into growth before the cuttings are taken. Cuttings must be neither too soft nor yet too small in the matter of leaves, or they will be late in rooting and capable of making few roots. When cuttmgs are taken from " cut bicks " the gardener should wait until the shoots have formed their characteristic leaves. The cuttings should be placed singly in small pots in very sandy, turfy loam or leaf- mould, and the cutting pots plunged in a bottom hfat of 75° Fahr. If good plants aie required in the spring and summer months cuttings should be struck in November, December 'and January, and for later purposes March, April, and even May are suitable months. As soon as the cuttings have formed small roots, remove the lights from the propagating oases, and, when the roots have permeated the soil, take the plants out of the bed, and shortly afterwards lepot them into large 60's in pure leaf-mould and the quantity of sand usual for potting pur- poses. Place them near the glass in a warm house. Unless this last rule is followed there is the danger of the cultivator having plants a yard in height and with few or no flowers. The plants as soon as they are well-rooted should be repotted, and this should be repeated four or more times before full development ; at each repotting making use of the smallest pot possi- ble. At the last shrift it is well to employ a small quantity of artificial manure, or, if this is not done, apply manure water of a mild nature with great caution and for the most part during hot weather, when also the plants may be syringed lightly. If the syringing is done during dull weather the cells of the leaves, becoming distended with sap, rupture, and thus a diseased, rusty appearance is induced. This appearance is by some erroneously considered to be the symptom of a fungal disease. When the leaves are in this state it is advisable to venti- late abundantly, afford water in moderation and syringe sparingly. When the plants are in flower, syringing should be discontinued and the glasshouse kept moist by sprinkling the paths and walls, paying attention to the ventila- tion, as a warm, close atmosphere is injurious. Frame cultivation cannot be recommended, the gardener then not having full control over aerial moisture and temperature. Extract from Die Gartenwelt, No. 2, 1909. ADIANTUM GROSSUM. We are indebted to Messrs. F. Sander & Sons for the introduction of this handsome Fern from New Granada. Although discovered over 40 years ago by Alexander Lindig, and described and figured in various works since, living ex- amples do not appear to have ever before been sent home. That the species is worth the atten- tion of F'ern collectors is evident enough from the drawing prepared by Mr. Worthington G. Smith (see fig. 30), from material supplied by Messrs. Sander, and that it is easily cultivated in a warm house has been proved both at St. Albans and Bruges. A. grossum belongs to a section of the genus which is characterised by simply pinnate fronds, and is represented among garden Ferns by A. lunulatum, A. caudatum, A. Kaulfussii, and A. Balfouri. In length of frond and size of pinnae it is by far the largest of them, dried specimens showing a frond 25 inches in length, with 25 pinnas, the largest 2 inches by H inches, almost leathery in texture, and coloured a rich green. So far as dried specimens and cultivated examples show, the pinnae on the same frond do not vary much in size, nor is the frond elon- gated and proliferous at the apex, as in A. lunu- latum and A. caudatum. It is most nearly allied to A. Balfouri, the Socotran species, but that has smaller fronds proliferous at the apex, with the pinnae, subcibicular, in opposite pairs, and nearly sessile. A. grossum grows on the Andes of New Granada, at from 3,500 to 7,000 feet, and may therefore thrive in an ordinary greenhouse tem- perature. It forms a dense tuft of fronds, which are gracefully curved when of full size. There are not many gardens nowadays in which exotic Ferns are collected and cultivated with the con- noisseur's spirit, and yet there is, even in the genus Adiantum alone, a considerable diversity of form and habit, with, at the same time, much charm of pose and colour — characters which should attract the horticulturist who is one be- cause he has a feeling for plants. W. W. 52 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 23, 1909. SOME MOISTURE-LOVING PLANTS. On many estates there are to be found dere- lict bog and waste, marshy places, the in- itial cost necessary to convert which into positions suitable for the planting of moisture loving plants would prove but small. Even in gardens where such natural facilities for these plants do not exist, the difficulty may readily be overcome by the introduction of water basins, pools or ponds. It is always a bad policy to economise in the use of constructive material. For the exposed parts of large ponds containing 4 to 6 feet of water a thickness of 6 inches of concrete is not too much, while in small basins holding a depth of 2 feet of water, a 3-inch layer of concrete is adequate. The most suitable compost for filling the basins consists of loam and peat in equal parts, care being taken to avoid using soil containing any appreciable quantity of lime, from which many plants show a decided aversion. The soil, when settled, should be of sufficient depth to allow a clear foot between the crown of the plants and the water level. A selection of plants is given below. All will grow freely in wet ground, unless otherwise stated. The Astilbes are closely related to the Spiraeas, and many are known in gardens as Spiraeas : — Astilbe chinensis, though an old plant in gar- dens, is still one of the best dwarf species. It produces a fine effect during July, when the pink plumes of flowers stand up in great sheaves. It somewhat resembles Spiraea astil- boides, the plant largely employed in gardens for forcing purposes. A. Davidii is of more vigorous growth, th« shoots often attaining a height of 6 feet. The flowers are of a deep purple-red colour. There is a white-flowered form known as " grande " well worthy of extended planting. Aruncus make stately specimens when well established by the waterside ; the gigantic, snow-white inflorescences are freely produced in July. A. palmata has deep-crimson flowers borne in flattish heads ; a pink-coloured form known as "elegans" and a white firm, " alba," are equally good as garden plants. Spiraea camtschatica (syn. gigantea) and its less vigorous pink variety, rosea, are tail-grow, ing subjects reaching quite 10 feet in height. Dimorphanthus mandschuricus gives a fine effect with its large, compound leaves measur- ing more than a yard in length. There is a variegated silver form and also a golden variety : the former promises to be a plant of great ..ierit. The Dimorphanthus succeeds best planted in ordinary garden soil. Iris aurea and I. ochroleuca both have strong, eiect, sword-like foliage, and are often 6 feet high whon in flower. I. aurea has bright, golden-yellow flowers, those of ochroleuca being creamy-white with a yellow throat. Both species flower late in July. I. laevigata (Japanese •Iris) should be planted on a large scale in a bog garden. These Irises embrace many fine combinations of colours : the snow-white variety is a plant of tare beauty. I. sibirica orientalis is the best garden-form of this species : it pro- duces more flowers of a richer colour and greater substance than those of the type. Gunnera manicata, when planted in positions favourable t» its development, often produces leaves 7 to 10 feeUacross. A well-grown clump makes an effective addition to a pond or lake. Rheum palmatum tanguticum is the best variety of the ornamental Rhubarbs, and will grow in any ordinary soil. The planting cf Musa ensete by the waterside introduces a distinct form of leaf ; unfortunately, the plant is not hardy, but is readily raised from seeds sown in the spring under glass ; plants in their second year furnishing specimens 8 feet in height. This Musa succeeds in a deep, well-manured soil. Amongst the best species of Primula for- this purpose are 'Primula rosea, with bright, losy-pink flowers ; P. Sieboldii, white and car- mine ; P. japonica, crimson flowers; and P. sikkimensis, a yellow-flowered species. Primu- las are most effective if planted in boid masses. Rodgersia podophylla has bronze-coloured foliage similar in shape to that of the Horse Chestnut. The bronze colour is enhanced in sunny positions. Some species of Senecios are valuable plants for water-side planting. S. japonica has deeply- cut leaves and orange-yellow flowers, the lattar borne in flat heads. S. clivorum flowers a fort- night later than S. japonica. The colour of its flowers is yellow, and the leaves are unbroken and circular in outline. S. Wilsonii has enormous, cordate leaves and yellow flowers in erect, branching spikes. S. macrophylla has dis- tinct, glaucous-grey leaves, and produces erect spikes of yellow flowers. Yucca recurvifolia should be given a promi- nent position, as the plant is very beautiful when in flower. It thrives in ordinary soil. WINTER FLOWERING IRISES. In addition to the well-known Algerian Iris (I. unguicularis), with its many beautiful varie- ties, varying in colour from the deep purple- blue variety speciosa to the pure white variety alba, there are a few species belonging to the bulbous section of the genus which flower dur- ing the winter months. These winter-flowering Irises deserve protection against the weather, and, although they may be grown in warm, sheltered nooks outside, where they will develop their beautiful flowers, they are liable to be spoilt by rain and frost. Therefore, a hand- light or piece of glass should be placed over the plants when in flower to preserve them from injury. It is, however, when grown in pots or pans in a cold frame or Alpine house that they are seen to better advantage. With the shelter thus given, they produce a longer succession of flowers and they develop better. For this pur- pose the bulbs should be potted up in the early autumn, using a mixture of light, sandy loam and leaf-mould. Until the flowers begin to show, the pots may be plunged out-of-doors in ashes, then they may be brought inside to de- velop. The earliest in flower is I. Vartanii. 1 X i \ AttOrctt^'QB mil ■ S &&V/ 'ff- \ ra? . - T Fig. 32. — iris alata flowering out-oi--l>ooks on December io, 1908. Phormium tenax atropurpureum may also be included in this list, as, by reason of its leafage, it provides a welcome addition. Cortaderia argentea, the Pampas Grass, enjoys a rich soil, and produces its magnificent plumes of flowers during the late summer. Arundo Donax, the Great Reed, is a native species that grows 8 feet high. The stems arise as a thicket of lances supporting pennon-like leaves. The old canes should never be re- moved before the spting. Cyperus vegetus and Glyceria spectabilis variegata are two good foliage subjects. Several dwarf shrubs succeed in wet ground and of these may be instanced Clethra alnifolia, which produces white racemes of flowers in autumn. The leaves of Oxydendron arboreum furnish beautiful colour-effects in autumn. The double-flowered form of Spiraea pruni- folia is, in spring, wreathed with its snow- white flowers rese'.ubling small buttons; the foliage colours richly in autumn. S. japonica (syn. callosa) in all its forms succeeds in wet ground ; the best varieties are Anthony Waterer and S. j. rubra. Thomas Smith, Walmsgale Gardens, Louth, 7. Vartanii. — This pretty species comes from Palestine, and usually commences to flower in November, continuing through December. It belongs to the reticulata section, with four-sided leaves, armed with a homy point, while the flowers are pale azjre blue. I. alata. — The well-known Scorpion Iris is one of the most valuable winter-flowering plants, producing a succession of beautiful flowers of various shades of colour during the winter months. In mild winters it may be grown with advantage outside in warm, sheltered spots, where it makes an effective display. Having a wide distribution over the Mediterranean region, the plants naturally show a considerable range of colour, varying from deep blue to pure white, relieved with a crest of yellow. The illustration at fig. 32 is reproduced from a photograph taken on December 10 in the Royal Gardens, Kew. 7. Bakcriana. — Although this species is not usually in flower till February, the pretty, sweet- scented blooms are fully out in the Alpine house at the beginning of January. It belongs to the reticulata section, but the leaves are cylindrical and have eight ribs, instead of being four-sided. The plant comes from Armenia, January 23, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 53 and is somewhat riaie in gardens. It produces flowers with bluish-lilac standards, while the falls are creamy-white, blotched and spotted with dark violet. Two kinds in flower are both forms of I. jeticulata. /. reticulata var. Histrio. — A charming variety from Palestine has bright blue flowers blotched with golden yellow. /. reticulata var. histrioid.es, from Armenia, has flowers larger than those of the type, being often 5 inches in diameter. These appear before the leaves, ai.d vary in colour from purple-blue to light blue, with white spots on the fall and a narrow orange crest. All the above, with the exception of I. Var- tanii, are in flower now, and will be followed shortly by such species as I. Danfordiae, I. stenophylla, and I. Tauri. W. I., January it. NOTICES OF BOOKS. * "The Encyclop/edia of Gardening." This handbook of 466 pages, crown 8vo., is a condensed "Dictionary of Gardening," of much use as a work of reference to the private gar- dener, plant cultivator, fruit-grower and, to a lesser extent, to the arboriculturist and forester. It gives the names of all kinds of gar- den plants cultivated in British gardens, the Natural Order to which they severally belong, common garden names and the botanical names according to the Index Kewensis, together with their native country. Much information concern- ing the best methods .of cultivation is conveyed in the briefest possible manner. To take Marantas as an example. We are first given the common name, "Arrowroot plant, Ord., Scitamina stove : herbaceous perennials. Orn. foliage. First introduced in 1732. Leaves, egg, lance, oi heart shaped, roundish or oblong ; greyish, purplish, or rose below, upper sides green, blotched or streaked with white, yellow, brown, purple, or rose." Then follow descriptions as to best kind of compost to use, and directions as to culture to be followed throughout the year, with a list of the species in cultivation. It is suffi- cient recommendation for this book to state that the present revised and amplified issue represents the 13th edition. f Thirty-nine Articles on Gardening. Although this book might form an accept- able gift to many young people interested in plants and in gardening, and although some of the chapters are eminently practical ; yet, on the who'e, we do not see the object of republishing chatty articles of this kind, which a*e more suited for the pa.ges of a newspaper than to swell the already crowded shelves of the botanist's or gar- dener's library. . The author is an enthusiast, and has travelled much. She has been in the Rockies, and has seen Calochortus and Opuntia grow- ing together in British Columbia. She has visited that earthly paradise, Ceylon, and evidently knows something of the Euro- pean Alps, as well as of the British Isles. Botanists who have travelled in foreign lands as well >asiin their own and hatte seen plants growing in their natural haunts on mountain side or in tropical forests, must necessarily have something to talk about, especially when they seem to be also at home among the won- derful treasures of Ivew. The first thing, thereto. e, to notice about the little volume under discussion is its distinct originality and freshness. In these days when so much " literature " is taken out of books of reference, guide books, &c, it is a pleasure to come across journalistic work of this kind which is original and based upon the author's * The Encyclopedia of Gardtning% by T. W. Sanders, F.L.S. London: W. H. & L. Collingridge, 148 and 149, Aldersgate Street, E.C. Price 3s. 6d. T A series of articles bv Miss Emmeiine Crocker, F.L.S. , reprinted from The World. Messrs. Diilau & Co. own observations and experience as a cultiva- tor of plants. Some of the chapters are, there- fore, distinctly readable. Others, such as that on weeds, are less interesting, and in that short chapter more might have been said about the fascinating subject of the dispersal of seeds by wind, water, animals, &c, and less, we think, about what plants are regarded as " weeds " in different countries. The coloured illustration of "Weeds" is not altogether intelligible, comprising Androsace obtusifolia (Switzerland) and Gentiana campes- tris (Norfolk). It is misleading to suggest that Androsace obtusifolia is often found as a weed in Swiss gardens ; nor can we imagine that the widely-spread Field Gentian is a typical weed as are the still larger plants of the handsome Primula latifolia. In speaking of the drainage of r-ock-garden-s we are very truly told that many Alpine plants, " notably, Campanula cenisia, have their long roots running among stones and shale so loosely piled together that you can pull it down easily with your hands and release the entire roots uninjured. Similar planting in this country, of course, would not succeed, unless we could insure an incessant water-supply such as the melting snows provide." Fortunately for this rare little Campanula, confined to so small an area in Central Europe, and hardly ever seen below 8,500 feet, it is often so much the colour of the loose stones among which it grows, ■ ~£&-~ JTIG. 33. — ikis BAKERIANA : FLOWER PALE VIOLET SPOTTED WITH BLUE (See page 52.) in Norfolk gardens, though it may occur in some. There is an interesting chapter on Primulas, and the remark that P. auricula " grows best high up on the banks when placed in cracks be- tween stones " is a better description of the situ- ation proper to this plant than that of a recent writer in this journal (Oct. 17), who said, "The Auricula grows naturally on the mountains of Southern Europe and flourishes in the natural loam to be found there ; consequently, loam should be the staple of the compost." Those who have seen the beautiful, pale-yellow flowers of the Auricula in the Alps in May or June — and they are by no means easily found — know that it almost invariably grows on more or less precipitous, limestone rocks, and that it is as tightly wedged into the narrow cervices of rock exactly as described by Miss Crocker, as almost to suggest a "protective colouring" in the vege- table as in the animal world. Some carelessness appears in the use or non-use of capital letters and little points of that kind, e.g., we find " iris," " geranium," " rumex," " White Gentian," " Michaelmas daisies," " a grand White form," " a good Mauve variety," &c. Nor is it well to read, " every atom (of a plant in seed) was closely cropped off with shears." And why is it neres- sary to place in quotation marks that " Reaths or Ericas ' belong to the Natural Order of plants Ericaceae'"? These are trifles, and yet their frequent occurrence shows that the articles, if published at all, should have been carefully revised before being put together in book form. //. S. T. 54 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January ?3, 1309. The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Evergreen Calanlhes.—The following species of the Everg»een section of Calantbes, namely C. veratrifolia, C. Masuca, C. sylvatica, C. pleiochroma, C. citrina and C. japonica are now actively growing. They will requi»e fre- quent and liberal supplies of water, with an occasional applicatio.i of weak, liquid cow- manure. The plants are more or less frequently attacked by brown scale insects, which must be kept under by sponging with some safe insecti- cide. The flower-spikes, as they push up, must also be kept free from green and yellow aphides, or they will disfigu»e the flower-bud. These Evergreen Calanthes are best cultivated in the intermediate house. They should not be ele- vated near to the roof glass, but will grow satisfactorily in a shady part of the house. Vanda Watsonii, V. Amesiana, and V. Kimbal- liana. — At the cooler end of the Cattleya house plants of the new Vanda Watsonii grow fairly well, and several plants are now in bloom. A specimen with five spikes of pure white flowers is a lovely object. At this season every care is necessary to prevent moisture settling on the flowers, which would cause them to become spotted. When the flower-buds are properly developed and are just on the point of opening it will be necessary to gradually lessen the supply of water at the roots, but do not allow the roots to become so dry as to cause the terete leaves to shrivel. Treated in this manner the blooms keep perfectly fresh and free from spot for a period of several weeks. Plants uf the winter-flowering V. Amesiana will require simi- lar treatment, but this species needs a more de- cided rest after the flowers fade. The earlier- flowering plants of V. Kimballiana aje now be- ginning to push out new rooirs from the stem, and the old roots are also commencing to grow. These may now be repotted or resurfaced as may be considered necessary. They succeed either in pots or teak-wood baskets, but win. h- ever the receptacle used, good drainage is necessary. Pot them firmly in a mixture of Os- mundi and Polypodium fibre in equal parts. Cut these materials up moderately fii>e and mix with them plenty uf small crocks. Keep the com- post about an inch below the rim of the pot or basket, and surface the remaining space with freshly-gathered Sphagnum-moss, making it quite solid in convex fashion. These Vandas require a light position in the Cattleya house. Sufficient water should be applied to preserve the surface moss in a growing condition. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogrnore. Late Peaches and Nectarines. — Any pruning and tiaining still to be done should no longer be delayed. When pruning the trees remove as many of the old branches, as can be spared, in order that plenty of young, fruitful shoots may be trained in, thus improving the general ap- peal nice of the trees. The greatest care must be exercised in pruning young trees which have I i .ecently planted, for any neglect or mis- cement now will be followed by unsatisfac- tory results in later years. Any extra strong shoots made last season should be pruned severely or entirely removed. Do not attempt to get the trellis covered too quickly, as this sometimes leads to a deficiency of fruitful wood at the base of the branches. Keep the centre of the trees fairly well open, and endeavour to have most of the fruiting shoots on the uppermost side of the branches. The glass, . woodwork, and trellis should be thoroughly cleansed by wash- ing before commencing to train the trees. If the trellis is at all rusty it should receive a coal of paint, for a rusted trellis frequently causes canker by its rubbing of the branches. The trees may be thoroughly washed with a mixture of soft soap and sulphur in water. Only a soft brush must be used for applying this mix- ture to the young shoots, or the buds will be liable to receive injury. Be careful to mal»e all the tits so loosely as to allow for the proper swelling of the wood. When the tying is done, the surface of the borders should be carefully forked over, removing the loose soil in order that a top dressing of loam and lime rubble may bo applied. In the case of old trees, some arti- ficial manure or crushed bones will be beneficial. Syringe the trees with clear water on fine morn- ings. Tomatos. — Provided that the winter-fruiting plants a»e still in a clean and vigorous condition, they may be encouraged to set further fruits. C 1 1 away most of the old foliage and select some of the strongest side growths and lay them in, giving them plenty of room to develop. Apply a surface-dressing of loam to the roots, mixing with the compost a little lime rubble or wood ashes, also a little artificial manure. At this time of the yiear it is prudent to pollinate each flower individually. The plants which were raised from seeds sown in the autumn are nearly ready for their final shift into 10-inch pots. A fairly rich compost is necessary for pot culture. This' should consist of loam, old mortar rubb'e, wood ashes and crushed bones. In potting, the soil should be made firm. Place the pots near to the glass, so that they may not become drawn. White fly is a very | ersistent enemy of the Tomato, and once this pest obtains a footing it is difficult of destruction. A good preventive is to fumigate occasionally with a nicotine vaporising compound. Let the atmospheric temperature be 60° at night, but during the day, by the sun's influence, it may rise even to 80°, provided there is a free circulation of air. Make another sow- ing to provide for a successional crop. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, i. rd'ener lo the Hon. Vhary Gibus, Aldenham Iku c, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Jerusalem Artichokes. — This useful vegetable is neither fastidious as to soil, climate, nor situa- tion. It grows very tall, and it frequently serves as a windscreen or is so planted that its growth may hide unsightly places during the summer anil autumn. Cnlike most other vegetables, Jerusalem Artichokes may be successfully culti- vated on the same piece of ground for a number of years together, provided suitable manure is applied and the ground is properly prepared by deep tilt each year. The present is a Mutable time to prepare the soil by trenching deeply and working into it a liberal quantity of farm- yard manure. If it is very stiff and retentive in character it will be well to add some burnt gar- den refuse, road scrapings, or old mortar rubble. Medium-sized tubers should be selected for planting. They should be placed 6 inches deep and 2 feet from each other in the rows The rows themselves should be di\ i' 1 by spaces of 3 feet. The newer white variety is superior in every way to the old purple-skinned Am- choke. The tubers are more shapely and their flavour superior. Rhubarb.— The supply of Apples is decreas- ing, and Rhubarb will, therefore, be in great demand. Larger batches of roots should be taken up at intervals and placed in a gentle heat, but, in addition, some of the roots in the open ground should be forced in the positions tbey now occupy. This latter practice is prefer- able to lifting the crowns and forcing them in- doors, unless crowns are obtainable that have been specially grown for the purpose. By the indoor forcing system. the plants are so weakened that they need two years at least to regain their vigour. Ordinary tubs or barrels with one end removed and its parts bracketed together so that it can be used as a lid are nxjre convenient than the pots specially made for the purpose. A small quantity of long stable manure with some good Oak, Beech, or Spanish Chestnut leaves will be needed to create the necessary warmth, but care should be taken not to employ more than suffi- cient heat to cause the plants to grow as quickly as tbey do ordinarily at their proper season. If these details are carried out intelligently, the fermenting materials removed in good time after the forcing is over, the beds forked, and no more stalks pulled during the present season, the roots will be little the worse lor the slight forcing. Seakale. — Introduce batches of Seakale to the forcing house in sufficient quantities to meet the demand. It must be pointed out, however, that Seakale may be forced on the ground much in the same way as Rhubarb, and although this method gives more trouble, the growths so cul- tivated are usually much stronger and of better quality. The roots which were taken off when the crowns were lifted for forcing, and tied into small bundles, should now be placed in boxes and put into cold frames, in order that they may be induced to start slowly into growth. Salads. — Continue to make provision for main- taining regular supplies of Salads by sowing small quantities of seeds at regular intervals of such crops as Onions, Mustard and Cress and Chervil. See to the blanching of Endive and Lettuce. Keep a good quantity of Chicory and Dandelion roots in a warm corner where they will produce growths, that will, of course, need to be blanched. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J. W. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Park, London. Trees and shrubs (continued). — In addition to those mentioned last week, the following species are well suited for cultivation in parks: — Ber- beus aquifolium and B. Darwinii ; Hypericum calycinum and H. elatum. Hypericum calyci- iiiim is useful for covering dry and shady spots and for forming a groundwork in the front of shrubbery borders. Phillyrea angustifolia, with its stout leaves, withstands smoke very well, as also do all the Ligustrums or Privets, notably L. Ibota, L. japonicum, L. lucidum, L. Quihoui, and L. siaense. The bright green leaves of the Privets are attractive, independent of their plumes of snowy white flowers. L. ovalifolium and its golden variegated sports, though not evergreen, are capable of retaining their foliage until very late in the year, and they start into growth again early in the following season. At midsummer the yellow varieties are amongst the most striking of town shrubs. Spartium jun- ceum, when planted on poor soil, produces an abundance of fragrant yellow flowers. I planted several plants of Choisya ternata a lew years since in a warm border, and so far they have done well, but have flowered only sparingly. Cydonia japonica makes a good-sized bush and flowers well. Fatsia japonica has also passed safely through three or four winters without pro- tection, as have Elaeagnus pungens and the varie- ties aurea, argentea and variegata. < otoneaster frigida and Crataegus pyracantha attract much attention when in berry. All the Spiraeas do well, S. Lindleyana and other tall-growing sp< i ies forming stately objects when in flower at the end of the summer. The numerous varieties of Ivy (K&dera Helix) make useful and interesting plants for covering walls, and the more common forms ate excellent for planting under large trees or i:i places where grass will not grow. Ivies present much diversity in the form and size of their leaves ; the contrast be- tween the varieties dentata and Caenwoodiana, for instance, is very noticeable. Other useful subjects for shady nooks are the Vincas. The hardy forms of Bamboo, Arundinarias particu- larly, afford a graceful subtropical appearance if planted in clumps. Rhododendrons, though not first-class town plants, can 1 -e grown with success. They will thrive in any soils that are not exceptionally heavy or that do not con- tain a large proportion of lime or chalk ; but succeed best in a light, peaty soil or sandy loam. When they are making their new giowths copious supplies of water should be applied overhead. Deciduous species. — Among the decidi ous tices and shrubs, the variety of the Plane tree (Platanus orientalis acerifolia) attains a very- large size and is capable of forming stately .avenues. When used for this purpose the trees should not be planted nearer than 35 feel apart, but even a greater distance is better. These trees require plenty of water at their roots during dry seasons. They do not burst into leaf until danger of late frosts is practically over. Ailanthus glandulosa flourishes well in smoke- laden districts. It attains large proportions, and its foliage, as well as sometimes its flowers are interesting and attractive. The various forms of the Ash, Horse Chestnut, Acer, Crataegus, Elm, Beech, Birch, Oak, Poplar and Willow suc- ceed well, and all these should be used for variety in accordance with the space at the dis- posal of the planter. January 23, 1909] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 55 THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Raspberries — If this work has not already been done, the quarter devoted to Raspberries should now be made neat for next season. Assuming that last year's fruiting canes were removed soon after the crop was gathered, all that is necessary in this direction at the present time is to thin out any young canes that are considered super- fluous, and tie the remainder neatly to the sup- ports. In most private gardens the system fol- lowed is that of tying the canes to wires trained to upright posts. This system has much to re- commend it, as by its use light and air can reach every part of the cane and the fruit is well exposed to the sunshine. If it is necessary to renew any of the uprights, th© new ones should be made at least a foot higher than the canes are expected to grow. They will then be found convenient when netting the Raspberries for protection against birds, as the uprights will hold up the nets sufficiently high above the canes and allow head room for those who canes on permanent plantations should now be cut down to the ground level, for the fruit will be borne on the new canes. Care must be taken to thin out the new shoots to a reasonable number early in the season, in order that the remainder may develop into strong, well-ripened canes, capable of bearing satisfactory crops. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Herbaceous plants. — Where there are large bor- ders of herbaceous plants it occasionally happens that one or more of these need to be overhauled entirely. Before such a time arrives, advantage should be taken to obtain a large quantity of manure, leaf -mould, road-scrapings, and similar materials. In the first place it is necessary to mark out the positions in which you wish to place the principal plants, labelling any that it is considered unwise to shift. Some species, notably Ostrowskia magnifica, are known not to succeed well for a considerable time after disturb- FlG. 34. — IRIS RETICULATA VAR. HISTRIO : FLOWERS BRIGHT BLUE BLOTCHED WITH GOLDEN-YELLOW. (See p. 53.) gather the fruits. The canes should be tied at about 9 inches apart on the wires. When this has been done, clean thoroughly all weeds from the soil, and afterwards apply a mulching of farmyard manure. Raspberries being surface- rooting plants, the spade must not be used to dig between the rows, but if the surface appears hard it may be carefully picked up by means of a fork. Any planting which may have been post- poned on account of the weather should be com- pleted as 30on as possible. If any new planta- tions have been made this season, the canes should be cut down to within 12 inches of the ground directly they commence to grow. The best red-fruiting varieties are Superlative, Hor- net, and Baumforth's Seedling. The best yel- low-fruiting varieties are Queen of England, The Guinea, and Yellow Antwerp. Aulumn-fruiling Raspberries. — The autumn- fruiting varieties are worthy of cultivation, pro- vided this fruit is appreciated for dessert. Two excellent varieties are Belle de Footenay and the newer one, November Abundance. The ance. Afterwards take up the rest of the plants at one end and lay them 111 carefully and promptly. These plants will be needed to com- plete the planting when the remaining part of the border is done. The next operation is to take out a trench three spits deep and wheel the soil some distance away. The work of trenching may then proceed. Borders differ greatly in width, but a first-class border should be 8 to 12 yards wide and 100 yards in length. Many of the plants which grow outwards from the centre, as, for instance, the perennial Phlox and Michaelmas Daisy, will be found to have their centres in a very weak condition. The centres of such plants should not be planted again. -V clump should be formed from croivns or pieces on the outside of the old clumps. It is not wise to plant large batches of any one kind of plant, excepting bulbs, as this would lead to there beine large spaces without flowers at certain periods. Dwarf annuals may be planted or sown over ground containing such bulbs as Narcissus, and small bulbs can often be planted near to large plants which, making their growth late in the season, will allow the bulbs to flower before overshadowing them. The tall-growing species of Lilies should be placed in conspicu- ous positions to make a bold effect. If Lilies are moved at this date they should be planted again as soon as possible, taking care not to break the freshly-formed roots. If the soil is inclined to be heavy, place some sharp sand about the roots, also a sprinkling of flowers of sulphur. Irises should be planted in the same manner as Lilies. They require a freely porous soil. The best background for such a border is one composed of evergreen and deciduous shrubs. If these are selected with care their effect wili add considerably to that afforded by the border. Should the background, however,' be a wall, let it be covered with climbing plants rather than with fruit trees. Work in plenty of manure and leaf-mould and a sprinkling of soot as the work of replanting proceeds. On no- account let the planting be continued in wet weather. In some cases the natural soil is so thin and stony that it is necessary to add rich loam and perhaps a little clay. On the con- trary, very heavy soil may be much improved by the addition of leaf-mould and road-scrap- ings. When the replanting is finished, see that all the plants are properly and accurately labelled with labels that are likely to last in good condition for some time to come. Calceolaria. — If the plants are in cold frames remove the lights on every fine day. Cyclamen Coum. — The deep crimson flowers and dark foliage of this species are now peeping through the soil. We find it a good practice to place a little fine soil, with a small quantity of soot and artificial manure, over the roots. Simi- lar treatment may be afforded C. ibericum Atkinsii, which flowers from February to April ; and Anemone blauda. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C, Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall, Propagation. — The propagating house should be thoroughly cleansed in readiness for raising and increasing the stocks of various plants. Seeds of such kinds as Begonia, Gloxinia, Strep- tocarpus and Coleus may now be sown. The cultural details connected with seed-sowing have been so often related in these pages that I will content myself with pointing out the need for observing the following points. Us© clean pots and pans, and soil which is suffi- cientlv moist at the time of sowing the seeds that it will not want water immediately after- wards. In handling the finest seeds extra car© must be exercised. The present is a suitable time for inserting cuttings of such trailing plants as Oplismenus Burmannii variegata (Panicum variegatuml, Zebrina (Tradescantia) pendula, and Fittonia. It will be necessary to insert further batches from time to time as young stocks of such subjects are more decorative than older plants, which, after use in the dwelling- house, are seldom of any further use for decora- tion. Cordylines (Dracaenas) may either be pro- pagated from cuttings, root-eyes, or by " ring- ing," according to the size of the plants re- quired. " Ringing " is a good method for pro- pagating Codiffiums (Crotons), and plants raised thus have generally longer and better leaves at their base than those raised from cuttings. Old plants of Pandanus Veitchii variegata usually have some well-coloured shoots at their base, and if these are taken off and inserted in sandy soil they are capable of making very handsome plants. Euphorbia (Poinseitia) pulcherrima. — As these highly-decorative plants pass from the flowering stage they should be removed to a cooler house and rested by withholding water from the roots. Mignonette. — A further sowing may now be made in firm soil. Very careful watering will be required when the seedlings appear upon the soil ; they must not be subjected to much fire heat. Plants now showing flower need frequent applications of weak manure water. Lachenalia — Lachenalias may be given liquid manure. Thev should be kept as close to the roof glass as is possible without the tops being brought into actual contact with it. 56 THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE. [Januasy 23, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens or 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 ami duly signed by the writer. 1/ desired, the signature -'■•ill not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor docs 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 hunsclj responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.- The Editor will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, oj gardens, or of remarkable plants, jlowers, trees, &c, but hs cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News.—Coryec-poiulcnts will greatly oblige by sendiitgto the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be oj interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK, SATURDAY, JANUARY 23- • Ann. Dinner Soc. Franc. d'Hort. de Londres, at Cafe Royal, Regent Street, W. TUESDAY, JANUARY 26- Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. {Competitive Classes for Seakale, Rhubarb, Asparagus, Forced Vegetables and Salads. Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. W. D. Scott- Moncrieff, on " A Method of using Domestic Sewage in Horticulture "). Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 39't^. Actual Temperatures: — London. — Wednesday, January 20(6 r.M.): Max. 42°; Min. 29". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London — Thursday, January 21 (10 a.m.): Bar. 304; Temp. 44" j Weather— Overcast. Provinces. — Wednesday, January 20 (6 P.M.) : Max. 47a Mayo ; Min. 36° Durham. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and TUESDAY— Herbaceous and Border Plants, Liliums, Bulbs, Azaleas, &c, at 12 ; Roses and Fruit Trees at 1.30, by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C. WEDNESDAY— Thousands of Gladiolus, Begonias, Tuberoses, &c, at 11.30; Herbaceous Plants, Perennials, Lilies, Bulbs, &c, at 12; 982 cases Japanese Liliums at 1; Roses and Fruit Trees at 1.30 ; Azaleas, Palms, Plants, &c, at 5, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C, by Protheroe & Morris. WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY and FRIDAY— Important Sale of Nursery Stock at the Nurseries, South Woodford, by order of Mr. John Fraser, by Protheroe & Morris, at 11. FRIDAY— Imported and Established Orchids, in variety, at 12.45, by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C. The advocates of the systematic National afiore-tation of these islands AtToresta- ... , , , tion. encouraged by the second Report which has just been issued as a Blue Book by the Roval Commission on Coast Erosion and . Minn-sta- tion. It will be remembered that the Com- mission has already issued one Report, but, inasmuch as in March last, its terms of refer- ence were extended to include an enquiry as to whether the evil of unemployment might be relieved by the afforestation of suitable areas, the Commission in its present Re- port deals not only with land which may be reclaimed from the foreshore, but with the available land in all parts of these islands. Under its extended terms of refer- < in e Ihe Commission, presided over by Mr. Ivor C. Guest, M.P., has held fifty sittings and has heard evidence from eighty wit- nesses. The scheme is a bold one ; indeed, it is not too much to say that its proposals for affore- station are the boldest ever put forward by a properly constituted authority in this coun- try. It is to be hoped that in its compre- hensiveness it will not frighten men brought up in the atmosphere of compromise and ac- customed to be satisfied with half measures. Those who have had this experience will, at all events, welcome the scheme, not necessarily accepting it in all its details, but as serving as a basis for discussion. It is more than probable that legisla- tion will not proceed on the exact lines now laid down, nor to the full extent the Commis- sion recommend. At the same time it cannot be recognised too soon that one of the most essential conditions necessary for making British forestry a permanent means of increasing the national resources is that the industry shall be started on so broad a basis, and with such financial security as is only possible under the direct management of the State. It is perfectly conceivable, and the Commission have satisfied themselves on this matter, that, where spasmodic and local at- tempts have failed to make timber cultivation a remunerative industry, a general scheme, far-reaching and national in character, would succeed. In succeeding it would not merely provide a means of employment for able- bodied men, but would supplement the fail- ing supplies of timber, and yield, in course of time, a substantial profit to the national Exchequer. The essential Recommendations of the Commission are (i) that afforestation is de- sirable; (2) that the approximate area of suit- able land in the United Kingdom, without material encroachment upon agricultural land, is 9,000,000 acres; (3) that 150,000 acres shall be planted each year ; (4) that, to finance the scheme, an approximate sum of £2,000,000 will be required annually. The expenses of afforesting, at the rate of 150,000 acres a year, are estimated to rise from £90,000 in the first to .£3,131,000 in the fortieth year. After forty years it is expected that the forests will begin to be self-supporting. From the fortieth to the sixtieth year this stage would continue; from the sixtieth year the profit would progressively increase, until at the eightieth year the approximate equalised re- venue would be about £17,000,000 a year, and the value of the forests would be £562,000,000 or £106,000,000 over and above the entire cost of their creation. A forest of 9,000,000 acres, in which the trees represent the various series of age-classes, may be expected to yield 9,000,000 loads of timber annually in perpetuity. Now, the importation of foreign timber from temper- ate climates, such as our own, into the United Kingdom in the year 1907, exceeded 8,500,000 loads, which is approximately the quantity which could be expected annually from the proposed scheme of afforestation. At the end of sixty years, when the whole of the 9,000,000 acres have been planted, it is estimated that the industry will keep, at the least, 90,000 men permanently employed. It should be re- membered that the work of planting might be carried out with less or more rapidity accord- ing to the state of the labour market. Whilst the maintenance of the forests would give employment to a large number of unskilled men, the greater call for labour would be made in the forming of new forests. It is a satisfactory feature of forestry opera- tions that much of the work can be done in the winter season, when the evil of unem- ployment is most acutely felt. Much has been written on the questions of transporting, housing, and feeding the workmen, and the alleged difficulties have been urged as serious obstacles to the scheme, but surely there is no basis for such fears I The railway and water companies, and even private landowners, have occasionally to transport hundreds of men to remote moun- tain districts, far removed from road and rail, and maintain them whilst work is in progress. It can scarcely be doubted that the State would be able to deal effectively with such problems. The one essential thing to do is to get the men on to the land ; means of subsistence would be devised easily enough. By drafting unemployed men into the country, where remunerative work abounds, much good, both in an economic and hygienic sense, would be brought about. Nor can tree-planting by means of unem- ployed men be considered a new departure, for, on a dreary, exposed hillside in Wales, as well as in various parts of England, the whole of the work, including clearing the ground of surface growth, pitting, and plant- ing, has been carried out by drafts from the unemployed. Afforestation offers the most promising means of dealing in a scientific and permanent manner with the question of unemployment. It is also calculated to in- crease the value of the land, in some cases sevenfold, and it would provide an ever- increasing revenue for the State. But this is not all, for, apart from the question of immediate labour, what industries would be opened up in years to come by the planting of waste grounds. At present there would be clearing, draining, fencing-, and planting. Thinning would commence at about the tenth year, after which the erection of saw-mills for converting the timber would open a vast industry. A woodpulp industry would be almost certain to follow, and, when a sufficiency of Spruce timber be- came available, a great paper-manufacturing industry would arise. Spruce is more valuable now than Scotch Fir, because almost all the paper of the world is made from Spruce wood. The produce of about 5,000 acres would be required to keep each pulp-mill going, and the Spruce for this purpose would be felled at the age of thirty years. In the little kingdom of Saxony no fewer than 4,000 fac- tories, employing 60,000 people, have been brought into existence by the development of woodpulp, paper, and other manufacturing industries in connection with her well-man- aged and highly-profitable forests. With respect to the most desirable places in which to begin planting operations, we would suggest those counties where not only the greatest area of waste lands exist, but where other advantages are offered, especially in the matter of cheap land purchase and easy removal of the produce. Thus we have — in England — Yorkshire and Northumberland with 1,019,925 acres; in Scotland, Inverness and Argyllshire with 3,087,412 acres; in Wales, Breconshire and Merionethshire with 461,320 acres; and Ireland, Donegal and Kerry with 657,337 acres, exclusive of 172,436 acres of bog land. It has been urged that tree-planting re- quires skilled labour, and that, consequently, JANUARY 23, 1909] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 57 the unemployed are unstated for it. But, as we have already pointed out, the preliminary work, indeed every operation, if we except the process of planting the trees, is such as can be carried out by any ordinary workmen under proper supervision. Some of our readers may think that the Report of the Commission is of too sweep- ing a character. It will be remembered that a less ambitious scheme was urged in these pages (Card. Chron., Dec. 15, 1906, p. 401, and June 22, 1907, p. 409) by Mr. A. D. Webster in a series of articles on afforesting waste lands. He recommended the planting up of 1,000,000 acres, spreading this work over a period of 25 years, at the rate of 40,000 acres each year, and at a cost of ^300,000 annually. But public opinion, though of slow growth, matures quickly, and it may well be that the larger scheme will fire the enthusiasm of the people, and in spite of its ambitious character, or perhaps because of it, get itself adopted. If this proves the case Mr. Webster will be remembered as one of the pioneers of affore- station whose work in paving the way for the larger scheme actively contributed to its adoption. We are perfectly satisfied that afforesta- tion is needed for meeting the future de- mand for timber, that it is desirable as a means of keeping a considerable number of men upon the land, and that if it is carried out in a properly devised scheme under Government control it will eventually yield a profit to the Exchequer. For these rea- sons, and for the further reason that the establishment of a State system of forestry would permanently lessen the misery caused by unemployment in the winter season, we hope the Report will lead to prompt legisla- tion. Our Supplementary Illustration repre- sents a hybrid flower raised by Mr. C. G. Van Tubergen, Jun., Haariem, from a cross between Brunsvigia Josephinae and Amaryllis Belladonna. Mr. Van Tubergen- thus describes the cir- cumstances:— "Principally with a view of ascertaining the parentage of the Kew variety of Amaryllis Belladonna (see illustration in the Garden, November 19, 1898, also notes in Gar- diners' Chronicle, February 9, 1901, &c), in the autumn of 1893 I artificially impregnated Bruns- vigia Josephinae with pollen of Amaryllis Bella- donna. Seeds formed freely, as the two genera, Brunsvigia and Amaryllis, are very nearly re- lated. As could be foreseen, with the slow- growing Brunsvigia. Josephinae as the female parent, a long time had to elapse before the seedling plants would be strong enough to reach flowering size. After 16 years of patient wait- ing, two of the strongest bulbs produced flower- spikes in September of last year. When the hybrid plants had been growing for a few seasons it became evident that they differed in habit from the Kew variety of Amaryllis Belladonna, which produces a leaf-stem of about 4 inches high, whereas my hybrids all bear the character of Brunsvigia Josephinae in the foliage, leaves being formed directly above the neck of the bulbs. The infusion of the Belladonna blood is clearly shown in the bulbs, as these resemble those of the Belladonna and produce offsets freely, whilst Brunsvigia never produces offsets. A compari- son of the Supplementary Illustration, which was drawn by Mr. Worthington Smith from an inflorescence sent from my garden, with the en- graving in the Garden above cited, leads to the conclusion that the Kew plant can no longer be regarded as a hybrid between these species, unless it was a cross effected in the reverse way, taking Amaryllis Belladonna as the female parent. In that case the variety Clanda must have been used, it being the only variety of A. Belladonna known which pro- duces a leaf-stem. The colour of the flowers of my hybrid was a clear, deep rose, suffused with carmine. A single spike produced 22 flowers. Flower Shows at the Royal Agricul- tural Society's Exhibitions. —The flower shows held in connection with the exhibitions of the Royal Agricultural Society at Lincoln and Newcastle having proved successful, it has been decided to hold a similar horticultural exhibi- tion at Gloucester on the occasion of the Agri- cultural Show in June next. The Royal Horti- cultural Society has promised its support, and will probably send a deputation. Mr. Peter Blair has been provisionally engaged as manager of the show. It is estimated that the cost will be £300, and should the venture result in a financial loss, half the deficit will be met by a local fund and the other half will be guaranteed by the Royal Agricultural Society. "Kew Bulletin." — The current number of the Kew Bulletin contains an interesting account of the successful attempt to naturalise Rhamnus Purshiana, D.C., the tree the bark of which yields the drug known to pharmacy as Cascara sagrada. R. Purshiana, now growing in the gardens at Kew, was raised from seed sent by Mr. F. R. S. Balfour from Washington. It has proved itself hardy, and, according to the investigations carried on by Dr. Jowett at the Wellcome Research Laboratories, London, the cascara yielded by the Kew plants is indistin- guishable in its action from that made from American bark. Hence, it would seem possible that, as Mr. F. R. S. Balfour originally sug- gested, an industry might be established for the growth of Rhamnus Purshiana in this country. Agricultural Co-operation. — The Estate I ir January, 1909, opens with a very optimistic article on co-operation and its bene- ficial effects on agriculture. According to the writer the Agricultural Organisation Society now numbers some 200 provincial associations, and will show a record of trade done during 1908 of about £850,000. The advance made by the cognate co-operative society, the County Gen- tleman's Association, has also been considerable, the trading account having grown from £8,000 in 1903 to £60,000 during the past year. En- couraging as these results are they show how much remains to be done before the practice of co-operation among the agriculturists of this country becomes as firmly established as is the case in different parts of the Continent. Aberdeen and North of Scotland Col- lege of Agriculture. — Dr. James W. H. Trail, Professor of Botany in Aberdeen Uni- versity, has inaugurated a course of lectures for young farmers, under the auspices of this col- lege. Hitherto these courses have been remark- ably successful, students attending from all parts of the north of Scotland. Up to the present year . lectures have been given in agriculture, agricul- tural chemistry, veterinary hygiene, and agricul- tural botany. This year a fifth subject— agricul- tural zoology — has been added. The opening lecture was delivered by Professor Trail in the botany classroom, Aberdeen University. There was a satisfactory attendance, students being present from Aberdeenshire, Kincardineshire, Banffshire, Elginshire, Nairnshire, Inverness- shire, Ross, and Cromarty and Caithness-shire. The Surveyors' Institution.— The next ordinary general meeting will be held on Mon- day, February 8, at 8 o'clock p.m., when a paper will be read by Colonel Sir Duncan Alexander Johnston, K.C.M.G., C.B. (late R.E.), late Director-General of the Ordnance Survey, en- titled " The Ordnance Survey." The annual dinner will be held at the Whitehall Rooms, Hotel Metropole, on Tuesday, February 16, at 6.30 p.m. The Council have decided that after the election of members in October, 1913, no examination candidate shall be eligible for election as a professional asso- ciate unless he has passed both the inter- mediate and final examinations of the in- stitution. As a consequence of this change, after the present year, candidates for the intermediate examination will be allowed to sit at the age of 19, and for the final examination on competing their 21st year. The Rainfall in 1908.— An adequate supply of water is of such, great importar.*e to gar- deners that, however much other folk may grumble at wet weather, our complaint is when the amount of moisture in the ground falls below an average quantity. Several correspondents have sent us their meteorological records for last year : — Mr. H. Wilson, The Gardens, Cole Orton Hall, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, informs us that the rainfall for 1908 has been less than in 1907, for only 23.38 inches fell in 1908, compared with 28.53 in 1907. Mr. Wilson states that the past season has been an excellent one for all garden crops, with the exception of Goose- berries. Rain fell on 180 days at Cole Orton Hall Gardens. At Leonardslee Gardens, Hors- ham, Sussex, Mr. Cook, the gardener, informs us that 28.78 inches of rain fell during 1908. Rain fell on 179 days! The first half of the year was the drier, which is unusual. The total rain- fall for 1907 in these gardens was 25.94 inches. Mr. James B. Allan, writing from Osberton Gardens, Worksop, states that the hottest day in those gardens during 1908 was July 2, when the thermometer registered 86° in the shade; the most severe frost was on the morning of December 29, when there were 24°. The heaviest rainfall was on August 20, when .68 of an inch was recorded in 24 hours. The rainfall in these gardens for the year amounted to 20.19 inches, being .99 of an inch less than in 1907. At Shugborough Gardens, Stafford, the rain- fall for the past year was 31.98 inches. August was the wettest month, but the heaviest rainfall occurred on April 28, when .94 inch of rain fell. The year's rainfall at Davenham Gardens, Malvern, has amounted to 23.81 inches. March and April were the wettest months, the fall being 3.15 inches and 3.17 inches respectively. January was very dry at Davenham. In connec- tion with the note by E. M. (page 32), a corre- spondent states that the rainfall in the extreme north-west corner of Middlesex was .53 inch above the average of the past 20 years. The in- crease was principally in March, April and Jul}'. Big Game as Garden Pests. — The practice of horticulture in some parts of the Empire is attended with difficulties with which the cultiva- tor at home is happily unfamiliar. Thus, accord- ing to a recent number of the Agricultural Bulle- tin of the Straits and Federated Malay States, beside the universal fungal and insect pests, bears are so destructive of the Cocoanut trees as to merit a price of £20 per head. Wild pigs, again, as the reporter regretfully states, do con- siderable mischief. But by far the most paying animal to destroy in quantity is the white ant. For the wholesale and complete destruction cf this pest throughout the peninsula a prize of £5,000 is offered. To consider the ways of the ant has always been recommended as profitable, though surely it can be nowhere quite so re- munerative as in the Malay States 58 THE GARDENERS' CHROMCLE. [January 123, 1909. Year Books and Annuals for 1909.— Almost indispensable to the gardener, nursery- man, seedsman, and, indeed, to all business men in any way connected with, horticulture are several of the following well-known publica- tions : — The Horticultural Directory and Year Book is issued for the 50th time this year. It contains, as heretofore, a list of the principal gardening establishments in the counties, a second list in which the names are arranged alphabetically, and the county and nearest railway station indicated. Then follows a list of head gardeners in the United Kingdom, also arranged alphabetically. There are lists of London and provincial nurserymen, landscape gardeners, horticultural builders, engineers, im- plement makers and suridriesmen, and of the principal nurserymen, seedsmen and florists on the Continent, in the United States of America, in Canada, and in Australasia. The parks, gar- dens, and open spaces under the charge of H.M. Office of Works and of the London County Council are indicated, and the date of acquisition is given with enumeration of the acreage. Lists of the principal horticultural societies in the United Kingdom and of the botanic gardens in the British Empire and a list of the principal farmer. The following are among the sub- jects dealt with : Breeds of Poultry, Scheduled Insects and Pests, Cleveland Bays and York- shire Coach Horses, Clydesdale Horses, Care of the Foal, Flock Management and Lambing Diffi- culties, Profitable Cattle Farming, Useful Live Stock Medicines for Emergencies, Summary of Live Stock Sales for 1908, Small Holdings Legis- lation, and the Law of Agricultural Holdings, &c. The authors state in the preface that the legislation of the past few years has made drastic- changes in the relationship of landlord and tenant. It gives the tenant greater freedom, but it also entails upon him added responsibilities. In the Farm and Home Year-Book for igog he will find them set forth clearly, in a treatise written by a barrister who has given agricultural questions special attention. Also the Small Hold- ings Act embodies legislation, with the pro- visions of which all connected with agriculture should familiarise themselves. Vinton's Agricultural Almanack and Diary igog. — Beside the usual information looked for in an almanack we find a great many items of special interest to the farmer, for example, on cattle breeding, standards of feeding oxen, growing and fattening, cows in milk, sheep growing and feeding, horses at work, pigs grow- [I'hotogiaph by H. F. Macmillan. FlG. 35. — PARA-RUBBER PLANTS IN PREPARATION FOR SHIPMENT FROM CEYLON TO SOUTH AMERICA. fruit and flower salesmen and commission agents in London are given, together with a number of valuable lecipes and tables connected with gar- dening. The new plants certificated in 1S08 are enumerated and short descriptions given. The Garden Annual and Almanack. — This work contains thousands of names and addresses, alphabetically arranged, of country seats, of the principal parks and gardens in Great Britain and Ireland, and of the names of the head gar- deners employed, with corrections up to near the end of 1908. We find also a list of the chief horticultural societies, and a lengthy list of new plants, fruits and vegetables which have been certificated during the past year by the Royal Horticultural and other societies. There are likewise an almanack and a page of reminders of seasonable work for each month ; a list of nur- serymen, seedsmen and florists at home and abroad, and a mass of other matter in regard to trades having a connection with gardening. Farm and Home Year-Book. — This annual publication is issued from the office of Garden- ing Illustrated. The book is designed to afford memoranda and hints of service to the ing and fattening, periods of gestation of domes- tic animals, and of incubation of poultry, aver- age prices of grain from 1886 to 1907. The tables of composition, manurial and compensa- tion values of feeding stuffs are most useful, and other statistical tables make interesting read- ing for the agricultural world. The book is pro- vided with a diary for the year, printed on good paper, showing a week at an opening on two pages, with plenty of space for memoranda. Webster's Foresters' Diary and Pocket Book. — This is an invaluable Annual for all interested in forestry. It contains a list of the principal fores- ters and assistant foresters, forestry associations, trees suitable for various soils, methods of plant- ing, prices of home-grown timber, a calendar of forestry work for the year, excellent articles on the afforesting of waste lands and the education of foresters, innumerable details connected with the planting of trees, measurement of timber, and other matters of importance. There are a few misprints, but these do not seriously detract from the value of Mr. Webster's book. A Diary and Blotter. — Messrs. Joseph Bent- ley, Ltd., manufacturing chemists, Hull, send us a diary and blotting-pad. There is a calen- dar for the whole year, which provides a space of nearly 3 inches square for each day in which notes may be entered. These pages are inter- leaved with blotters. The Gardening Y ear-Book and Garden Oracle. — This compendium of gardening information is issued for the 51st year. The editor is Mr. George Gordon, a sufficient guarantor of its- value to the gardener. A calendar serves as a reminder of the principal horticultural events- during 1909, and to each day is appended a short note for some seasonable horticultural operation. Under each month are given direc- tions for important work in the various depart- ments of the garden. This is followed by a list of the new garden plants of 1908, several of which are illustrated from photographs. There are chapters on bulbous and tuberous-rooted plants, early-flowering Chrysanthemums, the propagation of plants by seeds, cuttings, and other methods, Roses for garden decoration, plants for conservatory and greenhouse decora- tion, hints on the culture of useful vegetables, fungoid diseases and insect pests affecting gar- den plants, and a list of useful garden receipts. Not the least valuable part of the book is the list of horticultural and botanical societies in the United Kingdom, with the names and addresses of their respective secretaries. In this connec- tion it should be noted that the London Dahlia Union has now amalgamated with the National Dahlia Society, and does not exist as a separate organisation. Although the information relating to public parks and gardens is the most complete of its kind, we observe several notable omissions ; it is but fair to add that it is stated "'there are many towns in the United Kingdom possessing parks of which particulars have not been re- ceived." The work contains coloured plates of spring-flowering Crocuses and fancy Pansies. Transporting Para-Rubber Plants. — In connection with the Ceylon rubber indus- try, which formed the subject of our leader last week, we reproduce a photograph in fig. 35 of a consignment of Para-rubber plants (llevea braziliensis) established in YVardian cases for shipment from Ceylon to tropical South America. The journey by sea and land, via London, covers a distance of 12,000 miles at the least. In 1876 the first plants of this Brazilian tree were introduced into the Eastern tropics, through the agency of the Botanic Gardens of Kew and Ceylon, by means of the same kind of case as is shown in the photo- graph. In Ceylon the plants grew rapidly, and from these have originated millions of trees, now cultivated throughout Ceylon, Malaya, Mauritius, Africa, etc., for the production of rubber. Tropical America, the native habitat of the tree, is now following this example by culti- vating this valuable tree, instead of depending, as hitherto, upon the rubber collected from trees scattered in the native forests. So difficult is it, however, to procure plants, especially reliable plants, to form plantations, that it is found necessary to import them from Ceylon. National Afforestation. — In connection with the Report of the Royal Commisssion on this question, it is interesting to recall the fact that in an article published in these pages December 15, 1906 (p. 402), Mr. A. D. Webster stated that he had " carefully computed that of the land up to 1,200 feet where timber would grow perfectly well, about 9,000,000 acres are available for afforesting purposes." This is the exact area now stated by the Royal Commission as being suitable for the purposes of afforesta- tion. January 123, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 59 Jubilee Flower Show at Haarlem in 1910.— The opening date for this show is now definitely fixed for March 23, 1910. Conse- quently, it will be open before Easter and remain open until after Whitsuntide (May 15). The show will be divided into a permanent exhibi- tion in the open and three temporary shows in buildings. The co-operation has been obtained of Boskoop, Aalsmeer and other important hor- ticultural centres. The show is expected to give a good idea of Dutch commercial horticulture. The first temporary show is to be held at Easter time, the second about mid-April during the flowering season of the bulb fields, and the third in the first days of May. Queen Wilhelmina and the Queen-mother are patrons of the society, which will hold this show to celebrate its Half- centenary The exhibition will be held under the patronage of Prince Henry of the Nether- lands. The " New Phytologist."— With the begin- ning of the present year, the New 'Phytologist, a British Botanical Journal, which, during its seven years of existence, has done valuable ser- vice to the cause of British botany, is to be en- larged and the price increased to 15s. per an- num. The editor promises that notices of current botanical work shall be a prominent feature of the enlarged periodical. To all in- terested in the progress of botanical science this will be welcome news. The occasional reviews which have been published from time to time in the pages of the New Phytologist have been aiming the most valuable of its articles. We both think and hope that the greater prominence which is to be given to reviews of botanical work in general will secure for the New Phytologist an even larger sphere of influence than that which it has enjoyed hitherto. When we remem- bei the very considerable number of botanical periodicals published in Germany, we cannot feel unduly proud of the fact that this country (an only keep going some three or four. We congratulate the Cambridge Botany School on its decision to lend support to the editor of the ■V, i /' ytologist in his enterprise. A New System of Mushroom Culture. — It was discovered some few years ago that minute pieces of tissue from the centre of a Mushroom, if planted in a suitable bed, were capable of giving rise to mycelium and, therefore, of producing fresh spawn. Messrs. Sutton & Son, Reading, utilise this method in vhe production of the virgin spawn, which they offer u.ider the name of "Twentieth Century.' We are indebted to Mr. Arthitk W. Sutton for the following account of the methods employed in the preparation of spawn: — "The old style of procuring virgin Mushroom spawn may be briefly described as follows : Ex- perienced men searched old manure or com- post heaps and pasture lands for the mycelium of the Mushroom, which is produced natu- rally in such places. This they sold to growers of the commercial spawn, who placed it in beds and allowed it to run through the material forming them. The ' stock ' spawn thus obtained was in due course used to impreg- nate the compost, which, in the form of 'bricks,' is the medium through which the spawn is passed on to the market grower or amateur. This method was more or less unsatisfactory, sim e the mycelium of species other than the common Mushroom (Agaricus campestrisi appears to hrr\e been occasionally mistaken for it, to the great disappointment of and loss to the grower. In 1897 a process was discovered of producing virgin Mushroom spawn by artificially germi- nating the spores, and the mycelium thus pro- duced was sold in test-tubes by the manufac- turers. The practice of propagation by spores was, of course, a great step forward, and growers could for the first time be fairly certain that the spawn they purchased would produce the variety of Mushroom they wished for. However, even this system had its drawbacks, and it was hoped that a better one might be discovered. With this idea careful experiments were carried out, but it was not till some years later that the process by which our ' 20th Century ' Mush- room spawn is now manufactured was put into practice. This method is known as ' tissue cul- ture,' and originated in -the discovery that mycelium could be produced from a portion of the Mushroom itself. The possibility of this, as the name of the method implies, is the under- lying principle of the new culture. The pro- cess involves careful work in the laboratory, where all vessels used have to be sterilised, and dust and draught rigorously excluded. The manure employed has to be produced under special conditions and very carefully prepared, cleanliness being of the utmost importance. It is claimed for this process that not only can growers be quite certain that the spawn they pur- chase is true to name, but also that the im- provement of varieties by selection is for the first time made possible, and it is a fact that the yield has already been largely increased. From a practical point of view there can be little doubt that the 'tissue culture' is an advance on propagation by 'spore germina- tion,' which itself is an enormous improvement on the haphazard methods of ten or fifteen years ago." Publications Received — Annual Report of the Bureau of Industries for the Province of Ontario, 1907. Part I. Agricultural Statistics. Part II Chattel Mortgages. (Toronto: Pub- lished by the Ontario Department of Agriculture.) — Crops and Live Stock of Ontario, 1908. Crop Bulletin No 99. (Toronto: Ontario Department of Agriculture |— The Agricultural Journal of the Cape of Good Hope. December, 1908. (Cape Town: Cape Times Limited:) Price 6d.— 7"Ae Philippine Agricultural Review. September, 1908, Vol. I., No.ii. (Manila: Bureau of Agriculture.) — The Queensland Agricultural Journal. Decem- ber, 1908. (Brisbane: Department of Agriculture and Stock) — Mitteilungen der Deutschen Den- drologischen Gesellschaft, 1908. (Bonn-Pop- pelsdorf: L. Beissner.j Reports on the Botanic Station, Agricultural School, and Experiment Plots, St. Lucia, 1907-8. (Barbados: Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies.) Price 3d— Millions and Mosquitos. (Wesl Indies: Acting Commissioner of Agriculture.) Price 3d. — Onions and their Culture, by A. K. Serle. (Leamii gton : Rogers & Co , Ltd.) Price 3d.— School Gardening, by W. Francis Rankine. (London : Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd.) Price Is. —List of Seeds collected during the year 1908 in the Garden at La Mortola, Ventimiglia, Italy. — Santa Barbara Parks. Report of the Park Superintendent.— Cornell Univers ty Agricul- tural Experimental Station of the College of Agriculture. 1, Insect Pests and Plant Diseases ; 2, Bovine Tuberculosis; 3, Comparison of Four Methods of Feeding Early-hatched Pullets; 4., The Black-Rot of the Grape, and ils Control ; 5, Drainage in New York ; 6, Bean Anthracnose ; 7, Street Trees, their care and preservation ; 8, Defects in American Cheddar Cheese ; 9, The Moulting of Fowls.— Kew Bulletin, No. 10, 1908. Containing Cascara sagrada, Diagnoses Afri- canae ; XXVI., The Nelson District of New Zealand, Decades Kewensis ; LI., and Miscel- laneous Notes. (London : Wyman & Sons ) Price 5d. — Raphael's Almanac: or, The Pro- phetic Messenger and Weather Gu de for 1909. (London : W, Foulsham & Co , 4, Pilgrim Street, 1. ml. ate Hill) Price Sd. — Bulletin of the Cornell University (November, 1908), The Pseony. By J. Eliot Coit. (Ithaca, N.Y. : Published by the University .)— A Critical Revision of the Genus Eucalyptus. Part X. By J H. Maiden. (Sjdney: William Applegate Gullick, Govern- ment Printer! Price 2s. 6d. — Common Dis- eases and Pests of Fruit Trees, etc., and their Remedies. George Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, Kent. — The Journal of the Board of Agriculture (January). (London: R. Clay & Sons, Ltd., 7 and 8, Bread Street Hill, Queen Victoria Street, E.C ) Price id. EXPERIMENTS ON THE VALUE OF NITRO- BACTERIA. In the spring of this year a culture material known as " Nitro-bacterine," for introducing into the soil those valuable bacteria which form nodules on the roots of leguminous plants was largely advertised. Its value and efficiency, at least with garden crops, have now been scien- tifically tested in a number of cases wrth almost uniformly unfavourable results. I would refer to the very complete series of experiments car- ried out on the inoculation of Peas with " Nitro- bacterine " by Mr. F. J. Chittenden, F.L.S., at the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens at Wisley (J.R.H.S., vol. 34, part II., November, 1908). The following sentences occur in his summary :—" There was under no soil treat- ment a consistent increase in the crop due to inoculation. The uninoculated seed gave a crop 14 per cent, heavier than the inoculated in the aggregate. It is concluded that the inocula- tion of leguminous crops with ' Nitro-bacterine ' in ordinary garden soil is not likely to prove beneficial." Dr. Voelcker also has given the material a trial at the Royal Agricultural Society's farm at Woburn, with results in no wise favourable to "Nitro-bacterine," and there is a mass of private testimony to the same effect. In these circumstances, rt will perhaps be of interest if I briefly record the results of an experiment on the inoculation of Peas and Beans with " Nitro-bacterine " at the S.-E. Agricul- tural College, Wye, Kent, which add further confirmation to these conclusions. The varieties of Peas employed were Carter's " Eight Weeks," " Early Morn," and " York- shire Hero." Two sets of trials were carried out (1) on very poor soil just above the chalk, and merely dug over before sowing ; (2) on well-manured, trenched ground intended for vegetable culture. Four rows of each variety — each row 21 feet long — were planted, and in each case a row sown with inoculated seed alternated with a row sown with untreated seed. The preparation of the culture material and the inoculation of the seed were performed precisely according to the instructions given and, in all details, inoculated and uninoculated rows were treated in an identical manner. The following table gives the results, show- ing the total weight of pods obtained from each pair of rows, expressed in grams. Soil Manured and Trenched. Variety. Seed not Inoculated. Seed Inoculated. Early Morn Yorkshire Hero ... Broad Beans Grams. 9,889 14,780 1:3,14-2 Grams. *,010 14,295 12,091 Poor Soi . Unmanurei ), Variety. Seed not Inoculated, Seed Inoculated. Eight Weeks' Early Mom... Yorkshire Hero Broad Beans Grams. 6,126 5,694 11,760 10,427 Grams. 6,490 5,291 11,097 9,098 The "Eight Weeks" Peas on the good soil were somewhat damaged by pigeons, and the crop was not weighed. It will be seen that the produce from the inoculated rows in every case but one* weighed less than that from the corresponding uninoculated rows. Throughout the growth of the plants no difference betweer treated and untreated rows was distinguishable; both lots formed nodules on their roots to about the same extent, and the untreated rows came to maturity quite as soon as the others There was no evidence of any kind to show that the slightest benefit had been obtained by ! low- ing : — Calanthe Veitchii var. alba, Cypripedium >: Courtauldianum var. magnificum, C. X Bruno " Keeling's variety," and C. X Mons. de Curie " Keeling's variety." A splendidly-culti- vated plant of Angraecum sesquipedale was awarded a First-class Certificate. R. Ashworth, Esq., Newchurch (gr. Mr. Fletcher), staged a good group, to which a Silver Medal was awarded. Odontoglossum X Lam- beauianum var. Triton and Cymbidium X Hol- fordianum received Awards of Merit. S. Gratrix, Esq., Whalley Range (gr. Mr. Shill), was given an Award of Merit for Cypri- pedium X Charlesianum var. Queen Maude. The flower is green in colour and of fine pro- portions. , Messrs. Wm. Bull & Sons. Chelsea, received an Award of Merit for Odontioda X Chelsiensis. E. Ashworth, Esq., Wilmslow (gr. Mr. Hol- brook), staged a group to which a Silver Medal was awarded. Cattleya chocoerisis alba var. maxima received an Award of Merit. Messrs. James Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, staged a very bright and attractive group of plants. (Silver Medal.) Mr. W. Bolton, Warrington, obtained a Sil- ver Medal for a good group. Other exhibitors were Mr. J. H. Craven', Keighley, and Messrs. Wm. Owen & Co., Northwich. P. W. SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL. January 12. — The annual business meeting of this association was held at 14, South St. An- drew Street, Edinburgh, on this date. Mr. Why. tock, the president, presided over an audience of more than 200 members. The report by the; council showed that there was a steady increase in the membership, and that the work of the past year had been of a very satisfactory kind. Reference was made to the death of the late Marquis of Linlithgow, who was for two years honorary president of the Association. The Chrysanthemum Show held in Novem- ber was not a financial success. It was de- cided, on the recommendation of the council, to hold two excursions during 1909, one to Tulli- allan and Dunfermline in July, and the other to Hopetoun in August. Lord Elphinstone was re-elected honorary president, Mr Whytock president, and Mr. A. D. Richardson secre- tary and treasurer. The two vacancies in the vice-presidencies were filled by the elec- tion of Messrs. A. Johnstone and W. Tait, and the seven vacancies in the council by the election of Messrs. W. Brunton, W. Cope- land, J. Dobbie, A. R. Henderson, D. T. John- ston, W. Mather, and D W. Thomson. A series of papers for reading during the current session was submitted. Twenty-seven new mem- bers were elected at the meeting. The next monthly meeting will be held on February 2, when the president will deliver his address, and photographs of flowers, fruits, &c, in their natural colours will be displayed by Mr. E. L. Brown. HORTICULTURAL CLUB. January 12. — The usual monthly meeting of this club took place at the Hotel Windsor on the above date, Mr. C. E. Shea occupying the chair. The Rev. Canon Horsley gave an inter- esting lantern display of views of the Swiss Alps, with which he has rendered himself thoroughly familiar by repeated tours accom- panied by a considerable number of ladies and gentlemen who form private touring parties under his guidance. The lecture was an- nounced to be on the " Flowers of Switzer- land," but references to these were mainly con- fined to the subsequent discussion. Canon Hors- ley restricted himself, during the lecture proper, to a description of beautiful views of snow- clad Alpine ranges, deep gorges, magnificent cascades and splendidly rugged glacier-. Views January 23, 1909.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 63 were presented in rapid succession to illustrate the progress of the party. As the Canon on these expeditions avoids the beaten track as far as possible, most of the views were fresh even to such of his audience as had visited Switzerland. The fact was incidentally men- tioned that most of the principal glaciers are retreating with comparative rapidity up the val- leys they have formed, is much as two miles be- ing- observed within recent memory. Another point observed by the lecturer in his explora- tions was what he termed the " zonality " of plant life, certain Alpine plants being only found between definite extremes of high and low level, so that when his party produced cer- ain plants he could, with comparative certainty, tell the heights they had to climb to obtain them. Gentiana acaulis was mentioned as eing the only Gentiana which varied greatly in colour. This species has tints from Oxford blue to Cambridge blue, pure white, and blue striped with green. A number of views were of the picturesque villages nestling under the Alpine heights, their deep overhanging caves, project- ing balconies, curiously carved woodwork and stone-laden roofs, coupled with the quaint cos- tumes of the inhabitants, forming very charming snapshots. A view of Meiringen before and after a devastating fire gave a striking idea of what a conflagration causes in a closely- packed mass of wooden dwellings. Mr. Shea, himself an ardent Alpine climber and ex- plorer, confirmed the lecturer's remarks on the glacial phenomena. COVENTRY CHRYSANTHEMUM. January 14. — The annual meeting and din- ner of this society was held under the presi- dency of the Deputy-Mayor of Coventry — Al- derman A. H. Drinkwater — on this date. The annual report showed that there was a loss of about £8 on the annual show, but a balance in hand on the year's working of £11. The Deputy- Mayor and Councillor Batchelor, in proposing and seconding the adoption of the Report and Balance-sheet, said that considering the con- dition of local trade the society was to be con- gratulated on its Report. Alderman Armishaw, speaking with regard to the society's proposal to arrange a summer show, advised waiting until there was a boom in trace. The Report was adopted and the committee were re-elected. Mr. (',. Griffin was re-appointed secretary and Mr. T. Smith treasurer. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. January 21. — The annual meeting of this Institution for the Election of Pensioners is being held on Thursday afternoon as these pages are sent to press. RESULT OF ELECTION. There were 73 candidates, and the eighteen whose names are given below were successful : - Number Age. of \ i Emma J. Whitehurst ... 71 4,746 John G. Anstey ... 80 3,028 Matilda Ings 65 2,946 Henry Heims G8 2,908 Thomas Jones -14 2,903 John Burton 74 2,883 Henry Cooper 7l> 2,855 William Gardiner ... 73 2,825 Jane Noble 69 2,800 Harriett Herman ... 64 2,681 William Cope 64 2,618 Henry Gage 74 2,569 Thos. C. Cushion ... 70 2,494 Edward Tibbies ... 64 2,449 George Lawrence ... 73 2,429 Joseph Throp 62 2,359 Joseph Talmage ... 64 2,350 William Reynolds ... 74 2,303 After the declaration of the poll and on the proposition of the committee, two additional candidates were elected. These were • Nancy Wright James Young. Mr. Arthur VV. Sutton generouslv offered the sum of £20 in the case of W. J. Williams; Mr. G. Munro will continue the pension to the can- didate he selected last year. CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL. January 13. — The annual general meeting of the above society was held on this date, the occasion being the centenary of the society. The chair was taken by Mr. J. W. M'Hattie, Superin- tendent of Parks. The financial statement showed a balance of £177 0s. 5d. in favour of the income account; while, under the capital ac count, the credit balance of the life members' fund was £569 9s. The Chairman thought the society was carrying out its duties perfectly. The centenary will be celebrated by a show in September next, and everything will be done to make the event a great success. It was very un- fortunate that, acting on legal advice, they were compelled to write off some £200 worth of the Metropolitan District Railway debenture stock. It was a peculiar fact that almost every exhibi- tion had met with financial failure in the Waver- ley Market this year, and he believed that even the carnival was conducted at a loss. The Report was adopted. Eord Balfour of Burleigh was re-elected president ; Lord Dunedin vice- president ; and Messrs. William Pirie, The Gar- dens, Dalhousie Castle, J. D. Adair, Shandwick Place, and A. Malcome, Duns, appointed coun- cillors in place of those retiring. DEBATING SOCIETIES. ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL. J wuary 20. — The annual meeting of this society was held on the above date at the Insti- tution of Civil Engineers, Westminster, Dr. H. R. Mill, president, in the chair. The Council, in their Report, referred with pleasure to the increasing interest in meteoro- logy which is apparent throughout the country, and they believe that this is in some measure due to the scheme of lectures inaugurated by the society. They also reported a further increase in the membership. Dr. Mill devoted his presidential address to explaining "Some Aims and Efforts of the Society in its Relation to the Public and to Meteorological Science." He pointed out that the society is composed of Fellows whose in- terest in meteorology varies widely, and there is moderation in dividing the Fellows into no more than three orders — meteorologists, ob- 5, and interested persons. Alter Dr. Mill had been thanked for his address and for his services during the past year, Mr. II. Mellish was elected president, and Mr. F. Campbell Bayard and Commander F. W. Caborne, C.B., secretaries for the ensuing year. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. SEEDS. Wm, tHOMPSON & Co., Ltd., Londonderry. Wm. Siaws St to., 8 .V 10, Portland Street, Kilmarnock. Pennell .v. Sons, Lincoln. Tillie, White & Co., 12, Melbourne Place, Edinburgh. 1). G. Purdie, 6, Waterloo Street, Glasgow. Hogg \ Robertson, Ltd, 22, Mary Street, Dublin. Pail & Son, 6, Wormwood Street, Old Broad Street, London, E.C. Thomas S. Ware, Ltd.. Ware's Nurseries, Feltham, Middlesex— Also Begonias. Thomas Wyi lie & Co. (late Cunningham & Wvlliu, 98, Mitchell Street, Glasgow. W. Smith & Son, Exchange Seed Warehouses, Aberdeen. Arthur Robinson, 35, Camomile Street, London, E.C. W. P. Bound, Station Road, Redhill. James Murray & Sons, Deptford, London, S.E. Carter Page & Co., 52 & 53, London Wall, London, E.C. Frank Dii ks \ Co., 63, Deansgate, Manchester. MISCELLANEOUS. T. Casbon, Milltield, Peterborough — Wooden boxes and trays for dispatching fruits, flowers, &c, Amos Ferry, Enfield, Middlesex— New and rare hardy plains, Montbretias, Japanese Lilies flower »ei Pennick & Co., Delgany Nurseries, Co. Wicklow, Ireland— Hardy Trees and Shrubs. FOREIGN. Peter 11/ ndi « ■ . St Co., 35 .nil 37, Cortlandt Street, New York— Seeds. F. C. Heinemann, Erfurt, Germany— Seeds. Vn morin-Andrieux & Co., i, Quai de la Megi Paris, Prance— General catalogue of Seeds and Plants. SCHEDULE RECEIVED. Cardiff and County Horticultural Society's Coming"- of-Age Show, to be held on Wednesday and Thursday, July 21 and 22, in the Sophia Gardens and Field, Cardiff, Secretary, Mr. A. Maurice Bailey, 24, Duke Street, Cardiff. BIRMINGHAM GARDENERS'. — The annual general meeting of this association was held on January lllh, Mr. Walter Jones presiding. Mr. Walter E. Collinge, « of,the Birmingham University, has retired from the omce of president, owing to his appointment at Berkham- sted. Dr. G. S. West, M.A., F.L.S., lecturer in botany at the University, Birmingham, was elected to fill the vacancy. The resignation of the chairman, Mr. Walter Jones, was also announced. Mr. Jones's resignation was accepted with regret, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded for his past services. The vice-chaiiman, Mr. Thos. Humphreys, Curator of the Botanical Gardens, Birmingham, was unanimously elected chairman. Mr. C. H. Herbert was elected vice-chairman. The treasurer, librarian, and secretary were all re-elected. BRIGHTON AND SUSSEX HORTICULTURAL. — Ihe annual report for 1908 shows a financial loss on the year s working of £64 18s. 3d. Three flower shows were held during the past year, but the committee have decided oo don y two shovvs in 19°9. viz., a Rose show on June 29 and 30, and a Chrysanthemum exhibition on November 2 and 3. BRISTOL AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. The first meeting in 1909 was held on Thursday, January 14, at St. John's Parish Rooms, when the president, Col. Carey- Batten, presided over a good attendance of the members. A paper on " Odontoglossums " was given by Mr. Wake- field, gardener to Mr. Shipley, Elmfields, Westbury-on- Trym. The lecturer recommended September as the best month for potting these plants, because they are then able to recover from the check to the roots before the advent of the dull winter months. Although Polypodium and Osmunda fibre may be used with success, the lecturer preferred to employ peat of the best quality. Mr. Wakefield gave a list of Odontoglossums cultivated at Elmfield. CHESTER PAXTON.— The opening meeting of the new session was held in the Grosvenor Museum, on Satur- day, January 16, under the chairmanship of Mr. A. W. Armstrong. A lecture entitled "Winter Botany," illus- trated by lantern slides, was delivered by Mr. J. D. Siddall. The lecturer dealt with various aspects of winter botany, and gave a list of British plants which are to be found in flower during the winter months. Particulars of several of the winter-flowering shrubs and berry-bearing plants were also given. The next meeting will be held on Saturday. January 30, when Mr. G. P. Miln will deliver a lecture upon the "Agriculture and Horticulture of Denmark." CROYDON & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL. The annual report shows a satisfactory year for 1903. In all 22 meetings have been held, at most of which lectures and papers relative to horticulture have been given. There has been a greater number of exhibits at the meetings, the quality of the produce displayed bein.; excellent. The annual dinner, held on January 22, proved successful. The spring show was held at the Horniman Hall, Croydon, on May 6. The number of exhibits was greater than at any previous spring show, although no prizes were offered for any exhibit. About 40 members and friends paid a visit to the Franco-British Exhibition on August 18, the occasion of the annual summer outing. Two meetings held in June and July were well attended, when visits were paid to the nurseries of Mr. C. F. Bause and to the Sydenham Recreation Grounds. The financial statement shows a balance in hand of £7. ESHER COTTAGE GARDENERS'. -At a meeting of this society held on January 13, Mr. Edwin Beckett, V.M.H., gave a lecture on " Vegetable Culture," illus- trated by lantern views. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Albany was present at the meeting. Mr. S. A. P. Kitcat, the newly elected president, introduced the lecturer, who for some years was a resident in Esher. Mr. Beckett dealt with the culture of many of the more important vege- tables, his remarks being illustrated by many specimens of the various kinds of vegetables grown at Aldenham. Many questions, asked at the close of the lecture, were answered by the lecturer. READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS . The annual general meeting of this society was held on Monday evening, January 11, in the Abbey Hall, Reading. There was a large attendance. The principal business of the meeting was the election of officers for the ensuing year, and the passing of the balance-sheet and report for 1908. Mr. Alderman Parfitt, J. P. (president) occupied the chair. The balance-sheet showed that the association is in a satisfactory financial condition. Mr. Alderman F. B. Parfitt, J.P , was again elected president. The meeting also appointed Mr. A. F. Bailey chairman, and Mr. H. C. Loader vice-chairman, for the ensuing year. The other officers, including the hon. secretary, Mr. Castle, and tile committee, were also appointed. Several new members were elected. REDHILL, REIGATE AND DISTRICT GAR- DENERS'.— The annual social gathering in connection with this society took place recently in St. Matthew's Parish Room, Redhill. The meeting proved a great success, the large room being well filled by members of the association and their lady friends. A musical pro- gramme of much excellence was carried out, and during an interval light refreshments were served. The chair was occupied by Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart, (president of the association). The annual general meeting of this association was held on Monday, January 11, Mr. W. P. Bound presiding. The report and balance-sheet showed thai the association closed its session with a balance in the bank of £14 3s. 2d., as against a balance of £22 12s. 5d. for the previous year. The loss was accounted for to some extent by a decrease in the membership, which had dropped from 225 to 190. The committee recommended that honorary members be asked to contribute a maximum subscription of 5s. Last year the honorary subscribers were not called upon to subscribe. The report and balance- sheet were adopted. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., was re-elected president of the association for the ensuing year, Mr. W. P. Bound was re-elected chairman, and the other officers and committee were also appointed. The lion, secretary, Mr. Rose, was presented with an honorarium of £5. 64 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 23, 1909. THE WEATHER. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending January 16, is furnished from the Meteorological Office: — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather was generally rough and very unsettled. Rain fell frequently in the south and east, alternately with very fine intervals, while in the western and northern dis- tricts rain, sleet, or snow occurred nearly every day. In Scotland the snow winch was experienced during the latter part of the period was very heavy, many places receiving successive falls yielding, when melted, more than 0.5 inch of water in the gauge ; heavy snow was also general in the north of Ireland. All parts of the Kingdom were visited by a thunderstorm some time during the week, and in some localities the disturbances were severe. The temperature was subject to frequent and violent changes in the north and north-west of the Kingdom. In Scotland and the north of Ireland the mean for the week was below the average, but in England and in Ireland S. it was above it, the excess in the Eastern, Central, and Southern Counties being more than 3°. The highest of the maxima were registered during the early days of the week at most stations, and varied from 54° in the Midland Counties to 49° in Scotland N. and VV. Late in the week the maxima at some Scottish stations were very little above 32°. The lowest of the minima, which occurred generally during the latter half of the ween, ranged from 18° in Scotland E. (at Balmoral), and 20° in England E. to 30° in Ireland S. and to 39° in the English Channel. The lowest grass temperatures reported were 9^ at Crathes, 12° at Balmoral, 16° at West Linton, 19° at Cockle Park (Morpeth), 21° at Clacton-on-Sea, and 22° at Norwich. The wean temperature of the sea. — The temperature was more than 4° higher than during the corresponding week of last year on the south-west coast of England, but in several other localities it was rather lower. The actual figures ranged from 49"7°at Plymouth and 490° at Newquay, to about 40 0° at Margate and Kirkwall, and to 35 5° at Aberdeen. The rainfall (rain and snow) exceeded the average in all districts except England E. and N.E. The excess was very large in Scotland, the north-west of England, and north of Ireland, and also in the English Channel, but moderate elsewhere. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending January 20. The third mild week in succession. — Since the year began there has been no cold worth mentioning, either during the , daytime or at night. On the coldest day during that period the highest temperature in the thermometer screen was only 23 colder than is seasonable, and on the coldest night (last night) the exposed thermometer registered only 10° of frost — or 5° of frost more than the average minimum for January. The ground is now 2° warmer at 2 feet deep, and 1° warmer at 1 foot deep, than is seasonable. During the past week rain has fallen on four days, but to the total depth of only about a quarter of an inch. There has been some per- colation through both of the soil gauges on each day, but the amounts have been, as a rule, very small for a winter month. The sun shone on an average for 2 hours 24 minutes a day, which is 50 minutes a day longer than is usual at this period of the year. On one day no sunshine at all was recorded, but on one other day the sun was shining brightly for 6| hours. The winds have been as a rule high, and in the windiest hour the mean velocity amounted to 20 miles— direction west. The average amount of mi isture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon was 8 per cent less than a seasonable quantity for that hour. The winter Aconite came first into flower in my garden on the 17th, which is 3 days earlier than its average date for the previous 22 years, and also 3 days earlier than last year. E. M.t Berkhamsted, January 20, 1909. Cormhondenfo t. ! 1MW >W'' I (Diutuarjj. George H. Sage.— The death of Mr. Sage occurred on the 13th inst. at the age of 50 years. Deceased was gardener to Earl Dysart at Ham House, Richmond, for some years, and later gar- dener at Bayham Abbey, Kent. Leaving Bay- ham Abbey, Mr. Sage subsequently commenced business as a horticultural sundriesman. He leaves a widow and seven children. One of the sons is at present engaged at Gunnersbury Park gardens, under Mr. Reynolds. ENQUIRIES AND REPLIES. The Paradise Tree of Buenos Ayres (see p. 4012). — This is Melia Azedarach, figured in the Botanical Magazine, vol. xxvii., tab. 1066, The leaf as there portrayed exactly agrees with that of a seedling plant given to me. From its being called the giant Paradise tree, I concluded that it would not flower until it attained tree stature, instead of which it is said to flower when three years old from seed. Its English name of the common Bead tree, was given to it from its nuts having a curious natural perfora- tion or hole through their centre, enabling them to be strung on thread or wire and used as losaries, by the constant and assiduous use of which {known as telling their beads) good Spanish Roman Catholics believe they qualify for admission into Paradise. Hence the tree producing them is called the Paradise tree or Arbor sancta. G. Accident to Gardener : Reader. (1) If the accident has permanently incapacitated him he can be dismissed without notice, otherwise he is entitled to the usual notice, or wages in lieu of notice. (2) Under the Workmen's Com- pensation Act, he is entitled to claim not more than half-wages during disablement. If he is under 21 years and his wages are less than £1 a week, he can be awarded any sum up to 10s. a week. He should give notice of his claim at once. Black Scab in' Apples. F. C. We cannot de- termine from your description what the dis- ease is. Send a specimen for examination. Book with Coloured Plates. W. D. We do not know of a work such as you require, that can be purchased cheaply. An edition of John's Flowers of the Field, published by George Routledge and Sons, might be suit- able. This edition contains 92 coloured plates of wild plants. The book can be obtained from our publishing department. Celery Diseased : IV. Truster. The plants are affected by a bacterial "rot." The decayed parts are full of a minute bacterium. Remove and destroy by burning all affected plants at once, and do not plant Celery on the same soil until a year or two has elapsed. Christmas Rose Failing to Flower : /. VV. There is no disease present in the plant you send us for examination. The trouble is due to either unsuitable soil or surroundings. Break up the clumps and plant the younger portions in a fresh site. Cyclamen Blooms Flagging : /. B. These flowers droop very readily in the dry, warm atmosphere of a dwelling-room. Instead of allowing them to remain in the room all through the night, remove them to a dark cup- board or a zinc-lined case where the atmo- sphere can be kept close. Florists always adopt a similar practice with their stocks of flowers at night time. Employment in the London Parks. — Forms of application for employment as under-g ir- dener or under-keeper may be obtained from the Chief Officer, Parks Department, No. 11, Regent Street, S.W. The age limits are from 25 to 40 in the case of under-gardeners, &c. Vacancies as gardeners are as far as possible filled by promotion, from the ranks of under- gardeners, of such men as pass the examina- tion in practical horticulture held by the Royal Horticultural Society, and in the other ranks by promotion. Evergreen Oak Dying : /. K. You should have forwarded a shoot for examination. From your letter we suspect the tree has suf- fered from drought or some other check to the roots. Next summer apply a heavy mulching of manure to the roots in order to retain the moisture in the soil. Soil overlying chalk is apt to become very dry in hot weather. Land for a French Garden : Plot. We can- not advise you in the matter. Insert an ad- vertisement. Perhaps some firm of horticul- tural auctioneers and land agents may be able to assist you. Mangold Diseased : C. S. dV. Co. The root is attacked by a bacterial disease, probably the same as that described in the Journal of the Board of Agriculture, vol. ix., June, 1902. The specimen more resembles a Swede Turnip than a Mangold. There is danger in using the dung of cattle fed on these diseased roots — ■ especially if applied to soil intended for a crop of Turnips. If there is any considerable quantity of diseased roots, cart them on to permanent grass land. Mealy-bug on Vines : /. P. R. Instead of using the mixture you mention, we should advise you to dress the .vines with a mix- ture of coal tar and clay. This is the most effectual and simple remedy. The coal tar and clay remedy consists of one part of the former to nine parts of the latter. The clay should be dried and powdered, so that it may be passed through a J-inch sieve. Then measure the pulverised clay into a large flowerpot having a lump of stiffish clay put into the hole in the bottom; use a 3-inch flowerpot as a measure. When sufficient clay has been measured, add the proper quantity of tar. Mix these well together, and after- wards add sufficient boiling water to give the mixture a consistency similar to that of or- dinary paint. Apply it with a stiflish paint brush to every crevice about the spurs and every portion of the affected vines, keeping the mixture well stirred during its applica- tion. Take every care to avoid injuring th© buds. But before applying this remedy the vines should be pruned, and all the old, and somewhat loose, bark carefully and thor- oughly removed, especially from the spurs, using the point of a blunt-edged knife for the purpose. Afterwards collect and burn all the material thus removed. This done, thor- oughly wash the woodwork in the house with a solution of soft soap and paraffin, consisting of a J-lb. of the former and a port-wine glassful of the latter dissolved in one gallon of boiling water. Wash the glass with clear water, and the brick and plaster work with hot liquid lime, forcing this well into any crevices. Make good any holes by applying moitar. Openings in the putty in which the roof and other glass is embedded should be stopped with good white-lead putty. Then wash the vine rods thoroughly with a mixture' of soft soap and petro>um of the strength indicated above, and afterwards apply the coal tar and clay remedy in the manner already described. Suspend the vines when dry in a horizontal position from the wires, over the pipes near the front ventila- tors, and let them remain in this position until the buds begin to push into growth naturally in March or earfy in April. Remove 3 or 4 inches deep of the surface soil from the vine border (smearing the brick and plaster work- thus exposed with hot liquid lime) and then apply a good compost consisting of fibrous loam five parts, and lime rubble and horse- .droppings, one part each. The whole should be well mixed before the compost is placed on the border. We have answered your ques- tion rather fully, as there is no use in em- ploying half measures in dealing with such a formidable pest as mealy-bug. Names of Fruits : A. L. B. These are beauti- fully coloured fruits of Cox's Orange Pippin. Names of Plants: Alba. 1, Epidendrum frag- rans; 2, Trichopilia laxa; 3, Gongora maculata. — Foreman. 1, Pieris hastata ; 2, P. longifolia ; 3, Blechnum occidenlale ; 4, Selasinella laevi- gata ; 5, Adiantum hispidulum.— M., Lamellan. Cytisus proliferus. The Rhododendron (Azalea) is infested with thrips. Spray the plants with tobacco-water, or fumigate them by means of a nicotine vaporiser. Rose Shoots Diseased : /. T. The canker is caused by a fungus — Coniothyrium Fuckelii. The disease commences as reddish-brown spots on the young wood, and when the bark becomes broken, frost aids in the formation of the larger wounds. The more badly affected branches should be cut away, as the fungus fruits freely on these, and the spores infest the young wood. Soil : R. P. The addition of lime to the soil is beneficial to most plants, but Ericaceous species are exceptions. If you use the turf for Tomatos, you may incorporate a quantity of wood ashes with it. At intervals, during the growth of the Tomatos, apply a top-dressing of some concentrated manure. For Roses, the turf, as you describe it, will be suitable without adding anything beyond the manure you mention. Communications Received. — W. C. P., we think you had belter wait for some proof of such an extraordinary achievement. — D. — H. E. K. (the news is too belated for insertion). -H. S. B., Shooter's Hill- W. M. W.— W. G. F. -Dr. F.-H. T. S.-W. A. C F. J. C — H. C— Peter Barr-Chloris-F. J. W.-E. B.-J. R. J.— J. J. W.— C. R. G.— T. L.— H. R.— A. S.— T. S.-M. B.— W. J. V.— L. R. R.— W. P.— A. D.— H. K.— P. & Co.— A. I.— J. A.— G. B. M.— R.-P. A., Amsterdam -1. D.— H. S. B.— Rev. C. B.-Sir C. D.— J. O'B-1. A. VV.— L. P.-A. S.— J. R.-W. N.-R. W.I .— F. B.— W. H. C. For Market Reports sec page xvi. W W t/1 o O Q o > > o * *^ ffi en z £ < < ? January 30, 1900.] THE GA R D ENER S' CHR O NI CL E G5 THE No. 1,153.— SATURDAY, January 30, 1909. CONTENTS. Agricultural science ... 73 Begonia Patrie 75 Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal ...72,76 Bequest, a munificent, to horticulture ... 72 Books, notices of— Sweet Pea Annual ... 74 Sweet Peas and How to Grow Them ... 69 Publications received 74 Bougainvillea Cypberi 74 Pulbophyllum lemnis- catoides 68 Chrysanthemum Fram- field Pink 76 Eryngium pandanifol- ium 76 Fennel, Italian 7U Forcing of Lilacs in Dresden 74 French garden, notes from a 75 Fruit-grower's year, a market 65 Gardens of Italy, old ... 74 Grape Mill Hill Ham- bu gh 76 Ilex t'ernyi 75 lnnes Bequest, the ... 72 Kew notes — The Greenhouse ... 67 Nitro-Bacterine, experi- ments on the value of 68, 76 Parks in the German Empire Pinus pinaster in the Medoc country Plants, new or note- worthy— Euphorbia Sapinii Sinningia Dr. Maxwell T. Masters Societies- Chesterfield Chrysan- themum Gardeners' Royal Bene- volent Institution .. Royal Horticultural .. Society Franc,ai--e d'Horticulture de Londres Trenching Weather at Rothamsted Week's work, the — -Npiary, the Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden ... Kitchen garden, the... Orchid houses, the ... Plants under glass Public parks and gar- dens Whortleberries and Cranbenies ILLUSTRATIONS. Begonia Patrie ... Bulbophyllum lemniscatoides Euphorbia Sapinii Hive, sectional plan of a ... ... Ilex Pernyi Pinus pinaster, tapping, for resin... Sinningia Dr. Maxwell T. Masters (Supplementary Illustration) A MARKET FRUIT-GROWER'S YEAR. IN a series of articles, of which this is the first, it is proposed to record the principal proceedings which take place in the market fruit garden during each month. The most important work in January has been that of pruning Apples, planting hav- ing been finished in December under ex- cellent conditions, while the necessity of spraying Gooseberry bushes, to deter birds from picking off the buds, called for in some past seasons in January, has not arisen. Last winter a plantation of Gooseberries near the homestead was attacked in Decem- ber, and had to be sprayed then with lime and sulphur wash, to which a little caustic soda, perhaps unnecessarily, was added. Before the end of January nearly every fruit- bud had been picked by birds from trees of Old Greengage, 'Coe's Golden Drop, and a few- other choice Plums in my private orchard, though field crops of cooking Plums were not touched. This season, up to the time of writing, not a bud, so far as I can detect, has been destroyed on a Plum tree or a Gooseberry bush. The first operation in pruning was that of cutting back two-year-old Apple trees, planted in December. February or March is now recommended for this operation, but it was carried out just after planting was finished, in order to prevent the wind from swaying the young trees. They will ,be gone ov^r again in March, in order to repeat the trimming so far as it appears desirable in relation to cutting above the buds promising best for extension growth. The plan of leav- ing the cutting-back until the second season from planting appears to me to be theoretic- ally unsound. The Black Currant Bushes, two years old, planted among the Apple trees, were cut back to three or four buds from the roots on each branch, on being raised from the nursery bed in which they had been grown from cuttings. It has been stated that the planting was. done under excellent conditions. That is to say, under conditions which would be considered excellent by any grower who has not been converted to the new YVoburn doctrine in favour of planting when the soil is wet enough to puddle. While prepared, on the basis of the results of trials reported by the VVoburn authorities, to believe that ramming may be beneficial when the soil is in a com- parative ly dry condition, 1 am far from being convinced that planting in mini is beneficial. Returning- to the subject of pruning; it is desirable to mention that the treatment uf Plum trees does not come into the records <>1 January work, because a young plantation of this fruit was pruned in November, while an old plantation has to take its chance of later pruning. Having observed that when Plum trees are pruned in the winter, the fruit-bud below a cut, from which a new shoot is re- quired, often dies off, probably from the action of frost, 1 have come to the conclusion thai Plum pruning should be done in the autumn. The second field of Apples to be pruned wis one of nine acres; half the trees were planted in November and December, 1905, and the rest a year later. The outside row in the first half furnishes a lesson in relation to the ex- tension system so far as it applies to young trees. The variety is Domino, and the trees as maidens were so uncommonly strong that they were planted to complete the piece of land after all the two-year-old trees had been used. They were cut back severely, and made splendid growth in 1936 and 1907. In the summer of 190S they were remarkably well furnished trees for their age, and so strong that they were allowed to bear fruit on the main branches close to the trunk, and there only. These branches, being strong, had been allowed to grow long. With the check caused by fruiting, fruit-buds have formed along the entire length of the shoots made before last summer, while this season's shoots were so small and weak that they have now been cut back to two or three buds. The next variety, Early Julyan, made the same good growth as Domino, but, as it did not mature fruit-buds in the summer of 1907, it is in full vigour. These two varieties, it is to be observed, naturally grow in excellent form requiring very little shaping, only Domino needs its inside laterals to be shaved off, as, otherwise, it grows too densely after a few years. There is a peculiarity about Domino not noticed in any other variety in my possession. The fruit-spurs terminate in stumps, or natural snags, with fruit-buds at their bases. It may here, be mentioned that, in the second season after planting, most ot the varieties blossomed on the first year's wood; but the bloom was pinched off, as one of the most expensive lessons learnt in my experi- ence is the folly of allowing trees to fruit too soon. The result was that hardly any of the trees planted in 1905 blossomed to any con- siderable extent in 1908. They were engaged in free wood growth, as it was desired that they should be, and they showed very much less blossom than the trees in the other half of the field, planted a year later, which also • had their blossoms pinched off. Royal Jubilee is another variety which grows in good shape, the branches being sturdy and bowed outwards. Like the two varieties just named, its branches are nearly' even in thickness, whereas some kinds pro- duce a few very gross branches, double the thickness of the rest. Cox's Orange Pippin is the only variety out of 16 varieties to show scab on the wood. Where it was on this year's shoots, close to the ends, the infected parts have been cut off and burnt. Where it showed lower down on branches needed to furnish the trees, the scabby eruptions were thinly coated with tar, by way of experiment. This variety will not withstand Bordeaux mixture of strength suf- ficient to kill the fungus. Even a wash con- taining only 8 lbs. of copper sulphate more than half defoliated the trees in a plantation now eight years old, and entirely ruined the crop for two seasons. The scab showed on trees only two years from planting — not on all, by any means, but perhaps on one-third of them. They will be sprayed with copper sulphate alone, 4 lbs. to 100 gallons, just before the buds burst, but not with Bordeaux mixture after the foliage is out. Probably a small trial upon some of them will be made with the lime and sulphur wash. In connection with Cox's Orange Pippin, as with two or three other varieties, there is a point of interest to notice. The trce^ were raised on three stocks, the Crab, the Free (from Apple pips), and the Doucin, and the trees were kept distinct when planted, though in rows side by side. There is no distinct difference in the amount of growth made by the trees on the three stocks in the cases of Cox's Orange Pippin and two other varie- ties. In the case of Lane's Prince Albert, how ever, partly on the Crab and partly on the Doucin, there is a small advantage in growth in favour of the former stock. Lane's Prince Albert is the poorest grower among all the varieties, and trees two \ears from the plant- ing have had to be cut back severely to shape them. Some of the shoots emerging from comparatively sturdy branches are miserably weak, while others are twice as large. There is also a tendency to form fruit-buds where wood-growth is wanted, as well as a tendency in the shoots to grow downw-ards. A special peculiarity of this variety is the cracking of the bark of wood even only two years old. No mycologist has explained the cause. It is not canker, because in trees planted eight years ago, and similarly affected, no develop- ment of that disease has occurred. Duchess of Oldenburg is a troublesome variety to get into good shape, as its shoots lean towards the centre. Allington Pippin is another awkward grower. The shoots are free enough as to length, but slender, and, in spite of careful pruning, pointing in 6G THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1909. all directions. It is a very free bearer, and inside laterals may be shaved off in- stead of being spurred, without any fear of not getting- enough fruit-spurs. Beauty of Bath is growing sturdily, but unevenly, a few of the shoots on a tree being double the thickness of the others. Bramley's Seedling is the sturdiest grower in the plantation, hav- ing thick young branches, thinly disposed. Warner's King has more branches, with size enough and plenty of length. Gascoyne's Scarlet Seedling is vigorous and excellently shaped. There is only one row of Golden Spire, and that is one too many. Like Duchess of Oldenburg it is an upright grower, and should be planted much more thickly than most other varieties ; but this is impossible in a field set out for horse-culti- vation. The trees, of bush-shape on stems about 2 feet 6 inches high, are all 12 feet apart in their rows, and a little more trans- versely, so that a tree in one row is opposite to a bush in the next tree row. Black Cur- rant bushes are between the trees; they are planted 6 feet from each other and from the trees. In the case of Lord Grosvenor, there are two experiments to notice. One row was rammed when planted, two years ago, the trees being carefully selected, so as to be as equal as possible in size and vigour to those in the two adjoining rows. The trees in this rammed row have made a little more growth than those on one side of them, and a little less than those on the other side. Another row was not cut back until the second season after planting, the same precautions as are mentioned above being taken to ensure equality with the rows on either side of it. When the cutting-back was done, the young branches, of course, were much more thinly disposed than those on trees cut back in the season of planting. Moreover, they were forming fruit-buds nearly from their bases to their tips, and had to be cut back very severely to get at wood-buds. These trees have now made ns much growth as the others, but are not as well shaped, for the simple reason that there was not the same choice in selecting a wood-bud to cut over as in the trees pruned in the first season. An interesting observation in connection with this plantation of young trees is that [ess than a dozen spots of American blight (woolly aphis) have been found in the whole of the' nine acres, although the nursery piece in which they were raised was infested. Fur- ther, it is worth noticing that out of over a, thousand trees raised for planting out this season only two showed a speck of American blight on the roots. During the summer my young trees have been treated with methy- lated spirit about once a week, where the woolly aphis showed. This is by far the best remedy. It has been used without dilution even on the budded portion of stocks, favourite spots for the pest. It has proved harmless to the buds, while it has saved num- bers of them from destruction by the enemy. Some of the stocks which had their buds thoroughly wetted with the spirit were labelled, in order to ascertain whether they would be injured by it. Among the principal, employments afi labourers since Apple-planting was finished have been that of trenching a piece of grass- land and planting yearling Black Currants which had to be removed from their old quarters. They were cut back to three or four buds from the ground, and will form bushes for planting out in their permanent quarters next season. Other work has been chalking two fruit fields, from one of which some mite-infested Black Currants were taken up. They had been planted eight years, and were being shaded by Apple trees planted at the same time. Cob Nuts are more densely covered with catkins than I have ever seen them before. A Southern Grower. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. EUPHORBIA SAPINII. Among the many interesting plants intro- duced from the Congo and cultivated in the Botanic Gardens, Brussels, is the species of Euphorbia represented in fig. 37, which has been prepared from a photograph kindly forwarded by M. Louis Gentil, the gifted curator of that establishment. In some re- spects the plant resembles E. bupleurifolia, Jacq., native of South Africa, a well-known gar- den plant, figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 3476 (1836). This has an erect, thick, succulent stem marked all over with the scars opaque, green colour. According to Dr. K. de- Wildeman, who has published a figure and de- scription of E. Sapimi in the Annalts du Music dit, Congo, 1906, the flowers and bracts are very small and are produced on very short peduncles from the axils of the leaves. M. Sapin, who collected, the plant in the Congo, says that its milk-like sap is irritating to the skin and even danger- ous, a property which is common to the genus. Although not possessed of any showy character, yet E. Sapinii is just the kind of plant to please and interest those who cultivate succu- lent plants. An intelligent youth described it as a sort of carrot with a brown crocodile skin and leaves like long strips of soft green leather fixed on with sharp-pointed brown spines. It grows, best in a moist tropical house. W. W. FIG. 37, — EUPHORBIA SAPINII, FROM A PLANT IN THE BRUSSELS BOTANIC GARDEN. occasioned by the falling away of the old leaves, and thus presents a reticulated appearance. The areolae have the form of quadranglar tubercles which are umbilicated in the centre. The leaves, which are in a terminal cluster, are lanceolate, 4 to 6 inches long, bright green with a white midrib, and the flowers, which are yellow, are enclosed in conspicuous green cup- like bracts on an erect peduncle 2 inches long. In E. Sapinii the tubercles are swollen and mamillate, especially on the younger part of the stem ; when young, they are green and each has a hard stipular spine which appears to fall off in about the third year, leaving the stem pale brown and rope-like. The Kew plant, kindly presented by the Director of the Botanic Gardens, Brussels, has a stem 4 inches high and 2 inches in diameter, a head of 15 fleshy leaves from 9 to 12 inches long and £ to J inch wide, the upper half broader than the lower, keeled, the apex imperfect, the whole being of a uniform. WEATHER AT ROTHAMSTED IN 1908. The meteorological records of the Rothamsted Experimental Station, Hertfordshire, for 1908 show that the year was characterised by a de- ficiency of rain, as was that of the previous year,. 1907. There were but three months of excessive rainfall, and nine months which recorded a de- ficiency. The number of rainy days was, how- ever, 184 : being 12 days in excess of the average of the past 55 years. The mean temperature of the year was slightly in excess of the average. The most unseasonably warm months were February, May, October, and November ; whereas only April was unseason- ably cold. There were six months of tempera- ture above the average record, and six mouths below. The bright sunshine showed five months in excess and seven months deficient. The sun- niest month of the year was lune, when the JANUARY 30, 1909.] Til E GARDENS R S' CHRO NI CL E. 67 record of sunshine exceeded the average by 50 hours. There were 18 days on which snow fell. The total depth would probably aggregate to 2 feet; the greatest quantity of snow fell during Easter week. About 2 inches fell on Easter Sunday, April 19; about 6 inches on April 23; and about 3 inches on April 25. Such a fall of snow as that experienced during the Easter season has not occurred at Rothamsted sine's the year 1876. From April 11 to 14 in that year a great quantity of snow fell, which overaged more than a foot in depth, and drifts in the narrow lanes around the Rothamsted estate were from 3 to 4 feet deep. January of 1908 gave 14 hours more than aver- age sunshine ; but both rainfall and temperature were less than the normal February, the " double-faced," was quite in accordance with ancient tradition. In its short spare it treated us to hail, snow, frost, lightning, lain, and gales, to say nothing of the sudden changes that occurred as regards temperature, which, on the whole, was high compared with the average, while the rainfall and sunshine were deficient. The comparative genial weather of the first three weeks of February encouraged both far- mers and gardeners to proceed briskly with out- door work. Gardeners who were fortunate enough to secure a good seed-bed, planted Onions, Parsnips, Broad Eeans, and Early Peas ■extensively. March was a month of " many weathers." On the 1st and 3rd days of the month about 3 inches of snow fell, and the amount of water from the rain and melted snow on these days measured about 22, GOO gallons per acre. The total rainfall for the whole of .March was nearly 3£ inches, being 1J inches in excess of the average. The general character of March was cold, sunless, and gloomy. May and June each gave a deficiency of rain, with a higher than average mean temperature and bright sunshine. The three English usual harvest months of July, August, and September recorded a de- ficiency of rain, a lower than average tempera- ture and of bright sunshine. The three months of October, November, and December gave a small quantity of rain, i spei tally November, which recorded the small- < -i monthly total of the whole year; less than 1 inch was measured, being If inch below the average of the previous 55 years. The last three months of the year were warmer than the average, more particularly October, and, to a less degree, November also. October and November recorded 36 hours of bright sun- shine in excess of the average, while December was gloomy and gave 14 hours of sunshine deficient. The following table shows the rainfall of each month for the past year of 1908 at Rothamsted, with the average amount of rain for each month of the previous 55 years, 1853-1907, and the dif- ference of 1908 above or below the average record : — Rainfall \ 1 Rol HAM! 1 1 li, Hlim s A!, n Rainfall 1908. Average Rainfall 1908. Above or i f below the 55 years. average (1). 1 i . Inches. Inches. January 1-53 2-37 — 0.79 February l 34 1-80 — 04K March 3-40 1-83 + 1-57 April :i-lh 1-85 - 1-43 May 1-89 2' 19 — 0-30 .1 .ne 1-67 211 — 1174 J .ly 2-43 2-51 — 0-08 August 301 2-63 + 0-38 September 1 56 2-43 — irs7 October 2-26 3 17 — 0 91 Nuveinber ... .. .. 0S2 2-60 — 1'78 Dicember 2-07 232 — 0'25 Yi .i! ly Total 25-3i 28-12 — 281 surface of the ground, and is about 420 feet above sea level. The above data shows a total rainfall of 2 Y31 inches, against an average for the previous 55 years of slightly over 28 inches, being 2.81 inches deficient. It is also 2 inches less than the record of 1907. Calculating these figures up to the acre, we find that, during the whole year, 2,556 tons of water have fallen on each acre of land, which is about 284 tons of water deficient. The total rainfall for the last four months of the year fell short of the average foi the same period in the previous 55 years of 3} inches, which is equiva- lent to a loss of 76,197 gallons on each acre in the underground water supply of this district. East year at the same time there was an excess of 60,859 gallons pet The next table shows the mean temperature in the shade for each month of the year 1908 with an excess or deficiency at the Rothamsted station during the past 30 years, 1878-1907; also the number of hours of bright sunshine made by means of a Campbell Stokes recorder for each month, and the number of hours above or below . erage record. Mian Temperature and Bright Sunshine at Rotham son, Herts., for Each Month of the Year 1908. KEW NOTES. Mi'in Temp Bright S unshine. Month - 1908. Above or below average. 1908. Above or below v. eragi . : - 1 1 Degrei Hours. Hours. January 34-4 — 2-4 67 4 14 February 111 s + 2-6 69 — 2 March 89 :: — 1-7 115 — 5 April 42 0 — 8-0 146 — 22 May 54 7 3 t Ills + 4 lulu l iiT 251 4 50 July 00 5 ii ;; 205 — 20 August 5 'l - If, 202 2 Si ptember - 1-2 — 5 October l 1.3 [20 4 15 November IV 1 2 e ,'s 21 December ... . :; : 1 03 30 — 14 For the year 18-2 113 1638 4-35 (1) The sign in the last column (+) signifies above the average, and the sign ( — ) below the average. The rain gauge, which is one-thousandth part of an acre in dimension, stands 2 feet above the The mean temperature for the whole year was 4S.2 . which is very little in excess of the aver- age, although the three last months of the year recorded an aggregate of 7.2° higher than the normal. The bright sunshine for the year amounted to 1.638 hours, being 35 hours in excess of the aver- whilsl last voir the total sunshine was 49 hours deficient. Rothamsted Crops of 1908. Under these climatic conditions the experi- mental hay crop at Rothamsted was, under all conditions of manuring, less than the average yield, ranging from 5 to 18 cwt. of Hay deficient, and considerably below that of 1907. As a set- off against the bulky crop of 1907, which was harvested, the crop of 1908 was cut and earned with very little trouble. The produce of the experimental Wheat field was somewhat variable, about one-half of the plots under different man: gave above the bile the remaining half produced ;i slightlj lower than average quantity; but the quality as indicated by the weight per bushel was consi lerably above the average record, and ranged from 631b. to 651b. per bushel. The experimental Barley crop was, under all conditions of manuring, except that of the farm- vanl manure plot, below the average in yield, and in some instances very considerably below, while the weight per bushel was higher than the average. The root crops were variable, there being some good areas of Mangolds and Swedes and some very bad. The general character of growth was an excessive amount of leaf, which the late- ness of the season failed to ripen in sufficient time for the lifting. Rotatos on the whole were a large crop, but disease set in very badly after the tubers were harvested. /. /. Willis, Harpendm. THE GREENHOUSE. This year the late-flowering Chrysanthemum- were over a fortnight or three weeks earlier than usual. Flowering trees and shrubs, including Spiraea prunifolia flore pleno, Spiraea arguta, Prunus japonica flore albo pleno (a double white variety with extremely showy flowers), P. Persica var. magnifica, P. pseudo-cerasus, Pyrus floribunda. Rhododendron Rosa Mundi, and Lilacs, Marie Legraye and Charles X. are already in bloom. A few Azaleas (Rho- dodendron indicum), which have been forced gently, are also in flower. The small-flowered varieties obtusum (red), obtusum album, illu- minator (magenta), and the popular Deutsche Perle (white) are especially worthy of culture. Senecio grandifolius is a tall-growing plant, with large, dark green leaves, surmounted le terminal corymb of yellow, Groundsel-like flowers, a foot or more in diameter. S. Peta- sitis is also in flower. Two large specimens of the Chinese Jas- mine, Jasminum primulinum, are amongst the brightest and most interesting plants in the house. The long, arching shoots are thickly studded with semi-double, Primrose-yellow flowers. The plants should be grown in the open, exposed to full sun in summer-time, and every encouragement be given them to secure well-ripened shoots. When forced, they should be placed in a plant-house having a minimum temperature of 40° till January, as excessive heat in early winter encourages the formation of growth instead of flowers. A beautiful Ai ai ia at present in bloom is A. longifolia var. mag- nifica. Richardia Childsiana flowers perpetu- ally. A new introduction to gardens is Erlangea tomentosa, a Composite. The plants at Kew were raised from seeds collected in British East Africa by Mr. Diespecker. The flowers are pale heliotrope, and resemble those of a Eupatorium. The plants are about 3 feet high, and possess silvery-white leaves. On the side stages of the house, in addition to Cyclamen, Begonias, Car- nations. &c, the following plants are note- worthy:— Reinwardtia trigyna; Peri-strophe sa, one of the best Acanthaceous plants for a cool greenhouse, the carmine-purple flowers being freely produced for fully three months ; two species of Veltheimia, South African bulb- ous plants producing numerous flowers on - 1 foot or more in height, are attractive. The blooms are tubular, pendulous, and rosy- red in colour, marked with yellow. Begonia semperflorens var. gigantea is one of the freest winter-flowering Begonias ; B. manicata has branching cymes of pale pink flowers borne well above the handsome foliage. Two good foliage plants are Bougainvillea glabra variegata and Cordyline australis var. lentiginosa. The long, narrow leaves of the latter plant are dark red in colour. The plant is especially suitable for table decoration. Xew Holland plants occupy a considerable proportion of the staging in both wings of the house. The Epacris tire represented by some two dozen varieties, and one or two species. A few of the best species and varieties are Arden- tissima (rosy red), Diadem (rose), Kinghornii (pink), E. hyacinthiflora (pale pink), and var. alba, rose perfection (rich rose), E. imj i (rose), and var. alba, and Lady Panmure (white flushed pink). Epacris are peat-loving plants, but may be cultivated with less trouble than Heaths. The best of the Ericas in flower are E. hye- malis, E. gracilis, and var. nivalis, E. mediter- ranea var. hybrida, and E. melanthera. A. plant of Darwinia (Genetyllis) Hookeriana is well furnished with inflorescences, but only a few of the involucres are at present expanded. The genus Eriostemon is represented by three spe tes, all with white flowers, namely, E. affinis, E. myoporoides, and E. pulchellus. D. D. G8 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1909. BULBGP.iVlLUM LEMNISCATOIDES, ROLFE. This interesting Bulbophyllum was first noticed in a group of sl^wy Orchids staged by Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park, Rei- gate. The species was first collected in Java, and, diffeiing so widely from the more showy Orchids, it attracted much attention. The pen- dulous raceme bears about 20 flowers, the con- cave sepals being very dark purple, with scat- tered white hairs on the outside. £ Ich petal bears a long, slender appendage of whitish colour mottled with rose, the whole inflorescence having a tassel-like appearance. The labellum is dark purple, the small petals and column whitish. The flower is of uncommon structure, but its slight resemblance to B. lemniscatum, a Burmese species, figured in Bot. Mag., t. 5961, was sufficient to suggest a name for the species. 8a *t FlG. 38. — BULBOPHYLLUM LEMNISC.VTOIDES. u EXPERIMENTS ON THE VALUE OF NITRO- BACTERIA. In th^ interesting comments in the Gardeners' Chronicle of January 9 and 16, upon the experi- ments carried out at the Royal Horticultural So- ciety's Garden at Wisley, upon the value of nitro-bacterine in garden soil, attention is par- ticularly directed to the remarkable fact that, in many cases, the produce from the plots which had received inoculated seeds was less than that from the plots which had received uninoculated seeds, but which had otherwise been similarly treated. It should be pointed out that an error has crept into one of the paragraphs in the sum- mary of the report bearing upon this point. The error makes the difference appear ma- terially greater than it actually was. The 3'ield from the whole of the plots receiving in- oculated seed was 493 lbs. (not 450 lbs.), while the total from the plots in which uninoculated seed was sown was 515 lbs. The uninoculated seed, therefore, gave a crop 4 per cent, (not 14 per cent.) heavier than the inoculated. Th; weights are correctly given in the body of the report, but the error appears in the " Summary," from which quotations are made. Perhaps the most remarkable pa*t of the re- sult, however, lies in the fact that 31 rows out of the 48 which were sown with inoculated seed gave a smaller crop than the corresponding rows sown with uninoculated seed. It is suggested that it would be interesting to see how far and in what direction the average yield of the plants which had been inoculated varied from that of the uninoculated. The details concerning this point are already in the press, and will appear in the Journal of the Society shortly to be issued, along with some other details bearing upon tie use of nitro-bacterine. Unfortunately, the figures relating to tto numbers of plants in the rows of two or the varieties were accidentally lost ; but we have those relating to the other two varieties used in 48 rows, the seed in 24 of which was inoculated, and in 24 not. For details as to the number of plants in the separate rows, reference may be made to the forthcoming report, but the main results may here be noted. In six rows of Ne Plus Ultra, in cultivated ground, grown from uninoculated seed, there were 353 plants which bore fruit, yielding, on an average, 98.7 grammes of pods. In the corresponding six rows, which were grown fiom inoculated seed, there were 384 plants, which yielded an average of 89.2 grammes of pods. Thus the average yield of the inoculated plants was 10 per cent, below that of the uninocu. lated, and four out of the six rows showed a de- crease. In the six, uninoculated rows of the variety Maincrop, on the same soil, there were 266 plants, which bore an average of 110.5 grammes, and in the corresponding, inoculated rows, 240 plants, giving an average of 103.9 grammes. Here, again, there is a diminished average yield of 6 per cent, from the inoculated plants, and four out of the six rows showed a de- crease. On the fallow ground, six, uninoculated rows of Ne Plus Ultra contained 297 plants, giving an average of 82.5 grammes to the plant, and the six corresponding, inoculated rows con- tained 291 plants, and gave an average of 80.8 grammes. In this case there was a diminished, average yield of 3 per cent, from the inoculated plants, and four out of the six rows showed a lower average than the uninoculated. The six, uninoculated rows of Maincrop, on the same soil, contained 266 .plants, which gave an average of 52.5 grammes ; while the inoculated rows contained 204 plants, and gave an average of 61.7 grammes to the plant. In this variety, therefore, there was an average increase ol 17 per cent, from the inoculated plants, but only th_';e out of the six rows showed an increase. In all, out of 24 rows of inoculated seed, on'y seven produced a greater average yield thin the January 30, 19C9.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 69 :orresponding uninoculated rows, and there was Dne giving an equal yield. Like many other expeiiments of this nature, this has suggested the desirability of further In- vestigation. The results obtained are far from showing that the decreased yield in these many cases is actually due to the inoculation with nitro-bacterine ; but the results given in the re- port certainly suggest the question whether cer- tain races of Pseudomonas radicicola may not induce a smaller yield than that obtained when the races of Pseudomonas native to a par- ticular soil are present therein, and the results outlined above emphasise this question, and, at the same time, give a very interesting corrobora- tion of the results, upon which the conclusion that " the inoculation of leguminous crops with nitro-bacterine in ordinary garden soil is not likely to prove beneficial " was primarily based. Finally, it should be emphasised that the ex- periment and the conclusion refer only to ordin- ary garden soil, and do not in any way show what may or may not be the result of using nitro- bacterine on newly-reclaimed land when such is brought under cultivation by means of legu- minous crops. Fred. J. Chittenden, F.L.S., Director R.H.S. Laboratory, Wisley. PINUS PINASTER. I have recently seen this remarkable tree in the Medoc country, where it is extensively planted for the purpose of holding in position the enormous sand dunes. By means of its long tap root it gets an effective hold upon the ground, and it is of value from the seedling stage until it is cut down for timber. The tree is of very rapid growth, but, in consequence of the soft character and coarse grain, its timber is of little value for carpentiy, although it is used largely for rough beams and supports. It is exported from Bor- deaux to Britain for use in mines and tunnels. The wood is used for fuel, sometimes for pav- ing, and petrol and vinegar are extracted from it. The most valuable product is resin. The young trees are allowed to attain a height of 18 or 20 feet before being tapped. In this opera- tion a portion of the bark is planed from, the ground upwards, leaving a thickness of about a \ inch on the wood ; a hollow is then made at the base by cutting into the wood, and in the hollow space thus carved out an earthenware pot placed to receive the resin. The pot is sup- ported on a nail, and is held in position above by a strip of zinc fixed in a carved cut. The zinc strip serves the further purpose of guiding the resin into the pot. The flow of resin lasts for about eight days, when the hollow is extended upwards by a further cutting in the form of a groove, and more resin is obtained. When the groove has been cut for about 3 feet up the tree the pot is moved and fixed again at that height, and every eight days the cutting is continued further up until a height of 10 or 15 feet is reached ; the pot is afterwards moved upwards 3 feet at a time. When the first groove has been exhausted another is commenced at the base of the tree, beside the old one, and so the process is repeated until there are grooves all round the trunk, to the number of from 6 to 16. The wood that overgrows the wounds thus made is, in course of time, treated in a similar manner. The operation of tapping is performed by men who use a large chopper, similar in shape to the hammer used in nailing fruit trees, except that a sharp edge takes the place of the claw used for drawing nails. The collection of the resin is always done by women. By means of a large two-edged knife, they scrape out the resin from the pots into wooden buckets, which are emptied into large tubs sunk In the ground. When these are full, carts are sent with barrels to receive the resin, and it is sent to Bordeaux to be clarified. Another ind-^-.try connected with the tree is the collection of its seeds. In former times the seeds may have been extracted by putting the cones in hot water, but now they are ob- tained by placing the cones in the sun. They are arranged upright in immense 'beds, and when the scales open they are brought to a framework of hurdle-like construction, upon which a man rakes them backwards and for- wards, when the seeds fall on a sheet beneath. They are collected in sacks, and a sachful is said to be worth 100 francs. As soon as the young trees have attained a few feet in height they are thinned out and, of the thinnings, those that are large enough are made into broom handles or used for fuel by the bakers. The branches are used for the support of Peas, Beans, and for similar purposes. On the coast the trees are always more or less bent, and isolated trees, owing to the deficiency of lateral roots, are inclined at an angle of about 30° to the ground. Pinus pinaster is a hand- some tree with rugged bark and fine, dark- green foliage. In spring its beauty is greatly en- la&japfcr [Photograph bv R. Stewart Lynch.. Fig. 39.— tapping pinus pinaster for resin. hanced by the contrasting golden flowers produced by a Genista and Gorse which grow on the open spaces. The French call this tree Pin de Bordeaux or Pin maritime. The English name, Cluster Pine, and the botanical name, Pinaster, are both justified by the fine development of cones. They are of yellowish- brown or fawn colour, and grow in large dense clusters around tb.2 base of the current year's growth, spreading like the rays of a star, hence Pinaster. In England, Pinus pinaster makes a fine orna- mental tree of pyramidal shape, 80 to 90 feet high, and should be planted wherever it is likely to succeed. It thrives well as a rule, though it is said not to flourish much above sea level. In exposed positions its top may sometimes be broken. The seeds must be sown on the site in which the trees are to grow, or seed- lings must be prepared for moving by trans- planting them when one year old. The young trees in England often require a stake to keep them upright for the same reason as that which causes the trees on the coast of France to be so conspicuously inclined. Loudon records a tree at Croome 70 years old and 90 feet high. In the Cambridge Botanic Garden the growth of a young tree ia about 2 feet per annum. No other Pine has become so widely distributed over the world. It is thriving at the Cape, and is spreading spon- taneously in the neighbourhood of Cape Town. It is common in parts of Australia and New Zealand, and is found in China, Japan and Northern India, being reintroduced to Europe under other names. It is native of south-west Europe and the Mediterranean region. R. Stewart Lynch, Paris. NOTICES OF BOOKS. * Sweet Peas and How to Grow Them. The Sweet Pea has been grown as a garden plant in this country for generations, but, generally, until comparatively recent times in a half-hearted manner, as if not worth any particular attention on the part of the gardener. As a consequence, the flower re- mained pretty much as Father Cupani found it in the island of Sicily 200 years ago. Our author traces its history in this country from 1713. Page mentions in his Prodomus, published in 1817, only six varieties, one of them being Painted Lady, which the present writer remembers to have seen in 1849. In 1842 James Carter, a seedsman, named but six ; and in 1860 this seedsman offered nine varieties. In 1872 there were 12 in commerce, and some of these were given distinctive names. Greater advances were made in 1877 by Mr. H. Eckford, then gardener at Boreatton Park, who brought out several varieties of much promise. In 1885 Eckford introduced Princess of Wales and Indigo King ; in the next year Orange Prince, and in the following years many lovely varieties were raised. Mr. Atlee Burpee, an American florist, has been very successful as a Sweet Pea breeder. Towards the end of the '90's he raised some famous varieties, viz., Golden Gate, Maid of Honour, Aurora, and others. Mr. Silas Cole has since introduced the fine Countess of Spencer, a flower with a waved outline to the standard, whose coming has profoundly in- fluenced the Sweet Pea world, for it has proved to be the forerunner of a new and popular section. The chapters on cultivation out-of-doors afford useful information, and the illustrations given are helpful. Stopping and thinning the plants are properly insisted upon. The reader is shown how he should proceed in transplanting Sweet Peas from pots to the open ground ; how to sow the seed in drills, and to earth-up the young plants. In the directions for gathering the blooms it is recommended that the stalks should be pulled out at their junction with the stem, and not broken off or cut with scissors or knife. Among the waved varieties, many "rogues" arise for no apparent reason; whilst among plain standard varieties "rogues" are few. Fortunately, Sweet Pea cultivators have not many diseases to contend with, but some are sure to come in time if too liberal treat- ment is afforded. We have already the so-called " streak disease," also a fungus that carries off the young plants, viz., Brachysporium pisi, and a mildew (Erysiphe polygoni), which is developed by damp weather following bright days. Then there lurks danger in Penenospora trifoiiolarum, which makes yel- low blotches on the leaves ; and the " Spot " fungus (Ascochyta pisi), which attacks the pods, and occasionally the leaves and stems. The reader will find a description of the methods of com- bating these foes in the last chapter of the book. * Sweet Peas and How to Grow Them, by H. H. Thomas. Published by Messrs. Casseil & Co., Ltd. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1909. The Week's Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Fro<,'more. Figs. — The earliest Fig trees in pots will soon require more liberal treatment. Liquid manure may be given at every alternate watering, and au occasional sprinkling of some approved fer- tiliser may be made. Be careful not to over- heat the water pipes at night. Forcing must only be done during the day-time, taking full advantage of the sunshine and closing the house early in the afternoons. Syringe the trses twice a day and damp the paths and other available spaces as often as necessary. Fig trees are very subject to attacks from red spider, and if this pest is not detected and checked it is capable of doing irreparable damage to both foliage and fruit in a very short time. The best way to treat it is to sponge the leaves with a weak solution of soft soap and sulphur. Stop the shoots at the third or fourth leaf, removing any- weak and unfruitful shoots whose retention would merely tend to crowd the tree. The atmo- spheric temperature at night should not exceed 00° unless the weather is very mild, but during the day the temperature may be allowed to rise to 85° provided the top ventilators are partly open. Permanent trees which will fruit in suc- cession to those grown in pots should be started into growth earlier or later according to the season at which it is desirable the crops should ripen. Nevertheless, it is advisable to start pretty early that the forcing may be done gradually. Assuming the trees are planted in well-drained inside borders, they will need fre- quent waterings. Trees that are well established will require manure water applied in a tepid state. Let the trees be given a thorough syringing moi - ing and afternoon in fine weather, and the paths and other surfaces frequently damped. Admit plenty of air in the torenoon when the weather is favourable. Stop the shoots at the fourth or fifth leaf and remove any weakly growths or suckers. If any Fig trees have vet to be planted the work should be pushed forward. It is essential that ample drainage should be provided for new borders, and the drainage material should be placed on a concrete floor in order that the roots may be prevented from penetrating into the subsoil. The borders should be re- stricted to a moderate width and be given a depth of 2 feet 6 inches or 3 feet, which will in- clude 6 inches of drainage material. S< lei I some good loam and mix with it plenty of old broken brickbats, lime rubble, or wood ashes. Make up the border-, in layers and see that each layer is made firm. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. /jraziliin Millonias. — Examine such Miltonias as M. spectabilis, M. Moreliana, M. Peetersiana, M. virginalisj M. Bluntii, and M. Ii. Lubbersiana. If any of the plants are in need of more root room, it should be given at once. It is important that the new roots shall not be injured, therefore the plants should be repotted before they com- mence to push out, so that, immediately on start- ing, they may penetrate into the fresh compost. The plants extend themselves rapidly in every direction, and, therefore, they require consider- able space for rooting purposes. They succeed 1 i ~i in well-drained shallow pans, in a compost consisting of Osmunda and Polypodium fibres in equal parts. These should be chopped up moderately fine, mixing them together, and add- ing plenty of very small crocks. Make the i om- post quite firm, as the roots appear to delight in having a hard substance to cling to. Old plants having their leading growths well out on the edge of the pan having become bare in the centre, should be divided. Cut out all the diseased and useless pseudo-bulbs and dead roots. The best pieces, which need consist only of two pseudo-bulbs behind each new growth, may then be made up afresh into neat and compact specimens. Those pieces which have but few re ts to hold them steady must be fixed down with small wooden pegs to the compost, as they seldom succeed if not made quite firm. The ■ii inger-growing Miltonias, as M. Clowesii, M. Regnellii, M Binotii, M ste'.lata, M. Lamarcki- ana, M. Veitchii, M. Classiana, M. flavescens, and M. Cogniauxa2 are best grown in pots, using similar soil. The pots should be made at least two-thirds full of broken crocks. Mil- tonia Candida and the rare variety grandiflora may be treated in exactly the same way as M. Clowesii, but repotting should be delayed until growth commences. The scarce, white-lipped M. cuneata will soon be in flower, and must not be disturbed by repotting now. All these Miltonias grow very well in a cool, shady part of the intermediate house. During the active season, the plants should be kept moderately moist at the root, but when the flower-spikes appear afford water more freely. After repotting, it is advisable to damp between the pots at least once a day, or if the position be very dry, twice a day, increasing the number of times as the sea- son advances. A strict watch must be kept on the small roots as they push forth, or woodlice may eat at them. These insects should be trapped with small pieces of Potato, Carrot, or Apple laid on the plants, taking care to examine the baits during the evening, last thing at night, and again early in the morning. After each watering of the plants some of these insects may appear on the surface of the compost ; they may then be caught easily. Epidendrum. — The rare E. erubescens is now in flower at Burford. It is a plant of scandent habit, and it is useless to try and make it con- form to pot treatment. The grower must adopt some plan so that the roots fri im each new pseudo-bulb will have something to root into. A teak-wood raft with the rods about j of an inch apart answers the purpose admirably. This should be made considerably longer than the length of the plant. First lay some peat and living Sphagnum-moss upon the raft, place the plant on the compost, and by means of small copper wire fasten it firmly to the woodwork. Suspend the raft perpendicularly in the lightest position available in the intermediate house, and spray it frequently to induce the moss to grow. The pseudo-bulbs delight to have the moss grow- ing luxuriantly around their base. The dwarf- growing E. polvbulbon is also in bloom. It is only conspicuous when bearing 50 or 60 flowers open at the same time. There are two distinct and good varieties of this species. One has sepals and petals of a brownish-yellow colour and the other is greenish-yellow, but both have pure white labellums. These Epidendrums are inter- mediate-house plants and grow freelv in well- drained pans with a mixture of fibrous peat. Sphagnum-moss and small crocks. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Pelargoniums. — Varieties of the "show" sec- tion of Pelargoniums will now make faster growth, therefore train the shoots so as to allow room for development. This may be done by fixing a ring of wire just below the rim of the pot and gently drawing the shoots towards the wire with raffia lies ; or by placing a few neat, stout stakes in the pots at angles of 45°, and securing the shoots to them as they grow. The shoots should now be pinched on all but the late-flowering plants. Keep the plants in a light and airy position, and fumigate them once a foitnight. The cuttings of Zonal varieties in- tended for flowering in summer and autumn which were inserted a month ago are now suf- ficiently rooted to be potted singly into 3-inch pots. A sandy loam with a little leaf-soil added may be used for these. Pot them firmly, and place them in an intermediate house. When the plant has become established, pinch out the lead- ing shoot. Climbing plants. — As a general rule, it is only the deciduous, climbing plants that require severe pruning, most stove and greenhouse climbers being better when the pruning is merely restricted to thinning-out weakly shoots and shortening the longer growths. Plants growing in borders should have the surface soil removed, after which a top-dressing of suitable soil to which a fair quantity of bonemeal has been added, should be applied. Natural manure should not be used, but small quantities of arti- ficial manure may be applied when watering the borders. Boussingaultia baselloides is a capital pillar and roof plant for a cold house. If it is planted in a rich, loamy soil and given copious waterings during the season of growth, it quickly makes luxuriant shoots 20 feet in length. Individually the flowers are small ; but they are produced in pendant clusters and are very fra- grant. Fuchsia. — The old plants may now be pruned and cleaned, but do not repot them until they have started into growth. For the purpose of encouraging them to grow, place the plants in a warm house and syringe them each day. Plants that were rooted last autumn should be kept steadily growing, repotting them as often as necessary. If the side growths are duly pinched, these plants will quickly make pyramids and flower during the coming summer. Fuchsias grown as pillar or roof plants that have filled their allotted space should be severely pruned, treating them further as advised for pot plants until they break into growth. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicauv Gibbs, Aldenhani House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Value of trenches. — One of the most satisfac- tory methods of cultivating pod-bearing vege> tables on light land is to prepare good trenches for them such as are used for Celery, Leeks and Cardoons. For Runner and Broad Beans or Peas the trenches should be taken out 18 inches to 2 feet in depth and 15 to 18 inches in width. The soil at the bottom of the trenches should be well forked up and the trenches afterwards filled three-parts as follow: — A liberal layer of good farmyard manure should first be placed in the bottom of the trench, and the remaining space may be made up with manure from an old hot-bed. Of all the various materials used iii the kitchen garden none is more serviceable for most vegetables than a compost which has done service for 12 months or two years in portable frames. Such a compost should be made into a good heap out-of-doors and allowed to remain for a few weeks before it is used, adding to it a little soot, lime rubble, burnt garden refuse, and a small quantity of bonemeal. When the-e have been mixed together they will be found to promote the growth of almost every kind of vegetable. The soil taken from the trenches may be left in an unbroken condition, for the weather will break it up much more perfectly than can be done by the hand. The distance at which the trenches should be placed from each other will depend upon the average height of the crops, but in this connection it may be urged that in most gardens Beans and Peas are riot given the amount of space they require. Rather than place rows of such tall-growing plants i losely together, I prefer to grow another crop between each pair of rows. Such a crop may consist of three or four rows of Cauliflower or Broccoli. The sunlight will then reach the Teas and Beans quite easily, birds will be less troublesome, and heavier crops may be expected. Digging and trenching. — Complete this work as quickly as possible, it being essential that the soil, especially if it is of a heavy nature, should bo exposed to the action of the weather during March. I etables in frames. — Plants which were raised last autumn and have been wintered in frames, though requiring protection from severe frost, must not be coddled. On the con- trary, take the opportunities afforded by fine days to remove the lights entirely. It is neces- sary that the plants shall become thoroughly hardened. On nights when there appears no fear of frosts, mats may be thrown over the glass, but the lights need not be perfectly closed. These remarks apply to autumn-sown Cauliflowers, Lettuces, Parsley, and suckers of Artichokes. Cabbages. — Cabbages, like many other green winter vegetables, have suffered in some locali- ties because the extremely mild weather in autumn caused the plants to make soft growth. If there appears a likelihood that there may be a scarcity, a small quantity of seed of early- maturing varieties had better be sown now, rais- ing them in a gentle heat. Such plants may be expected to produce heads fit for use early in the spring. Parsley. — Seeds should be sown very thinly in boxes, raising them in a gentle heat. If Pars- 1' ■ seeds are sown too thickly they are almost certain to damp off at the collar. Jam akv 3D, 1909] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 71 THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener lo H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, [Cent. Winter straying. — Assuming that all the fruit trees and bushes have now been pruned, advan- tage should be taken of a calm day to spray them with an alkali wash. A concentrated wash of this description is sold by nurserymen and sun- driesmen, and I strongly recommend it as being convenient in its application and effective in its result. Not only does an annual spraying of this nature keep the trees perfectly free from lichen and fungal diseases, but it also destroys a great number of insect pests. A knapsack sprayer is a suitable means for applying a spray in a small garden or in the case of isolated trees, but if a large number of wall or other fruit trees have to besprayed, then one of the larger ma- i nines now on the market will be more economical. Care must be taken to see that the spray reaches every part of the tree and also any vacant spaces on the walls, for on such walls there may be crevices containing insect pests. In ises where the trees have been neglected in this matter in past years a second application may be necessary, and it should be carried out just before the flower-buds expand. In the mix- ing and application of such caustic spray-fluids it is necessary for the operator to wear rubber gloves as a protection to the hands. American blight. — If American blight or woolly aphis is prevalent more severe measures will have to be undertaken. I have cleared this pest fiom badly-attacked trees by the application of undiluted paraffin, which was worked into the infested parts by means of a painter's small brush. This treatment must be applied now, whilst the trees are perfectly dormant. The stems and main branches may be treated with a strong solution of Gishurst's compound, applied by means of a scrubbing brush. Protection of fruit trees. — In districts where past experience has proved the usefulness of piotection against spring lrosts it will be wise to see that everything is in readiness that the protection may be applied at any time at short notice. Apricots are the first to need such pro- tection. Already the flower-buds are beginning to assume an appearance of plumpness. Tiffany or canvas fitted on roller blinds provide the best means of shading, as the cultivator can easily remove them up and down as circumstances re- quire. Permanent coverings of thick material usually cause more harm than good. of Lobelia in moderate heat will soon produi . growths suitable for cuttings. These should be taken off when 2 inches long and put into pans filled with light soil, covered with half an inch deep of fine sand. As soon as the cuttings have rooted they should be moved into a house or frame somewhat cooler. A little later they may be put into boxes or potted up singly. The double-flowering variety Kathleen Mallard suc- ceeds well out-of-doors. .Seed-sowing. — Prepare some fine soil as ad- vised in a previous Calendar and sow seeds of the Hollyhock in pots *or pans. This grand border plant can be grown as an annual if the seed is sown sufficiently early. Under such cultivation the plants are not so liable to become attacked by the fungus, Puccinia malvacearun. Petunias and Verbenas should be sown during the next week or two and the trays or seed-pans placed in a temperature of about 60°. Seeds of tuberous-rooted Begonias, if sown now, will produce plants large enough to flower well late in autumn. Begonia seed is very small, and the packets should not be opened until the pots have been filled with soil. It is necessary to use a lens in order to see that the seed is evenly dis- tributed over the soil. Place a piece of glass over the seeds and keep them moist and shaded, but not dark. The temperature should be about 65°. It is a good plan to soak Canna seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing them. Seeds of Marguerite Carnations may be sown at the present time and again towards the end of Feb- ruary. The plants will generally flower when they are six months old. Lawns. — Prepare some fine soil and add to it a mixture of soot and bonemeal or a special lawn, grass manure. \\ hen an opportunity offers give the tennis court and any other part of the lawn a good sprinkling with this compost. When the mixture has become overgrown by the Grasses the lawns must be swept and rolled at frequent intervals. THE APIARY. Hive making (continued). — In continuation of my note on this subject (see p. 23i, I will now deal with the up] hive proper. In fig. 40 is represented a sectional plan of a hive. A is the body box or brood chamber, which, with its porch (F), is placed on the floor (B). THE FLOWER GARDEN. By \Y. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bait., Leonardslee, Sussex. Bulbs. — Many bulbs are already commencing to show their shoots through the soil, and these may require to be protected from mice and birds. These remarks apply also to Primroses and Polyanthus. The charming varieties Miss Massey and Sparkler attract sparrows very early in the season. 'Rhododendrons, (Azaleas). — Azaleas may be planted at the present time. The soil needs deep digging, not so much for the purpose of allowing the roots to descend to that depth as to permit of moisture coming from below. There- fore the soil should be dug two spits deep and the top spit kept at the surface. In some cases it may be necessary to add sand, peat, and leaf- mould, but where the staple is sandy loam very little else is needed, though it may be advan- tageous to put a little leaf-mould around the roots. Shake a considerable portion of the soil away from the roots of the plants and plant them somewhat shallowly but firmly. In large beds of deciduous Azaleas the plants should be interspersed with evergreen shrubs such as Rhododendron, Kalmia, and Skimmia. The appearance will then be less dreary in win- ter. There are numerous varieties of Azalea sinensis (mollis), and the best of them should be selected. In addition, A amoena makes a fine display and A. hedifolia is one of the best for flowering late in spring. A. Vaseyi has flowers Varying from white to flesh pink and makes very fine specimen shrubs. Bedding plants. — Zonal and other Pelar- goniums that have been wintered in boxes or store pots should now be potted up singly and placed in a light, warm position. Store plants Fig, 40. — sectional plan of a standard bar-fkame hive. A, the body-box or brood chamber ; B, floor ; C, detachable chamber or lift ; D, upper lift with roof; E E, legs: F, porch over entrance; GGGG G, draught excluding strips of wood. The hive is raised on four legs, well splayed apart, to furnish extra rigidity, for if the legs are perpendicular to the floor the hive will most likelv be blown over during boisterous weather. The floor and the alighting-board have already been described. The 1st floor is the lift (C). This is the same length and breadth as the brood chamber, but only 5 or 6 inches deep. Two, at least, of these lifts will be necessary when the bees are busy storing honey. D is the roof, which must be made perfectly water-tight, and to secure this it is necessary to cover it with sheet tin, or to paint it thickly. Should paint be used, a piece of calico should be stretched on and tacked down securely while the paint is wet. The calico itself should also receive a coating of paint. The parts lettered G represent strips of wood nailed over the joints to make the hive water-tight and to keep out draughts. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J. W. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Park, London. Deciduous flowering trees and shrubs. — These include a good selection for park planting. Of the Magnolias several useful species may be em- ployed, including M. acuminata, M. conspicua, M.c. var. Lennei and the hybrid M. Sou- langeana. The Tulip-tree Liriodendron tulip- fera grows to a large size, and is attractive when in bloom. Laburnums in variety flower well, as do also the Robinias. Rhus glabra and R. typhina are objects of interest, not the least by reason of their beautiful autumn-tinted foliage. Amelanchier alnifolia and A. canadensis are amongst the most beautiful of early-flowering trees, and these are followed by the numeroi species of Primus and Pyrus. Catalpa bignoni- oides does well as a park tree and freely pro- duces both its flowers and fruit. The Sea-Buck- thorn (Khamnus) is interesting, because of its sexes being on separate plants ; the tree is a beau- tiful object, especially when in berry. The Mul- berry thrives and fruits in the London parks. The many varieties of Hibiscus syriacus are also attractive : they form bushy plants that flower freely each autumn. The various kinds of Philadelphus are all good town trees and flower well ; the Forsythias are pleasing objects in the early spring, when they are covered with their bright yellow blossoms. In addition to those mentioned, several species and varieties of Viburnum, Colutea, Cornus, Diervilla and Ribes impart further variety. The many beauti- ful varieties of Lilac (Syringa) are especially valuable for park planting, and several of the Elders are showy in flower and foliage. Lawns and Crass-lands. — In public parks and gardens the area of Grass-land is consider- able, and its proper maintenance is a matter of importance. Attention should now be directed to the turf, and the bush-harrow brought into requisition. In the case of playing fields any necessary renovation should have been made after the summer games had ceased, and the ground levelled, the surface afterwards dressed with well-rotted manure or soil of a in h nature. The dressing of soil is especially valu- able if the land is of a light, sandy character, because it will provide a more durable surface. These materials should now be broken up and dispersed as finely as possible, and one of the best means of doing this is to cross and rei ro the plots with a bush-harrow. This implement is readily made by interlacing long, freshly-cut thorn bushes into a frame not unlike a large open hurdle. The brushing will break and scatter the particles evenly over the surface of the turf and freshen the Grass. After the brush a heavy roller should follow to consolidate the surface. It is only by a constant and judicious use of the roller, combined with proper mow- ing, that a good sward can be obtained. Should the ground be soft, the horses to the roller or mower should be provided with boots. Rolling should be done during dry weather. It is a struggle between wear and repair on all Grass plots that are much frequented by the public, especially on land that cannot be con- veniently closed for a time. Such turf can only be renovated by pricking up the worn surface with a fork and sowing seeds afresh. In such cases the sowing should be done as early in the season as possible. Sometimes after turf has been used for a whole season for football the Grass is past repair and must be renewed. The ground should be dug deeply and a suitable seed-bed prepared by rolling and harrowing. A slight variation may be made in the variety of Grasses used, according to circumstances, but tin- following may be regarded as making a good and useful mixture: Poa pratensis, P. nemoralis, P. trivialis, Festuca ovina tenuifolia, F. rubra, F. duriuscula and Cynosurus cristatus. The peren- nial Rye-grass may also be included, but it is not so much used as formerly. The Grasses named will form turf of a finer nature without the Rye-grass. Poa nemoralis is the best Grass, for sowing in the shade and under trees. A little Clover, about lib. to each bushel of Gra-s seed, may be employed, but in some parks objec- tion is taken to the use of Clover. The suckling Clover, Trifolium minus, is to be preferred, especially on a light soil. Sow the seeds thickly in order to obtain a close turf as early as pos- sible. 72 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens o/ 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 m 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 ti return unused communications or illustrations, unless by sjecitl arrangement. The Editor does not hold himself rtsfonuble for any opinions expressed by his correspoiuitnts. Illustrations. - The Editor will be glad to receive andto select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c, but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be carefulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. Appointments for February. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1.— Nat. Chrysanthemum Soc. Annual meet, at Essex Hall, Strand, at 7 p.m. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4— Linnean Soc. meet. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6— Soc. Fran?. d'Hort. de Londres meet. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8- United Hort. Ben. & Prov. Soc. Com. meet. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9— Ann. meet. Roy. Hort. Soc. (Competitive Classes for late dessert Pears). Hort. Club Ann. meet, and Dinner. British Gard. Assoc. Ex. Council meet. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10- Perpetualflowering Carnation Soc. Annual meet, at Hotel Windsor, 4 p.m. Croydon & District Hort. Soc. Annual Dinner. THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 11— London Branch B.G.A. lecture on Kew Gardens. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12- Roy. Gard. Orphan Fund Ann, meet, and Election of Orphans. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17- Roy. Meteorological Soc. meet. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18-Linnean Soc. meet. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23- Roy. Hort. Soc. Coins, meet. (Competitive Classes for late dessert Apples. Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. Arthur W. Sutton, on " A Camping Tour through Syria to Petra in Arabia.") Surveyors' Institution Annual Dinner at Hotel Metropole. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich — 39"4°. Actual Temperatures: — London. — Wednesday, January 27 (6 p.m.): Max. 32° ; Min. 27". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. — Thursday, January 28 (10 a.m.): Bar. 303; Temp. 34<- ; Weather— Dense fog. Provinces. — Wednesday, January 27 (6 P.M.) : Max. 48° Co. Cork; Min. 27° Durham. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY AND FRIDAY— Perennials, Lilies, Border Bulbs, Azaleas, Ferns, &c, at 12 ; 1,000 Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30 ; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. WEDNESDAY— Hardy Border and Herbaceous Plants, Lilies, Bulbs and Tubers, at 12; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30; Azaleas, Palms, and Plants, at 5 o'clock; by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C. FRIDAY— Burmese Dendrobes, Pleonies, and other Orchids, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45. The need for research in horti- Muniflcent culture has. been urged again Bequest to an[i a„ajn jn these columns. Horticultural ° Science. Horticultural practice in this country leads the world; hor- ticultural research lags behind. We are glad therefore to be able to an- nounce that, by the munificence of the late Mr. John Innes, an opportunity occurs for the foundation of a station for horticultural instruction and research of which this country may be proud. Under the terms of the Innes bequest a Trust will administer a sum which may not be far short of ,£7io,ooo a year, in the in- terests of horticulture. The full details of this bequest, which we have just received from the Charity Commission, are as follow : — In the first place, a yearly sum of ^350 out of the income of the charities will be applied by the trustees to various charitable objects. An educational foundation is established, by means of which certain sums of money will be available for the maintenance of scholarships at the Rutlish Science School. These sums will be : In the first year, com- mencing from the date of the scheme, £64 ; in the second year, ^114; in the third and every subsequent year, ^154. This educa- tional endowment will be administered as a separate foundation under the title of the Innes Scholarships. The Merton Boys' Club, in which the late Mr. Innes was deeply interested, is to be maintained by means of a yearly sum of £200 paid to Mr. Edward William Pillinger, of the School House, Merton. A portion of the grounds held with the house at Merton, formerly known as Manor Farm, is to be maintained as a park, which is to serve for the recreation of the in- habitants of Merton and Morden. Subject to the provisions already men- tioned, the charity and its endowments are to be administered for the purposes of an institution, which is to be called the " John Innes Horticultural Institution," the ob- ject of which is to be " the promotion of horticultural instruction, experiment, and re- search in accordance with the scheme." The house above referred to, together with the outbuildings and appurtenances, and a portion not exceeding two acres of the land held therewith, is to be appropriated for the purposes of the institution. The charity is to be administered by a body of trustees, who, for the purpose of advice, particularly on technical management, may delegate to a council such functions as they may determine. The first trustees will be the trustees of the will, viz. :— Charles Clare Scott, Middle Temple, London, Barrister-at-law ; Frederick George Courthope, of Southover, Lewes; William Ernest Reid Innes, of Roffey Park, Horsham. Among their other functions the trustees are to provide land in the neighbourhood of Merton of sufficient extent, with the two acres attached to the Manor Farm already referred to, to establish a horticultural sta- tion, and to equip it efficiently, including the provision of buildings and lecture rooms. Further to establish and equip, or assist in such work, similar stations in ether parts of the country. The council will consist of twelve persons — three ex-officio members and nine representa- tive members. The ex-ofticio members will be the three trustees of the charity. The scheme provides that the representative members shall be appointed as follow : Two by the L5;iard of Agriculture and Fisheries, one each by the Royal Horticul- tural Society, Fruiterers' Company, National Fruit Growers' Federation, Hebdomadal Council of the University of Oxford, Council of the Senate of the University of Cambridge, Senate of the University of London, and the Governing Body of the Imperial College of Science and Technology. The functions of the council (subject to the sanction of the trustees) will be : — 1. To establish and maintain the institu- tion for the purpose of affording practical and scientific training in horticulture. 2. To carry out investigation and research, particularly with fruit trees, shrubs, fruit, vegetables and flowers. 3. To endeavour to improve existing varie- ties, and to create or introduce new ones. 4. To further, generally, the interests of horticulturists. With the consent of the trustees, the coun- cil may enter into arrangements with other institutions or bodies for establishing subsi- diary stations and for carrying on similar work in different parts of the country. The lands and monies available for carry- ing out these projects are : — 1. The house and grounds (11 acres) of Manor Farm, Merton. 2. Premises at Merton known as the Manor Club and Institute. 3. Ordinary shares of £1 each, fully paid, to the value of ,£'24,350 in the Merton Park Estate Company. 4. Cumulative preference shares of £1 each, fully paid, to the value of ,£"62,650 in the same company. 5. i6,Soo ordinary shares of £2 10s. each fully paid in the City of London Real Pro- perty Company, Limited, amounting to £■4-', 000. 6. 5,600 cumulative preference shares of £,$ each in the same Company, amounting to ^2S,000. 7. Consols to the value of £65,200 set apart to provide for annuities bequeathed by the founder of the charily. 8. Accumulated funds on deposit with Messrs. Barclay and Company, Limited, North Street, Brighton, 4,000. The gross yearly income from the bequest amounts, according to the report of the Charity Commission, to ,£10,000. In view of this provision, there can be no doubt that the John Innes Horticultural In- stitution is the most munificent private pro- vision ever made in this country for the furtherance of the interests of horticulture. The need for such an institution is pressing; the money is now available. From this noble foundation there should arise a horticultural university in which research occupies the first place and the dissemination of the results of research — that is, advanced teaching — the second place. If the institu- tion were to become primarily, or mainly, a school of elementary instruction, it would fail inevitably as a school of research, and thus a great opportunity would be lost. To guard against such a contingency must be the first and constant aim of the council. As we were able to state in our Tno last issue, there were 21 pen- Gardeners' . , ., . Benevolent, sioners elected at the annual meeting from the list of 73 ap- plicants. It may be pointed out that the two candidates placed on the funds at the suggestion of the committee had sought election on several previous occasions, and January 30, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 73 their hopes of success were poor. The candidate who benefits by the generosity of Mr. Arthur W. Sutton is totally incapacitated for work, although but 40 years of age. Mr. George Munro, as last year, contributes a sum necessary to support one pensioner, but as this pensioner's name did not appear on the original list it need not be deducted there- from. After our pages went to press, how- ever, it was announced by Mr. N. N. Sher- wood in a speech which he made during the proceedings which followed the friendly sup- per, that he would contribute a sum neces- sary to support two additional pensioners. It was understood that they would be two of three candidates to whom Mr. Yeitch had previously referred as suffering from paralysis This year, therefore, there re- main 50 disappointed candidates; but it must be remembered that there were 20 more appli- cants than on any previous occasion. It may be noted with satisfaction that the widow of a gardener who had subscribed to the institution for 45 years, headed the poll. By the beneficent rule which secures to a subscriber 100 votes for every year's subscrip- tion he has paid, this candidate started with 4,500 votes to her credit, or nearly 1,500 in excess of the number of votes obtained by the second candidate on the list <>f successful applicants. Reference to this matter is ap- posite, because a correspondent complains (see p. 76) that, whilst many candidates who had subscribed to the institution were unsuc- cessful at the election, several were elected who had never contributed to the funds. The present system certainly glvi s subscribers an advantage over non-subscribers. If the ma- jority of those who support the institution desire to make the conditions yet more favourable to subscribers, they must do so by changing the character of the charity. If non-subscribing candidates were to be entirely excluded it would become a benefit society rather than a benevolent institution. It must be borne in mind that only a very small portion of the fund is contributed by those who are ever likely to receive allow- ances : the main part of the income is de- rived from gifts that are purely charitable. In a benefit society this is not the case. At the annual meetings frequent references have been made to this aspect of the institution, and there appears to be a general desire to maintain the benevolent character, which has been a marked characteristic during the 70 years of its existence. In that period a sum of ^125,000 has been distributed, and the current disbursements amount to something like ,£4,000 a year. There are J40 pensioners at present receiving allowances. Then there is the Victoria Era Fund from which candi- dates for election, who have subscribed to the institution, are given assistance, which, in some cases, amounts to as much as ^12 a fear during the time they have to wait. The Samaritan Fund is available for assisting' non-subscribing candidates previous to elec- tion, and for making temporary grants to meet urgent cases for relief. Notwithstanding the success that has char- acterised the operations of this institution, the present position is one which must cause considerable anxiety. It lias already been shown that the number of disappointed can- didates is greater than ever, and some means must be sought by which a larger number of deserving cases may be relieved. It was stated by Mr. Harry J. Witch, whose efforts on behalf of this institution are as indefatig- able as ever, that the 73 candidates w, re selected by the committee as being most de- serving of help, but that the actual number that applied was approximately 100, which certainly increases the gravity of the situa- tion. There appeared to be considerable int. at the meeting as to the effects of the Old Age Pi nsions Act upon the policy of the insti- tution. The addition to Rule III. 6, pro- posed by Mr. White on behalf of Mr. VV. A. Bilney, the honorary solicitor, was accepted by the meeting- after consider- able discussion. This addition to the rules merely gives to the committee power to adjust the allowances to pensioners in such a manner that they will not prevent the pen- sioner from claiming a Government Old Age Pension. It is obvious that the Government scheme will not affect in the least a large number of those who apply to this institution for relief. The age limit in itself invalidates ■> large number of the pensioners, and in this connection it may be stated that 41 out of the 73 applicants this year are disqualified for this reason. In some few cases the private means 11I tlir applicant would be sufficient to render him ineligible f< r the State pension. But there arc man) cases receiving allowances in which modifications may have to be made in order that pensioners may take full advantage of the ^13 pt r year ob- tainable loin the State. We will supp Se a pensioner is over 70 years of age, thus conforming with the age requirement of the Old Age l'i nsiuns Act. Provided that such a candidate or pensioner has no private in; ans, this institution would be all , as heretofore, to make an all .vance ol //-•■> per Mar without standing in the way of the ( iovernment pension. Indeed, the annual in- come of any pensioner might be made up to, say, ^25 per year by this institution granting ^5. £'I0> £"'S. °r £2o, varying according to the private means. There are instances in which considerable sums would be saved the institution by thus placing ever) pen- sioner in a position to claim a State pi nsion. The institution is hardly likely to con- tinue to grant an allowance that would have the effect of making the income of the pen- sioner more than ^25 p r year. There is a leel- ing amongst subscribers that when this matter is perfectly adjusted and the most has been made of the State pensions, it will be possible tu assist a much larger number of cases than is possible at present. This appears more than probable. As a subscriber said at the meeting, the adjustment is neces- sary, in order to ensure the greatest good for the greatest number. It was sub- sequently announced that the committee would consider this matter and after deter- mining a course of action would communicate the result to the Press. In the mean- time, there is not the slightest reason to doubt but that the committee will see to it thai irivate charity does not operate to pre- vent the acceptance of State aid. It is to the interest of all concerned that there should be no overlapping, and we have every confi- dence there will be none. In connection with the fact that Mr. Lionel de Rothschild will preside at the annual festival in June next, it is interesting to state that already five other members of the Rothschild family have presided at similar festival dinners in support of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. Our Supplementary Illustration repre- sents a hybrid Sinningia named after the late Dr. Maxwell T. Masters by Mr. Ernest Bexary, of Erfurt. Mr. Benary, who ex- hibited plants at the meeting of the Royal Horti- cultural Society on July 21, 1908, states that this Sinningia was raised from a cross between the garden Gloxinia (Sinningia) and a species of Gesneria. The flowers are rose-coloured, drooping, and very freely pioduced, whilst their construction shows some trace at least of the influence of Gesneria. The leaf petioles are longer than in most Gloxinias and the roundish ovate leaf-blades ai'e of a soft, silky nature. The Floral Committee recommended the plant an Award of Merit. National Chrysanthemum Society.— The annual general meeting of this Society will be held at Essex Hall, Essex Street, Strand, W.C., on Monday, February 1, at 7 p.m. The chair v ill be taken by the President, Sir Albert Roi.lit, D.C.L., LL.D. Perpetual - flowering Carnation Society. — The annual general meeting will be held in the Hotel Windsor, Victoria Street, London, SAY., on Wednesday, February 10, at 4 p.m. The spring show of the society will be held on March 24 in the Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster. Particulars may be obtained from the Hon. Secretary, Hayward Mathias, Lucerne, Stubbington, Fareham, Hants. Horticultural Club.— The annual dinner of this club will take place on Tuesday, Febru- ary 9, at 6 p.m., at the Hotel Windsor, West- minster. Ladies are specially invited. The annual meeting will be held at 5.30 p.m. Agricultural Science. — Two lectures will be delivered by Mr. A. D. Hall, M.A., Direc- tor of the Rothamsted Experimental Station, at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, Albe- marle Street, Piccadilly, W. The first lecture will be on Thursday, March 11, and the second on Thursday, March 18, at 3 p.m. The subject of the first lecture is " The Fixation of Nitrogen by Bacteria in the Soil," and the following is the syllabus : — The fixation of nitrogen by the bacteria associated with leguminous plants. — History and description. — Attempts made to utilise these bacteria in practice ; inoculation of soil and seed. — Preparation of pure cultures. — Reasons for the partial success obtained. — Fixation of nitrogen by bacteria living free in the soil. — What part do they play in nature? — The origin of the virgin soils rich in accumu- lated nitrogen. The subject of the second lec- ture is " The Effect of Fertilisers upon the Texture and Reaction of the Soil." Acid ;oils found in nature, their characteristics. — Acid soils of artificial origin, due to the con- . tinual use of ammonium salts as fertilisers. — Xature and cause of the acidity. — How the acidity brings about infertility. — The part played by micro-fungi in the soil. — The injury caused by nitrate of soda to the texture of the soil. — Deflccculation of clay caused by soluble alkalis. — Formation of sodium carbonate from sodium nitrate by the growth of plants. — Evi- dence for the existence of sodium carbonate in the Rothamsted soil receiving sodium nitrate, and its injurious effect upon the soil. 74 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1909. The Surveyors' Institution. — The secre- tary informs us that the ordinary meeting, pre- viously announced for February 8, was held on January 25. The annual dinner will take place on February 23. "The Sweet Pea Annual and Schedule for 1909 • is now ready. It may be obtained by non-members for 2s. post free, not Is. 3d. as hitherto. The London exhibition will be held on July 23, and the provincial show at Saltaire on July 13. A new catalogue of Sweet Pea names and descriptions will be ready about the end of February ; it will be sold at 6d. per copy. New members joining the society for 1909 will receive a copy gratis. A New " Plant Label." — Mr. C. E. West sends us samples of a new plant label known as the " Alu." The label material is aluminium, and it is claimed to be indestrucible. By means of a narrow strip of the metal, known as the shank, the labels can be quickly attached to the stem of a plant without tying. The shank also admits of the label being inserted in the ground. Bougainvillea Cvpheri. — As a general rule coloured illustrations of plants leave much to desire on the score both of beauty and of accuracy. An exception to this general rule is the excellent plate of Bougainvillea Cypheri and B. glabra Sanderiana issued in the Revue Horti- cole, No. 1, January 1, 1909. The bracts of the former variety are larger and of a somewhat less magenta colour than those of the older, better- known B. glabra Sanderiana. The text accom- panying the plate does ample justice to the sensa- tion which this latter variety created when in- troduced in 1806. Unfortunately, the newer variety, unlike B. g. Sanderiana, is difficult of propagation. On this account it has not yet be- come so widely known or grown as it deserves. Public Parks in the German Empire.— The spending of money in the formation, exten- sion, and improvement of public parks and re- creation grounds appears to go hand in hand with the increase of wealth in Germany. One can scarcely scan German gardening journals or ordinary newspapers without becoming aware of the intention of this or that town to lay out an area for a park or public garden. We note in a recent number of Die Gartenwelt that the municipality of Stettin has decided to apportion 10 millions of marks for the acquirement of land for such purposes, and for the establishment of the so-called " Laubencolonien " — summer- house gardens. Of course it is solely in sum- n.er time in that country that a garden can be enjoyed at all, as in the winter months snow is the rule rather than, as in southern England, the exception. Tubingen is to have woods laid out in good landscape style, in combination with certain areas planted with trees, and the exist- ing wood is to be brought nearer to the town. The town of Rixdorf will benefit to the extent of 55 hectares, i.e., nearly 140 acres. Forcing Lilacs in Dresden. — Our readers are familiar with the discoveries of Johanxsen of the effects of etherisation on plants (Card. Chron., February 28, 1903, p. 142). It is interest- ing to learn from an article translated by Mr. F. Ledien from Midler's Deutsche Gaertner. Zeitung, and published in Le Monitcur du Jardinier (ix. 1. Jan., 1909), that these discoveries are now being applied commercially and that a considerable industry in the etherisation of Lilacs for winter forcing has grown up in Ger- many during recent years. The plants are raised in Dresden, etherised there, and then distributed to such distant regions as Austria and Hungary, where they are forced. Beside etherisation, the hot-water method is also prac- tised, but it has the disadvantage, in comparison with the ether method, that the plants gener- ally are useless for forcing a second year. The varieties of Lilac used in the ether treatment are, beside Marie Legraye, Charles X., and the double varieties Leon Simon, Mine. Le- moine, and Mme. Casimir-Perier. The Lilacs for etherisation are grafted on stocks of Syringa vulgaris, grown for two years in the open, and then potted in June. A proper root development is induced by frequent trans- plantations during the early stages. Batches of plants are etherised weekly from the beginning of November, in order to provide cut-flowers. Towards the end of November larger numbers are treated to meet the Christmas demand for pot-plants. The process of etherisation lasts 24 hours, the plants are then put in a dark cellar or pit at a temperature of 25° C. (= 77° F.) for a fortnight. Then, the inflorescences being about 6 inches long, the plants are exposed to the light in order that the flowers may develop their delicate tints. Old Gardens of Italy. — At a recent meeting of the Italian Circle of the Lyceum Club Mr. Joseph Cheal, Crawley, delivered a lecture on the " Old Gardens of Italy." Mr. Cheat, said that Roman generals, no doubt, brought home mar- vellous tales of the gardens of Assyria, Baby- lonia, and Egypt, and that it was probably these accounts which fired the imagination of Lucul- lus, whose magnificent garden at Naples is de- scribed by PoMrEY. The Emperor Hadrian early in the second century seemed to have stimulated the taste for horticulture, and Pliny the younger, about the same time, not only de- signed gardens, but has left descriptions of some of the gardens of the period. For several cen- turies during the decline of the Roman power the love of gardening also declined. There was a great revival about the close of the 14th century. A great impetus to gardening seemed to have been given by Lorenzo de Medici, a friend of Michael Angelo. The Medici family had much to do with the creation of the beautiful villas and gardens around Rome and Florence. Publications Received. — The Journal of Agricultural Science. Volume III., Part I. (December 1908;) (Cambridge: University Press.) Price 5s. Health in the Orchard. By H. Ben- jafield, M.B. (Tasmania: The Mercury Office, Hobart.)— Bullettino della Societa Botanica Italiana. (N. ri 7-8-9.) (Firenze : Angiolo Pucci, via Palazzuolo. 65.) — The Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales. (December 1908.) (Sydney : W. A. Gullick, Government Printer.) Price 6d. — Beautiful Flowers and How to Grow Them. Edited by Horace J. & Walter P. Wright. Part VII. (London : T. C & E. C. Jack ) Price Is. net— Missouri Botanical Garden, Six- teenth Announcement Concerning Garden Pupils. January 1909. — U.S. Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Plant Industry : Circular No 17, containing index to papers re- lating to plant industry subjects in the year-books of the United States Department of Agriculture. Prepared by J. E. Rockwell, Editor Bureau of Plant Industry. Circular No. 19, " The Decay of Florida Oranges while in Transit and on the Market." By Lloyd S. Tenny, assisted by G. W. Hosford and H. M. White. Circular No. 20. " An Electrical Resistance Method for the Rapid Determination of the Moisture Contentof Grain." By Lyman J. Briggs. Circular No. 21, " Farmers' Co-operative Demonstration Work in its Relation to Rural Improvement." By S. A. Knapp. Bulletin No 132. Seeds and Plants imported during the period from July 1906, to December 31, 1907. Inventory No. 13; Nos. 19,058 to 21,730. (Washington: Government Printing Office).— Is Seed Inoculation Useless. From the Review of Reviews. WHORTLEBERRIES AND CRANBERRIES. (Continued from page 51.) Vaccinium hirsutum. — An interesting history belongs to this rare species. It inhabits little- frequented spots in the mountains of North Carolina, where it was first discovered some 70 years ago by Mr. B. S. Buckley. It was not in- troduced to cultivation at the time, and was lost sight of until 1886. In that year, Pro- fessor Sargent, whilst journeying through its native region, made enquiries amongst the in- habitants if any of them knew of a " hairy Huckleberry." He found at last a man who "had heard tell" of such a plant, and, before leaving, offered a reward of five dollars (a con- siderable sum of money, as he observes, in those parts) to anyone who would find and send it to him. The following summer Professor Sargent received a box of fruits of the true V. hirsutum, and afterwards young plants were sent to the Arnold Arboretum. In this way the species be- came established in cultivation. It was intro- duced to Kew in 1889, and has flowered and fruited many times since. It is a low shrub, rarely more than 2 feet high. In its native home it is said to grow in light, stony soil, in the shade of large trees. The leaves are ovate- oblong, entire, and 1 to 2 inches long. The flowers, which are produced in short racemes towards the end of May or the beginning of June, have a cylindrical corolla, £ inch long, with five small lobes, white, tinged with pink. The fruit is blue-black, globose, and hairy ; it is juicy, and has an agreeable, although not very pronounced, flavour. The distinctive feature of this species is, of course, its hairiness, the young wood, the lower surface of the leaves, the flowers and the fruit being all densely covered with short hairs. V. intermedium. — The credit of the originaE discovery of this hybrid Whortleberry in Eng- land appears to belong to Mr. Robt. Garner, who found it in Maer Woods, Staffordshire, in 1870. But its existence in the British flora does not appear to have been recorded until 1886, when it was collected on Cannock Chase in the same county by Professor Bonney. It was then made the subject of an article in the 2-!t'.i volume of the Journal of the Linnean Society. the late Mr. G. Nicholson also found it in the same- locality in 1888. Its patents are V. Vitis-Idaea and V. Myrtillus, and its characters are fairly intermediate between the two species. On the whole, it is more suggestive of V. Myrtillus in habit, but its stems are not angular as in that species. It shows the influence of V. Vitis- Idaea in being nearly or quite evergreen. In shape, also, the leaves approximate those of the latter species, but they are not dotted on the under surface. The fruit is dark violet colour. V. Mortinia. — Growing on the slopes ol Mount Pichincha, in Ecuador, this Vaccinium affords one of the few instances of a shrub,, which, whilst hardy enough to thrive out-of- doors in several parts of England, occurs wild almost exactly on the equator. It has flowered occasionally in the open at Kew, but can onlv be regarded as half-hardy there. In Sir Edmund Loder's garden at Leonardslee, near Horsham, it appears to thrive to perfection. It is a small, evergreen bush, 2 to 3 feet high, the finely- pubescent branches being thickly set with small, leathery leaves (seven or eight to the inch). The leaves are uniform in size and shape, being ovate, pointed, about \ inch long ; they are toothed at the margin and speckled with minute black dots beneath. The blossoms are borne in numerous, small, drooping racemes in the leaf- axils. The corolla is rosy pink, cylindrical, and about \ inch long. The specific name is derived from " Mortina," a native name for the fruits, and one under which they are sold in the market of Quito. The species was originally introduced to this country by the Royal Horticultural Society through their collector, Hartweg. Jam aky 30, 1009.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. ro V. Mvini.i-us (Bilberry or Whortleberry). I v ept the Heather (Calluna vulgaris), there is no shrub more characteristic of British moors and mountains than the common Bilberry. On some of the loftiest summits of the English and Scotch mountains one may find this plant dwarfed almost out of recognition, but maintain- ing a sturdy existence where little else can sur- vive. In ordinary situations it grows from 6 inches to 2 feet high, with very well-marked, acutely-angled stems. The leaves are from J to 1 inch long, ovate, regularly-toothed, and green both above and below. The flowers are pro- duced singly on the growth of the current sea- son ; they are pinkish in colour and wax-like in texture. The berries are about the size of Red Currants, but are purplish-black. As edib'e fruits they are the most valuable of British Whortleberries, being made into jellies, tarts, and puddings. A favourite way of eating them in some parts is with new milk or clotted cream. Winged game feed upon them freely. The Bil- berry is found plentifully in every county in the three kingdoms, except, perhaps, the flat coun- at its best, it is an ornamental and striking shrub. Its young wood is purplish and clothed with a short, dense pubescence. The leaves are evergreen, thickly set on the branches, of an almost uniformly ovate shape, finely toothed, and of a firm, leather)- texture; they average about 1 inch in length. The flowers are round, bell-shaped, white, and produced from the leaf axils, four to six together, in a short raceme. The Bearwood specimen produces small, black fruits, and these, according to Douglas, have an agreeable flavour. V. la»ceoi.atum is simply a narrow-leaved form of this species. W. J. Bean. (To be continue d. ) ILEX PERNVI. Amongst the magnificent group of ornamental trees and shrubs shown at the Royal Horticul- tural Hall, Westminster, on December 22nd last, by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, this remarkable looking Holly did not fail to attract Fig. 41.— ilex pernyi a Chinese species. ties of East Anglia. It reaches over the greater part of Europe, and is found also in North Asia and Eastern North America. V. Myktillus var. microphylla. — A variety of V. Myrtillus occurs in Western North America in the Sierra Nevada, at elevations of 7,000 feet, and thence northward. It is called var. microphylla, and is about half the size of the European plant in all its parts. V. ovatum — Douglas first introduced this shrub to England in 1826, during his famous journeys on behalf of the Horticultural Society in Western North America. It had, however, been discovered more than 30 years before by- Archibald Menzies, whilst he was attached to Vancouver's great voyage of survey (1791-5). The species grows abundantly in Oregon and California, in association with the Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). The finest plant, I be- lieve, in this country, is at Bearwood, Surrey, being 10 to 12 feet high. It is hardy enough to survive the severest winter experienced at Kew, but gives one the impression that it would be happier in a milder locality. Seen attention. It had been shown on a previous occasion— September 1, 1908— when a First- class Certificate was awarded to it by the Floral Committee. Although new as a garden plant, Ilex Pernyi has been known to science for over 20 years, and specimens have been in the Kew Herbarium since February, 1887. It is a native of Centra! China, where it forms a tree 20 feet to 30 feet high. It was discovered in the neighbourhood of Kinchu by the Abbe Perny, after whom it was named by Franchet in Plaulte Davidiana, p. 69. The Abbe David (whose name is com- memorated in the work mentioned) also dis- covered this Holly at Shensi and Patung, and Dr. Henry, I believe, records that the wood is valuable as timber. The plants in Messrs. Veitch's collection are only 2 feet high, forming dense, compact grow- ing evergreen bushes. They are remarkable for the peculiar rhomboidal or squarely-ovate leaves, which measure l\ inches to 2 inches in length, the apical half being triangular and end- ing in a sharp cartilaginous spine. The lower half is almost square, but is a little narrower at the base, and the margins are furnished with two or three spiny teeth. One peculiarity noticeable in the illustration in fig. 41 is the seeming overlapping of some of the leaves, which spread out flatly from the wiry stems. This peculiarity can scarcely be regarded as characteristic, as the leaves on all branches do not overlap in this way. Looking at them from the front, they appear to be sessile, but each leaf has a very short stalk, scarcely one- tenth of an inch long. Taken altogether, this Holly may be regarded as a decided acquisition to the evergreen trees and shrubs. John Weathers. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. 0\\«\G to the favourable weather, the making of the hot-beds is considerably advanced, and in seme gardens these beds are almost completed. In private gardens, or where the produce is sold locally, however, it is advantageous to spread the making of the hot-beds over four weeks in order to obtain a succession of Radishes and Lettuces. If this rule is followed two or three of the last-made beds may be sown with the Carrot " Bellot." If it is intended to force Turnips in March we merely sow Radishes, and plant 42 Lettuces per light. The Lettuces will be ready at that period, and the beds can then be turned over to give a mild heat sufficient for the germination of Turnip seeds. We are now planting the " Passion " Lettuce in the open, on ground previously well prepared and on which a layer of thoroughly decayed manure has been spread. Before planting these we usually sow a few seeds of Radish " Early French Breakfast," setting the Lettuces at 10 inches apart each way. In very rich soil and where there is a good supply of wati 1 th be planted closer. The salads supplied to the Paris market are of superb quality. English salesmen prefer the white strain, but in Germany, where many Let- tuces are imported from France, the favourite is the brown-leaf Passion. In the first week of February we shall sow another batch of Cos- Lettuces (White Cos of Paris) and Cabbage Let- tuce " La Perichonne " in a cold frame, as a succession to those sown on the hot-beds a fort- night ago. This latter batch will be pricked off in a few days in a cold frame, 150 to 160 plants per light. We shall also sow the first lot of Cauliflowers " Driancourt and Lenormand " on a hot-bed 12 inches thick, putting 500 seeds in each light. They will be planted as an intercrop in the place of the first lot of Cos Lettuces grown under the cloches. The Radish seeds planted in the first hut-beds made about the 15th January are now well up, and it will be necessary to place fresh manure round the frames so as to keep an even tem- perature. Until recently it has not been necessary to cover the lights with mats at night, but now that the weather has become colder they are needed. P. Aquatias. BEGONIA x PATRIE. The hybrid Begonia illustrated in fig. 42 was raised by Messrs. M. V. Lemoine & Sons, Nancy, and was exhibited by them at the meeting oi the Royal Horticultural Society on Januai when the Floral Committee granted it an Award of Merit (see Gardeners' Chronicle, January 16, p. 46). The parents are B. soco- trana and a variety of B. Pearcei. The plant is of compact habit and the many i e's are borne in rather stiff bunches : the colour of the flowers is a rich shade of rose-pink. 76 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [January SO, 1909. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent In- stitution.— The 50 unsuccessful candidates for the pension of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution at the recent election claim deepest sympathy, and one would have liked to see all of them elected. As matters stand, however, financial considerations do not allow of this, and many deserving cases have to be passed over. As the majority of the rejected candi- dates have been contributors to the funds of the society, I, in common with many others, consider that the time has come when sub- scribers should have an even greater advan- tage than they now enjoy over the non- subscribers. There are. possibly, good reasons why outsiders cannot be excluded altogether, but when a life member or a subscriber of several years' standing is ousted by a candidate who has never contributed one penny to the funds one is apt to think that there is con- siderable room for improvement. When trying to induce other gardeners to subscribe, I often meet with the objection that, even if the sub- scription is paid for years, a non-subscriber may, in the long run, be elected and the subscriber be passed over. This objection is certainly borne out by facts, for while subscribers up to 21 years' standing were rejected at the last elec- tion, and numerous life numbers shared the same fate, at least three non-subscribers were elected. This is the reason that gardeners do not largely join the society. W. Chrysanthemum Framfield Pink. — If Messrs. R. Richards and T. Down will plant this variety in a bed or border of rich soil and stop the shoots once only they will have no cause for complaint either in regard to flowering or poverty of colour. I lifted six large plants in September, having cut around their roots with a spade about a fortnight before lifting, and they have fur- nished hundreds of large well-coloured blooms, the supply lasting well into the new year. Chas. Lawlon, Wellon House Gardens, East Yorkshire. My experience with this variety differs from your correspondent's, inasmuch as \ get not only good plants, but plenty of richly-coloured flowers. Each leading shoot furnishes a good spray of from three to seven blooms, and I have only just finished cutting (January 22) : most sea- son's blooms can be had up to March. The system of cultivation I adopt with all single and decora- tive varieties is to strike the cuttings about the middle of February, and as soon as they are well rooted pot them singly into large 3-inch pots, transferring them into their flowering pots (10 inch) early in May. From the time they are first rooted the plants are given as hardy a treatment as possible, and in many seasons they are placed in the open at the end of March. The shoots are not pinched or stopped in any way, and it is to this that I attribute my suc- cess. The plants form good bushes, from 2 to 3 feet through, and with 24 to 30 shoots. They range from 2 to 4 feet in height. The qualitv and colour of the bloom, as well as the strength and hardiness of the stem, are infinitely better than in the case of any plant that has been stopped. No manure is given in the early stages of growth except a little bonemeal, but after the flower-buds are formed they are fed in no unstinted measure. Thomas Stevenson, Woburn Place Gardens, Addlestone, Surrey. Trenching.— In reply to Mr. A. Shakelton (p. 61), I am not surprised to know that he has some hesitation in following my advice as to placing the bottom layer of soil at the surface. I know there are many other good cultivators who disagree with me on this subject. But, hav- ing practised this plan of trenching for more than a quarter of a century, I can recommend it as the quickest and most beneficial method of improving soil, and specially soil devoted to the culture of kitchen-garden crops. I, too, have had a considerable experience in different parts of the country and with a variety of soils. The gardens at Aldenham House have a subsoil known as London clay, and this clay ranks amongst the most unkindly of soils. The land wriuh forms our kitchen garden has probably been cultivated for a century and a half. The depth of the garden loam when I was first charged with the care of these gardens aver- aged from 9 to 10 inches, and it rested on a subsoil of pure clay. The whole has now been trenched to the depth of 3 feet, and I have always insisted on bringing the subsoiL to the top. We now have a sufficient depth of good soil to cultivate all kinds of vegetables, and I shall be pleased at any time to show Mr. A. Shakelton what has been accomplished here. Ground devoted to the culture of vegetables is generally intended to serve this purpose for a great number of years ; and without deep culti- vation to provide a deep root-run, satisfactory results can hardly be expected. E. Beckett. Grape Mill Hill Hamburgh. — I think few persons will agree with F. B. S. that this Grape possesses all the good qualities of the Black Hamburgh variety. In flavour it is dis- tinctly inferior; the flesh also is hard, and much more resembles that of Gros Maroc than Black Hamburgh. Mill Hill Hamburgh does not colour nearly so regularly as Gros Maroc, and too often it is seen with a "foxy" tint. It is owing to its lack of good flavour and fault in colouring that it is not more often cultivated. E. M . Eryngium pandanifolium. — In respect to Mr. Elgar's note (p. 45) on this interesting but uncommon plant, may I state that I became ac- quainted with it while at Bessborough, Co. Kil- kenny, about seven years ago, where it was planted as an isolated specimen on Grass, in a fairly sheltered position und;r a wall. The specimen did remarkably well, although given no protection whatever. Later, when residing in East Kent, I procured a plant of the species, and though it was given a sheltered position, it suffered damage by cold during the winter of 1906-07. The following winter it was afforded light protection, and as a result it developed tall, candelabra-like flower-spikes, surrounded by a mass of handsome glaucous foliage. /. G. W., East-well Park Gardens, Kent. Italian Fennel or Finocchio (see p. 45).— Last year I made an unsuccessful attempt to cultivate this plant. I purchased a packet of seed under the name of Foeniculum dulce from each of two well-known English seed firms, and the result was two distinct varieties of plants. Not knowing which variety was the true Finocchio, I grew both side by side and under precisely the same conditions. Neither variety formed the desired enlargement at the base of the petiole. Except that I did not pinch or remove the flower-heads, my method of culture was similar to that adopted by R. D. In the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society. June, 1907, p. 280,' Florence Fennel is said to be " easily grown and deserving of being better known in England, and the heads were sold at 6d. each in the Paris markets in the winter of 1906." I have elsewhere read of them being sold at 9d. each in these markets. William Wingfield, Doddinglon, Nantwich. Nitro-Bacterine.— I have been interested in the results of the Reading experiments on inoculated Peas, as reported in the Gardeners' Chronicle. I would like to ask who has claimed that inoculated Peas bear heavier crops than uninoculated? I understood — but I have no papers at hand just at present — that the idea of inoculating Peas was to- effect earlier maturity, not a greater yield of crop. I have always been led to believe that, in the case of Peas, phos- phates, lime and potash will give weightier crops, but not increase of supplies of nitrogen. Market gardeners have been led to believe that they can get their crops ready for market a week, or perhaps 10 days, before those who do not utilise the assistance of these co-operating bacteria, and this, of course, means profitable returns, as they obtain the higher prices due to the supplies being few. Last year I found my inoculated Peas just over a week earlier than those uninoculated — same variety, of course, and identical treatment and soil. Are not, therefore, these experimenters wasting their time and perhaps public money in at- tempting the impossible — the production of heavier Pea crops from increase of nitro- genous supplies? (Rev.) J. Bernard Hall, Corbridge. [On p. 10 of Professor Bottomley's pamphlet, entitled Seed and Soil Inoculation for Leguminous Crops, 1907, increased yield of leguminous 'crop is given as the first of the four advantages claimed for inoculation. Our cor- respondent should also note with respect to "earliness," that Professor Bottomley (Loc. cit., p. 11) only claims that " in many cases inocu- lation hastened maturing of plants, thus allow- ing of an earlier marketing of produce with en- hanced value," and that both the Reading ex- periments and those at Wisley and Wye do not constitute such cases ; Nitro-bacierine having produced no effect whatever on " earliness " in those trials. — Ed.] SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. January 26.— The exhibition on Tuesday last represented most sections of horticulture. Groups of Orchids, Ferns, greenhouse flower- ing plants, Carnations, Alpine flowers, with a fine exhibit of Apples and another of vege- tables constituted the principal features. The Floral Committee granted an Award of Merit to a variety of Chrysanthemum. The Orchid Committee awarded two First- Class Certificates and three Awards of Merit to novelties. The Fruit and Vegetable Committee did not make any award to a novelty. The competitive classes for forced vegetables and salads were almost a failure. At the afternoon meeting of the Fellows 51 names were added to the roll of members, and a lecture on " A Method of Using Domestic Sewage in Horticulture " was delivered by Mr. W. D. Scott-Moncrieff. Floral Committee. Present: H. B. May, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. John Green, G. Reuthe, Chas. Dixon, H. J. Jones, W. Bain, Chas. T. Druery, T. W. Turner, Chas. E. Pearson, R. C. Notcutt, Her- bert J. Cutbush, E. H. Jenkins, E. A. Bowles, W. Howe, C. Blick, Walter T. Ware, C. R. Fielder, John Jennings, and R. Hooper Pearson. One of the brightest exhibits in the hall was a group staged by Mr. W. H. Page, Tangley Nursery, Hampton. It was composed mainlv of bold vases of perpetual-flowering Carnations of the best kinds in commerce. At the back were tall stands filled with beautiful Liliums, the species L. speciosum being shown in the red and the white varieties ; there was also a large epergne of L. longiflorum. At either end of the group were numerous vases of Narcissus Golden Spur. The colours of the various subjects contrasted pleasingly. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Mr. H. Burnett, Guernsey, staged varieties of the perpetual-flowering Carnation, all the blooms being finely coloured, and pleasingly arranged in a setting of suitable greenery. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, also showed a choice exhibit of these popular flowers ; adjoining the Carnations was a batch of Cyclamen, many of the plants being of the Salmon King variety. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. W.M. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London, showed vases of Carnations of the winter-blooming type, the exhibit being charm- ingly arranged with small Palms and other graceful foliage plants. The selection of varie- ties represented the more popular kinds ; the scarlet Robert Craig was exceptionally good. Messrs. Cutbush also showed an assortment of forced shrubs and other plants and a collection of Alpine plants. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nurseries, Edmonton, showed an extensive exhibit of Davallias, comprising in all 55 species and varie- ties. The plants were bright and fresh in ap- pearance. They were mainly decorative varie- ties, for which purpose the Davallias are especi- ally useful. Several were climbing species. Some were large specimens, D brasiliensis (with large elegant fronds), D. effusa, D. fijiensis magnifica, and D. decora being prominent. On© of the most elegant of all the plants was D. fijiensis plumosus. (Silver-gilt Flora Med.nl.) Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea, exhibited greenhouse flowering January 30, 1909.] THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE. 77 plants. At one corner of the group was a well- flowered batch of Coleus thyrsoideus. In front of this were small flowering plants of Aphelan- dra aurantiaca Koezlii, the blooms being of a rich orange-red tone. A pot-plant of Acacia dealbata, although only 2 feet in height, was flowering freely. The group also contained Primula X kewensis, Crowea latifolia, Jaco- binia coccinea, Lopezia miniata, Camellia Cfiandleri elegans, and Begonias. Amongst the Begonias was the variety Winter Gem. This is the latest in flowering of Messrs. Veitch's strain of winter-blooming Begonias : the flowers are deep rose with a scarlet sheen. In habit and foliage the hybrid resembles B. socrotana, one of the parents. (Silver Flora Medal.) Two semi-circular groups of flowering plants were exhibited by the Marquis of Salisbury, Hatfield House, Herts, (gr. Mr. Prime). One was of Euphorbia jacquiniasflora, the raremi I intensely-coloured flowers being highly attrac- tive. The other group was composed of Begonia Gloire de Sceaux, the plants being large, well-bloomed specimens. The plants in both groups exhibited skilful culture. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, displayed an exhibit of Cyclamen. There were batches of Messrs. John Peed & Son, West Norwood, London, arranged a long rockery with real stones. In the " pockets " were planted species of Alpines in flower, with dwarf shrubs and Bamboos at the back. Messrs. Peed also showed a large assortment of Saxifragas in small pots and pans. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, London, exhibited seasonable hardy flowers, having such early-blooming plants as Anemone fulgens, Crocuses in variety, Freesia refracta, Snowdrops, Tulipa saxatilis, Lachena- lias in variety, Cyclamen Coum of the rose- coloured variety, and Rosmarinus officinalis prostrata. An adult specimen of Juniperus hibernica compressa was not more than 6 inches in height. Messrs. Joseph Cheal & Sons, Crawley, Sussex, showed boxes filled with Alpine plants, dwarf Conifers, hardy Ferns, species of Pri- mula, Tulip. Crocus, Cyclamen Coum, &c. The Misses Hopkins, Mere Gardens, Shepper- ton-on-Thames, exhibited a small rock-garden exhibit, also tubers of Tropaeolum speciosum. Mr. Herbert Chapman, Rye, Sussex, again displayed blooms of hybrid Freesias as at the last meeting. A number of photographs of floral subjects Fig. 42. — begonia x patrie : flowers rose-pink, (See page 75.) white, salmon, and crimson varieties, and a large assortment of mixed colours. All the varieties had been selected for their large flowers ; the white blooms were of remarkable purity and possessed great substance of petal. The crimson, salmon, and white varieties had been selected for colour blending, especially when seen by artificial light. The plants pos- sessed stout foliage, and gave evidence of good cultivation. (Silver Flora Medal.) Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking (gr. Mr. Bain), showed spathes of An- thurium Andreanum with a wide range of colours. One spike was fasciated, presenting a double spathe on the one stalk. Mr. L. R. Rtisseil, Richmond, Surrey, showed hardy evergreen shrubs of an orna- mental character. The plants were small, com- pact specimens, and would be prized for decora- tive purposes in the conservatory or dwelling- rnom. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. G. Reuthe, hardy-plant specialist, Keston, Kent, showed a number of early-bloom- ing, garden plants such as Irises, Crocuses, Cyclamen Coum, Snowdrops, Daphne japonica, and Ilelleborus fcetidus. taken by colour process was shown by Mr. H. Maude, Wisley. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Award of Merit. CKrysanthcmum GAden Sunset.— -This is a very attractive decorative variety, with smooth florets of rich yellow colour. It is stated to be a sport from the variety Princess Victoria. Shown by Messrs. Robinson & Headey, Dunstable. Orchid Committee. Present: J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec.) Harry J. Veitch, de B. Crawshay, H. Little, J F. Alcock, J. Wilson Potter, F. J. Thorne, A Dye, J. Charlesworth, W. Cobb, H. G. Alex ander, W. Bolton, Stuart Low, W. Boxall, J Cypher, Gurney Wilson, A. A. McBean, and F Sander. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Haywards Heath, were awarded ■ a Silver Flora Medal for an excellent group, which included two finely- coloured new hybrids which secured the only First-class Certificates of the day. (See Awards.) Also remarkable in the group were the pretty Brasso-Cattleya Cliftonii, illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, January 16, p. 34 ; the new Odontoglossum Venilia (cirrhosum X Pesca- torei), white, spotted with dark red ; Cymbidium Woodhamsianum, Odontoglossum ardentissi- mum album, Xylobium leontoglossum, with dense spikes of cream-coloured flowers spotted with pale red ; Odontoglossum Uro-Skinneri superbum, with the labellum almost covered with bright red spots, and others. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park, Reigate (gr. Mr. Collier), showed a very inter- esting group, in which were Ccelogyne Col- manii, Phaio-Calanthe Colmanii (white, with yellow disc), Spathoglottis Colmanii aurea (bright yellow), Dendrobium Kingianum album, the singular D. tetragonum, with many of its large spider-like flowers, and others. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of Cypripediums, including varieties of ('. aureum, C. Sallieri, &C. Also, the bright orange -red La^'.o - Cattleya Charlesworthii, Kodriguezia secunda, with one-sided racemes of rose-coloured flowers, and Bulbophyllum Ble- pharistes. Mr. A. W. Jensen, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a small group of his very fine type of Odon- toglossum crispum, all the flowers being large and of fine form. They included lose-tinted and fringed-petalled varieties, and two or three spotted forms. Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, secured a Silver Banksian Medal for a group in the centre of which was a specimen of Cypripe- d'um Mrs. William Mostyn in fine condition, irge white dorsal sepal having very large deep chocolate-purple blotches. Others noted were C. aureum Lambianum, C. Thompsonii, C. Mrs. G. F. Moore, &c. Col. G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O., Weston, birt (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), showed a handsome form of Laelio-Cattleya Golde l Oriole, with large bright chrome-yellow flowers having a rose-purple base to the lip veined with gold ; Sophro-Laslio-Cattleya Danse Ho!- ford's variety with several pretty reddish-rose flowers with deep yellow base to the lip ; i ■ I'upedium Alabaster (Alciibiades superbum X Godseffianum), and C. Earl of Tankerville. (See Awards.) Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, Wok- ing (gr. Mr. Hopkins), showed Cattleya Trians "The Premier," which has been pronounced the finest-coloured Trianas. Its silvery-white, i mted flowers have the petals and lip of extraordinary breadth and crimped at the mar- gins. The front of the lip is ruby-crimson with nearly white margin, the disc is chrome-yellow, and the base, purple with white veining. J. Foksier Alcock, Esq., Exhims, North- church, showed Cypripedium Beryl, a very broad-pet. ill: d dark hybrid showing its two parents C. Mrs. W Mostyn and C. Beckmannii plainly ; also another Cypripedium. (See Awards.) Mr. F. Hanson, Somerleyton Gardens, Lowestoft, sent cut spikes of two hybrid Calan- thes which travelled badly and were not pre- ssntable. Mr. F. McBean, Plumpton, staged a small group of very pretty varieties of Cattleya Trianas, one having white sepals and petals and a deep purple lip. Also various Odontoglos- sums, including a fine form of O. Hunne- wellianum. J. B. H. Goodden, Esq., The Manor House, Yeovil, sent cut examples of two good light- coloured forms of Lycaste Skinneri. AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Sophro-Lalio-Cattleya Marathon var. Vesuvius (Sophro-Lalia Psyche X Cattleya Empress Frederick), from Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Haywards Heath. A brilliant hybrid with flowers of good size and form, the sepals and petals being red with a yellowish glow, the petals also having a tinge of violet colour. The front of the lip is ruby-red, the base, yellow. The pretty dark scarlet Sophro-I.a:lia Psyche, obtained from a cross between Sophronitis grandiflora and Lselia cinnabarina, for reason has never been a favourite, but i on with Cattleya Empress Frederick (Mo Dowiana aurea) it has produce', in iti 1«st varieties, some bright new coloi 78 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1909. Lalio-Cattleya Felicia (L.-C. Haroldiana X C. Triance), from Messrs. Charlesworth & Co. A very fine flower, equal in size to L.-C. cal- listoglossa, and of a pale rose tint, the front of the lip being a dark purplish-claret shade. Award of Merit. Cypripedium Earl of Tankerville fexul X1 nitcni Sander's variety), from Col. G. L. Holford, C.I.E., C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alex- ander). A very handsome Cypripedium in form and substance very remarkable, the almost cir- cular white dorsal sepal bearing large chocolate- purple blotches, changing outward to rose- purple ; the petals and lip being yellow tinged with red-brown. ' ipcdium Euryades, New Hall Hey variety urn superbum X Boxallii), from J. For- STER Alcock, Esq., Exhims, Northchurch. A famous variety which originated in the collec- tion of the late G. W. Law-Schofield. The dor- sal sepal is white, heavily tinged with rose- purple on the reverse side, the colour showing through between the dark purple spots on the surface. The petals and lip are yellowish, tinged with purple. Cypripedium "Our Queen" (Lccanum dark variety X Stevensii), from W. Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange, Stone, Stafford (gr. Mr. W. Stevens). A very pretty hybrid of good shape and resembling a good C. Leeanum, but rounder in form and with a shining, smooth surface to the whole flower. Dorsal sepal white, densely spotted with dark claret-purple, darkest where the spots unite to form the central band. Petals broad, undulated, yellowish, tinged with purple, excepting the margins. Lip pale green. C. Stevensii was obtained by crossing C. Calypso Oakwood variety and C. Lathamianum Albert Hye, both of which, as well as C. Lee- anum, has C. Spicerianum as one of the parents. C. Spicerianum shows strongly in C. "Our Queen," and the best features of the other species are reproduced. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: George Bunyard, Esq. IChairman), and Messrs. W. Bates, E. Beckett, A. Dean, H. Parr, W. Pope, A. R. Allan, J. Davis, (X Thomas, G. Wythes, J. Vert, C. Foster, J. Hooper, G. Reynolds, W. J. Jeffries, J. Harri- son, H. Markham, and J. Jaques. University College, Reading (superinten- dent Mr. Chas. Foster), showed forced vege- tables, including Lettuce, Chicory and Seakale, also Tomatos and Rhubarb. The Chicory was a good sample and had been grown without artificial heat : the blanching had been done by placing 8 or 9 inches of soil over the crowns. There were examples of Seakale cuttings ready for inserting and some very strong crowns of this vegetable raised from cuttings struck dur- ing April, 1908, and lifted in November last. (Silver Banksian Medal.) An exhibit of vegetables was shown by Mrs. DENNISON, Little Gaddesden, Berkhamsted (gr. Mr. A. G. Gentle). They were prin- cipally Onions and Potatos, but in the centre of the group were Maltese Pars- nips, Red Elephant, Intermediate and Sum- mer Favourite Carrots, and Beets of the Crimson Ball and Long Perfection varieties. The Onions were of the large Ailsa Craig, Cocoa- nut and Record varieties. The Potatos were a remarkably fine sample, well matched in size and with clear skins. The varieties included a large selection. (Silver-Gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Joseph Cheai. & Sons, Crawley, Sus- sex, staged 60 varieties of Apples, all well- coloured and plump, although shown so late in the season. Among the finer fruits were Bram- ley's Seedling, Annie Elizabeth, Gascoyne's Scarlet Seedling, Chelmsford Wonder, Sand- ringham, Jubilee, Sturmer Pippin, Crawley Reinette (an Apple of very attractive appear- ance), Paroquet, Lane's Prince Albert (one of the finest varieties in the collection), Bismarck, and Vicar of Beighton. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Competitive Classes. There were competitive classes for Seakale, Phubarb, Asparagus, Salads, and forced vege- tables. Only one exhibit of Salads was staged : this was from Aldenham House Gardens, Els- tree (gr. Mr. Edwin Beckett). The varieties included Mustard and Cress, Chicory, Blood Red Beet, and Batavian Endive. They were all of the high quality for which produce from this garden is noted, end the display was awarded the 1st prize. In the class for two dishes of Seakale there were two entries, the 1st prize being won by Mrs. Trotter, Dyrham Park, Barnet (gr. Mr. II. Juniper) ; 2nd, Lady Foley, Ruxley Lodge, Claygate, Surrey (gr. Mr. H. C. Gardner). Mrs. Trotter was the only exhibitor in the class for Rhubarb, and was awarded the 1st prize, the variety being Royal AlbeTt. There was no entry in the class for Asparagus. CHESTERFIELD AND DISTRICT CHRYSANTHEMUM. January 19. — The annual meeting of the above- society was held at the Hotel Portland, Ches- terfield, on this date. Mr. W. Parks, Whitting- ton Hall Gardens, occupied the chair. The annual report showed that the spring flower show, held at Wingerworth Hall Gar- dens, was a record both in regard to the atten- dance and the amount of money taken, but the autumn show was not so numerously attended as was last year's exhibition. The income for 1908 amounted to £200, and the sum of £63 2s. had been disbursed during the year, including £30 to the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund, £21 to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, £10 to Chesterfield Hospital, and £2 2s. to the Clay- ton Challenge Shield Competition. For 17 years the committee have adopted the practice of not retaining a greater balance than £50, the surplus being devoted to assisting deserving institutions. The president for 1909 is W. B. M. Jackson, Esq., and the spring show will be held at this gentleman's residence, Ringwoorl Hall, Chester- field, on Whit Monday, May 31. No prize money will be offered at this show. The Chry- santhemum show is fixed for November 9 and 10. At the conclusion of the general busi- ness an essay on " Begonia Gloire de Lor- raine " was read by Mr. Boult, Brimington Hall Gardens. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. (ANNUAL MEETING.) (The result oi the election was recorded in our last issue.) January 21. — The sixty-ninth annual general meeting of the supporters of this institution was held on the above date at "Simpson's," Strand. Mr. Harry J. Veitch, chairman of committee and treasurer, presided, and there was a good attendance. Mr. George J. Ingram, secretary, read the minutes of the last meeting, and afterwards the annual report and balance-sluet for 1908. These 'latter were as follow: — REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE. The charity has been in existence 70 years ; it has d stributed in permanent and temporary help upwards of £125,000, and at no other period of its history has it done so much in the way of assisting the necessi- tous and suffering as in the year now under review. At the commencement of 1908 231 persons — 133 men and 98 widows — were receiving yearly allowances amounting in the aggregate to over .£4,000. During the year 16 — 11 men and 5 widows — have passed away; of the men, four left widows, who, being necessitous and in every way deserving, were at once placed on the funds without election under Rule III., 10, to re- ceive the widow's allowance of £16 a year. In addi- tion to those who died, one widow has gone to Aus- tralia to reside with her son, and another widow has been removed to an infirmary by medical orders. There were, therefore, at the close of the year 217 persons on the funds, and the committee recommend for election this day 18 candidates from an approved list of 73 applicants. Although the number of bene- ficiaries will thus be increased to 235, or four more than at the corresponding period of last year, the committee deeply regret their inability to recommend a larger number, the more so as the claims for help are more numerous than ever before, the list of appli- cants this year showing an increase of 20 on that at any previous election. The two special funds, the " Victorian Era Fund " and the " Good Samaritan Fund," still prove of the utmost value and usefulness by the timely help they afford. The former fund temporarily assists, whilst awaiting election, those unsuccessful candidates who have been subscribers to the institution, and the latter fund enables the committee to afford immediate assist- ance to applicants whether they have been subscribers or not in pressing cases of misfortune and distress, to whom otherwise they would lave to turn a deaf ear, and the thankful letters from the recipients show how needful was the help given and with what grati- tude it was received. It may be mentioned that the interest only from these funds is available, and any special donations to either or bath of them would be gratefully welcomed. The annual festival dinner, which look place at the Hotel Metropole in June last under the presideni y -f the Right Hon. Lord Aldenham, was most successful, and the committee take this opportunity of tendering their grateful thanks to his lordship for his warm and sympathetic advocacy of the objects and aims of the charity as well as its needs. They also desire to offer their sincere thanks to those gentlemen who acted as stewards or collectors, to the horticultural Press tor their continued gratuitous and invaluable help, to the donors of flowers, to those who so kindly decorated the tables, and to all other friends who helped to secure the success of the festival. The committee have further to express their grati- tude to those noblemen, ladies and gentlemen who have so kindly allowed their beautiful gardens to be opened to the public for the benefit of the funds of the institution, amongst whom may be mentioned the Right Hon. Earl Beauchamp (Madresfield), Lord Northbourne (Betteshanger), Mary Countess of Ilchc-s- ter (Holland House), The Lady Battersea (Overstrand), Sir Frank Crisp (Friar Park), and E. J. Wythes, Esq. (Epping) ; thanks are also due to Messrs. Fisher, Son & Sibrary, Ltd., for opening the Royal Nurseries at Handsworth for the same purpose ; the committee are also indebted to the Messrs. Geo. Munro Concert Committee for again most kindly allocating a portion of the proceeds derived from their well-known and successful annual concert. The committee venture to express the hope that other friends will assist the charity in similar ways. With much gratification the committee refer to the generous kindness of N. N. Sherwood, Esq., for his gift of £25 for unsuccessful and needy applicants; to Arthur W. Sutton, Esq., for kindly giv'nj a year's allow- ance of £20 for an applicant suffering from incurable paralysis, and to Geo. Munro, Esq., for his kind con- tribution of £16 towards the maintenance of an aged widow. The recipients were truly grateful for these unexpected bounties. The services of the honorary treasurers and honorary secretaries of the several auxiliaries are keenly appre- ciated, and the committee gladly p'ace on record their indebtedness for the kind and valued efforts of the following gentlemen on behalf of the work, viz. : — BRISTOL AND BATH. Presidents. Hon. Treasurers. Hon. Secretaries. Col. H. Cary Batten. I W. A. Garaway, I Mr. Geo. Harris. I Esq. WORCESTER. Rt. Hon. Earl Beau- I Mr. John White champ, K.C.M.G. I DEVON AND EXETER. C. R. Collins, Esq. | Mr. W. Mackay. | Mr. W. Mackay WOLVERHAMPTON. C. T. Mander, Esq., I Mr. Bradley. |Mr. Tom B Mr. Percy G. White. JP. Dobbs. BERKSHIRE, READING AND DISTRICT. Mrs. Rowland Spur- ling. Arthur W.Sutton, Esq., J. P., V.M.H. Mr, L. Castle. LIVERPOOL AUXILIARY. The Rt. Hon. The I A. J.Crippin, Esq. I R. G. Waterman, Earl of Derby. | Esq. It is with much pleasure that the committee announce that Lionel de Rothschild, Esq., has kindly consented to preside at the 70th anniversary festival dinner in aid of the funds at the Hotel Metropole on Wednes- day, June 23 next. They trust he will be well and liberally supported on the occasion by all friends of the institution and by all lovers of horticulture, so that the festival may again prove instrumental in obtaining the necessary means for carrying on the work. They have also to report that George W. F. Macnaughten, Esq., M.D., M.R.C.P., has kindly con- sented to accept the office of honorary physician to the institution. Unhappily, each year the committee have to record the deaths of many subscribers and supporters. Amongst those who have passed away in the pro ding year may be mentioned the Lord Hotham, H. L. Bisehoffsheim, Esq., E. Bird Foster, Esq., Martin R. Smith, Esq., Henry Baldcrson, Esq., Geo. Bethell, Esq., Mr. \Y. Whalley, formerly of Addington Park, Mr. Geo. Ambrose, formerly chairman of the Wolver- hampton Auxiliary, Mrs. Nettlefold, and Mrs. Rylands, the last-named lady very generously remembering the institution in her will by bequeathing it a substantial legacy. The loss of these good friends is keenly felt. With regard to the Government Old Age IN Act, it will be seen that the honorary solicitor has given notice of motion to be submitted to the sub- scribers at the meeting this day. Its intention — if the subscribers see fit to adopt it — is to enable the com- mittee to act under Rule III., 6, should circumstances render it necessary and desirable to do so, without, however, causing any pecuniary loss to the beneficiary or applicant for help, and the committee would point out that, of those now applying through incapacity and . distress, there are 41 whose ages alone render them ineligible for the benefit of State aid ; the im- portance, therefore, of continued support to the insti- tution is thus manifest. In conclusion, the committee most earnestly appeal for increased means for this National Horticultural Society, which for 70 years has carried on its bene- ficent work with such comfort and help to the recipi- ents of its benefits as cannot be overstated. As before mentioned, there are 73 applicants for aid, and if only 18 are elected there will be 55 unsuccessful candidates still on the list who will have to wait a whole year. Of those now appealing for aid — to whom in some cases the committee have already afforded a much- needed, temporary help — there are several who are nearly blind, whilst four aged 59, 56, 44, and 40 ate January 30, 1905] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 79 incurably and hopelessly paralysed. To enable assist- ance to be given to these and other pathetically sad cases the committee plead most earnestly for increased support, and they feel confident that, for such genuine and invaluable work, they will not plead in vain. The Chairman made but few observations in moving the adoption of the report and balance- sheet, remarking that the report in itself ex- plrined the circumstances of the year very fully. The institution was still making progress, but even more help was needed than was at present forthcoming. Mr. W. Roupell, in seconding the resolution of adoption, stated that he had been connected with the institution since 1857. The resolution was adopted unanimously. Mr. Arthur W. Sutton- then proposed the re- elei tion of Mr. Harry J. Veitch as treasurer, and, when Mr. Alex. Dean had seconded the motion, it was passed with acclamation. Mr. G. J. Ingram was re-elected secretary on the proposition of Mr. George Monro, seconded by Mr. Wheeler. The retiring members of the committee were afterwards re-elected, with the exception of Mr. R. Milligan Hogg, whose re- tirement led to the appointment of Mr. Frede- rick Cooper as a member of committee. Following the appointment of auditors and arbitrators, Mr. White, in the absence of Mr. W. A. Bilney (honorary solicitor) through in- disposition, moved the following resolution: — " That every person having attained the age of 70 years who is in receipt of an annuity from the institution and is eligible for a Gi eminent Old Age Pension of less than the maximum allowance of 5s. per week, or whose total income do;s not exceed £31 10s. per annum, may have such charitable annuity re- duced as the committee may determine under Rule III. 6, so as to render him or her eligible to apply for a pension on the Government scale, provided always that such reduction does not involve the beneficiary in any pecu- niary loss." • Mr. White observed that the adoption of this resolution would not commit the committee to anything, but, on the contrary, it would loosen their hands. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Denning. Considerable discussion followed, but it appeared to be generally recognised that whilst so many candidates had to wait several years for election to the funds, it was necessary that, in as many cases as possible, advantage should be taken of the State Old Age Pension. Mr. J. Hudson said some arrangement of the kind was necessary in order to obtain " the greatest good for the greatest number." The resolution was adopted unanimously. Scrutineers of the ballot were then appointed, and the result of the poll was declared at 5.30. (Details were published in our last issue.) STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1908 R.EC1 hi -. £ S d. £ s. d To Balance 1,129 9 6 ,, Amount on deposit 3,880 0 0 „ Annual subscriptions 1.434 0 6 ,, 1 >onations at and in i i n in nee of festival din in ludlng special gifts ... ".954 17 10 ,, Li gacies . Mrs. A. H. Lewis-Hill, with interest 1,007 4 S Mr. B. Greaves 50 0 0 Return of Income Tax 4- 18 6 „ Dividends and interest 880 0 10 2 I I i' V nsii uib And gratuities eluding Mi ssrs. Sherwood, Suit m, and M inro ... ., Expenses of annual mi and 1 let. tion ,, Rent , bring, lighl ng including salaries of Sec- I Clerk ., Pi In ting, includ- Annual Re- Polling Pa- Appeals, etc., &c 1:1 7 3 Less advertise- ments in An- nual Li>t ... 48 15 6 s. d. 13 O to 3 4 566 9 7 Expenses of fe; ti- \;il dinner ... sa8 13 Less dinner charges ... 174 o Postages, including Annual R( ports. Polling Papers, App' ' ' Advertisement in Fry's Charities Collecting boxes Carriage, telegrams, re- pa 1 -, 1lent.1l t x- I > 1 1 -": ■ - Bank il a ges Plact d 1 'ii d< ]>■ isit Ditto (Mrs. A. H. Lewis- Hills Legacy) Balance with Treasurer „ ,, Secretary 54'j o 51 2 8 3 3 2 5 13 6 S 4 888 8 4 n 19 9 3 9 3.53o o o 1,007 4 5 •ifon 8 1 £10,378 11 7 We certify that all our requirements as Auditors have been complied with, and we have compared the books witli the b.itikers certificate of securities deposited with them, and the balance-sheet is a true and correct account of same. The books are well kept. January 19, 1909. * Required to meet the quarterly payments January r, 1909. VICTORIAN ERA FIND.— BALANCE SHEET, 1908 Receipts. 1908 ... THOMAS MANNING, THOMAS SWIFT. To Balance, January ,. Dividends ,, Rt turn of Income Tax £ s. d. 155 0 6 8 3 2 £ s. d. 184 n 5 ■63 3 8 .i:347 '5 ' Expenditure. £ s. d. By gratuities 177 8 o ,, Balance in hand, Decem- ber 31, 1908 • ... 170 7 1 £ s. d. GOOD SAMARITAN FUND.— BALANCE SHEET, 1908. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Balance, January 1, 1908 ... 267 7 5 ,, Donations 64 19 6 „ Dhidends :■ 1 ; 6 ,, Return of Income Tax ... 3 6 9 ■ 140 19 2 £468 6 7 By gratuities ,, Balance in hand, Decem- ber-31, 1908 347 '3 1 ^347 "5 1 £ s. d. 101 10 0 £ s. d. 306 16 7 408 6 7 £408 6 7 Audited and found correct {jhOMa! SWIFT.NG" Jan-aaiy 19, 1909. The Friendly Supper. -Mr. Sherwood Provides for Two More Pensioners. The committee and friends met at the friendly- supper at 6 p.m., also at Simpson's. Mr. W. J. Jefferies presided, and proposed the toast of " The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institu- tion." Mr. Harry J. Veitch responded. He said that he had already replied to this toast on 40 occasions at the annual festivals and suppers. He expressed the pleasure of those present at seeing Mr. N. N. Sherwood amongst them again. Respecting the institution, it was com- menced by the election of two pensioners, now there were L-40. They had disbursed £175,000 to needy gardeners or their widows, and the pre- sent distribution was approximately £4,000 each year. Amongst the disappointed candidates this year were three very bad cases of paralysis. It was distressing to the committee that they could not put more on the funds, and he (Mr. Veitch) pleaded for increased support to enable them to do so. Lionel de Rothschild, Esq., had kindly consented to preside at the next festival, and he would make the sixth member of that house who had presided at these functions. Mr. N. N. Sherwood, who was given a very enthusiastic welcome, said he had been con- nected with the institution for 41 years, and his interest and sympathy were as great as ever. Mr. Veitch had referred to three cases of paraly- sis, and he (Mr. Sherwood) would be pleased to provide a year's pension for two of these to be selected by the committee. Mi. \V. Atkinson proposed the toast of " The Chairman," and Mr. George Bunyard that of " The Committee and Auxiliaries." Mr. George Monro replied for the committee, and Mr. R. S. Waterman (Liverpool) for the auxiliaries. Mr. Waterman remarked that although the Liverpool Auxiliary was now seven years old, none had been formed since ! On the proposition of Mr. Harry J. Veitch, the toast of "The Secretary" was received with great cordiality, and Mr. Ingram replied in an excellent speech. SOCIETE FRANCAISE D'HORTICUL- TURE DE LONDRES. (ANNUAL DINNER). January 23. — The twentieth anniversary of this Society was celebrated at the Cafe Royal, Regent Street, on the above date. Sir Albert K. Rollit, D.C.L., LL.D., occupied the chair. The company included M. Iluguenet, Editor of La Chronique, M. Lageat, M. Guilloud, Mr. George Schneider (President), and Messrs. T. Bevan, E. F. Hawes, Harman Payne, J. H. Witty, II. J. Jones, J. McKerchar, D. Ingamells, Eric Such, C. H. Curtis, T. W. Sanders, Arthur Turner, Whitpaine Nutting, J. Weathers, Hiehle, and G. J. Ingram. After the toasts of the President of the French Republic and the King had been duly honoured, Sir Albert Rollit proposed the toast of the evening, that of " La Societe Francaise d'Horticulture de Londres." He expressed his satisfaction at the useful work that had been done by the Society in the past, and congratu- lated the members on the admirable report for the past year. He referred to the commercial importance of horticulture, and stated that the trade in gardening produce between England and France was of very considerable extent. The Society is the means of many young men of both nationalities gaining an insight into nursery and other horticultural work in the two countries. The speaker referred to some of the aspects of French horticulture that I lishmen might imitate. The Society promoted a knowledge of the English and French lan- guages amongst its members, and this was com- mendable, because nations that understood each other's languages are better able to under each other's temperaments and feelin Mr. George Schneider, in reply, thanked Sir Albert Rollit for his appreciation of the worl done by the Society. He regretted that death had thinned their ranks, but the Society has enrolled many new members during 1908. Apart from placing young Frenchmen in tions in England, the Society had been the means of finding situations for several young Englishmen in France. Mr. Schneider referred to the death of their late Honorary President, M. Ouvrard, and 8i» THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1909. stated that M. Ph. de Vilmorin, from whom a telegram was read, had consented to accept the post. Mr. D. Ingamells proposed the toast of past presidents, to which Mr. Thomas Bevan replied. At this stage of the proceedings a presenta- tion was made to Mr. Harman Payne by the President, Sir Albert Rollit, of a silver plaquettt d'honneur. Sir Albert spoke in appreciation of Mr. Payne's international work in horticulture, and the plaquette was awarded for his co-opera- tion at the Retrospective Exhibition in Paris last November. The gift was from the National Horticultural Society of France. The toast of the Chairman was proposed by Mr. G. J. Ingram and duly replied to. Mr. Harman Payne made an amusing speech in French proposing the toast of the officers of the Society and offering the thanks of the meet- ing to M. Ripard for the floral decorations at the dinner. M. Ripard replied and proposed the toast of " The Press." During the evening a telegram was dispatched to President Fallieres sending the friendly- greetings of the Society. The two caskets pre- sented to President Fallieres by the Corporation of the City of London and by the English mem- bers of the Legion of Honour and other French orders on the occasion of his visit to London in May last were on view. A presentation of a silver bowl was made to Mr. George Schneider on behalf of the young members of the Society. Instrumental and vocal music and recitations were rendered at intervals. DEBATING SOCIETIES. CARDIFF GARDENERS'.— A meeting of this asso- ciation was held on the 19th inst. Mr. H. R. Farmer presided. A lecture was given by Mr. F. Woods, gardener at Llanfrechfa Grange. Newport, on the Madresfield Court Grape. The lecturer stated that this variety can be as successfully cultivated as the Black Hamburgh or any other ordinary kind. The formation of vine borders, their proper depth and composition, also ventilation, pruning and mulching, were explained in detail. CROYDON & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL.- At a recent meeting of this association Mr. Mark Webster, Kelsey Park Gardens, Beckenham, delivered a lecture on Nitro -Bacterine. In the practical tests he had given it during twelve months, success was not obtained. Dur- ing his observations he alluded to the soils he had tried it in, and the poor subsoil he considered to be the best medium for inoculation. The lecturer stated that in many instances no benefit was observed from the u^e of this substance; the best results were obtained with a free use of lime. When used in conjunction with certain chemical manures it had deleterious effects. The seeds used for experiment were Peas. By the application of this culture the nodules containing the nitrifying bacteria were increased. The lecturer was of the opinion that the soil containing the roots of the Peas would be of benefit to successional crops. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HEKTS. Week ending January 27. A very cold week.— The last eight days and nights have been all more or less cold, but on only four of those days was the cold exceptional, and on no night did the exposed thermometer show more than 14° of frost. The ground, for the first lime this month, is cold for the time of year. At 2 feet deep the temperature is 1° colder, and at 1 foot deep 2° colder, than is seasonable. No rain or snow has fallen for eight days, but on the first day of the week there was a rather heavy deposit of hoar frost on the funnel of the rain gauge. There has been no measurable percolation through either of the soil gauges for four days. The sun shone on an average for 2 hours 27 minutes a day, or for three-quarters of an hour a day longer than is usual at this period of January. On two days no sunshine at all was re- corded, whereas on one other day the sun was shining brightly for over five hours. Calms and ligl t airs have alone prevailed during the week, and for the last 96 hours the direction of the air currents has been constantly from the north-east. There was about a seasonable amount of moisture in the air at three p.m. E. M., Bcrkhamsted, January 27, 1909. SCHEDULE RECEIVED. ENQUIRY. Timber for Forcing Houses. — I shall be glad if any readers can give me their experience as to the best timber and the best mode of pre- serving it from decay, for the sills of forcing houses, which are constantly kept warm and moist. Seventeen years ago I tried pitch pine, and find that it does not last much, if any, longer than best red deal, which is now a very expensive wood. What is the average life of sills and wallplates, under such conditions, when treated with creosote or carbolineum? Has anyone tried the wood of Louisiana Cypress Taxodium distichum, which is said, in the sub- tropical climate of New Orleans, to last in con- tact with the soil for an indefinite period, and which is now on the market in England at a reasonable price? H. J . E/wes, Colesbjrne. to Lormhondcnfo Berlin International Exhibition : L. P. The exhibition, as announced in our issue for May 23, p. 325, will be held in the New Exhibition Hall of the Zoological Society, Berlin, from April 2-13. The address of the general secre- tary is Siegfried Braun, Berlin, N. 4, In- validenstrasse 42. Carnation Maggot: W. E. As we suspected, your later specimens prove that the grubs are the larvae of an Anthomyia fly. Plants already attacked must be thrown away. Protection from the fly forded by of tarred one side tral opcn- the stem of (or layer) theground. collar pre- mother fly her eggs may be af- placing pieces paper slit on with a ceil- ing around the cutting quite close to This paper vents the from laying close to the Southampton Royal Horticultural Society's Summer, Carnation, and Autumn Exhibitions to be held on June 29, 31; July 23; and November 9 and 10, respectively. Secretary, Mr. C. S. Fuidge, 7, Silverdale Road, Archer's Road, Southampton. stem, and if these are deposited a short distance from the plant the larvae, which are not able to move easily, fail to reach the Carnation, The larvae now being actually inside the plant spray- ing is useless. You might try fumigating with a nicotine preparation. The larvae (grubs) do not crawl from plant to plant, but the pest is spread by means of the eggs laid bv the mature insect (fly). Landscape Gardener: C. R. C, Massachusetts. You will find a short account of the career of Edward Kemp in the Gardeners' Chronicle, March 7, 1891, p. 311. He died on March 'J, 1891. As, doubtless, you have the English gardening papers of that period in your library, you may gain from them further in- formation. Lobelia compacta : /. P. The plants are attacked by a fungus — Botrytis cinerea. This pest .grows on every kind of plant refuse, and becomes parasitic only in the presence of considerable moisture and heat. The fungus is best kept in check by admitting as much fresh air as is possible in the plant-houses or frames. Names of Flowers, Fruits and Plants. — We aie anxious to oblige correspondents as far as we consistently can, but they must bear in mind that it is no part of our duty to our subscribers to name either flowers or fruits. Such work entails considerable outlay, both of time and money, and cannot be allowed to dis- oi ganise the preparations for the weekly issue, or to encroach upon time required for the conduct of the paper. Correspondents should never send more than six plants or fruits at one time : they should be very careful to pack and label them properly, togive every information as to the county the fruits are grown in, and to send ripe, or nearly ripe, specimens which show the character of the variety. By neglecting these precautions correspondents add greatly to our labour, and run the risk of delay and incorrect determinations. Correspondents not ansivered in one issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following numbers. Plants : Africa. Ornithogalum niveum. — W. H. C. 1, Selenipedium Schroderae ; 2, S. longifolium ; 3, S. cardinale; 4, S. Sedenii. These are called Cypripedium in gardens, but they have botanical differencies. — F. B. 1, Schinus Molle (Pepper Tree) ; 2, Epidendrum cochleatum; 3, Rodriguezia (Burhngtonia) decora. — T. T. 1, Pellionia pulchra; 2, Dra- caena rubra ; 3, Cyperus alternifolms ; 4, Carex japonica variegata ; 5, Begonia discolor ; 6, Selaginella involvens.— B. S. 1, Dracaena pul- cherrima ; 2, Chloropby turn elatunt vat iexatum ; 3, Cupressus funebris ; 4, send belter specimen with flowers ; 5, Carex riparia ; 6, Curculigo recurvata.— E. W. Veltheimia viridifolia, a native of South Africa. — Foreman. 1, Brassia. Keiliana; 2, Restrepia trichoglossa ; 3, Epiden- drum polybulbon ; 4, Calanthe rosea ; 5, Lycaste plana; 6, Xylobium sqnalens. — A.S. Cedrusatlantica var. glauca; this will grow with, a single trunk.— G. H. B. 1, Berberis Wallich- iana ; 2, Juniperus chinensis al bo variegata; 3, Cupressus Lawsoniana; 4, C L. erecta viridis ; 5, C. L. aurea ; 6, C. L. aureo-variegata Peach Buds Killed : Anxious. There is no disease present in the shoots. The buds have probably been killed by the paint you refer to. Hot-water pipes should not be painted, but coated with lamp-black and oil. We do not think the small amount of paraffin, with which the woodwork of the house was painted, was the cause of the trouble. Pelargonium : /. H. B. The trouble is not caused by disease, but has resulted from some cultural defect or physical injury. It may have been due to an excess of moisture in the soil or to excessive doses of strong fertilisers. The Phoenix has been injured by some check, such as might be produced by cold or drought. Preserving Ornamental Gourds : //. C. The varieties of Lagenaria or bottle-gourds should have the thin outer skin removed, and after the Gourd has been thoroughly dried, it should be coated with thin oak-varnish. The green and white Malabar gourds should be gathered when quite ripe and dried in a ' greenhouse. Without any further troublei these gourds will retain their colours for about two years. Ordinary gourds, both smooth and warted, should be thoroughly dried on a shelf in a greenhouse, and bei varnished afterwards with thin oak-varnish. Pronunciation of Plant Names : G. Prickett. The list that recently appeared in these columns will be re-issued in book form. The work is already in the press, and its publica- tion may be looked for at an early date. Stephanotis Leaf : Puzzled. The discolora- tion is due to a fungus, a species of Capnodium. It is not usually parasitic, but follows injury by aphis, which must be kept down by the use of nicotine insecticides. Vanda ccerulea : /. A. Vanda ccerulea is capable of adapting itself to tolerably wide limits in point of temperature. Its most essential requirement is the pure air of a well-ventilated house. If it is kept in a close, hot atmosphere, it generally fails to grow or flower well, after the first year or so. If the plants are now on the stage at some consider- able disfence from the glass of the roof, they would possibly become more satisfactory if suspended close to the ridge. If the Orchid house in which you have them is what is called the hot-house, remove the plants to the cool end of the Cattleya house and suspend them there. They lequire a good, bright light at all seasons. An atmospheric temperature of 55° to 65° Fahr. in winter is sufficient. la summer, keep the plants as cool as possible. Vanda ccerulea requires plenty of rain-water when making its growth. You can obtain the book mentioned from the publishing depart- ment of this journal. Willow Shoots Injured : P. W. J. The damage is not due to disease. The punctures have been caused by some insect, but we fail to find any of the creatures in the specimens i received. Send further examples containing insects. Communications Received.— R. H. H. (Thanks for 2s. sent for R.CO.F. box)— J. J.— Constant Subscriber- 's W. E.-W. E. B.-W. W. P.— II. J. V.— G. W.— W. R.— C. II.— A. T.— A. S., Mehlem— F. M.— A. D.— T. L.— H. J. E.— W. W.— C. R. G., Mass.— W. K.— Rev. C. B.-W. A. C.-J. G.-H. I. J.-F. J.-A. J. H.— J. R. —P. J. C— F. J. C.-Linnean Soc— Reading Gard. Soc— H.L. F.— A. E. B. H.— J. F.-T. H— H. R. C. (Thanks for Is. which has been placed in the R.G.O.F. box) — Y.C, S,— J. C. B.— T. A.- P. D. R.— C. F.— F. C— W. G. B, Supplement to the " Gardeners' Chronicle." SlNNINGIA HYBRIDA (HORT.) " Dr. MAXWELL T. MASTERS," AS SHOWN BY Mr. Ernest Benary, Erfurt ; flowers, rose coloured and white. Printed by Temple Press Ltd., London, B.C. February 6, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 81 THE (Sitrbcners'CbronicIc No. hi 54.— SATURDAY, February 6, 1909. CONTENTS. Afforestation 84 Nitrogen, new sources Albinism in Orchitis, in- of 88 heritance of 81 Parasites, beneficial ... 90 Alpine garden in the Plant st new or note- Alps 90 worthy — Angraecum Augustum... S!) Sobralia Elisabethae 83 Belladonna, the Kew ... 92 Potatos, British, for Benevolent Institution, America 90 Gardeners' Royal Books, notices of — 92 Pruning competition, a 90 Societies — Botanical Magazine... 89 National Chrys. 94 Wax Craft 85 Royal Horticultural ... 93 Publications received 91 (Scientific Committee) 94 Cornus capitata 83 Street trees, the care of 90 Cyclamen flowers ...92,93 Sulphate of ammonia, Foreign correspondence- output of 91 Gardens of Hyeres ... Freesias 93 Veitch Memorial Medal- 92 lists 91 Fumigating a vinery with cyanide of potas- sium 96 Week's work, the — Flower garden, the ... 85 Fungus pests " Geo. Monro Ltd " 91 Fruits under glass ... 87 Hardy fruit garden ... 86 Concert DO Kitchen garden, the... 87 Irises, winter-flowering 93 Orchid houses, the ... s7 Leeds parks employes' 90 Plants under glass ... 87 Masters' Lectures, the Public parks and gar- forthcoming 90 dens 85 Nitro-Bacterine, experi- Whortleberries and ments with 91 Cranberries 83 ILLUSTRATIONS. Angrascum Augustum (Supplementary Illustration) Cornus capitata, a fruiting spray of, 8'2 ; flowers of ... 83 Eranthemum Wattii, foliage and inflorescence of ... 89 Loganberry, the 86 INHERITANCE OF ALBINISM IN ORCHIDS. IN consequence of the important results re- cently obtained at Cambridge by Pro- fessor Bateson, Mr. Punnett and Miss Saunders in their Mendelian experiments with Sweet Peas and Stocks, the question of the inheritance of albinism has become one of great biological interest. In Orchids, the raising of albino forms from seed is also of much practical interest. It may be useful therefore to collect in a brief note what has already been done by Orchid breeders in this direction. Albino Orchids may be provisionally divided into two classes : — (i) True albinos with no trace of purple sap. (2) Tinged " albinos " with some purple sap. The following list gives the results so far obtained in mating (a) true albinos with true albinos, (b) tinged " albinos " with tinged "albinos," (c) tinged "albinos" with true albinos. The records have been taken partly from the reports of the meetings of the R.H.S. published in this journal, partly from Mr. Rolfe's notes in the Orchid Review, and partly from personal notes and correspondence with Orchid breeders. The nomenclature adopted is that of the Orchid Stud Book, now being issued from the press. I trust that the list is fairly complete, and I hope that any omissions will be at once supplied by Orchid breeders. (a) True Albinos x True Albinos. Paphiopedilum callosum Sandercc, selfed by Mr. Norman Cookson, produced true al- binos. Another batch, raised by Mr. T. Statter, also produced true albinos. P. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, selfed by Mr. Norman Cookson, produced nine plants, eight of which reproduced the true albino, while one plant is said to have reverted to an or- dinary coloured form of P. Lawrenceanum. This apparent exception is remarkable, and a repetition of this experiment with larger numbers would be useful. P. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum x P. callo- sum Sanderce, raised by Messrs. Charles- worth, in 1900, produced the albino hybrid P. x Maudiae, all the plants of which have so far proved to be true albinos. Another batch raised by Baron Schroder in 1907 also pro- duced true albinos. P. X Maudiw X P. insigne Sanderianum, raised by Colonel Holford in 1908, produced the albino hybrid P. X Rosettii, 16 plants of which have so far flowered, all apparently true albinos. It may be noted here that while P. insigne Sanderianum so far appears to behave as a true albino, yet the presence • if siuiie dark-coloured hairs at the base of the petals suggests that this variety may possibly be a tinged albino like P. insigne Sanderae. It would be interesting to know if the hybrid P. X Rosettii also has those dark-coloured hairs. P. callosum Sanderce X P. bellatulum album, raised by Mr. Cookson in 1907, pro- duced the coloured hybrid P. X YVottonii, 25 plants of which have flowered, all apparently sap^coloured like the typical hybrid between P. callosum and P. bellatulum. P. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum x P. bella- tulum album, raised by Mr. Cookson, pro- duced the coloured hybrid P. X Lawrebel resembling the typical hybrid between P. Lawrenceanum and P. bellatulum. Cattleya Mossier Wageneri, selfed by Messrs. Charlesworth in 1907, produced a true albino with no trace of sap colour. C. Mossice Wageneri X C. Gaskelliana alba, raised by M. Jules Hye, produced three true albinos, viz., C. X Hyeae, C. X H. Suzanne, and C. X H. jungfrau. C. Mossicc Wageneri X C. intermedia alba, raised by Colonel Holford, in 1906 pro- duced the albino hybrid C. X Mackayi Un- dine, 14 plants of which flowered true albinos. In 1908 three true albinos of the same parent- age were exhibited by Mr. R. G. Thwaites, also one by Sir Trevor Lawrence and one by Messrs. Veitch. C. SchrddercB alba X C. intermedia alba, raised by Mr. Cookson, produced in 1907 the coloured hybrid C. X Thaveriana, similar to the hybrid raised by Mr. Orpet between the typical C. intermedia and C. Schroderae alba. C. Gaskelliana alba X C. Harrisoniana alba, exhibited by Mr. Thwaites in 1908, pro- duced the coloured hybrid C. X Williamsiae, four plants of which had coloured flowers like the typical hybrid between C. Gaskelliana and C. Harrisoniana. C. Gaskelliana cdba X C. Warneri alba, raised by M. Peeters in 1904, produced the hybrid C. X Peetersias, five of which were true albinos with pure white flowers and green leaves, and two were coloured, having lilac-purple flowers with purple margins to the leaves. C. Eldorado alba X Lcelia Perrinii alba, according to a record in Rev. Hort. 1907, p. 31, produced coloured offspring bearing pink flowers. Odontoglossum crispum xanthotes X O. nobile album, raised by Messrs. Charles- worth, produced in 190S the hybrid O. X armainvillierense xanthotes, all of which have so far flowered true albinos. Dendrobium nobile virginalc, selfed by Mr. Thwaites, came true from seed. Another batch, consisting of several hundred plants raised from one capsule by Messrs. Arm- strong and Brown, flowered in 1907 and 1908, and all were true albinos. (b) Tinged "Albinos " x Tinged "Albinos.'' Paphiopedilum insigne Sanderce, selfed by Mr. Cookson, apparently came true from seed. Other batches raised by Mr. R. I. Measures, Messrs. Veitch, Mr. W. Bolton, and Colonel Holford all apparently came true from seed. It is not recorded, however, whether all these seedlings were tinged " albinos " like the parent, and it may be that some were true albinos. /'. insigne Sanderce X P. insigne Dorothy, raised by Mr. Appleton, apparently all re- verted to the ordinary type of P. insigne, with smaller, and in some cases less numerous, spots. This case is particularly interesting, because both parents have a yellow ground colour, which breeds true selfed in the case of P. insigne Sandera?, but which, whin crossed, reverts to the typical green ground colour of P. insigne. P. insigne Sanderce X /'. aureum Surprise, raised by M. Peeters, in 1908 produced 1 typical green-coloured, spotted P. insigne, while soon afterwards Mr. J. H. Craven ex- hibited a plant of the same parentage bearing a yellow flower. In this connection it may be noted that in 190S Colonel Holford raised eight plants from P. insigne Chantinii Lin- denii X P. insigne montanum aureum, both with yellow ground colour, and all the seed- lings reverted to the green ground colour of the ordinary P. insigne. Cattleya labiata Measuresii X C. labiata Amesiana, raised by Mr. Thwaites, in 1908 produced a considerable number of plants, all of which bore coloured flow-ers like the ordinary C. labiata. C. Mossicc Reineckiaua X Lcelia purpurata alba, raised by M. Peeters, produced both the tinged " albino " Laelio-Cattleya X Can- hamiana alba and the ordinary coloured L.-C. X Canhamiana from the same capsule in the proportion of about two coloured to one tinged albino. Dendrobium nobile Ballianum X D. nobile Murrhiniacum, raised by Mr. Gurney Wilson, produced 150 plants, all of which re- verted to the typical colouring of D. nubile. 82 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1909. (c) Tinged " Albinos " X True Albinos. Paphiopedilum insigne Sanderce X P. callo- sitin Sanderce, raised by Mr. Cookson, pro- duced more than ioo plants, all of which were coloured like the typical hybrid P. X Leonae (insigne X callosum). P. insigne Sanderce X bellatulum album, raised by Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, pro- duced P. X Helena Armstrongiae, a coloured hybrid less spotted than the typical hybrid P. X Helena (insigne X bellatulum). P. insigne Sanderce X P. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, raised by Mr. M. Isaac, in 1908 produced a coloured hybrid like the typical P. xEucharis (insigne X Lawrenceanum). P. insigne Sanderce X P. X Maudice, raised by Colonel Holford, in 1901 produced none but coloured forms. A coloured form of the same parentage was flowered in 190S by Mr. Isaac, which resembled light forms of P. X Eucharis and P. X Leonae. Lcelia anceps alba X Cattleya Triance alba, raised by M. Peeters, in 1903 produced the tinged " albino " Laelio-cattleya X Boylei Kerchoveae. Another plant of the same par- entage, raised by Mr. Mead, also produced a tinged " albino." Dendrobium X Ellisii album X D. nobile virginale, raised by Mr. Thwaites, in 1907 produced 22 plants, all of which were tinged " albinos," but with more colour than the tinged parent. General Conclusions. The above facts show that when true al- bino Orchids are mated together the result may be all albinos, all coloured reversions, or both albino and coloured forms from the same capsule. These results are very similar to those obtained in the Mendelian experi- ments with Sweet Peas and Stocks at Cam- bridge. It seems probable, therefore, that the appearance of sap-colour in Orchids, as in Sweet Peas and Stocks, depends on the simultaneous presence of two complementary colour factors. If both the colour factors are present the sap is coloured ; if either (or both) is absent the sap is colourless. Thus, the typical coloured forms of Paphiopedilum cal- losum, P. Lawrenceanum, P. insigne and P. bellatulum may be represented as carrying the two complementary colour factors C and R. The albinos of these species, on the con- trary, will be carrying only one of these fac- tors, consequently their sap is colourless. If P. bellatulum album be represented as carry- ing the factor C alone, and P. callosum Sanderae, P. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, and P. insigne Sanderianum (if a true albino) be represented as carrying the factor R alone, all the results in Paphiopedilum are so far clear. On this interpretation P. insigne Sanderianum (if a true albino) may be ex- pected to give albinos when crossed with P. callosum Sanderas or P. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum and coloured reversions when mated with P. bellatulum album. Accord- ing to the Mendelian scheme in Sweet Peas there are five different kinds of albinos, ;uid the possible matings between any two of them may give any one of four different re- sults, viz. :— (1) All albinos; (2) all coloured reversions; (3) equal numbers of albinos and coloured forms; (4) three albinos to one col- oured form. The coloured reversions when selfed should give, on the average, nine coloured to seven albinos. It seems likely that similar results may be found in Orchids, and the appearance of five albinos and two coloured forms from the same capsule in the cross between Cattleya Gaskelliana alba and C. Warneri alba is certainly suggestive. From this it will be seen that individual albinos appar- ently identical may differ in their germinal constitution and, consequently, give different results in breeding. In view of this, it would ieem desirable for Orchid breeders to adopt some method of ear-marking individual al- binos, whether imported or raised from seed. A distinct name would hardly be convenient for individuals which, to the eye, appear alike, but identification might be assured by putting the name of the importer or raiser in brackets after the name of the albino, together with a number showing the order of its appearance. For instance, the original Paphiopedilum callo- sum Sanderae was first flowered from an im- portation by Messrs. Sander in 1894, and might, therefore, be called (Sander 1); an- other individual appeared in an importation by Messrs. Low in 1904, and might be called (Low 1), and so on. The hand-raised seed- owing to the absence of a complementary pattern factor. The fact that the ghost form P. insigne Sanderas breeds true when selfed, but gives the reversionary, dense form when crossed with other kinds of ghost forms like P. insigne Dorothy and P. X aurem Surprise, tends to confirm this view, though the evi- dence is yet hardly conclusive. The fact also of the yellow ground-colour of the flower of P. insigne Sanderae breeding true when selfed and giving rise to the rever- sionary, green ground when crossed with other yellow ground varieties may also have a similar explanation. Further evidence in regard to these cases is necessary and may soon be forthcoming. Fig. 43. — fruiting spray of cornus capitata (benthamia fragifera) from specimens supplied by colonel tottenham. (See page 83.) lings of P. callosum Sanderae might be dis- tinguished in the same way, thus (Cook- son 1), (Statter 1), and so on. In this way all the individuals of any particular albino could be distinguished for breeding purposes. The same principle might be applied to the tinged "albinos," which are equally inter- esting in their inheritance. The tinged " al- bino " P. insigne Sanderae will presumably be carrying both C and R, the dense sap colouring of the ordinary P. insigne being reduced to a dilute or ghost form, probably It is interesting to note that two such an- parently similar forms as P. insigne San- derae and P. insigne Sanderianum have such a different germinal constitution and give such opposite results in breeding. No doubt albino breeders in future will take care to use P. insigne Sanderianum as a parent in- stead of P. insigne Sanderae. At the same time, from the biological point of view, it is important to test all the yellow varieties, whether they be true albinos, tinged " al- binos " or coloured forms. C. C. Hurst. February 6, 1909 ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 83 NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. SOBRALIA ELISABETHS. On two occasions previously Mr. Thomas Humphreys, the Curator of the Botanical Gar- dens, Edgbaston, Birmingham, has forwarded to us flowers of a singular white Sobralia, which, being imperfectly developed and withered were not identified. Again, a complete growth and inflorescence is sent, and, although the only ■expanded bloom is slightly abnormal in structure, it is evident that it is Sobralia Elisa- beths of R. Schomb, in Vtrh. Befoerd. Garlcnb. Press. XV. (1841), 137 tt. 1, 2, the plant de- 31 nbed and figured being ''dedicated to H.R.H. l'rincess Elisabeth of Prussia." This species appears not to have been recorded as flowering pre- viously in Great Britain. It belongs to the racemose section, its flowers being borne in terminal, flexuose racemes furnished with lanceolate bracts, the lower of which is leafy and over 2 inches in length, the upper not so long. The stem is 3 feet in height, and furnished with distant lanceolate leaves, 5 or 6 inches in length. The inflorescence in the figure cited shows that nine flowers may be produced in succes- sion. In Mr. Humphrey's specimen four would be likely to develop. The expanded flower has ovate, acute petals and lanceolate sepals, both 2 inches long and white. The lip forms a tube over the columns, the front beuv.; expanded, emarginate, and crisped, white, with a chrome-yellow disc, and faint traces of rose lines from the base. The column, which is slender for the genus, has on each side an acute horn, which, in the specimen sent, is abnormally elon- gated and coloured yellow on the under-side. In point of beauty, it cannot compare with Sobralia ma- crantha and some other species, but it is highly interesting, among other points, in that it appears to be a white-flowered species, whereas the white Sobralia macrantha and most other white Sobralias are albinos of coloured species. In the original description the species is stated to be a native of Guiana. ture in many gardens of Cornwall and Devon, is a?so hardy in Ireland, Western Wales and Western Scotland, and will bear ordinary winters in other parts of the British Inlands. But it is really hardy only in the western counties, where it attains dimensions rarely equalled, I believe, in a wild state. In this journal for July 25, 1885, is an illustration of a group of trees in the garden of Mr. R. G. Lakes, Trevar- rickj.St. Austell, supposed to be the largest in this country. At that date, they exceeded 35 feet in height, and the trunk uf one was 5 feet in circumference at 3 feet from tin gTrJtfrfd. ('ornus capitata is very striking, both in flower and in fruit. It may be explained that what is usually called the flower of this tree is a collec- tion of small flowers, consolidated in a globose head, surrounded by an involucre of white or Fig. 4.4. -FLOWER OF CORNUS CAPITATA (DENTHAMIA fragifera) : WHITE. CORNUS CAPITATA (SYN. benthamia fragifera >. This handsome tree is the subject of many notes' and several figures in the Gardeners' Chronicle, from 1848 onwards. It is a native of the moun- tains of Northern India, from Kashmir to Khasia, and it extends into Burma and Western China, where it has been collected recently by Dr. A. Henry and Mr. E. H. Wilson. Lindley de- scribed and figured it in the Botanical Register, vol. xix., 1835, t. 1579, as a new genus, though Wallich had previously published it (Roxb. Fl. Jnd., vol. i., p. 434, and PI. Asial. Rar., vol. iii-. p. 10, t. 214) as a Cornus, and most botanists now agree in regarding it and two or three other species as constituting a section of that genus. Mr. W. B. Booth (gardener to Sir C. Lemon, of Carclow, Cornwall), furnished Dr. Lindley with the drawing' and history of the plant, which was reproduced in the place cited above. Sir Anthony Buller sent seeds to Mr. J. II. Tremayne, of Heligan, Cornwall, in whose garden plants were raised in 1825. Booth de- scribed it as a very handsome evergreen, flower- ing in great profusion during summer and pro- ducing- an abundance of large, globular, reddish fruits in autumn. Now it is a conspicuous fea- cream-coloured bracts an inch to an inch and a half long ; the whole having the appearance of a small Clematis. The fruit is yellow, with more or less red in it, and resembles a Straw- berry, hence the specific name, fragifera. In structure, however, it is more like the Mulberry. I .mi not aware that the fruit is eaten in this country, but Collett, Flora Simlensis, p. 220, '.< i :bes it as 1 to 2 inches in diameter, yellow, or, when ripe, tinged with red, and states that it is edible. Dr. Henry's Chinese collector de- scribed it to him as sweet and edible. < lornus Kousa (Benthanjia japonical, a closelv allied species, recorded as having been intro- duced into this country in 1847, is apparently a much hardier species ; vet it i» very rarely seen in gardens. A figure of a flowering branch i> given in this journal, vol. xix., 1896, p. 783, f. 135; and there is an illustration in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, n.s, vol. xxvii., p. 862, f. 194, representing a flower- ing specimen 13 feet high. From the description there given, this species should be grown where C. capitata will not succeed. A third species, C. Hongkongensis, described by the writer in the Journal of the Linnean Society, vol. xxiii., p 345, is not in cultivation. W . Batting Hems- ley. [The specimen figured on p. 82 is from Colonel Tottenham's gaiden at Ballycurry, co. Wicklow. This garden is celebrated for its col- lection of tender trees and shrubs. The flower illustrated in fig. 44 is interesting in that it shows a departure from the normal four-brac- teate state characteristic of the Order. — Eds.] WHORTLEBERRIES AND CRANBERRIES. (Continued from page 75.) V. padifolium (V. madekense). — Just inside the main entrance to Kew Gardens, on the out- skirts of a shrubbery, there has been growing for at least 65 years a specimen of this Vac- cinium. Sir Joseph Hooker saw it there in 1843. The species was first introduced from Madeira to this country by Francis Masson, in 1777, on his return from his collecting expedi- tion to the Cape of Good Hope. (Masson, it may be remembered, was the first— and one of the most successful— of the long line of plant collectors sent out from Kew.) This veteran plant is now 6 to 7 feet high. It is one of the very few woody plants from Madeira that can be termed hardy in this country ; at the moment I can only recall Genista virgata as another. The species is particularly interesting in a geo- graphical sense. Its closest ally is V. Arctosta- phylos, which is found in the Caucasus. So closely allied are they, indeed, that some au- thorities have made them forms of one species. This curious instance of geographical distribu- tion, together with the fact that several Indian forms of the Laurus family are also found in the Canary Islands, has led Sir Joseph Hooker to observe that they point to " Spain and the Atlan. tic islands being the isolated western homes of the fragments of a flora that once extended over Europe and North Africa, but now, through cli- matic changes, elsewhere expelled from those great continents." The theory is also supported by the existence of Rhododendron ponticum in Spain and Asia Minor, and in a wild state in none of the intervening countries. V. padifolium is a deciduous shrub in this country, but in Madeira it is a small tree, grow- ing at altitudes of 3,000 to 5,000 feet. Its leaves are 1 to 2 inches long, ovate-oblong, pointed, and minutely-toothed at the margin. The flowers are borne in leafy racemes, springing from the nodes of the previous year's growth, each flower pendant on a short stalk. The corolla is open bell-shaped, with five well-marked angular lobes, large for a Vaccinium, and yellow, tinged with rose. The berry is blue, and is said to make an excellent preserve. The species grows very well in the Abbotsbury gardens, Dorsetshire. V. pakvi folium.— It is doubtful if this species i^ now in cultivation, but, coming from Western North America, where it extends from North California to Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, it ought to be quite hardy in Great Britain. It is a shrub varying in height from 1 foot to 6 feet, with branches sharply angled, after the fashion of our native V. Myrtillus. Its leaves are like those of the Box, only smaller and thinner, being usually from \ to i inch long and oval. The corolla is globular and pinkish-white, the berry pale led and of an insipid flavour. V. pennsylvaxicum.— One of the dwarfest of the East American species, V. pennsylvanicum is also one of the most useful there as a fruit- bearer. It is a densely-branched shrub, and never appears to much exceed 1 foot in height, and is often only 6 inches or 9 inches high. In foliage and habit it resembles V. canadense, but is distinguished by its minutely-toothed and more acuminate leaves, and less pubescent twigs and leaves. The latter are quite narrow — from -J to | inch wide — and from J to li inches long. The flowers, which come in short, dense clusters, are white, tinged with red, and are followed b f berries covered with a blue bloom. In the Cnited States this is the earliest of the "Blue- berries " to ripen its fruits, which are sweet and very palatable. It is often found as a dense carpet on rocky ground, where there is but a bare covering of soil. According td Mr. Daw- son, of the Arnold Arboretum, it will grow under the shade and drip of trees — a useful quality if it retains it in this country. The species has some botanical affinity with V. corymbosum, but is readily distinguished by its dwarf habit, its 84 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1909. more open corolla, and by the more dense arrangement of the flowers. V. PENNSYLVANICTJM VAR. ANGUSTIFOLIUM. — A variety with even narrower leaves than the type — angustifolium — is found on the summits of the \Yhite Mountains of New Hampshire, and on the Adirondacks. V. stamineum. — Although but little grown in English gardens, this species is quite orna- mental. It is a native of Eastern North America, from Maine south to Florida. Mr. J. Dawson, commenting on its behaviour in the Arnold Arboretum, says that few hardy shrubs of its tribe are more beautiful, and that it is worth growing for cut flowers. It is deciduous, 2 to 4 feet high, of neat habit, with dark, dull-green leaves, glaucous below, 1 to 2J inches long, ellip- tical in outline, pointed, and thinner in texture than those of most Vacciniums. The racemes are distinguished by the leaf-like character of their bracts, in the axils of which many of the flowers are produced. The flowers are very abundant, and are rendered conspicuous by the bright yel- low stamens standing out beyond the white corolla. The berry varies in colour from green to yellowish-white. The species blooms at Kew about the end of May ; it was introduced to Eng- land in 1772. V. uliginosum. — This is the second deciduous British species, not so common as V. Myrtillus, but still widely spread over the North of Eng- land, Scotland, North and Central Europe, North Asia, and North America. It may be readily distinguished from V. Myrtillus by its obovate, entire leaves, and smooth, round stems ; and from V. Vitis-idaea by its deciduous leaves and black fruit. Like them, it has a creeping rootstock, and grows from 1 to 2 feet high, with smooth, dull-green leaves from i to 1 inch long. As in some foreign species, the flowers are pro- duced at the leafless termination of the previous year's shoots, above the point whence issue the shoots of the current year ; they occur singly or in clusters of two or three, and are pale red or white. The berries are as large as Black Cur- rants, black, covered with a glaucous bloom, and. although edible, produce headache and giddiness if eaten in large quantities. They con- stitute a valuable food for mountain game. V. vacili.ans. — A species from the Eastern United States, extending from New England to North Carolina. It is a shrub of stiff habit, sometimes less than 1 foot high, sometimes more than 4 feet. The leaves are of firm texture, en- tire, or very minutely-toothed towards the apex, and glabrous, except when young ; they are ovate or oblong, 1 to 2 inches long, with a mucronate apex. The flowers are produced in close clusters on leafless branches, the pink corolla being i inch long. The fruits are globular, black, covered with a blue bloom, and very sweet. V. Vitis-id^ea (The Cowberry). — The Cow- berry, as this evergreen species is often called, is well known on moors and mountains in the northern half of England, and in Scotland as far north and west as Sutherlandshire and the Hebrides. It is a low, evergreen shrub, almost always under 1 foot high, with a creeping root- stock. The stems are wiry, round, but little branched, and covered, when young, with a short, dark down. The Box-like leaves are obo- vate, dark shining green, and freely speckled with black dots beneath. It is the only ever- green British species. The flowers are crowded 5 to 12 together, on short terminal racemes, and appear in May and June. The corolla is open bell-shaped, rather deeply four-cleft, and either white or pink. The berries, which ripen between August and October, according to cli- mate, are red, and about the size of Red Cur- rants. They are eaten cooked in some parts of England, and in Northern Europe are used for making a jelly, and in various other ways. The species does not thrive in the hot Thames valley like it does in the cool north. Besides inhabit- ing North Europe and Asia, it is also found on the mountains of the Eastern United States. V. Vitis-id.ea var. major is a striking form, with larger leaves and berries ; whilst var. minor has smaller leaves than the type. W. J. Bean. (To be continued.) POINTS OF INTEREST IN THE AFFORESTATION REPORT. It being important that the facts and con- siderations on which the Royal Commission bases its report (see Gardeners' Chronicle, Janu- ary 23) should be widely known, we now give a short account of the chief conclusions reached by the Commission and of the evidence on which these conclusions are based. The original terms of Reference to the Royal Commission on Coast Erosion, July, 1906, were to inquire and report as to the encroachment of the sea on the coast, the damage caused, and preven- tive measures to be adopted ; whether further powers are necessary for local authorities or owners of property to enable them to give effect to schemes for protection of coasts and banks of tidal rivers ; whether any alteration of law as regards management and control of the fore- shore is desirable, and whether further facilities should be given for the reclamation of tidal lands. Additional reference, March, igoS. — Whether it is desirable to make an experiment in afforesta- tion as a means of increasing employment dur- ing periods of depression of the labour market, and, if so, by what authority and under what conditions such experiment should be con- ducted. The report under review deals with the last only of the subjects just enumerated, and hence may be termed the Afforestation Report. The principal conclusions (a'ready published in these pages) may be summarised thus: — Afforestation is practicable and desirable. Nine million acres are available for the pur- poses of afforestation. By planting at the rate of 150,000 acres per annum, temporary employment would be found during the winter months for 18,000 men, and as many would derive employment in incidental and subsidiary occupations connected with forestry. When the whole area had been planted permanent employment would be afforded to 90,000 men. The scheme should be on an economic basis : labour is available. The State should finance the scheme by means of a loan, and should en- trust its control to a Board of Commissioners. Afforestation will help to stem the tide of rural depopulation : being a new industry, it will not compete with private enterprise. Afforestation in the long run will prove an investment of profit to the State. Part I. — British Forestry Generally Considered. Percentage of forest land in various countries : Austria 32.6 Hungary 27.5 Germany 25.9 Belgium 17.3 France 17 Holland 7.9 Denmark 7.2 England ... ... ... ••• 5.3 Scotland 4.6 Wales 3.9 Ireland 1.5 Value of imported timber and timber-products, such as wood-pull), was, in 1907, £32,326,117. Of this sum, £20,127,943 was paid for timber (8,513,937 loads) imported from countries with climates like our own : Russia, Scandinavia, Germany, France, Canada, &c. The 9,000,000 acres of the Commissioners' scheme would, with our present forests, produce the amount now imported from countries with a temperate climate. Quality of Home-grown Timber. The reasons why home-grown timber is not, generally, of the highest quality, are many ; but they all may be summed up in " the lack of facility (in this country) for Forestry Educa- tion." Lack of proper education has led to im- proper methods of forest management. The too-open condition of our woodlands reduces their value for timber in two ways, viz., in yield and in quality. Open cultivation, though suitable enough for certain purposes, vis., ornamental effect, game preservation, and wind screens, and though not harmful in the case of certain trees, viz., Oak, Ash, and Larch, lowers the quality of the tim- ber in most cases, e.g., Beech, Common Spruce, and Silver Fir. The defects due to too-open cultivation are ex- cessive branching and hence, unduly knotted timber ; too rapid growth and, hence, abnor- mally broad-ringed wood ; short boles with ex- cessive taper. Well-shaded wood is, moreover, of better quality than that from the insufficiehtly shaded trees grown on our open woodlands. The Climate of this Country is Favourable. The variety of soil, together with the equable nature of our climate, admit of the cultivation in this country of many trees which can- not be grown in Central Europe. More- over, apart from theoretical considerations, there are many instances of successful results of British forestry ; results showing returns, 60 years from planting, of £43 per acre, representing a net profit of £15 per acre (Scots Pine) : in the case of Larch, a profit of £36 per acre 65 years after planting ; mixed wood, 75 to 80 years old, realised £157 per acre net, repre- senting a profit sufficient to give a rent of over £1 per acre per annum as contrasted with 7s. 6d., the value of adjoining land. The general conclusion oome to by the Commission is that timber growing has proved profitable in the past, and that with modern methods it may be made profitable in the future. In Germany, where systematic forestry has been practised for a century, the industry is pro- fitable, the net return being £1 12s. per acre. The Increased Prices of Timber will be Maintained. Timber is increasing in price, and during the past decade the cost of wood has risen from 20 to 50 per cent. This increase has been a, steady one and will continue. Felling has ex- ceeded planting, and the world's consumption of timber is increasing. The virgin forests of North America have been exploited, in many cases recklessly ; a " timber famine," that is, a shortage of timber, is a possible contingency. Even Canada is now importing certain classes of timber, e.g., Oak, Walnut, Hickory, &c. The* quality of timber has deteriorated. Part II. — Unemployed Labour in Relation to Afforestation. The reader of this summary should observe that the Commission, having concluded on general grounds in Part I. that afforestation is economically sound, passes on to survey the problem from another aspect altogether. We might put the point of view thus : — Afforestation is good : if it can serve to reduce unemployment then it is still better. Suitability of Afforestation for Un- employed Labour. Unemployment is of three kinds : chronic, sea- sonal, sporadic. Unemployment increases dur- ing the winter months, which is precisely the period when forest development demands most labour. The work of forestry varies from heavy digging to lighter operations. Though the weaker members of the urban unemployed would be scarcely suitable even for the lighter work, selected men from the ranks of townsmen out of work might be employed. Afforestation will find extra employment for the rural population during the winter months when the work on farms or holdings is slack. This actually occurs in France and Germany, where the permanent staffs of foresters are rela- tively small and they are augmented from rural workers when more labour is required. Thus, though not suited to the physique of certain sec- tions of the urban unemployed, afforestation, by taking a certain number of suitable men, will relieve, in a definite measure, the stress of un- emplovment. It is possible, in addition, to adjust the routine of an afforestation scheme vrithout February 6, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 85 detriment to that scheme in such a way that a larger acreage can be taken in hand during those periods of trade depression when unem- ployment is considerable. Beside making a real contribution to the un- employed problem, afforestation will help to fix men on the land, and thus to check thq exodus from the country to the towns; Estimating that much of the land which would be brought under tree cultivation now provides employment at the rate of one man per 1,000 to 2,000 acres, and that under forest it would pro- vide employment at the rate of one man per 100 acres of forest, it follows that if the land! were under forest it would maintain ten times the population now supported. Indirectly, in industries arising from the regu- lar and large supplies of timber available, work would be provided for a yet greater number. Part III. — Nature and Extent of Suitable Land. The kind of land which seems most suitable for afforestation is that classed as " Rough Mountain Land used for Grazing." Of such there are in Great Britain 13,000,000 acres. In Scotland over 3,500,000 are devoted to deer forests ; in Ireland " barren mountain land," together with " bog and marsh," amounts to 4,343,284 acres. But, of these lands, much lies too high for afforestation purposes. On the other hand, there are areas not included in the above which would support forests, viz., poor tillage land which has gone down to grass, and the dunes along the coasts. After considering all the evidence at their disposal, the Commission concludes that 9,000,000 acres are available in the British Isles, viz. : — England Scotland Ireland 2,500,000 acres. 6,000,000 acres. 500,000 acres. Part IV. — Administration : Afforestation a Task for the State. Not only are there fewer forests in Britain than in any European countries, but also there are fewer owned by the State. The evidence in favour of State ownership is overwhelming : the capital requirements, the long period over which no returns are to be ex- pected are deterrent to private enterprise. A beginning should be made forthwith, and compulsory powers of purchase should be ob- tained. Co-operation of land owners should not be excluded. The scheme should be admin- istered by special commissioners, the area to be devoted to afforestation being divided into dis- tricts. The authority should be central, and its powers should not be delegated to local authori- ties. In Ireland the Land Purchase Act pro- vides an opportunity for the acquisition of suit- able land. Part V. — Finance. Assuming that 150,000 acres are afforested an- nually for 60 years, and that one-third of the area is worked on a 40 years' and two-thirds on an 80 years' rotation : that cost of freehold and expenses of afforestation equal £13 6s. 8d. per acre : that administrative charges equal 4s. per acre : that re-afforestation equal £6 10s. per acre and rate of interest is 3 per cent., and allow- ing that thinnings begin to be of value after 20 years, the 40 years' rotation area yields £60 per acre at the end of 40 years, and the 80 years' rotation area £175 at the end of 80 years, then the annual deficit rises from £90,000 in the first to £3,131,250 in the 40th year. From the 41st to the 60th year the forests become self-sup- porting. The revenue increases from the 61st year up to the 81st year, when an approximate equalised revenue of £17,411,000 per annum will be realised. Further, the value of the property would then be £562,075,000, or £106,993,000 above cost. The equalised annual revenue of £17,411,000 repre- sents a yield of £3 16s. 6d. per cent, profit. So much for the gist of the scheme. We hope those of our readers who are interested in this important subject will procure the Blue Book giving tha full report. It may be obtained through any bookseller for sixpence, and pro- vides more interesting reading than most cur- rent literature. NOTICES OF BOOKS. * " Wax Craft." The apiary is such a general accessory to gardens, both large and small, that no apo'logy will be needed for introducing to the notice of our readers a book of some 170 pages bearing the above title. That the author is an authority on his subject may be inferred from the fact of his official position as chairman of the British Beekeepers' Association. He is, in addition, editor of the British Bee Journal and the author of several works on bee-keeping. The opening chapter deals with the history of beeswax and its early uses, and though the account is neces- sarily brief, it affords much interesting and in- formative reading. The second chapter shows how the wax is produced in the body of the working bee, and gives ihe composition of bees- wax as compared with vegetable waxes. Other chapters treat of the methods of wax ren- dering, refining, bleaching, &c. Though it is generally known that beeswax is imported into this country from various parts of the world, it is interesting to learn the prin- cipal sources whence the supplies are de- rived. These are as follow: — Abyssinia, Australia, Brazil, Chili, East Indies, France, Gambia, Hayti, Jamaica, Madagascar, Mauri- tius, Mombasa, Niger, Senegal, Turkey, and U.S. America. Waxes from these different sources vary considerably in colour and quality, and consequently in price. Some are nearly white, while others range in colour to almost black. The price varies from £6 to £8 per cwt. wholesale. Vegetable waxes are much used for the pur- pose of adulteration : for this the paraffins with! a high melting point are mostly chosen. Japan wax, derived from the small fruits of Rhus suc- cedanea, which comes into commerce in large, white or yellowish, hard cakes, when mixed with beeswax diminishes its malleability, render- ing it more brittle and lowering its melting point. Carnauba wax, which is a deposit secreted on the leaves of Copernicia cerifera, known as the Brazilian wax Palm, is collected by shaking the substance from the leaves and then melting it so as to form moulds or cakes. Much of this wax is, in its imported condition, of a dull greenish-yellow colour, but it becomes lighter in the process of refining. When added to beeswax, this substitute hardens and raises its melting point. Carnauba wax is im- ported into this country in increasing quantities, not only for candle making but for making phonograph and gramophone records. Another Palm-tree wax which is included under beeswax adulterants is that from Ceroxylon andicolum, from the Andes of Colombia. This is found not on the leaves, but as a flaky deposit on the trunks, from which it is easily scraped off. Its composition is similar to Carnauba wax, and it is used for making candles, for which purpose it is also used by the people of Colombia. Amongst other vegetable waxes classified by Mr. Cowan as adulterants of beeswax are those from the small berry-like fruits of several species of Myrica, chiefly M. cerifera and M. cordifolia, natives of North America and South Africa respectively. Sapium sebiferum, better known as Stillingia sebifera, also yields a soft white wax or tallow, which covers the seeds and is easily removed by steaming. In China it is much used for candle making, but owing to its soft nature it is mostly mixed with the insect wax of China, which is secreted by the insect Coccus Pe-la on the leaves and stems of Ligustrum lucidum and Fraxinus chinensis. This is extensively used by the Chinese, not only for candle-making but for other purposes. Common resin and mineral substances of an inflammatory nature, are also used for adulterat- ing beeswax. It will therefore be seen that bees- wax is one of the most extensively adulterated articles of commerce. The concluding chapters of the book are devoted to the various uses of beeswax, such as the making of candles, wax flowers, models, artificial fruits, &c. A list is also given of more than 100 preparations containing beeswax in some form. The book is illustrated by 17 full- page plates. * Wax Craft : A 11 about Beeswax : lis History, Pro- duction, Adulteration, and Commercial Value, by T. W. Cowan, (Sampson, Low, Marston & Co.) The Week's Work. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J. W. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Park London. Bowling greens. — The game of bowls is now •played with such science that the greens them- selves are required to be as perfect as possible. The turf must be of the finest texture and per- fectly elastic. The game is most popular in Scotland and in the North of England, where it is given every encouragement by most of the city and town corporations. In recent years the London County Council has constructed greens in nearly all the public parks under its control. In London the greens are made level, but in Yorkshire and Lancashire, I believe, they are made to fall several inches from the centre, or crown, to the sides or ditch. In some cases the fall is as much as 18 inches. The lawn I am going to speak about is one with a level surface. Such lawns vary in size, but one that measures 112 feet square can be recommended as most useful. It allows six rinks being played upon at one time, thus accommodating 48 players. A green of this size, being square, has an advan- tage over others, in the fact that it allows the game being played from any quarter of the green. When, by hard wear, the turf becomes worn near to the edges from which the players deliver their bowls, the play can be diverted to courses or rinks formed in a cross direction. It is primarily necessary that such lawns should be perfectly drained. If the subsoil is heavy clay, it must be drained with a pipe and rubble drain, or drains ; but, on the contrary, if the subsoil is of a sandy or gravelly nature, the ashes to be recommended presently will provide sufficient drainage to allow the surface water to pass away. A few years ago, I constructed a green on a gravelly subsoil. The method of procedure was as follows: — After the size of the ground had been properly marked out, the soil was re- moved to a depth of 9 inches. The soil thus re- moved was utilised to form a bank round the green 6 inches high, or even more. The inner edge of the raised bank had a slope of about 6 inches to enable the Grass to clothe its surface and retain its angular position from the pres- sure of the players' tread. After the re- moval of this soil, the greatest care was taken to see that there were no hollows or places where the ground was likely to sink more than in others. The whole area was consolidated as much as possible. When this had been done, rough ashes were spread over the ground to a depth of 8 inches, and the ashes were after- wards compressed by rolling and beating into a space of 6 inches deep. The surface of the ashes was made perfectly level. Around the outside of the green, a ditch 1 foot in width was left, and lined next to the turf with boards 5 inches deep by 1J inches thick. These were secured by wooden pegs placed at suitable inter- vals. Over and resting on the lining boards was a narrow lattice frame, which served to carry away any superfluous surface water, and to keep the bowls clean while play was in progress. This lattice frame was fixed slightly under the surface of the turf, so that there would be nothing to prevent the bowls from running into the ditch. Over the level surface of pressed ashes was spread an inch deep of good loamy soil. On this soil was laid turves, each turf cut 1 foot square and 2 inches in thickness. In this case, we made use of local turf, and, unfor- tunately, it contained some suckling Clover, which occasioned considerable trouble for some time afterwards. Eventually the Clover was eradicated, and the green is now as good as might be wished for, although it was made at a low cost. For expensive greens, turf is some- times conveyed hundreds of miles at great cost. But if ordinary turf is used, and proper at- tention afterwards given to rolling, mowing, and the supply of surface dressings, such Grass improves beyond expectations. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Susses. Rhododendron. — The planting of Rhododen- drons should be pushed forward in dry weather. Spread some peat, manure and leaf-soil evenly over the soil. Set out the plants over the ground 86 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1909. in the positions they are to occupy. In many cases special soil will have to be prepared, and it is better, therefore, to plant the bushes more thickly than is usually done. It is more econo- mical ; the plants have the benefit of each others shade over the roots, and when thinning is necessary owing to the growth of the bushes, transplanting can be effected easily. Rhodo- dendrons are all the better for being repeatedly shifted whilst young. They should be planted shallow and the soil should be well rammed. Where Rhododendrons are planted on sloping ground, provision must be made for watering them. This can be best done by making a sort of basin around the stems of the plants. Among some of the best garden varieties and hybrids are Concessum (rose-pink), Edward S. Rand (scarlet), Francis B. Hayes (white, with dark spots), Ascot Brilliant (blood-red), Countess of Clancartv (rose-crimson), Mrs. Tom Agnew (white, with yellow centre), Sappho (white, with maroon spots), Purity (white, with a faint yellow eye), Scipio (rose, 'with red spots), Mrs. W. Agnew (pale rose), George Hardy (white), Helen Waterer (white, with crimson margin), J. M. Brooks (scarlet, with brown spots), James Nasmyth (rosy-lilac, with maroon blotch), Kate Waterer (rosy-crimson, with yellow markings), Lady Eleanor Cathcart (rose, with chocolate spots), Marchioness of Lansdowne (pale rose, with black spots), Gomer Waterer, Marie van Houtte (white, spotted with light red), Cynthia, Michael Waterer (bright scarlet), Minnie (blush white, with chocolate spots), Mrs. Holford (sal- mon-pink), Pink Pearl, and Lady C. Walsh (red, edged with pink). The following varieties flower in April and May: — Broughtonianum (rose-red), caucasicum album, limbatum (white and crimson), Auguste van Gee:t (chocolate-col- oured), nobleanum (scarlet), Vesuvius (crimson- scarlet), and Prince Camille de Rohan (white and rose). Some of the best garden Rhododendrons are those which have been obtained from Hima- layan species, such as R. X kewense, Lus- combe's Scarlet, and Fosteri. Seed raising. — It is inadvisable to sow any seeds at present, unless it is absolutely neces- sary. Dahlia seeds may be sown in pots or pans or in seed trays. Dianthus, Lobelia, Polyan- thus and Primroses may be sown in a warm greenhouse or frame. Climbing plants. — Examine the climbing plants, whether deciduous or evergreen, care- fully pruning and training any that require at- tention in these matters. If any climbing plants have to be planted, the work should be done at once. Summer - flowering Chrysanthemums. — These may be propagated now, as there are plenty of growths on the old stools that may be used for cuttings. If a large number of plants is re- quired, the cuttings should be rooted in seed trays, and 50 cuttings can then be placed in one tray. When the cuttings have rooted they should be potted up singly into small pots and placed in a cool frame for a time. Lawns and paths. — Keep the lawns and paths neat in appearance by sweeping and rolling them frequently. Prepare soil for use in top- dressing tennis-courts, croquet ground and simi- lar places. A suitable mixture is one consisting of leaf-soil, loam, soot, lime and bonemeal. These should be well mixed together and turned several times. The compost should be kept dry and a top-dressing may be applied about the first week in March, covering the ground about one-eighth of an inch thick. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. The fruit room. — Examine the Apples at fre- quent intervals and remove any fruits which show signs of decay, laying the remainder out thinly over the shelves and benches. Keep the room cool, not too dry, and allow sufficient ventilation to sweeten the air. There have ibeen many complaints this winter that fruit has not kept well. Each season proves afresh the necessity of planting plenty of late varieties of both dessert and cooking Apples. Late Apples are always valuable, and for this reason the season should be lengthened as much is possible. Some of the best cooking Apples in use from this date onwards include Newton Wonder, Lane's Prince Albert, Alfriston, Chelmsford Wonder, Annie Elizabeth, Dume- low's Seedling (Wellington), Norfolk Beefing, and the newer variety, Royal Late Cooking. Dessert varieties include Allen's Everlasting, Sturmer Pippin, Court-Pendii-plat, Brown- lee's Russet, Cockle's Pippin, Lord Hindlip, and Claygate Pearmaiu. These varieties, if stored in a suitable place, will afford a supply of dessert fruits until very late in spring. The Loganberry (see fig. -15). — The Logan- berry is gaining popular appreciation, and it is being extensively planted in this country for market purposes. The plant is not at all par- makes extraordinary growth, and this circum- stance should be borne in mind when a site is being selected for its cultivation. In this gar- den the canes are trained on wire forming an arch over a pathway, the top of the arch being 10 feet high from the ground. The canes are planted on both sides of the arch, and they fill all the space on the wires. The foliage is ornamental in appearance and under this method of cultivation the fruit is fully exposed to the sun and air. It may not be possible to adopt this system in every case, but, whether or not, provision should be made for the whole length of the canes, for they usually fruit from top to base. FlG. 45. — THE LOGANBERRY. ticular as regards character of soil, and it is capable of growing well in positions where Raspberry canes will not succeed. In gardens where the Loganberry has not hitherto been planted, I would recommend that the plant be given a trial. It is not too late even now to make a plantation. Though not amongst the choicest dessert fruits, the Loganberry makes an excellent addition to culinary fruits. It is also suitable for bottling or for preserv- ing with sugar in the ordinary way. When the Loganberry has become well established it Blackberries. — There are several varieties of the Blackberry which are not only valuable for their fruits, but possess growths and foliage which are distinctly ornamental. Such varie- ties may very suitably be planted to run over old tree stumps, or to cover fences or low walls. The Parsley-leaved Bramble (Rubus laciniatus) is one of the best for this purpose. Wilson Junior is another variety bearing large fruits, but these only attain their best condition in favourable seasons, or in specially warm localities. February 6, 1909] THE GARD ENER S' CHRONl CL E. S7 THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Healing the houses. — At the time of writing frosts prevail, and, in all probability, for the next two months frosts will occur at intervals. During such weather every effort should be made to maintain proper temperatures in the houses by carefully regulating the heating ap- paratus. In some gardens, through an ineffi- cient he-ating apparatus and an insufficient sup- ply of piping, it is impossible to keep the houses at the proper degree of heat during the night-time without continuous hard firing. At such times, the pipes being extremely hot, the atmosphere of the house becomes more than ordinarily arid, and if such conditions are allowed to continue for long together, they will cause great deterioration in the health of the plants. On occasions when the pipes are already unduly heated, and the boiler power is insufficient to maintain a proper temperature till the morning, the grower may be led to damp the houses heavily with the view of re- ducing the temperature of the hot air. In such conditions, if a sudden fall m the temperature occurred before daylight, it would cause loss of foliage to some species, although no such harm would be likely to accrue if the temperature were low and the atmosphere comparatively dry. Everything should be done as far as possible to avoid overheating the pipes, even in the hottest houses, and a means to that end is to cover at least the lower part of the roofing with some thick, dry material. For this purpose Archangel mats, which can be rolled on at dusk and taken off in the morning at day- light, are suitable. In addition to these mats, I find the lath roller blinds very useful to roll down over them. These when securely tied not only greatly assist to preserve an equable tem- perature insirte, but will keep the mats from being blown off by wind. If at this time of the year, when the warmth from the sun is gradu- allv increasing, the temperatures at early morn- ing are loo low, the heat of the houses should be increased by small, sharp fires. so that, by the time the sun shines, the fires will have ceased to give much heat. If, unfortunately, there is a big fire when the sun shines on the house, then draw out a portion of the fire and cover the remainder with a thin coating of damp ashes. Should the weather be likely to become cold again after mid-day, the fires should be thoroughly cleaned and revived before the heat in the houses becomes low. It is advisable to see that the flues and ashpits are kept clean, and that the pipes are kept full of water at all times, so that the boilers may do their work properly. Every air tap in the pipes should be opened several times each day, especially last thing at night, and again at early morning The temperature of each division by night, as maintained bv fire heat, should be as follow : — The East Indian or warmest house, fioQ to 05° ; the Cattleya house, about 60° ; Mexi can and Intermediate nouses, 55° to GO" ; and the Odontoglossum or Cool house, about 50°. On very cold nights the temperature may be allowed to fall a few degrees below those given, and in mild weather it may be a trifle higher. Whenever the thermometer shows that the temperatures of the houses are below the figures indicated, the atmosphere should be con- siderably drier than at anv other time. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Herbaceous Calceolarias. — These plants may now be given their final potting. A suitable compost is one consisting of sandy loam with the addition of a little decayed cow manure. Do not give the plants too large a shift and, in potting, press the soil moderately firm. When the plants have been potted, place them on an ash, or gravel base in a cool house, where they will he exposed to the light but not to direct sunshine. Insect f-ests. — Every effort should be directed towards the completion of the plant-cleansing operations before milder weather occurs. In the warmer houses mealy bug may put in an appearance at any time, and in the intermediate and cooler houses the insects will be apt to leave their hiding places as the days lengthen. In all cases endeavour to destroy them before their numbers increase. Yellow-spathed Richardias. — Kichardia afri- cana has its white spathes already expanded, but R. Elliottiana and R. Pentlandii will not flower until a later date. The tubers having had a long resting period, may now be potted. The plants root very freely and therefore re- quire large pots. A suitable potting soil is one consisting of loam two parts and leaf-mould one part, with plenty of coarse sand or grit added to keep it porous. The use of fine gravel is also advantageous. The tubers should be planted rather low in the pots and the soil must not be rammed hard. These yellow species require more heat than R. africana. They should be given a position in full sun- light. No water will be required until the plants have started into growth, but after- wards copious supplies will be necessary. Anthurium. — The species and varieties which produce decorative spathes may now be over- hauled. Those which were repotted last year will probably merely require a little fresh sur- face soil. In cases where repotting is neces- sary the old soil should be washed from the roots in a pail of tepid water. Cut off any decayed roots and repot the plants into clean pots or pans which should be furnished with drainage material to one-third their depth. Let the potting compost consist of fibrous peat and loam, broken somewhat roughly, pieces of char- coal and plenty of silver sand. Keep the crown of the plant well above the rim of the flower- pot, and arrange the composl around the roots with the hand. A potting stick should not be used. A few pieces of fresh, living Sphagnum- moss should be inserted with the top laver of soil. Leggy plants may be shortened with ad- vantage by cutting off a portion of the base, but taking care to retain a few fibrous roots. Anthuriums which have ornamental foliage are so susceptible to draughts and changes of tem- perature when forming new leaves, that it is better not to ex< ite them into growth for some time longer. \\ hen, however, they commence to grow naturally they will need treatment similar to that recommended for those having ornamental spathes. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Froginore. Queen Pineapples. — Prepare a pit for the suckers which were rooted last season. These young plants must now be potted and started into growth in order that they may have suffi- cient time to make strong fruiting plants for next year. They will need to be plunged into a bed of Oak leaves about 4 feet in depth having a temperature of 80° or 85''. If the leaves have been lying in a heap for some time already there will be a little warmth in them and this will be an advantage. Build up the bed in layers and tread each layer well, making the bed of a uniform firmness throughout. The bed should be made of such a height that when the plants have been plunged they will be as near to the glass as is possible without risk of injury. The compost used in potting should be a rich, friable loam from which the fine soil has been shaken. Add one 8-inch potful of J- inch bones and a 6-mch potful of soot to each barrowload of loam. If the — . . i 1 i~ inclined to be heavy a little charcoal may also be added with advantage. The compost must be thoroughly warmed before potting is commenced. The plants should be put into 10-inch or 12-inch pots according to the strength of the individual plants. Each pot must be well drained and the soil must be made firm. Any other plants re- ■ | lining to be repotted should be given atten- tion. They will need a hot-bed as in the case of the Queen Pines, and they must be potted in a similar manner. No water need be applied until fresh roots have been made. The atmo- sphere of the house, however, must be kept moist by frequently damping the walls and other surfaces. The plants themselves may be syringed frequently. Excepting on very cold nights, the temperature may be kept at 70°. Make full use of any sunshine that occurs during the day, but admit air only on very favourable occasions. Charlotte Rothschild and Smooth Cayenne Finn . ■ — Although these varieties may be grown suc- cessfully in pots they succeed better and give less trouble if planted out in a bed. The sys- tem practised here for many years was to plant two batches of plants each year, one in March and the other in September. This method produced a supply of fruits almost all the year round. Preparations for putting out the spring plants should commence at once, so that the hot-bed and soil may become warmed before planting is commenced. The hot-bed should not be less than 5 feet in depth. The compost may consist of roughly-chopped loam, crushed bones and soot in the san.e proportions as I have mentioned for the Queen variety. Make the soil quite firm by treading. It should be about 1 toot in depth when finished. Plant the suckers about 2 feet apart each way. Shade them from the sun until thev have become established in the new soil ; syringe them two or three times a day during bright weather. Keep the atmosphere of the house constantly moist by damping the floor and other surfaces. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicarv Gibbs Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Onions.— Young plants raised from seed sown early last month will now require to be pricked off into other boxes of medium depth. Plenty of drainage material should be placed in them, and this drainage should be protected by plac- ing the coarser parts of the compost over it to prevent fine soil from washing down. The compost should consist of two parts of light fibrous loam (well pulled to pieces with the !i' nds), one part of well-decayed leaf-mould, and one part horse-droppings, obtained from an old Mushroom bed. The leaf-mould and horse-droppings should be passed through a sieve with a i-inch mesh. Add sufficient road grit or river sand, according to the nature of the loam, to render it porous. All these ingredients should be thoroughly mixed, and care should be taken to see that it is in a sufficiently dry state to prevent caking when pressed firmly together. Carefully lift the young plants with a pointed stick, preserving the roots intact as far as pos- sible, and plant them with a small dibber, put- ting them 3 inches apart every way. Make the soil very firm. Prevent the seedlings receiving a check from chill. It is best to perform this work in a structure where the heat is similar to that in which the plants are growing. After applying a thorough watering with tepid water, place the plants as near the glass as possible. They may be syringed very lightly two or three times during the day. The temperature should never be allowed to exceed 60° ; 55° is sufficient. Autumn-sown Onions. — These succeed best when raised in a seed bed and transplanted to well-prepared ground. The transplantation should be accomplished as soon as the weather is favourable. Being perfectly hardy plants, their roots will commence to grow provided the ground is not frosty. Thanks to the severe frosts, ground w-hich has been heavily manured and thoroughly trenched will now be in splendid condition for breaking down. A few days before the planting is done the surface should be pointed over with a fork, adding a good dusting of lime and soot, after which the surface should be raked finely. Place the plants at distances of 12 inches from each other, leaving 15 inches between the rows. White Emperor and White Leviathan, both excellent and distinct white- skinned varieties, are desirable sorts for early use, and Giant Red and Lemon Rocca are excel- lent varieties for affording late supplies. Parsnip. — This vegetable requires a long sea- son of growth, therefore, wherever possible, the seed should be sown some time during the pre- sent month. If the weather is unfavourable, it may only be advisable to sow yet on light soils. Unless the soil is a very suitable one, exhibition specimens can only be cultivated by boring holes at least 2 feet 6 inches deep with an bar, and filling these holes with finely-sifted material, such as the soil obtainable from be- neath the potting bench. The rows should be planted 18 inches to 2 feet apart. There are several excellent varieties of Parsnips, but the best is Tender and True. Celery. — Make a very small sowing of an early and quick maturing variety of Celery. The seeds should be sown in pans and: placed in a gentle heat. 88 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1(jC9. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of 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 punted, 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 Editer docs not hold himself responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations. - The Editor will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, Jlowers, trees, &c, but he. cannot be responsible for lossor 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. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8— United Hort. Ben. & Prov. Soc. Com. meet. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9— Ann. meet. Roy. Hort. Soc. (Competitive Classes for late dessert Pears). Hort. Club Ann. meet, and Dinner. British Gard. Assoc. Ex. Council meet. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10— Perpetual-flowering Carnation Soc. Annual meet, at Hotel Windsor, 4 p.m. Croydon & District Hort. Soc. Annual Dinner. THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 11— London Branch B.G.A. Lecture on Kew Gardens. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12— Roy. Gard. Orphan Fund Ann, meet, and Election of Orphans, at Simpson's, Strand. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 39°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, February 3 (6 p.m.): Max. 54°; Min. 43". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. — Thursday, February 4 (10 a.m.): Bar. 298; Temp. 59°; Weather— Fine. Provinces.— Wednesday, February 3 (6 p.m.): Max. 53" Cambridge; Min. 49° Lincolnshire. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY— Herbaceous and Border Plants, Hardy Bulbs, Lilinms, Azaleas, &c, at 12; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. WEDNESDAY— Perennials and Border Plants, Liliums, Bulbs, &c, at 12; Roses and Fruit Trees at 1.30; thous- ands of Bulbs, Plants, &c, at 11.30; 784 cases Japanese Liliums, &c, at 1, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.G., by Protheroe & Morris. New Sources of Nitrogen. Since the investigations of Liebig, Boussingault, Lawes and Gilbert, during the first half of last century, into the nature and sources of the elements neces- sary for the nutrition of plants, the great im- portance of an adequate supply of nitrogen has become fully recognised by all who are concerned with the cultivation of the land. Among plant-food constituents nitrogen may be said to take first place, being at once the most costly, and, under the ordinary condi- tions which prevail in the garden or on the farm, the most effective element for increas- ing the yield of all kinds of crops. Without the constant addition of an abundant supply, either in the form of organic material such as dung, or as nitrate of soda or other chemi- cal fertiliser, the cultivation of field and gar- den produce rapidly becomes unprofitable. All kinds of plants, with the exception of those belonging "to the leguminous class, take up the nitrogen which they require from the soil in a combined state, almost entirely as a nitrate of lime, soda, or some other base. Even before the nitrogen in the farmyard manure and other organic substances be- comes available for the nutrition of crops, it is changed into nitrates by the activity of special soil bacteria. Unfortunately, from all cultivated land there goes on a constant drain of this ele- ment, and not more than 75 per cent, of it added in manures is ever recovered in the crops, even under the most favourable condi- tions. On account of the soluble nature of nitrates they are rapidly washed out of the soil into the drainage-water, especially in winter, when no plants are present to absorb them, and a certain amount is decomposed with the formation of free nitrogen gas, which escapes into the air and is lost. Large amounts are removed in the crops, and as these or the products derived from them are transported into towns and other areas away from the land which produces them, it will be readily understood that soils which have been cultivated for centuries have been undergoing a process of gradual exhaustion of one of their most important constituents. The de- mand for supplies of nitrates, which has in- creased to an enormous extent both in the Old and New Worlds during the last 30 or 40 years, becomes intelligible after considera- tion of the points just mentioned, and the spread of intensive methods of cultivating the land is destined to increase the demand. About 1830 nitrate of soda was intro- duced from Chili and Peru, and since that date it has tended to stave off the nitrogen famine and keep up the crop returns. In 1S60 it was assumed that the deposits would last for more than 1,500 years at the rate at which the fertiliser was then being used, but an increase of population and a great exten- sion of cultivated areas along with increased intensive management of the soil have falsi- fied the prediction. The world's markets are now consuming ih millions of tons of nitrate of soda per annum, and the exhaustion of the present source of supply is well within sight ; a few decades will see an end of it. Tempor- ary checks to the development of a nitrogen famine have been made by the addition of sulphate of ammonia to the list of fertilisers supplying this all-important ingredient, but no permanent alteration in the growing need for it could be expected from either of these materials. That the food supply of the increasing population is bound up with the discovery of some new source of nitrogenous plant-food has become more and more evident, and the existence of a practically unlimited amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere has fired the imagination of scientific men and stimulated persistent research into the question of the conversion of the free nitrogen of the air from its inert gaseous condition to a com- bined state suited to the needs of all crops. The efforts to utilise this constituent of the atmosphere for the production of a nitrogen- ous plant-food on an economical scale have been crowned with success during the last three or four years, and at the present mo- ment two new fertilisers are being placed on the market. One of them, calcium cyana- mide, introduced under the trade name of " Nitrolin " is obtained by heating the pure nitrogen of the air with calcium carbide (the well-known material used in bicycle lamps) in an electric furnace; the nitrogen is ab- sorbed by the carbide, and calcium cyanamide is produced. It is a fine powder, somewhat like basic slag, containing 20 per cent, of com- bined nitrogen, an amount equal to that in the best samples of sulphate of ammonia. It contains also a certain amounl of lime, which is of benefit upon soils deficient in that ma- terial. In comparative trials with sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda upon Potatos, Cabbages, Wheat, Mangels, as well as many garden crops, it has proved itself an excellent substitute for these manures. Since it is liable to check germination and damage seedling plants, it is best applied to the land 10 to 14 days before sowing seeds. The application may be made at the rate of icwt. to 2cwt. per acre, and when intended for use as a top-dressing it should be mixed 10 to 14 days before application with one to four times its weight of finely-divided soil. Like sulphate of ammonia, it does not act immediately upon crops, but must first be nitrified or changed into a nitrate in the soil. It is adapted for use in all kinds of land, with the exception of those of an acid cha- racter or on light sands where the nitrifying bacteria are not abundant. The other product whose nitrogen is ob- tained from the air is calcium nitrate, a com- pound which is certain to become a formid- able rival of all nitrogenous fertilisers, and, with " Nitrolin," is destined to have a far- reaching effect on the production of the world's crops. As far back as 1786 Caven- dish discovered that the combination of the nitrogen and oxygen of the air can be brought about by the passage through it of an electric spark. This fact has never been lost sight of by chemists and engineers, but its practical and economic application have not been attained until recently. Several methods of bringing about this chemical combination on a large scale are now known, but the process which is apparently giving the best results is that devised by Birke- land and Eyde in Norway. The union of the gases occurs in a specially-constructed elec- tric furnace, the oxides of nitrogen being afterwards passed into water, and the nitric acid formed subsequently combined with limestone. The nitrate of lime produced is sent into commerce 75-77 per cent, pure and containing 13 per cent, of nitrogen — about 2 percent, less than in nitrate of soda. It is a brownish substance without smell, very sol- uble in water and as active as nitrate of soda upon plant growth. Experiments both in this country and abroad have shown that its nitrogen is quite as efficient, unit for unit, as that in the latter manure, and on soils defici- ent in lime it is likely to be more effective. The prophetic statement by Sir William Crookes that starvation may be averted through the laboratory, and his suggestion, that the production of electricity at a cost suf- ficiently low to make the manufacture of nitrates from the air a commercial success may be attained through the utilisation of water power, are now being realised. The danger of a nitrogen famine and its conse- quent bearing upon the growth of human food cereals has been removed by these new achievements of the chemist and engineer. The first factory for the manufacture of calcium cyanamide was erected at Piano d'Orte in Italy, but others have been esta- blished in Austria, Germany and France. The February 6, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 89 North-Western Cyanamide Co. 's works are situated at Odda, near the southern end of t lie Hardanger Fjord in Norway, and from this centre the new fertiliser will be supplied to the United Kingdom and its colonies and the greater part of north-western Europe. Nitrate of lime is manufactured by the Nor- wegian Hydro-Electric Co. at Notodden, in Telemarken, the energy for the electrical power being obtained from a neighbouring waterfall. The output of the factory is at present about 20,000 tons per annum, but in less than two years, when a new factory will be in working order, with power derived from the Rjukan Falls — the largest in the country — the production will be increased to 100,000 tons per annum. The question of cost will largely determine the use to which the new fertilisers will be put. The unit of nitrogen in each is practically the same as in nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia, but the new- products have a valuable asset in them in the form of lime, and with new improvements in the process of manufacture and a reduction in the cost of production a substantial lower- ing of price may reasonably be expected. In the meantime we can confidently recommend both of these products for trial in the garden during the coming season. Our Supplementary Illustration repre- sents Angraecum Augiistuiii. Rolfe. This re- markable new species was shown by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, K.C.V.O. (gr. Mr. W. H. White), at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on July 21, 1908, when the Orchid Com- mittee gave it an Award of Merit. Botanically, it stands nearest to A. Kotschyi, although in habit it is not like that species. A. Augus- tum has thick, fleshy leaves which are light- green and slightly glaucous. The flowers are pure white, with pale greenish spurs tinged with brown at the tips. The species is a native of North-east Rhodesia, and plants were sent to Sir Trevor Lawrence by Mr. Augustus Old. Royal Horticultural Society The next meeting of the Committees of this Society will be held on Tuesday the 9th inst. The annual general meeting of Fellows will take place at 3 o'clock p.m. British Gardeners' Association. — The next meeting of the London Branch of this Asso- ciation will be held at Carr's Restaurant, Strand, on Thursday, February 11, at 7.30 p.m. Mr. C. H. Curtis will deliver a lecture on " Kew Gardens " ; the lecturer's remarks will be illus- trated by lantern views. All professional gar- deners are invited to attend the meeting. Royal Horticultural Society of Aber- deen.— The annual exhibition will be held on August 19, 20, and 21, in the Duthie Public Park, Aberdeen, the exclusive use of which for the three days has again been generously granted by the Town Council. Among the prizes offered are two challenge cups and nearly a score of medals. Mr. J. B. Rennett, 231a, Union Street, Aberdeen, is the secretary, and he will be pleased to furnish further particulars to in- tending exhibitors. Aberdeen University. — The Dickie prize in botany at the Aberdeen University — the income of £100 granted by Professor Trail in 1902— has been awarded Miss A. M. Russell for a collection of 300 specimens gathered within 10 miles of St. Cyrus. "The Botanical Magazine.'' — The February number of this magazine contains descriptions and illustrations of the following plants : — Alpinia bracteata, tab. 8237. — This Zingi- beraceous plant most resembles A. nutans, which is readily distinguished by its more com- pound inflorescence, and A. Henryi, which has the indumentum on the rachis more silky in texture. The species was introduced to Euro- pean cultivation in 1820, and a plant flowered at Kew in 1864. The plant now figured was raised at Kew from seeds received from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Culcutta, in 1882. It flowered for the first time in a tropical house genus Oligobotrya is intermediate between Smilacina, of which it has the habit and the terminal inflorescence, and Polygonatum, with which it agrees in having a gamophyllous perianth. This Liliaceous plant from China should be cultivated in a shady and moist bor- der consisting of leaf-mould and peat. The plants grow about 3 feet high, and at Messrs. Veitch's Coombe Wood Nursery they succeed when treated in a similar manner to hardy Cypripediums. Eranthemum Wattii, tab. 8239. — This Acan- thaceous plant (see fig. 46) was included in the Kew Handlist of lender Dicotyledons, 1899, page 225, as Daedalacanthus parvus (C. B. i vj>c C/^k.' Fig. 46. — eranthemum wattii (d.edalacanthus parvus). in May, 1908. The plant grows as high as 7 feet and produces terminal racemes of white or pinkish flowers having a reddish-purple blotch in the interior of the labellum. The tip of the labellum is shaded with yellow. Like all Alpinias, the plant requires to be cultivated in a tropical aquatic house, where the soil about the roots can be kept in a mud-like condition while the stems are exposed to abundant sun- shine. Oligobotrya Henryi, tab. 8238. — Mr. C. H. Wright describes two varieties of this species. The typical variety has yellowish flowers, and the variety violacea is violet coloured. The Clarke/, and in our own pages Octo- ber 25, 1902, page 311, the species was illustrated under the same name. In the Gardeners' Magazine, 1901, page 644, Colonel R. H. Beddome described the plant as Daedalacanthus Wattii, this being the first de- scription published. Dr. Staff has now found it necessary to place this species and Justicia nervosa in the genus Eranthemum. E. Wattii grows from 8 to 10 inches high : it has ovate leaves and paniculate spikes of purple or violet- coloured flowers, both purple and violet-coloured flowers being produced on the same spike. It is a warm-house plant and should be raised 90 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1909 from spring-struck cuttings each year. If the tops are pinched back during the growing sea- son the plants will quickly form shapely little pot-shrubs and flower freely. This species is at its best in July and August. 1'ixus Bungeaxa, tab. 8240 (see Gard. Chron., 1882, vol. 18, page 8, figs. 1 and 2).— This species is most nearly allied to P. Gerardiana. These two species and P. chihuahuana and P. I.umholtzii form a small group which the late Dr. Masters looked upon as distinct from the other species of the genus, owing to the de- ciduous leaf-scales and the leaves being in bundles of three with minutely-serrulate mar- gins. Sorbus Vilmorinii, tab. 8241. — This species is said to be very distinct from the other species of the genus now in cultivation. It is a native of Szechuan and Yunnan in South-western China. Schneider, in Bull. Herb. Boiss., 1906, ser. 2, vol. vi., p. 317, recognises two varieties of S. Vilmorinii, the typical variety which is now figured in the Botanical Magazine, and a variety called setschwanensis. This latter variety has smaller and more numerous leaflets than the type which approaches so closely to S. micro- phylla, a native of Sikkim, that it might readily be regarded as a geographical form of that species. S. Vilmorinii is a shrub 10 to 20 feet high. It has slender, unequally-pinnate leaves. The inflorescence is few flowered ; the flowers are about one quarter inch across, and the fruit is globose-red and about one-third of an inch in diameter. The Masters Lectures. — Fellows will remember the intimate connection with the Society of the late Dr. Masters, F.R.S., who did much for horticulture by draw- ing constant attention to the various ways in which scientific discovery and research might be made serviceable to gardening ; and it will also be remembered that a fund was estab- lished by subscription to perpetuate his memory in connection with the Society, and to carry on in some degree his work of science in relation to gardening. " The Masters' Lec- tures " have accordingly been founded, and the first two are to be given during 1909 by Pro- fessor Hugo de Vries, of Amsterdam, on (a) "Masters' 'Vegetable Teratology'" (June 22), and (b) " The Production of Horticultural Varieties" (September 28). Extract from Report of Royal Horticultural Society for iqoS. County Lecturers in Ireland. — Mr. Wilfred Mark Webb, F.L.S., has recently been acting as external examiner in agricultural botany to the Royal College of Science, Dublin, for the Department of Agriculture and Tech- nical Instruction for Ireland. Most of these third year students will become county lecturers. "Geo. Monro Ltd." Concert Committee. - — The thirteenth annual concert will be held on Thursday, February 25, at the large Queen's Hall, Langham Place. Mr. Geo. Monro will preside. This annual concert is held for charit- able objects. We have before us the statement of accounts for the last event, which took place on February 20, 1908. The total receipts, in- cluding a balance of £46 14s. 5d., amounted to £279 17s. 8d. Donations were given to the following charitable institutions: — Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, 15 guineas ; Wholesale Fruit and Potato Trade Benevolent Society, 10 guineas ; Surgical Aid Society, 6 guineas, , Charing Cross Hospital, 5 guineas ; Royal Ophthalmic Hospital, Covent Garden Life- boat Fund, and George Monro Ltd., Outing Fund, 3 guineas each ; and to George Monro Ltd., Pension Fund, 4 guineas. The remaining sum was expended on the arrangements for the concert, except for cash in hand amounting to £61 10s. 9d. We are informed that the forth- coming event will be equal to any of its pre- decessors, and we hope that many of our readers will attend the function. The Leeds Parks. — The staff of the Leeds parks dined together on the 24th ult., their guests including Mr. S. F. Witham (chairman), Alderman Carter, Councillors Hinchliffe, Owen, and Wadsworth. In submitting various toasts the visitors congratulated Mr. A. J. Allsopp and his staff on the condition of the parks and recreation grounds of the city, and also spoke in praise of the floral decorations carried out from time to time at the Town Hall. Lincolnshire Potatos for America. — It is reported in the Times that in the Holbeach district of»Lincolnshire, which is one of the largest Potato-growing areas in England, heavy consignments of Potatos are being loaded for despatch to America. At Holbeach rail- way station alone the average weekly tonnage despatched is about 1,000 tons, and sometimes as many as 350 to 400 tons are sent away in one day. The Potatos are principally brought from the Holbeach Marsh district. The price the farmers are securing for the consignments sent to America works out at about 35s. per ton, and the duty payable is 37s. 6d. per ton. A very large quantity of Potatos from the dis- trict are also being sent to the London and provincial markets. A Pruning Competition. — The Madresfield Annual Pruning Competition took place on the 30th ult. in the Home Farm Orchards, near Malvern. There were 20 competitors in two classes. Class A was arranged for pupils who have just taken one week's course of instruc- tion given by a qualified instructor upon various kinds of fruit trees growing in the widely dif- ferent districts covered by the club's area, which embraces a large portion of the western or fruit-growing districts of the county of Wor- cester. Twelve pupils, including several farmers' sons, entered the competition. Con- sidering that it is impossible to learn the art of correct pruning in a week, the work was fairly well done. The Technical Instruction Committee allow 3s. per day to each satisfac- tory pupil, and a good " Saynor " pruning knife is given them in addition to the club's prizes of 20s., 10s., and 5s. respectively. Class B was open to men who had taken previous instruction and others who were nominated by members as capable men at the work. Each man was allotted three trees, previously selected as uniform as possible, and numbered before- hand by the appointed stewards. A ballot took place and the men drew numbers from a hat to correspond with the trees. Thiee hours were allowed to complete the work. The stewards had power to suspend any competitor who showed incapacity or unfairness. The judge based his awards from a fruit-grower's stand- point. He commended the work that was done, and said if there were more organisations of a similar kind in fruit-growing districts the quality of the fruit supply would be improved. Beneficial Parasites. — Among the most interesting of the methods of experimenting in the destruction of insect pests is that which has been practised in various parts of the world, notably in America, and which consists in the introduction into the region suffering from a given pest of some parasitic enemy of that pest. This is, in effect, a bold effort to upset the balance of Nature, and one which, though it may be fraught with a certain measure of risk, seems the only course likely to prove effectual where a pest is well established and wide- spread. Experiments of this kind are being conducted on a large scale by the entomological staff of the territory of Hawaii (Fourth Report, Board, of Commissioners of Agriculture anj Forestry, igoy). Thus there have been intro- duced into Hawaii colonies of parasitised (diseased) Orange aphis from California. From the diseased aphides large numbers of the para- site (Trioxys !) have been bred ; but it has not yet been determined whether the parasite attacks the species of aphis common in the country. Similarly, ladybirds from Mexico have been in- troduced in the hope — not at the time of writing demonstratably fulfilled — that they would attack the Avocado mealy-bug (Pseudococcus nipae . In other cases, as, for instance, in that of the Arizona dung-fly parasite, breeding operations have been undertaken on the parasite, and it has been demonstrated that it — the natural enemy of the dung-fly — has established itself in the home of its enforced adoption. The parasites, bred and set at liberty, were discovered subsequently in distant parts of the country, and where they were observed to be present the cattle appeared to suffer less than elsewhere from the attacks of the dung-fly, thereby supplying ground for the belief that the parasite of the fly was making its presence felt in the desired way, viz., by at- tacking the fly, its natural prey. There is cer- tainly scope in our own country for cautious experiments along these lines, and we venture to hope that, at all events, some of our imported pests may ultimately be exterminated by im- ported parasites. The Care and Preservation of Street Trees. — Anyone travelling in this country must be impressed by the marked differ- ence with respect to trees and avenues which different towns present. Though it is a matter for congratulation that during re- cent years much has been done to beautify our towns by tree-planting ; yet the fact remains that much more might be done, both in this direction and also in the care of town trees. Where, for example, shall we find in England a sight to rival that presented by the trees of the Champs Elysees in May? How many of our towns can compare as regards trees with the German pro- vincial towns? We could wish that the Bulletin (No. 256) issued by the College of Agriculture of Cornell University might get into the hands and the contents into the heads of those municipal authorities who have failed to appreciate the im- portance of tree-planting as a means of conceal- ing the stark ugliness or dreary monotony of much modern architecture, and, as we venture to think, of increasing the healthiness of towns. The Bulletin deals in simple fashion with such matters as the dangers to which town trees are liable ; the proper mode of planting, protecting, and pruning, and the modes of " renovating " old trees. A similar pamphlet should be drawn up by seme competent authority and distributed broadcast throughout this country. This is a subject to which the local horticultural colleges might well devote some attention. St. Gallen.— The Naturalists' Society of the cantor. St. Gallen have resolved to form an Alpine garden. They have selected the Alp Oberkamor, at Hohen Kaslen, at an altitude of 1,650 to 1,750 metres. At present it is covered with a Conifer plantation, and presents interest- ing groups of rocks, well adapted for the pur- pose. The garden will not only afford a picture of the entire Alpine flora of the country, but it will form a preserve for those rare Alpine species which are becoming scarce even on the Alps. February 6, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 01 Veitch Memorial Medallists. — At a recent meeting of the Veitch Memorial Trustees, it was decided to offer Gold Medals to the Uev. W. Wilks, M.A., Secretary, and Mr. W. Marshall, V.M.H., Chairman of the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, for valuable services rendered to horticulture. The following prizes of a medal and £5 each were also offered: — To the Royal Horticul- tural Society for the best group of Orchids at the Te».iple Flower Show, not exceeding 75 feet, and staged by an amateur who has never taken a medal at either the Temple or Holland House Flower Shows ; to the Cardiff and County Horticultural Society for the best exhibit by an amateur, of 12 distinct varieties of cut sprays of hardy flowering shrubs (cut) ; and to the National Rose Society for compe- tition at their exhibition in July next. At the >ame meeting, Mr. J. Douglas, of Great Book- ham, was elected a trustee in the place of the late Mr. G. NICHOLSON. The Use of Sulphate of Ammonia. — The following facts and figures relate to the manu- facture and consumption of sulphate of am- monia during the past year (1908). According in Messrs. Bradbury & Hirsch's ft,z'i,7c o) the Market for Sulphate of Ammonia during iqoS, the amount manufactured in the United Kingdom was 314,000 tons, of which slightly more than one half (164,000 tons) was produced in gas- works. Of this total it is estimated that no less than 235,000 tons were exported (roughly, two- thirds of the total manufacture), and that only 83,000 Ions were retained in this country. The countries which take the largest quantities of sulphate of ammonia from us are, in 1908: — Spain and Portugal, 51,000 tons; Japan, 38,000 tons; France and Germany, about 24,000 tons each. When it is remembered that large quan- tities of nitrate of soda are also used both in this country and abroad, some idea is obtained of the greatness of the effort which the modern world is making to satisfy the " nitrogen-hun- ger " of the soil. Fungus Pests. — We have received from Cornell University several new bulletins issued by the Agricultural Experiment Station of the College of Agriculture. These bulletins form valuable additions to the series of publications issued by this University. Bulletin '.io. 253 deals with the black-rot of Grapes and its con- trol ; No. 255 with Bean anthracnose. The loss caused by the black-rot fungus (Guig- nardia bidwellii) appears to have increased con- siderably in recent years in the State of Xew York. From comprehensive experiments made under the direction of the Professor of Horticul- ture, Mr. John Craig, it is concluded that no better remedy exists than Bordeaux mixture. In one series of experiments thorough spraying re- duced the loss by 80 per cent. Several sprayings are recommended, the first when the third or fourth leaf is showing ; second with the same mixture when the blossoms are showing; third soon after the flowers have fallen. If further -prayings are required when the berries are swelling, ammoniacal copper carbonate should be used instead of Bordeaux, since the former Fungicide does not discolour the Grapes. Bean Anthracnose or pod spot is due to the fungus Colleototrkhum lendemuthianum, which affects the whole plant except the roots, and at the time of fruit formation appears as canker-like spots in the pod and also on the Bean-seeds themselves. Infected seeds give rise to infected plants ; the first sign of disease being small black cankers on the seed- leaves. Since the fungus causing the disease occurs within the tissues of the seed, no external application of fungicides to the seed is effective. It is, of course, easy to lull the fungus by poison, but the seed is also killed. Similarly and for the same reason spraying the young plants is useless. The remedy, or rather the prevention, of the disease appears to rest with the seed- raiser. It is shown that if, in seed-saving, he will reject all pods showing sign of anthracnose, he will save only clean seed, and such clean seed will give clean plants. We cannot speak too highly of the excellence of these bulletins. They are lucid, admirably illustrated, and emin- ently practical. Publications Received.— The Sweet Pea Annual, 1909. (The National Sweet Pea Society).— Grape Culture. By Alexander Kirk. (London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton. Kfat & Co., Ltd.). Price 7s. 6d.net.-^rAe Tropical Agri- culturist and Magazine of the Ceylon Agri- cultural Society (December, 1908). (Colombo: A. M. and J. Ferguson). - The Amateur's French Garden. Second Edition. By C. D. McKay, (London: Watkins & Simpson). Price 3d.— Reports on the Botanic Station, Economic Experiments and Agricultural Instiuction, St. Kitt's-Nevis, 1907-8. (Barbados: Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies). Price 6d.— Travel and Exploration (February). (London : Witherby & Co.) Is. net.— Tenth Report of the Woburn Experimental Fruit Farm. By The Duke of Bedford, K.G., F R.S., and Spencer U. Pickering, M.A., F.R.S. (London : The Amalgamated Press, Ltd.) Price Is.— U.S. Depattment of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry. Circular No. 18. ReBppearance of a Primitive Character in Cotton Hybrids. By O. F. Cook, Bionomist, Bureau of Plant Industry. (Washington : Government Printing Office). — Rosen- Zeitung. (December, 1908). (Trier: Jacob Lintz). — Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States (January). Containing the Treatment of Acid Soils for Rubber and other Cultivations, the Copra Industry, Virus Remedies against Rats, Singapore Market Report, &c. (Singapore : The Methodist Publishing House). — Lancaster County Council Education Committee. Report of Experiments with Seed Potatos, 1905-8. EXPERIMENTS WITH NITRO-BACTERINE. In view of the interest aroused by the articles on '• Experiments on the Value of Nitro-Bac- terine," which have recently appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle, it may be well to point out that, to many people, the results of the Wisley experiments do not appear to justify the sweeping conclusion that " the inoculation of leguminous crops with Xitro-Bacterine in ordin- ary garden soil is not likely to prove bene- ficial." On the contrary, they prove just the reverse, and are a complete vindication of all that has been claimed for seed and soil inocu- lation. The experiments at both Wisley and Reading were conducted with great care, and are to be welcomed as the most extensive series of ex- periments on soil inoculation yet attempted in this country under scientific supervision. It has never been claimed that cultures of nitrogen- fixing bacteria will always increase the yield of a leguminous crop. The varying conditions of soil, culture, and climate have to be taken into account. It must never be forgotten that we are dealing with organisms which are alive, and are very susceptible to soil conditions. As yet, our knowledge of soil conditions as affecting inoculation is very limited ; but ex- tensive experiments in America have clearly demonstrated some of them, and the Wisley and Reading experiments give further proof of the importance of providing the nitrogen-fixing bac- teria with conditions suitable for their growth. On p. 10 of Seed and Soil Inoculation it is stated that " Inoculation will be a failure when the soil is acid and in need of lime." Naturally, the application of superphosphate of lime and sulphate of potash to the plots would tend to increase the acidity of the soil. In addition to this, these acid fertilisers appear to have a di- rectly injurious effect upon the introduced bac- teria themselves, for in the U.S.A. Farmers' Bulletin, 240, it is specifically stated that the action of these concentrated fertilisers on in- oculated seed is injurious. This injurious action is fully confirmed at Reading and Wisley. The yield from inoculated seed on every plot treated with superphosphate shows a decrease. The effect of lime on inoculation is well shown by the results on the following soil at Wisley. The plots diessed with lime at the rate of 40 bushels to the acre show : Inoculated seed Non-inoculated seed . Increase .. 4,702 grains weight of Peas. 4.182 520 grains or 124 per cent. It should be noted that in each case where comparisons have been made between inoculated and non-inoculated plots, where there is a dif- ference in the number of plants the number in the inoculated plot has been taken as the standard number and the non-inoculated aver- aged and brought to this standard. That this does not unduly favour inoculation is seen by the fact that in the limed plots if the number of non-inoculated plants had been taken as the standard the figures would be Inoculated seed ... 4,139 grains weight of Peas. Non-inoculated seed ... 3,624 ,, ,, ,, Increase 515 grains or 14"2 per cent. The effect of liming on inoculation was, ac- cording to the figures given in Table L, to give an increase in weight of Peas of 29 per cent., or taking the figures corrected for variation in number of plants, an increase of 12.4 per cent. Yet Mr. Chittenden definitely states in his report (p. 250) : " It is obvious that the addition of lime does not yield better results with the inoculating material in our soil." This surprising conclusion is arrived at because of the results on plots XXI. and XXII., where the plots were treated with lime, potash and superphosphate. But surely Mr. Chittenden would not seriously contend that a mixture of lime, potash and superphosphate is identical with lime alone in its effect upon soil bacteria. To demonstrate the fixation of nitrogen in laboratory cultures by the nitrogen assimilating organisms the presence of carbonate of lime in the culture solution is absolutely necessary. The usual amount added is .1 per cent. The same proportion of lime added as a mixture of lime, potash and super- phosphate would be fatal to the organisms. Would it not be more accurate for Mr. Chitten- den to state, " It is obvious that the addition of lime, potash and superphosphate does not yield better results with inoculating material on our soil "? No one who knows anything of the action of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil would advocate the use of nitrogenous manures along with inoculated seed. Yet this is what was done at \\ isley on eight of the 24 plots. As long ago as 1897 Prof. Vines demonstrated that the presence of nitrates in the soil has an unfavourable effect upon the nitrogen-fixing bac- teria. He says " the development of tubercles is much less when nitrate is present in the soil than when it is absent. As the amount of nitrate diminishes, the development of tubercles be- comes more marked." Even leguminous plants appear to prefer to absorb their nitrogen directly from the soil when they can, rather than admit the nitrogen-fixing bacteria into their tissues. They have to pro- vide the bacteria with sugar in return for the nitrogen supplied, whereas when there is nitrogen in an available form in the soil they pay nothing for it. To attempt to decide the value of Xitro-Bacteiine by inoculating plots to which nitrogenous manures have already been added is as absurd as to imagine that the value of nitrate of soda as a manure can be proved or disproved by adding it to soil already treated with sulphate of ammonia or calcium cyanamide. In experiments on the value of a nitrogenous manure it is usual to compare the yield given by the manure with the yield from an equal plot untreated, which is taken as the control plot, and also with the yields from similar plots treated with other manures alone. Can one imagine anyone with a scientific knowledge of manures seriously stating that the way to test the value of nitrate of soda, for instance, is to 92 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [FEBRUARY' 6, 1909. apply it to soil already treated with sulphate of ammonia, or to mix it with a substance, such as acid phosphate, which is known to largely neutralise any effect it may have? Yet in effect this is what Mr. Chittenden has done on eight of the Wisley plots. The yield from the inocu- lated seed on the fallowed ground at Wisley compared with the yields from the other manures alone is shown by the following table from Mr. Chittenden's figures: — Weight Weight of pods, i of Peas. Grains. Grains. •Soil and seed untreated 18,077 7,093 Seed inoculated 19,b04 7,963 Manure, 10 tons per acre 19,545 7,bbb Limed 40 bushels per acre ... 9,733 „,624 Superphosphate and potash ... 13,249 5,21b Calcium cyanamide 8,290 3,157 * Number of plants brought up to number in inoculated plot. Hence seed inoculation on the fallowed land gave a greater yield than any of the manures applied. . In Reading experiments we have a similar result. lbs. ozs. Soil and seed untre,ited 5 7£ Inoculated seed b 3 Nitrate of soda » 11 Superphosphate and potash 4 Sf Here again the inoculated seed, as stated by the authors, gave the largest yield, showing an increase of 7.6 per cent, over the control plot. If, therefore, the Wisley and Reading experi- ments do prove that seed inoculation is useless on ordinary garden soil, how much more do they demonstrate the uselessness of adding nitrates, superphosphates and calcium cyanamide to ordinary garden soils ! W. B. Boitomley, King's College, London. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) The Kew Belladonna.— The hybrid figured and described in the Gardeners' Chronicle, Janu- ary -2.3, is interesting, as it is another proof that Brunsvigia and Amaryllis readily hybridise. A comparison between the figure of Mr. Van Tubergen's plant and the Kew Belladonna, as represented by the figure published in Gar- deners' Chronicle on October 29, 1898, p. 315, leads to the conclusion that both plants are very closely related. Bulbs of the Kew Belladonna have 'been distributed, during the last ten years or so, imong a few people who are specially in- terested in bulbous plants. I have not yet seen either the plant or flowers of Mr. Van Tuber- gen's hybrid, but I believe he has the Kew Bella- donna, and is, therefor©, in a position to com- pare the two. With regard to the origin of this plant, which I still think is the loveliest of all bulbous plants capable of cultivation in the open air in this country, it was presented to Kew in 1889, by Mrs. Arbuckle, of Stawell House, Richmond. She had obtained it from Sir Henry Parker, who formerly resided at Sta- well House, and whose gardener, Mr. W. Boivell, showed a plant of it in flower at a meeting of the R.H.S. in August, 1875. A note in the Chronicle of that year, p. 302, states that this plant was " a seedling raised by Lady Parker in Australia from a cross between Ama- ryllis Belladonna and Brunsvigia Josephinae. This cross was first effected by the late Mr. Bidwill, and has since been several times re- peated by Lady Parker." The Kew plants did not flower until we had had them seven years. Mr. Baker then examined them, and could find no trace of the character of the Brunsvigia in the flowers. To settle the question, we crossed Brunsvigia r and the Belladonna at Kew, and we have now bulbs from this cross, none of which, however, has yet flowered. I see no reason now to doubt that the Kew Belladonna was obtained as stated, and I think it would be> only right that this plant should be known botanically as Amaryllis Parkeri. Mr. J. C. Bid- will was superintendent of the Botanical Gar- den, Sydney, New South Wales, when he died in 1853. In Gardeners' Chronicle for July 27, 1850, p. 470, there is an interesting note by him on the crossing of Amaryllids, from which I quote the following: "In Herbert's Amarylli- daceee, p. 278, mention is made of some seedlings raided from Amaryllis blanda and A. Josephinae (Brunsvigia). In 1843, Mr. Herbert had the kindness to give me one of these bulbs, which was then, he told me, 20 years old, and was not so big as a goose's egg. It would not, in all probability, have flowered in England in 20 years more ; in a more suitable climate, such as that of my present residence, it would probably have flowered in four years, but it was destroyed by accident. I never saw A. blanda in flower, and now possess only two seedling bulbs, given to me by Mr. Herbert, which are expected to flower this season. ... If it should flower I will repeat Mr. Herbert's experiment ... I raised, in February, 1841, a vast number of seedlings from Belladonna by Josephines. . . . These seedlings flowered for the first time in 1847, and are extremely beautiful. The colour of the flowers is generally like that of Passiflora Kermesina, but varies in different specimens, and many are blotched with white: there are from 20 to 30 flowers on a scape. I could never keep the seedlings alive which I raised from Josephinae crossed with Belladonna." This goes to support the suggestion that Amaryllis blanda was fer- tilised from the Brunsvigia to produce the Kew Belladonna, and as Mr. Van Tubergen's cross was the reverse way, that would account for the difference in habit he describes. It is quite possible that the plants brought by Sir Henry Parker from Australia were some of those raised in the Sydney Botanical Garden by Mr. Bidwill, Sir Henry having been Governor of New South Wales. I have seen 26 perfect flowers of the Kew Belladonna all open together on a single scape, which was about 3 feet high. W . W . Having seen the above note from W. W-, I should like to add a few words. First, as to the difference between Amaryllis blanda, Gawl. (Botanical Magazine, t. 1450), and A. Bel- ladonna, L. ; Herbert, who knew both these plants well and whose botanical and cultural knowledge of the Amaryllids were probably greater than that of any living man, stated, on pages 277 and 278 of his Amaryllidacca. that he considered the former a distinct species from Belladonna, and that Brunsvigia Josephinae, Redoute, was so nearly allied to it that he in- cluded it in the genus Amaryllis. He said that A. blanda has a strong midrib to the leaves which sheath above the ground. Now this sheath, which is strongly marked in my plants of A. blanda, which I procured many years ago from Van Houttes' nursery, is also a pronounced feature of the Kew hybrid, for which I accept Mr. Watson's name of A. Parkeri. The sheath, however, is absent from all the other forms of Belladonna known to me, including the pale form sometimes sold as A. blanda, which was confounded with the latter in Herbert's time. Baker, however, in his handbook of Amarylli- dacea (p. 96), treats blanda as a variety of A. Belladonna, and maintains Brunsvigia as a sepa- rate genus. In 1901, desiring to verify the alleged parentage of Parkeri, I raised a hybrid between Amaryllis blanda f and Brunsvigia Josephinae. J , and these seedlings show the sheath more or less distinctly, whereas the plant raised by Mr. Hoog, and figured in your last number, has the leaves like those of Brunsvigia Josephinae. It seems probable, therefore, that the influence of the female parent on the hybrids is much more marked than that of the male, and the sheath, which is so conspicuous a feature in Amaryllis Parkeri, proves, to my mind, that one of its parents was A. blanda and not A. Belladonna. Herbert states, what I find to be correct, that both A. blanda and Josephinae are more tender than A. Belladonna, and that their leaves, when cut by frost or drought at the points, will not continue to grow like those of A. Belladonna. He says that whatever may be the growth of the leaves of A. blanda, it will not flower if it is left in a cold situation whilst* dry, and that he lost both of his bulbs, which were of the origi- nal importation, by planting them in front of the stove. A. Parkeri, however, seems to thrive well in front of the stove at Kew, though in my colder soil and climate I have to treat it as a greenhouse plant exactly as I do Brunsvigia. H. J . Elwes, Ctlesborne. Freesias. — I have this season had an inflorescence with ten, and another with nine blooms. I should like to know if this is un- common. As far as my experience goes, the stem usually develops fewer than eight flowers. W. /?. H. The Gardeners- Royal Benevolent In- stitution.— I was not surprised to read II. 's note on p. 76, as it is a most distressing fact that there were 50 unsuccessful candi- dates at the election. But W. should read the excellent leader on p. 72, which clearly explains the difficulties of the case. I am thankful it has been so clearly pointed out that if the non-subscribing candidates were to be entirely excluded the Institution would cease to be a benevolent institution. In such circumstances a much greater amount of support would be needed from benefit subscribers. It is desirable to repeat the words printed on p. 72: "only a very small portion of the fund is contributed to by those who are likely to benefit," for the main part of the income is deiived from donations that are purely charitable. The votes at present allotted to subscribers are generous. If a gardener supports the fund in his early days he lias a powerful lever in the shape of votes, and in a great measure can ensure elec- tion when he needs help. Mr. Waterman clearly expressed my view of our needs when he stated at the meeting that we requiied more auxiliaries or branches in order to make it a national horticultural charity. G. Wythcs. Afforestation. — Much interest is being manifested in Scottish arboricultural circles in the report of the Commission appointed to en- quire into this subject. This is not to be won- dered at, seeing that Scotland is credited with having 6,000,000 acres of land suitable 'for afforestation. All who have studied the subject are thoroughly convinced that, as an investment, forestry is sound. Indeed, the returns from forestry are extraordinary, especially when com- pared with the profits from agricultural land. Forestry, under a proper system of management, is capable of giving a net profit of anything up to 15s. or 20s. per acre. The average rent of Scottish hill land is Is. per acre. The commis- sioners, in their report, give the area of land suitable for afforestation in Scotland as 6,000,000 acres, but let us assume that only 5,000,000 acres were suitable. This area, which now only supports a mere handful of men, has in it the possibility of employing at least 35,000 workmen. Add to this the area at present under wood, and the number should not prove far short of 40,000 men ; allowing each to have five dependents, this means a population of nearly a quarter of a million. It is to be seen what) effect extensive tree-planting will have on the climate, which is already sufficiently damp. One cannot conceive of a return nowadays to the condition of things when ague from the marshes and consumption bred in damp houses thinned the population. What a gale in Scotland means to trees every Scotsman knows. As to what fires can do was proved pretty conclusively several years ago in the magnificent Rothie- murchus Forest owned by the Dowager Countess of Seafield. K. Nitro-Bacterine. -Will Mr. Chittenden tell us why it is thought useful to inoculate the seeds (Peas and Beans) before sowing? The microbes infest the roots ; but the seed skin is soon thrown off. Would not the experiment be more satisfac- tory if the soil were inoculated as soon as the secondary roots begin to appear? I give the fol- lowing experience for what it is worth. I had a narrow trench dug on a gravel path against a south wall ; a man was employed to dig it and make a border for Scarlet Runners. Unknown to me, he half-filled it with cinders, and put very little earth upon them. I planted the Beans. They came up dwarfed, with more yel- low and white in the leaves than green. I then watered them with Nitro-Bacterine in th© "cloudy state." The Beans soon began to grow with green leaves, and bore a capital crop. The roots had, as a rule, plenty of nodules. George Henslow. Cyclamen Flowers (see p. 64).— To prevent cut Cyclamen flowers from flagging, slit each stem for about three-quarters of an inch in an upward direction when arranging them in vases for room and dinner-table decorations. The result well repays for the extra trouble, as the blooms will last quite fresh for fully a week, sometimes more, if the rooms are not overheated. Before adopting this method, I always found the flowers would flag within a couple of hours after being cut. .4. Jeff cries, Moor Hall Gardens. Essex. February 6, 1909.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 93 Fading of Cyclamen Flowers (seep. 64). — It is necessary to cut half an inch off the ends of the flower stems and then split the stem up about an inch. The blooms will then last for weeks in a living-room without flagging. I have kept blooms fresh in a warm living-room for three weeks, and in a cool room for six weeks. A. Simeson, The Goldings Gardens, Great Warley. [Some specimens treated in this manner and kindly sent by our correspondent are now fresh, seven days after receipt. — Eds.] Sweet Pea. — We shall be glad if you will publish the following: — The name "Mrs. J. Wilcot " given to the Spencer American Pea mentioned on p. 86 of the Sweet Pea Annual for 1909, should be " Mrs. Wilcox," and the variety there named " Grace Wilson" has been renamed " Mis. D. Gilbert." Gilbert eV Son. Winter-flowering Irises (see p. 52) —In his interesting note on these plants, your con- tributor, W. I., fails to mention another species that would come under this heading, and which, though less showy than those he has mentioned, is still sufficiently interesting to be cultivated. I refer to Iris palaestina, an Iris with close affinities to I. alata, but of dwarfer habit and different colour. The colour is of a greenish-yellow, seen in some forms of I. orchioides. In mild seasons, freshly-imported bulbs will flower in November and through De- cember, the usual time for flowering being in January. There is in existence a hybrid be- tween I. alata and this species, raised by the late Sir Michael Foster, which is intermediate in character between the two, but it generally flowers later than either of its parents. The diffi- culty with these winter-flowering Irises is to keep them under ordinary cultivation beyond a year or two. Especially is this so with Iris Vartanii, and pot cultivation seems to be almost essential to give them the rest they need. Juno. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. GARDENS OF HYERES. The increasing populaiity of Hyeres among British visitors to the Riviera should lead to the famous gardens of the neighbourhood becoming more widely known. At the chief of them, M. Nardy, the death of whose father was noted not long ago, continues to make improvements. He is now engaged on a new bank of " plantes grasses," which already contains young speci- mens of every Aloe, Agave, Cactus, and Mesem- bryanthemum known to Hyeres as cultivated in the open air. The Berbers left some species of Cactus at Grimaud — for two centuries their capital in the Mountains of the Moors. The>e, despite its boast of " unique examples " — (mean- ing only the finest plants | — Hyeres cannot yet match. The next best garden to that over which M. Nardy presides as an official is in the middle of the town, and belongs to Madame Clerc. Visitors are welcomed by the head gar- dener, M. Rossi, a citizen whose politeness and whose charm negative the suggestion contained in the ancient nickname "tes Iroquois," applied to natives of Hyeres by jealous rivals. D. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. The following extracts are taken from the Report of the Council to be presented at the annual meeting of Fellows on Tuesday next, February 9th : — The One Hundred and Fifth Year. The past year, though unmarked by any very important horticultural events, has been a year of quiet, steady progress for our Society. Wisley Gardens. The Wisley Gardens continue to increase in favour with the Fellows of the Society. All branches of work are showing good results, and improvements are being made as time and op- portunity allow. The new laboratory is proving of great assistance to the educational work of the Society, and the result of the first year's -work by the students is highly satisfactory, and well repays the Council, the laboratory director, the superintendent of the Gardens, and the other officers for the time and labour they have de- voted to it. Then follows a report received from his Majesty's inspector. It was also very gratifying to the Council to find that in general examination in horticulture open to the whole of Great Britain, the scholar- ship of £25 a year for two years offered by the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, was won by Mr. Perry, one of the students at Wisley. In' the local examination confined to the students at Wisley, Mr. H. E. Seaton took the first place, and has been appointed assistant demonstrator in the laboratory. Experiments have been set on foot to illustrate (1) the effect of various methods of planting fruit trees ; (2) the influence of pruning and not prun- ing in the first winter after planting ; (3| of summer pruning ; l4| the importance of planting trees at a correct depth ; and 15) the effect of Grass over the roots of fruit trees. Grape Exhibit. At the fortnightly meeting on September 29, an exceedingly fine collection of Grapes grown in the vineries at Wisley, and comprising 30 varieties, was shown. The Grapes were magni- ficient, and, at the Council meeting, Mr. S. T. Wright, the superintendent of the gardens, and Mr. A. C. Smith, the assistant-superintendent, were complimented by the president on the ex- cellent results they had obtained. Visitors. The number of visitors to the gardens, ad- mitted by Fellows' tickets during the year 1908, amounted to nearly 11,000 as compared with 8,818 in 1907. This is exclusive of horticultural parties which were admitted by special arrange- ment, and would increase the total to more than 11,500. Wisley Trials. In order to protect the members of the various standing committees from the possibility of reproach, and to secure absolute freedom from bias, the Council have arranged that in future, when trials are being made at the gardens, the growing plants, flowers, or fruits, shall be in- spected by a sub-committee composed of five members of the committee interested, and that everything so grown for trial shall be kept under a number only, and that the names, both of the varieties and of their senders shall not be dis- closed until a decision has been arrived at, and samples are submitted to the whole committee at Vincent Square, together with the report and recommendations of the sub-committee. Thus, the judgments of all sub-committees at Wisley will be given under number only. Specimens of the produce for which a sub-committee shall have recommended any award, will be brought to Vincent Square at the next ensuing meeting, and the whole committee will then have an op- portunity of considering the report and recom- mendations made by the sub-committee at Wi- ley. The committee having inspected the samples brought up, and adopted (or otherwise) the recommendations of their sub-committee, will send them up to the Council for its approval in the usual way. Wisley Tithe. In 1907 the land tax at Wisley was redeemed ; this year the tithe rent charge has been similarly treated, so that the land is now free from both these outgoings. A Visit to Windsor. On June 10, by the gracious permission of his Majesty the King, the Council and committees visited Windsor and the Royal Gardens at Frog- more. As guests of his Worship, the Mayor of Windsor (G. Bampfylde, Esq.), an excellent luncheon was enjoyed at the Guildhall, and after visiting St. George's Chapel, the Albert Memorial Chapel, and the State Apartments, an inspection of the Royal Gardens at Frogmore followed. The Council were much impressed by the admirable cultivation and order displayed in all departments of the garden, and desire to express their great thanks to Sir Dighton Pro- byn, V.C.. G.C.B., and to Mr. Mackellar, his Majesty's head gardener, for the kind way they received the visitors. Deputations. In response to invitations received, deputa- tions from the Society attended the flower shows of Truro, York, and Newcastle, and were in each city most cordially and hospitably received by the gentlemen responsible for the arrange- ments. The Council have, with much pleasure, accepted invitations to send deputations in 1909 to Birmingham and to Cardiff, and negotiations are in progress relating to another important horticultural meeting. Deputation from the French Horticultural Society. On June 23, 100 members of the Society Nationale d'Horticulture de France, with their president, M. Viger, and their secretary, M. Chatenay, were received by president and Coun- cil, and, after visiting the day's flower show, they were entertained at a luncheon in the lecture room. Spring Bulb Show. In the coming year, March 9 has been fixed for a show of forced spring bulbs, with a view to specially demonstrating which varieties of Daf- fodils, Hyacinths, Tulips, &c, are best suited for forcing. Exhibits of large or small collec- tions are invited from amateurs and the trade. Medals will be awarded according to merit. Fruit Shows. In consideration of the facts (1) that the an- nual autumn show of British-grown fruit is every year practically a repetition of the pre- vious year's show; and (2) that many British- grown fruits cannot possibly be shown (or' shown in perfection) at any one show of fixed date ; and (3) that vegetables have been some- what neglected in the past ; the Council have decided to omit the great autumn show for one year, and in 1909 to substitute in its place a series of somewhat similar prizes for British- grown fruit and vegetables, but spread over the whole 12 months, so that everything may be seen at its best. Prizes will therefore be offered at every " fortnightly " show at Vincent Square during 1909, the schedule of which will be pub- lished on February 25 in the Society's Book of Schedules, price 6d. Affiliated Societies' Challenge Cup. In connection with these fortnightly prizes the Council offer a challenge cup to be competed for by affiliated societies, hoping thereby both to stimulate the interest of the societies concerned, and also to bring them into somewhat more intimate touch with the parent society. The cup will be held for one year, and a Silver-gilt Medal awarded to the society winning the chal- lenge, and also to the society obtaining the second place in the contest. New Life Fellow. Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., V.M.H., the treasurer of the Society during the financially difficult years 1888 to 1891, has been appointed an Honorary Life Fellow of the Society in recog- nition of the great assistance he has rendered to horticulture in various parts of the world. The "Journal." Mr. Geo. S. Saunders, F.L.S., having resigned the editorship of the Journal, owing to ill- health, Mr. F. J. Chittenden, F.L.S., the direc- tor of the laboratory at Wisley, has been ap- pointed his successor. Four parts of the Journal have been issued to the Fellows during the year. To secure a more frequent circulation of the proceedings of the Society and of other information, the new editor has been requested to publish the Journal in quarterly, or four-monthly, parts. The smaller and more frequent issues will undoubtedly prove more acceptable to the Fellows for general use. Bequest. The Council very much appreciate and ac- knowledge with warmest thanks an intimation they have received from Lady Macleay of her intention to bequeath to the Society the very valuable gift of a complete copy of Curtis's Botanical Magazine. They venture to express a hope that it may be several years yet before it comes into their possession. The Nicholson Memorial. The Council have been requested to raise a fund for the establishment of a permanent me- morial of the late Mr. George Nicholson, V.M.H., F.L.S. With this they most cordially agree. There are few, if any men, to whom the 91 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1909. present generation of gardeners owes a deeper obligation than to the author of The Dictionary of Gardening, a work which " has done more to- wards the standardisation of plant names and developing an interest in horticulture than any- thing published since Loudon," in 1829. Mr. Nicholson was for many years a most valued member of the Scientific Committee of our Society. He also took a very active part and keen interest in the re-establishment of ex- aminations by the Society, and himself acted as one of the examiners. It is in view of this last point and after carefully estimating the amount likely to be subscribed, that the Council pro- pose to establish a " Nicholson Prize," to be awarded annually, after examination, to the students at YVisley. Subscriptions should be sent addressed "The Nicholson Prize Fund, R.H.S. Office, Vincent Square, London," and cheques and postal orders made payable to " The Royal Horticultural Society," crossed " London and County Bank." The Darwin Centenary. The centenary celebration of the birth year of Charles Darwin is to be held at Cambridge on June 22, the date curiously coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the publication of his Origin of Species. Representatives of Universi- ties and other learned bodies, together with dis- tinguished individuals, have been invited by the University of Cambridge to take part in the festival, and the Rev. Prof. George Henslow, M.A., V.M.H., has been appointed to represent the Royal Horticultural Society. Classification of Daffodils. At the request of the Daffodil Committee the Council appointed a committee to consider the best way of avoiding the confusion, and conse- quent disputes, likely to arise from the recent multitudinous crossing, recrossing, and inter- crossing of the old divisions of Magni- Medio- and Parvi-Coronati. The committee have de- livered their report instituting an entirely new system of classification, which the Council have accepted, and ordered to be used at the Society's shows. The report contains a list of every Daffodil known to the committee, together with the name of the raiser as far as it could be dis- covered, each flower known being allotted to its appropriate class. The report has been printed in a handy book form, and can be obtained from the Society's office, Vincent Square, at a cost of Is. Experience may probably suggest some further modification of the new classification, which, for the present, has been experimentally adopted. The 1909 Code of Rules for Judging. The Society's code of Rules for Judging has again been carefully revised and many altera- tions and additions suggested by the last few years' experience have been adopted. The Coun- cil cannot too strongly recommend a careful per- usal of the code (price Is. 6d.) to the secretaries of all local shows and their exhibitors. Conference on Spraying. A useful and important conference on the spraying of fruit trees was held on Octo- ber 16, when papers were read by Mr. Geo. Massee, V.M.H., Mr. H. F. Getting, Mr. F. V. Theobald, M.A., and Mr. Geo. Hammond, to whom the Council are greatly indebted. They also desire to acknowledge with thanks the chairmanship of Colonel Warde, M.P., and Colonel Long, M.P., at the morning and after- noon sessions. Discussions followed the various papers ; and the full text of the conference will be found in the Society's Journal, Volume xxxiv., Part iii. Retiring Members of the Council. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, K.C.V.O., V.M.H., Mr. (leorge Bunyard, V.M.IL, and Mr. A. H. Pearson retire from office. The two former have allowed themselves to be renominated. It is with great regret to the Council that Mr. A. H. Pearson, who has occupied a seat at the Council table for 10 years, finds himself unable to con- tinue in office any longer. He has, during those years, done excellent work for the Society, and deserves the warmest thanks of the Fellows. Victoria Medal of Honour. During the past year two vacancies in the roll ef the Victoria Medal of Honour have occurred (through the loss of Mr. R. Martin Smith and Mr. George Nicholson), and Sir Jeremiah Col- man, Bart, and Mr. Chas. Ross have been appointed by the Council to this distinction. New Certificate Of late years the want has been increasingly felt of some way of recognising skilful scientific work amongst plants. Even if such work does not immediately result in any great horticultural advance, it may either disclose the steps by which existing results have been attained, or it may lay the foundation and prepare the way for future development ; and is, in either case, de- serving of the Society's recognition. To meet this want the Council have created a new certifi- cate, to be called " The Certificate of Apprecia- tion." Annual Progress The following table will show the Society's progress in regard to numerical strength during the past year : Loss by Death in 1908. £ s. d. Life Fellows 13 ... 0 0 0 4 Guineas 2 ... 8 8 0 2 ,, 40 ... 84 0 0 1 „ 75 ... 78 15 0 190 Loss by Resignation, &c. £ s. d. 4 Guineas 1 ... 4 4 0 2 „ ... 107 ... 224 14 0 1 „ ... 489 ... 513 9 0 Associates 22 ... 11 11 0 Affiliated Societies .. 27 ... 28 7 0 616 ±'782 5 0 Total Loss 776 £953 8 0 Fellows Elected in 1908. Hon. Members 4 Guineas 2 „ 1 „ Associates Affiliated Societies Commutations . = £197 8s. Od. 5 . C . 601 589 - 4'2 32 8 1,283 £ s. 0 0 25 4 .. 1,262 2 018 9 22 1 33 12 d. 0 0 0 0 0 0 Deduct Loss £1.961 8 953 8 0 0 Net Increase in Income .. £1,008 0 0 New Fellows, &c Deaths and Resignations ... Numerical Increase Total on December 31, 1!07 Total on December 31, 19C8 1,233 776 507 lO.noo The Council are pleased to record that the total number of Fellows, Honorary or Corre- sponding Members, Associates and Affiliated Societies is now 10,507, which is believed to be the highest number belonging to any British Koyal Society. Letting of the Hall. The annual revenue and expenditure account indicates the continued success of the hall as a financial asset. No fewer than 52 engagements (excluding the Society's own shows), covering a total of 160 days, have been accommodated, and the amount received (about £2,067) compares favourably with the year 1907, especially when it is remembered that this former year had two lettings of a value of £700, which have not re- curred. The awning over the main entrance, and the kitchen constructed in the basement dur- ing the past twelve months, still further improve the comfort of the lessees. Bronze standard lamps are also to be erected at the main en- trance. There are but few vacant dates left in the year 1903, and a good financial return is again anticipated. Committees, &c. The hearty thanks of the Society are again due to the members of the committees, the judges, the writers of papers for the Journal, the compilers of abstracts, the reviewers, the several examiners, and to the many others who, during the past twelve months, have done so much to contribute to the success of the Society's work, and to help maintain the high reputation it holds among the practical and scientific societies of the world. By order of the Council, W. Wilks. Secretary. Royal Horticultural Society, Vincent Square, Westminster, S.W., December 31st, 1908. Scientific Committee. January 26. — Present : Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A., F.L.S. (in the Chair); Dr. A. Voelcker ; and Messrs. S. Pickering, A. Worsley, E. M. Holmes, G. Gordon, \V. Hales, J. W. Odell, and F. J. Chittenden (secretary). Diseased Carnations. — Mr. Saunders and Mr. Douglas reported upon the diseased Carnations shown at the last meeting that, in all proba- bility, they had died through attacks of stem eelworm. The soil used for potting was too light, and the plants were too old to yield the best results. Plants of two years of age wer* sometimes liable to sudden collapse, and those of a greater age even more liable to fail in this manner. Grease bands. — Mr. Voss reported that no moths had been caught upon grease bands on fruit trees at Enfield since November. Alga:, eVc, on sewage sludge. — Dr. Voelcke? remarked that mosses, hepatics, and algae had developed upon certain samples of sewage sludge which had been kept at Woburn, but not upon cithers, which were kept under precisely the same conditions. The samples which contained the greatest amount of lime bore the largest amount and greatest diversity of growth, and it was thought that possibly the difference was as much due to the physical condition of the sludge as to its chemical constitution. Scilla, Gfc. — Mr. Worsley showed an in- florescence of Scilla hasmorrhodalis, a plant with rather inconspicuous flowers followed by larger, fleshy fruits. He also remarked upon the in- constancy of the arrangement of the spines in certain of the Cacti in various stages and at different ages, and stated that, in his opinion, the arrangement of the spines constituted an in- secure basis for the classification of this family. Fasciation. — From Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., came a fasciated specimen of Anthurium bearing two spathes and spadioes. Mr. E. H. Jenkins sent a fasciated specimen of Daphne japonicum. Odontoglossum malformed. — A flower of an Odontoglossum having three stamens and a much reduced perianth was received from Mr. Gurney Wilson, and referred to Mr. Saunders for fur- ther examination. Variation in foliage of Cyclamen. — Mr. Bowles showed a large number of leaves of Cyclamen hederasfolium from his garden, exhibiting great and wide variation in the arrangement of the markings upon the foliage, especially in the ex- tent of the whitish margin and median blotch which is usually present. He found the varia- tions to be characteristic of, and retained by, the individual plants. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. (ANNUAL MEETING.) F'ebruary 1. — The annual general meeting of the above Society was held in the Essex Hall, Strand, on this date. The President, Sir Albert K. Rollit, D.C.L., LL.D., occupied the chair. The Report of the Executive Committee was pre- sented, and from this we extract the following : — EXTRACT FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT. The dates of the shows for the current year have been provisionally fixed for October 6 and 7, November 3, 4, and 5, and December 1 and 2, but unfortunately it has not yet been possible for your committee to approach the Crystal Palace Company with regard to a renewal of the contract for reasons which are set forth in this report under the heading of finance. The Floral Committee have awarded 47 First-class Certificates. The Society's foreign corresponding secretary, Mr. C. Harman Payne, attended the Congress of the SocieTe Francaise des Chrysanthemistes held at Tours in November and thence proceeded to the exhibition of the Societe Nationale d'Horticulture de France at Paris. One hundred and seventy members of the Society and friends visited the Royal Gardens at Frogmore on the occasion of the annual Outing on Monday, July 27. This was the largest muster at any outing for several years. Arrangements have already been made for the 190U Outing to be held on August 9 next, when a visit will be paid to the gardens of Sir Frank Crisp at Friar Park, Henley-on- Thames. The annual dinner was held on November 26 at the Holborn Restaurant, the chair being occupied by the President. About 100 members and guests, including ladies, sat down to dinner. It is with great regret that your committee have to report that they have not yet received the consideration money due from the Crystal Palace Company under the terms of the con- tract for any of the 1908 shows. They are still hoping, however, that the money will shortly be paid without extreme measures being resorted to. For this reason the ordinary prizes have not yet been distributed, but as soon as such February 6, 1909 ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 95 money is received from the Crystal Palace Company the prizes will be issued without a day's delay. Subject to the receipt of that money it will be observed from the statement it assets and liabilities that the Society's finances show a con- siderable improvement when compared with the previous year. The surplus of assets over liabilities has been increased during the year under review from £53 15s. 4(1., tn £109 ISs. ild., winch will more than enable the committee to carry out the policy set forth in the last report, of re- transferring £25 to reserve account from the year's income. On moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the President congratulated the ' Society on its work during the past year. He said the exhibitions were all good, and particu- larly the great November show. A large num- ber of new varieties had been brought before the Floral Committee, and many novelties had received the Society's Certificate of Merit. Sir Albert Kollit also stated the annual dinner was a success, the membership had considerably im- proved, and all special prizes had been paid, lie hoped the finances of the Society, which, during the year, had been the subject of care- ful attention on the part of the committee, were now placed on a sound footing. The exhibi- tions at the Crystal Palace again cause some little difficulty in regard to finances, but in the past the accounts have always been settled in a satisfactory manner, and it is hoped all, or the greater part of the money, will soon be received. Mr. T. Bevan seconded the motion for the adoption of the report, which was carried unani- mously. A vote of thanks to the auditors, Messrs. Joseph Lake and R. F. Scammell, for their services, was duly accorded. The re-elec- tion of Sir Albert Kollit as President was pro- posed by Mr. J. T. Simpson, and carried with acclamation. Other officers were re-elected as follow: — Mr. John Green, Treasurer; Mr. Thomas Bevan, Chairman of the Executive Committee ; Mr. K. F. Hawes, Vice-Chairman ; Mr. C. Harman Payne, Foreign Corresponding Secretary; and Mr. R. A. Witty, General Sec- retary. Messrs. J. Lake and W. II. M. Dean were elected auditors. The General Committee was next elected as follows: — Messrs. J. Emberson, R. F. Felton,A. Hemsley, D. Ingamels, E. Jones, F. G. Oliver, R. E. Reeve, G. Springthorpe, W. Wells, J. B. Riding, H. Runchman, and C. Noyce. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the business. MARKETS. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending February 3. A cohl, diy, and dull weeek, — The day temperatures have been variable, but on the whole rather low for the time of year. The nights, however, remained cold until last night, when a change to a much higher reading took place. On the coldest night the exposed thermometer showed 18w of frost, whereas last night the same thermometer did not fall lower than 42°. The ground is at the present time 2° colder than is seasonable at 2 feet deep, but at about an average tem- perature at 1 foot deep. Rain fell on two days, but to the total depth of only about one tenth of an inch. There was a light fall of snow on the first of those days. No measurable quantity of rainwater has come through either percolation gauge for 11 days. The sun shone on an average for 1 hour 21 minutes a day, which is 35 minutes a day short of the usual duration at the end of January. On January 27 there was no record of sunshine here— about 80 feet above the Berkhamsted valley— owing to fog, whereas at 200 feet above the valley the sun was shining brightly all day long. Light airs have, as a rule, prevailed until yesterday, when the mean velocity for the windiest hour reached 18 miles — direction W. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon fell short of a seasonable quantity for that hour by 5 per cent. January. A mild, dry, calm and sunny month.— Taken as a whole this was a moderately warm January. For the first 3 weeks the weather continued warm, but the temperatures re- mained low during the remainder of the month. The days were, as a rule, more unseasonably warm than the nights. On the warmest day the temperature in the thermometer screen rose to 51°— which is about an average extreme maxi- mum for the month. On the coldest night the exposed thermometer registered 16° of frost— a high extreme mini- mum for what is usually the coldest month in the year. Rain, hail, or snow fell on but 11 days, and to the total depth of only one inch — which is 1J inches below the January average for the previous 53 years— during which period there have been only 6 Januaries as dry. Snow fell on 2 days, but at no time to a sufficient depth to cover the ground. The sun shone on an average for 2 hours a day, or nearly half an hour a day longer than is usual in this mid-winter month. This was the calmest January for 11 years, and in the windiest hour the mean velocity only reached 20 miles —direction west. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. was 4 per cent, less than a seasonable quantity for that hour. Our Underground Watkr Supply. Since the winter half of the drainage year began in October last, the total rainfall has fallen short of the averge for those four nmnths by 4£ inches, which is equivahnt to a loss of 109,490 gallons per acre in this district. At the same time last year there was an excess of 46,370 gallons per acre. B. A/., Berkhamsted, February 3, 1909, COVENT GARDEN, February J. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 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 occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.] Cut Flowers. &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Acacia (Mimosa), p.doz. bunches 10 0-12 0 Anemone fulgens, p. dz. bunches 16-26 — double pink, p. dozen bunches 16-26 Azalea, per dozen bunches ... 4 6- G 0 Bouvardia, per dz. bunches .. 6 0-80 Calla anhiopica, p. dozen 3 0-40 Camellias, per doz. 10-20 Carnations, per dozen blooms, best American various ... 2 6-36 — second size ... 10-20 — smaller, per doz. bunches 9 0-12 0 Catdeyas, per doz. blooms ... 12 0-15 0 C hrysanthemums, s p e c i ni e n blooms p. doz. 2 0-30 — smaller, per doz, bunches 12 0-24 0 Cypripedimns, per dozen blooms.. 16-26 Daffodils, per doz. bunches ... 5 0 9 0 Eucnaris grandi- flora, per doz. blooms 3 0-40 Freesias (white), p. doz. bunches... 2 6-30 Gardenias, per doz. blooms 3 0-50 Hyacinths (Roman) per doz. bchs. 9 0-12 0 Lilac (English), white, p. bunch 3 0-50 — mauve 4 0-60 — (French), mauve 4 0-50 Lilium auratum, per bunch ... 2 0-30 — fongilloruin ... 4 0-50 — lane i f o 1 iuin, rubruai ... 2 0-30 — album 2 6-30 Lily of the Valley, p. dz. hunches 9 0-10 0 — extra quality ... 12 0 15 0 s.d. s.d. Marguerites, p. dz. bunches white and yellow ... 2 0-30 Mignonette, per dozen bunches Myosotis, per doz. bunches Narcissus, Paper- white, per dz, bunches — Gloriosa — ornatus — Soleild'Or ... Odonto glossum crispuin, per dozen blooms Pancratiums, per dozen Pelargoniums, show, per doz. bunches — Zonal, double scarlet Ranunculus, perdz. bunches Roses, 12 blooms, N'iphetos — Bridesmaid ... — C. Testout ... — K a i se r i n A. Victoria — C. Merniet — Liberty — Muie.Chatenay — The Bride — Ulrich Brunner Snowdrops, per dz. bunches Spiraea, p.dz. bchs. Stocks, double white, per d< ■/. bunches Tuberoses, per dz. blooms — on stems, per bunch Tulips, per dozen bunches, single 6 0*10 0 — best double varieties ... 18 0-24 0 Violets, per dozen bunches .. 16-30 — Parmas, p.bch. 4 0-50 2 0-30 3 0-40 2 6-30 16-26 5 0-60 2 0-30 3 0-40 6 0-80 8 0-10 0 12 0-15 0 2 6-36 2 6-40 3 0-50 2 0-40 2 0-36 6 0-80 4 0-60 2 6-36 6 0-80 16-20 5 0-80 2 6-36 0 3-04 0 9-13 Cut Foliage, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. Adiantum cunea- turn, dz. bchs, Agrostis, per doz. bunches Asparagus plu- mosus, long trails, per doz. — — medm.,bcb. — Sprengeri Berberis, per doz. bunches Croton leaves, per bunch Cycas leaves, each Daffodil foliage, p. doz. bunches... Ferns, per dozen bchs. (English) — (French) Plants In Pots, &c. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. 4 0-60 16-20 8 0-12 0 10-20 0 9-16 2 6-30 10-13 16-20 2 6-30 2 0-30 0 6-09 2 0-26 3 0-90 1 0- 2 0- 1 6 2 6 0 9-16 16-26 5 0-60 4 0- l 0- 6 0 1 6 sd. s.d. 6 0-80 Ampelopsis Veit- chii, per dozen Aralia Sieboldii, p. dozen 4 0- 6 0 — larger speci- mens 9 0-12 0 — Moseri 4 0-60 Araucaria excelsa, per dozen ... 12 0-30 0 — large plants, each 3 6-50 Aspidistras, p. dz., green 15 0-24 0 — variegated ... 30 0-42 0 Asparagus, plumo- sus nanus, per dozen 12 0-18 0 — Sprengeri .. 9 0-12 0 — ten u is si mus 9 0-12 0 Azaleas (Indian), p. dozen 24 0-36 0 Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, p.dz. 12 0-18 0 Clematis, per doz. 8 0-90 C ocos Weddelli- ana, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Crotons, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Cyclamen, pr. doz. 10 0-15 0 Cyperus alterni- folius, dozen ... 4 0-50 Galax leaves, per dozen bunches Hardy foliage (various), per dozen bunches Honesty (Lunaria) per bunch Ivy-leaves, bronze — long trails per bundle — short green, perdz. bunches Moss, per gross ... Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English) small-leaved... — French Ruscus racemosus, p. dz. bunches 18 0 — Smilax, p.dz. trails 4 0-60 Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Cyperus laxus, per dozen Daffodils, per doz. Dracaenas, per doz. Erica hyemalis,per dozen ... ... 10 0-15 0 — melanthera ... 12 0-18 0 Euonymus.perdz., in pots 4 0-90 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 — in small and large 60's — in 48V, per dz — in 32's Ficus elastica, doz. — repens, per dz. Genista fragrans, per doz. Grevilleas, per dz Hyacinths, per dz pots Isolepis, per dozer Kentia Behnore- ana, per dozen 15 0-24 0 — Fosteriana, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Latania borbonica, per dozen ... 12 0-18 0 4 0-50 8 C-10 0 9 0-24 0 8 0-12 0 12 0-20 0 4 0-10 0 10 0-18 0 8 0-10 0 6 0-80 10 0-12 0 4 0-60 9 0-12 0 4 0-60 Plants in Pots, ac: Average Wholesale Prices (Contd.). s.d. s.d Lilium 1 o ng i- florum, per dz. 18 0-24 0 — lancifoluim.per dozen 12 0-24 0 Lily of the Valley, per dozen ... 18 0-30 0 Marguerites, white, per dozen ... 6 0-10 0 Fruit s.d. s.d. Rose Madame Le- vavasseur, doz. 12 0-18 0 8 0-86 7 0-80 Apples Foreign — California Newtown Pip- pin, per case, 4 tiers — 4J tiers — (American), per barrel : — Baldwin .. 23 0-25 0 — Greening ... 23 0-26 0 — Newtown Pip- pin 25 0-28 0 — Oregon New- town Pippin, per case ... 10 0-13 0 — per case (165 185) — (NovaScotian), per barrel : — Spy — Russet — Baldwin — Ben Davis — Fallawater ... — French Russet per case Bananas, bunch : — Doubles — No. 2 Canary. No. 1 10 0-14 0 20 0-22 0 23 0-25 0 18 0-22 0 18 0-21 0 21 0 24 0 9 0-10 0 — Extra tl ... — Giant lf ... — (Claret) — Jamaica — Loose, per dz. Cape fruit, p. case : — Peaches — Apricots — Plums — Nectarines ... Cranberries, per dozen punnets Custard Apples ... Dates (Tunis), per dozen boxes ... Figs (Eleme), p. dz. — pulled, per dz. Grape Fruit, case Grapes, Gros Col- mar — Alicante — Muscat of Alex- andria — (Guernsey) ... Vegetables 5 0-80 2 6-60 4 6-80 10 0-18 0 50 - 8 0-15 0 4 3-46 4 3 — 5 0-76 9 0-11 0 10-26 0 10- 2 6 5 0-80 0 8-10 I 0-12 0 s.d. s.d, 12 6-20 0 10 0-12 0 10 0-16 0 12 0-18 0 10 0-15 0 10-15 s.d. s.d Art icholtes(G lobe), per dozen ... 2 0-26 — white, p. bushel 2 0 — — per cwtk ... 3 6 — Asparagus, per bundle: — Sprue 0 6-07 — Pans Green ... 3 9-43 Beans — — (French), p. lb. 10-11 — (Guernsey), per lb 2 6-30 — (Madeira), per basket 2 6 — — Niggers .. 4 0-60 Beetroot, perbushel 10-16 Brussel Sprouts, h bushel 2 0-30 — bags 3 6-40 Cabbages, per tally 2 6-76 3 6-40 Selaginella, p. doz. 4 0-60 Solanums, per doz, 9 0-12 0 Spiraea japonica, d. dozen Tulips in boxes, per doz. bulbs 0 6-09 Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d, Grapes (Almeria), per barrel Lemons, box : — Messina, 300 — Do. 360 — per case, 300. — Naples, 360.. Lychees, per box Mandarines (25* s). per box ..'. 0 8-10 — <96's), per box 3 0-36 Mangos, per doz. 3 0-60 Nuts, Almonds, per bag 45 0 — — Brazils, new, perewt. ... 50 0-55 0 — Barcelona, bag 32 0-35 0 — Cocoa nuts. 100 11 0-14 0 — Cob, per dozen lbs 16-19 — Chestnuts, per bag 7 0-90 — (Italian), p. bag 14 0-16 0 — (Spanish) ... 14 0-16 0 Oranges (Jamaica), per case ... 6 6-86 — (Denia) ... 9 0-16 0 9 0-10 0 — California 6 6 — seedless, per 6 6-80 case 12 6-15 0 8 0-90 — (Valencia) per 10 0-12 0 case (420) 5 0-76 — per case (714). 5 0-56 — Jaffas .. 0 6-10 — Palermo Blood Pears (Californian), Doyenne1 du Cornice, per case — Easter Beurre per box — Glou Morceau, per case — Winter Nelis, per box — (French), Catil- lac), per crate Pineapples, each ... — (Natal), perdz. Tangerines (Cali- fornian), per case (180-200)... 10 0-12 0 — (Florida), per case (120-200)... 18 0-20 0 Average Wholesale Prices. 8 0-16 0 8 0-15 ^ 8 0- b v 9 6-11 0 8 6-96 6 0-76 9 0-10 0 8 0-10 0 7 0-80 2 0-36 4 0-60 ■ d. 12 0-18 0 10-16 3 0 — 2 0-30 8 0-10 0 3 0 — 2 6-36 16-19 2 6-36 3 0-40 2 0-36 4 0-46 12 0-15 0 2 6-29 7 0-80 2 0 — 3 0 — per mat — Greens, per bushel Cardoon (French), per dozen Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bag ... — unwashed — (French), p. pad Cauliflowers, per dozen — St. Malo, crates (12 heads) — Italian Heads, per basket Celery, per dozen rolls 12 0-15 0 Celeriac, per doz. 2 0-26 Chicory, per lb. ... 0 3£- 0 4 Cucumbers, perdz. 4 0-10 0 Endive, per dozen 16-20 Remarks. — The Grape trade continues fair, the demand from the provinces being moderately good. Trade in Apples is very quiet. A fair consignment of Ealermo Blood Oranges arrived during the past week and met with a good demand. Cape Plums are selling freely. Pineapples are selling well : there being a good demand for the smaller fruits of best quality. A large consignment of Apples from Washington have sold at fair prices, 7s. 6d. to 8s. ltd. being an average price per case. Rhubarb is arriving from Essex, also from Leeds, but the quality is not good, and the stalks are much lighter in colour than usual. There has been a reaction in the Lemon trade, and prices have fallen con- siderably. Oranges also are cheaper, but this is principally owing to many of the fruits being unsound. Trade generally is fair. E. H, R., Covad Garden, Wednesday, Feb) uarv 3,1909. Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles Leeks, 12 bundles Lettuce (French), per crate Mint, per dozen bunches ... 4 0-50 Mushrooms, per lb. 0 10- 1 0 — broilers ... 0 6-08 — buttons, per lb. 0 10- 1 0 Mustardand Cress, per dozen pun. 1 0 — Onions, per bag ... 9 0-10 0 — (Valencia).case 10 6-11 0 — Dutch, pr. bag 8 6-90 — pickling, per bushel Parsley, 12 bunches — 4 sieve Parsnips, per bag... Potatos, Sweet, per cwt. — (French), p. lb. Radishes (French), per doz. bunches 10-16 Rhubarb (English), forced, per dz. bundles ... 0 10- 1 2 Salsafy, per dozen bundles Seakale, per dozen punnetts Spinach, per crate Savoys, per tally... Turnips, per dozen bunches — washed, p. bag Tomatos (Tener- iffe), per bun- dle of 4 boxes 9 0-14 0 Watercress, per doz 0 6-08 4 6 — 2 0-26 2 0-30 2 6-30 20 0-24 0 0 3-0 34 96 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1909. Rents— Snowdrop Sbarpe's Express ... Epicure Up-to-Date Lincolns — Epicure British Queen Up-to-Date Maincrop Sharpe's Express ... Remarks. — Prices with good supplies. St. Pancras, Februar Potatos. s.d. s.d. Lincolns- 4 <>- 4 3 6-39 3 0-33 3 0-36 2 6-30 3 0-33 3 0-36 3 6-39 3 0-33 s.d. s.d. 2 6-30 2 6-30 2 6-30 2 3-26 Evergoi id Bedfords - Up-to-Daie . Epicure Blacklands. Dunbars— Lanaworthy Up-to-Date, red soil 3 9-40 „ „ grey soil 2 9- 3 3 remain unaltered. Trade is very steady Edward J, Newborn, Cvvcnt Garden and y 3t 1909. ... 4 : 4 6 COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. There has been a falling off in supplies owing to the foggy weather of last week retarding the development of flowers ; generally there has been a slight advance in prices. Azaleas and bulbous plants are the only flowering subjects that are plentiful in the market. Cut Flowers. Large supplies of Daffodils are seen : Golden Spur is a favourite market variety. Emperor is already obtain- able; this variety sells for high prices. Henry Irving, princeps, obvallaris, and Van Sion (double) are other good market varieties. Narcissus ornatus, Soleil d'Or, Scilly White (White Pearl), Gloriosa and Paper-white are also procurable; their prices fluctuate: Paper- white Narcissus has realised as much as 3s. 6d. per dozen bunches. Tulips are very abundant ; ordinary single kinds are offered at low prices, but the best double flowers are worth from 18s. to 30s. per dozen bunches. Roses are scarce: a lew good blooms of Caroline Testout have realised from 10s. to 12s. per dozen blooms; best quality blooms of Liberty have also made high prices; Madame Hoste does not find favour with buyers, as the petals are not of the shade of colour best appreciated ; Niphetos is dearer. Supplies of Lilinms have decreased; late this morning (Wednesday) good blooms were not pro- curable. There was also a falling off in the supplies of Callas. English-grown Lilac, boch mauve and white flowered, is very good, and high prices are maintained. Violets from France are abundant ; there are also good supplies of English-grown Violets. Euphorbia jacquinije- flora is fairly good. Blooms of Gardenia and Eucharis are scarce. Pot Plants, There has not been a large trade in pot plants, and supplies, though smaller than usual, have been more than equal to all demands. Well-flowered Azaleas are a prominent fea- ture. Daffodils are seen in large quantities. Hyacinths are also abundant. A few Tulips in pots are seen, but this flower is chiefly grown for market in boxes. Forced Spiraeas are rather weak in growth; S. astilboides from retarded clumps is very good. Well-flowered plants of Begonia Gloire de Lorraine are scarce. Ericas also are of poor quality ; E. Wilmoreana will be ready in a few days, and from what I have seen in the nurseries I think tins species will be very good this season. Marguerites are plentiful. A few Callas in pots are seen, but there is very little demand for them. I noticed a few good plants of the old double white Primula. Cyclamen are fairly good. Liliums in pots are scarce. Genistas have suffered from the effects of the recent fog. Solanums are nearly past for the season. There is little variation to record in the trade for foliage plants, and supplies generally are more than equal to all demands. A. //., tovent Garden, Wednesday, February 3t 1909. TRADE NOTE. FAILURE OF SEED MERCHANT. The first meeting of the creditors of William Hubbard Sharpe took place recently at the offices of the official receiver at Lincoln. Mr. Sharpe carries on business as John Sharpe and Son, seed merchants, at Bardney, Lincolnshire and Reading, and at Norwich as J. E. Barnes. In the absence of the official receiver (Mr. H. J. Ward), the deputy official receiver (Mr. N. Temple) presided, and the meeting elected Mr. J. E. Walker, auctioneer, of Horncastle, as trustee of the estate, with the following gentle- men as a committee of inspection: — Messrs. C. W. Le May, seed merchants, 59, Mark Lane, London; J. H. Ward, farmer, Withcall ; H. L. Barker, farmer, Langcrqft, Louth ; A. F. Shawyer, bank manager, Lincoln ; and G. H. Boaler, managing clerk, 337, High Holborn, London. The statement of the debtor's affairs showed the gross liabilities were £33,422 16s. lOd. This included 130 unsecured creditors for £27,508 15s. 8d., and three creditors partly secured for £5,620 17s. — less estimated value of securities, £2,327— £3,293 17s. After other deductions, the liabilities expected to rank for dividend amounted to £31,108 13s. lOd. The assets were estimated to produce £2,761 15s. 6d., including £1,211 18s. good book debts, and there was a deficiency of £28,346 18s: 4d. Debtor attributed his failure to " want of capital, heavy bankers' and discounting charges, and expenses of ad- vertising." Explaining his deficiency, the debtor makes the following statement: — Loss by bad debts for the year ending January 4, 1909, as yet ascertained, £70, household ex- penses of self, wife, and four children (these expenses cannot be stated, as proper accounts have not been kept), loss by bad debts for the four years ending October, 1908, £640. Previous to this period heavy losses have been made. The debtor attributed heavy loss to business carried on in Reading. He had paid for 18 years £116 per an- num on life policies. The trading had been charged heavily with unremunerative advertising, and also with interest on borrowed money and discounting charges, the interest and discounting charges amounting to between £800 and £1,000 per annum. The case came before the Registrar (Mr. R. A. Stephen), at the Lincoln Bankruptcy Court, but in consequence of the illness of the official receiver it was adjourned. Debtor's wife is the largest creditor, for £15.492 Is. 4d., and his father is a creditor for £7,287. ©bttuarjj. William Bardney.— The death of Mr. W. Bardney is announced, at the age of 53 years. Deceased was gardener at Norris Green, near Liverpool, tor some years, and later at Osmas- ton Manor ; subsequently he was engaged in business on his own account. Apple Spot : F. C. The spotting is due to a fungus, Fusicladium dendriticum. Spray the trees with the Bordeaux mixture at half strength, first when the leaves are unfolding, and again when the fruits have just set. Chrysanthemum Buds : H. 1. J . You will find articles on " taking the bud " in the issues for August 29, 1896, December 10, 1898, No- vember 10, 1900, and August 17, 1901. These numbers may still be had from our publishing department. Compensation : Constant Reader. A master is not bound to provide his servant with medi- cal attendance during sickness, but if the mas- ter himself calls in his own medical man to attend the servant he cannot deduct the charge of the medical attendance out of the servant's wages. Dressing for a Lawn : Anxious. Mix the malt combings with fine soil and well-rotted stable manure. Apply as a top-dressing at once. About March brush and roll the turf thoroughly, and give, at intervals, small appli- cations of sulphate of ammonia or nitrate of soda mixed with good loam and applied as a top-dressing. Fkuit Trees Infested with Moss: W. W. Spray the trees with the winter wash prepared as follows: — Dissolve 1 lb. of commercial caustic soda in water, then 1 lb. of crude potash (or pearl ash) in water. When both have been dissolved, mix the two well to- gether, and afterwards add J lb. of soft soap, stirring well and adding water sufficient to make 10 gallons of the wash. As the pre- paration is very caustic, care must be exer- cised in handling it. Fumigating Vinery with Cyanide of Potas- sium : /. P. The failure of both attempts to fumigate vinery was probably due (1) to an insufficient quantity of sulphuric acid being used to liberate the fumes ; or (2) to an insuffi- cient quantity of active cyanide, owing to the poor quality of the potassium cyanide sup- plied by local chemists. If the vines are still dormant, try 12J oz. of sodium cyanide, 130 per cent, strength, 25 fluid oz. or sulphuric, acid, and 75 fluid oz. of water, for your house of 5,000 cubic feet. The temperature of the house should be 50° to 55" Fahr., and the atmo- sphere should be dry. For even distribution it would be best to use four generators, with 3J oz. of sodium cyanide, 6+ oz. of sulphuric acid and 19£ oz. of water, to each. The water should be first measured. This can be done easily, as 20 fluid oz. constitute 1 pint. The sulphuric acid should be slowly poured into the water, and then the cyanide may be added. The sodium cyanide may be obtained through your local chemist, of Messrs. Walter Voss and Co., Ltd., Millwall, London, E., who are making a speciality of placing cyanide upon the market in a suitable form for horticul- tural purposes. 2J oz. of cyanide (sodium) will fumigate 1,000 cubic feet of vinery with dormant Vines. Lignum nefhriticum : H. E. By this name, which you have seen in an old book on physics, is meant Guilandina Moringa Linn, which in Index Kcwensis is referred to as Mor- inga pterygosperma. Names of Fruits: W. G. B. Lord Lennox. Names of Plants : T.B. 1, Cheilanthes elegans ; 2, Adiantum formosum ; 3, Lomaria ciliata ; 4, Davallia canariensis. — E. C, Warrington. Hippeastrum equestre, figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 305, as Amaryllis equestris. It is a species widely distributed in South America and the West Indies. — S. A. 1, Selaginella Wildenovii ; 2, S. Kraussiana ; 3, S. csesia (uncinata) ; 4 and 5, both varieties of S. Martensii. — R. 0. Y. 1, Oncidium fiexuosum ; 2, OdontoglossumLindleyanum; 3, O. blandum. — G. IV. W. Solanum ciliatum.— E. C. W. Odontoglossum Lindleyanum. Rhododendrons in a Churchyard: A. T. These trees will succeed as well in a church- yard as elsewhere if you plant them in peat. For the borders or boundaries there can be nothing better than Rhododendrons ; they have a good appearance all through the winter. Roses : G. IF. The Rose you require to mass in a large bed to blend with the variety Dorothy Perkins, which, you say, you have over the bed in the form of a handle to a large basket, is Philippine Lambert. This is one of the very freest-blooming of the Pompon or dwarf Polvantha Roses. (See note in Gar- deners' Chronicle, January 16, 1909.) The plants will commence to bloom at the end of May, and flower continuously until the frosts. This variety grows nearly 2 feet in height. Should you require a sort that will grow, jay, 6 inches less in height, try Mignonette or Gloire de Polyantha. Tropical Fruits: .4. T. The most suitable of the tropical fruits mentioned on p. 443, for cultivation in hot-houses in this country are the Persimmon (Diospyros Kaki), Grape-fruit (Citrus decumana var.), Passion-fruits (Passi- fiora edulis and P. laurifolia), Monstera deli- ciosa, Loquat (Photinia japonica), Tree Tomato Cyphomandra betacea), and Grana- dilla (Passiflora quadrangularis). Tulips Failing : Bulbs. The bulbs are per- fectly healthy, and, although small, should have developed their inflorescences. The failure to form roots is due to some error of culture. The bulbs were pro- bably placed in too much warmth at the com- mencement of their forcing. We do not sus- pect the soil has anything to do with the trouble. Vine Spur: T. A. The older portion of the spur is decayed, and the wood has become powdered by the action of Merulius lachry- mans, the fungus causing dry rot. The more solid portion of the dead wood has been bur- rowed by the "furniture beetle." Violets : C. F. The plants are attacked by Botrytis cinerea, and this fact suggests there has been too much moisture in the air. Spray the foliage at intervals of four days with a solution of sul- phide of potassium (liver of sulphur), placing 1 ounce of this chemical in 4 gallons of water. — Rex. There is no disease present in, the plants ; the injury is due to some cultural defect. Have the plants been allowed to be- come dry at their roots, or are they staged too near the hot- water pipes? Communications Received. — P. & Co.--F. J. L. — N. B. H. — W. E. B.— S. F. W.— H. R.— P. A.--W. H. A.— J. C. B. — T. H.— Sir C. W. D.— S. G. R — W. A. C— A. C. B.— W. H.C,— F. J.— A. & McA— A. 1}.— Otto B.— F. B. S.— E. H. I.— E. S.-C. T. D.— A. "ri.-F. N— A. J. E.— Geo. W.— T. C.-W. P. YV.-A. E. B. H.— J. P.-S. H.— W. A. (Photograph) -C. L.— J. W, M— T. D.— J. M. M. February 13, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 07 THE (iarbeners'CbtonicIc No. 1,155.— SATURDAY, February 13, 1909. CONTENTS. Agave, a noble 106 Books, notices of — School gardening ... 102 Reports of the Woburn Experimental Fruit Farm 97 Publications received 100 Chrysanthemum Fram- field Pink Cultural memorandum — Asparagus plumosus 99 Cyclamens, hybrid ... 107 Cvpripedium " Earl of Tankerville" 101 Darwin Centenary, the 104 Ei yngium pandamfolium 106 Florists' flowers — Sweet Peas 101 Flowers in season ... 105 Freesias 106 Fruit farm experiments at Woburn 97 Fruit register — Apple and Pear stocks 99 Stone fruits for ama- teurs 99 Gardener's catechism, a 105 Greenhouses, most suit- able timber for ... 112 Innes Bequest, the ... 10S Lackey moth, the ... H2 Lfelio-Cattleya Felicia 9H Law note 106 Morris, Sir Daniel ... 105 Polystichum aculeatnm gracillimum Drueryi 98 106 112 Rockery, formation of a Rosary, the — Cultural notes for January 100 Small Holdings, prizes for 105 Societies — Aberdeen Chrysan- themum HO Hemel Hempstead Horticultural 110 Leeds Professional Gardeners' HO Manchesterand North of England Orchid HO Royal Horticultural 104, 107 Scottish Horticultural 110 United Horticultural Benefit & Provident 110 Trenching kitchen-gar- den soil 107 Violets, hybridisation of 112 Week's work, the — Flower garden, the ... 102 Fruits under glass ... 103 Hardy fruit garden ... 103 Kitchen garden, the... 103 i irchid bouses, the ... 103 Plants under glass ... 103 Public parks and gar- dens 102 Wh ortleberries and Cranberries 99 Winter Greens, two l.arly ... 107 ILLUSTRATIONS. Agave attenuata (Supplementary Illustration) Cypripedium "Earl of Tankerville" Lielio-Cattleya Felicia . Polystichum aculeatum gracillimum Drueryi . 101 100 WOBURN FRUIT FARM EXPERIMENTS. TWO reports on the Woburn Fruit Farm, by the Duke of Bedford and Mr. Spencer U. Pickering (Amalgamated Press, London), have come out almost simul- taneously. The first is the *Ninth Report, re- lating to methods of planting fruit trees, with an appendix on studies in germination and plant growth, and on the action of heat and antiseptics on soils. The Tenth Report relates the results of experiments in the treatment of Nursery trees by fumigation and other methods for the destruction of woolly aphis (American blight), and for killing the Apple sucker, the aphis, and various caterpillars on trees in foliage. It will be remembered that the Fifth Report gave the results of experiments in methods of planting fruit trees entirely at variance with those in general use and recommended as the best in all text-books bearing upon the subject. In the Ninth Report the results of repeated and new experiments of the same class are described. The result in the earlier experiments which attracted most attention, and called forth much sceptical criticism, was the benefit declared to have been derived » Ninth and Tenth Re foils of the Woburn Experimental Fruit Farm. (The Amalgamated Press, Ltd.) Prices, 8s. 6d. and Is. from placing trees with untrinimed roots into holes too small for the roots, making the roots point downwards and stamping the soil over them violently. A further announce- ment appears to have been made after the issue of the report to the effect that the violent stamping had been developed into ramming the soil over the roots until it was puddled. The Ninth Report the results of further trials in this direc- tion, carried out at several places away from Woburn by skilled growers whose names are given, as well as on the Woburn farm itself. No fewer than 1,372 trees were used in these experiments. After deducting those planted in certain places where various circumstances spoilt the ex- periments, average results are given in rela- tion to the growth of 814 trees. The plan pursued in planting is thus described : — " A few forkfuls of earth were removed, so as to make a shallow hole : into this the tree was put, with the roots just as they happened to come, the earth was shovelled over them, and rammed with a heavy rammer till the whole was thoroughly puddled and shook like a jelly at each stroke." Finally a shovelful of loose earth was thrown over the rammed ground to facilitate hoeing. On the Woburn farm and at Harpenden, where the trials were most extensive, a great majority of the rammed trees made mote growth, even in the first season, than un- rammed trees, while at some other stations the failures were nearly as numerous as tin- successes. The summary of results states that in the first season 59 per cent, of the trees made an excess of growth, 27 per cent, gave no definite results, and 14 per cent, showed a deficiency ; while in the second season the percentages in the same order were 72, 17, and 11. The writer of the report attributes the benefit of ramming to the extra close con- tact of the soil with the roots produced by the process, and this appears to be a reason- able explanation. It is admitted that the rammed soil is not propitious to the growth of the roots in it; but it is pointed out that, before the end of the first season, the roots have penetrated into the loose soil beyond the small extent of the rammed earth. What ex- perienced fruit growers will find it difficult to accept is the obvious implication that the puddling of the soil is beneficial to the trees. So long as the ground is not too dry, it is stated, its condition will be immaterial, and the failure of ramming in certain cases is attributed to the comparative lightness of the soil, which would prevent puddling. As to the probable injury to some of the roots from ramming, it is argued that this is beneficial. " The continued life of the tree," it is added, " depends entirely on the forma- tion of adventitious roots, and it is well known that the formation of these is fostered by a certain amount of injury to the old roots." Independent experiments to test this point were conducted on a small scale. The roots of some trees were notched all along their length, and these are reported to have made more growth than trees with uninjured roots. Similarly, trees with roots bruised and frayed by careless raising made more growth than others which had the injured parts trimmed off. Seeing that in a separate set of experi- ments the moderate trimming of the roots of trees, raised properly, proved beneficial, the inference is that it is advantageous to cut off sound portions of roots, but disadvantageous to remove bruised and frayed portions. In trials of root pruning under ordinarv circum- stances the removal of one-fourth to one- third of the roots of trees is represented to have given favourable results, while more drastic pruning did harm. Similarly, the pruning-off of all fibrous roots of not more than one-twenty-fifth of an inch in diameter is said to have produced a slight benefit in the case of young trees, but injury in that of trees eight to nine years old. Not the least astounding result is that of an experiment in tying the roots of a tree together, and bending them in the form of a ball under the tree. This operation, it is reported, reduced the growth in the first season, but resulted in practically normal growth in the second year. Trees on trenched ground in a considerable majority of in- stances did better than those on untrenched ground ; but an attempt is made to explain this by the statement that the soil where trenching proved advantageous was excep- tionally favourable to deep rooting. It must not be supposed that the favourable results of what are commonly regarded as had practices in planting are reported to have been uniform. On the contrary, the evidence is more or less conflicting in many in- stances, the deductions being from the ma- jority of the results. Fruit growers generally, it may be surmised, will require a great deal more evidence than has been obtained at pre- sent to convince them that planting in wit soil and puddling it by ramming, planting trees with bruised and frayed roots un- trinimed, or bunching the roots and ram- ming them into small holes can be otherwr e than disadvantageous. As already stated, the theory as to the benefit of trimming off a larger proportion of the roots than is usual and of notching them is that the formation of new roots near the surface of the soil is thereby promoted. But it cannot be sup- posed that this process would be favoured by leaving bruised and frayed roots untrimmed, a neglect not recommended in the report, in spite of its apparently favourable results; and as to bunching the roots, instead of spreading them out, it is contrary to all reason to sup- pose that this can be otherwise than a hin- drance to the extension of new roots over the greatest area of nourishment. For the re- sults of other experiments readers are referred to the report. The Tenth Report is well worth careful attention. The fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas of nursery trees and stocks raised for transplanting proved ineffectual for the destruction of the woolly aphis, and crude paraffin of various grades was fatal to some of the trees. The most advantageous treat- ment was immersion for ten minutes in v ater at the temperature of 1150 F. Similarly, the treatment of growing trees for the same pest with crude paraffin or naphtha injured the foliage badly, and killed some of the trees. Lime and salt wash, tried for the de- struction of the eggs of the Apple sucker (Psylla mali) on dormant trees, was not a success. This mixture also failed to kill the insects themselves on trees just coming into foliage. The Woburn winter wash destroyed only 5 per cent., and badly scorched the 98 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1909. foliage, while solutions of common salt and carbolic acid both failed. Thoroughly suc- cessful, however, was Voss's solution of nicotine, which, unfortunately, is expensive. It killed up to 95 per cent, of the insects, and did not scorch the foliage at all. For the destruction of several varieties of caterpillars paraffin emulsion proved most successful, particularly that made with Bordeaux mix- ture as the emulsifier. Nicotine also gave good results, but needed the addition of lead arsenate, at the rate of 120Z. to io gallons, to render the wash destructive to the caterpillar of the winter moth. In the destruction of the Plum or the Apple aphis, nicotine, because harmless to the foliage, appears to be by far the best remedy, although paraffin emulsion proved also effective. In reading these Woburn Reports, no one can fail to appreciate the munificence of the Duke of Bedford in making provision for these important and costly investigations, or with the painstaking energy shown by Mr. Pickering in arranging and conducting the experiments. POLYSTICHUM ACULEATUM GRACILLIMUM DRUERYI. The subject of our illustration is one of the most remarkable examples on record of what has been termed saltatory variation. The extent of this variation can be judged by comparing the parental form indicated in the lower right-hand corner with the typical frond of its offspring. The graceful habit of the plant is shown in the left-hand corner. A First-class Certificate was recently awarded to this Fern by the Royal Hor- ticultural Society. The " sport " is of further interest, as being one of about a score of simi- lar plants, with, however, individual variations of a minor character, which originated in a batch of about a hundred seedlings of P. ac. pulcherri- mum found many years ago in Dorset by a farm labourer, and which, until a few years back, was believed to be barren. Isolated sporan- gia were then noted upon a plant in the possession of Mr. C. B. Green, of Acton, this plant having been raised from an offset of the original plant which I gave to Mr. Green. We both made sowings and obtained similar re- sults. The majority of the plants so raised were mainly of the true parental type, but several reverted to an extremely near approach, not to P. aculeatum, but to P. angu- lare, a closely-allied but softer species, de- void of the glossy surface of P. aculeatum. Another, of similar type to the one depicted, P. aculeatum pulcherrimum Drueryi, was also cer- tificated at an earlier date. In this the terminal pinnules of the frond are deeply serrate, forming a sort of fringe. A third plant in Mr. Green's possession remains to be exhibited, in which the fronds are far more decomposite and dense, on similar plumose lines to the divisilobe section of P. annulare raised by Col. Jones and Dr. Fox. Chas. T. Druery, V.M.H., F.L.S. L/ELIO-CATTLEYA FELICIA. This beautiful hybrid (see fig. 48, p. 100), raised by Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Hav- wards Heath, Sussex, between L.-C. Harold, iana (L. tenebrosa X C. Hardyana) and C. Trianae, was awarded a First-class Cer- tificate at the Royal Horticultural So- ciety's meeting on January 26. The hybrid re- tains the fine proportions of C. Hardyana, with a remarkable introduction of deep purplish- claret colour on the front and edges of the side lobes of the lip. This extra deep colour is very effective in contrast with the silver-white, rose tint of the rest of the flower. FlG. 47. — POLYSTICHUM ACULEATUM GRACILLIMUM DRUERYI. February 13, 1909.] THE G A UDENER S' CHE ON J CLE. 99 FRUIT REGISTER. STONE FRUITS FOR AMATEURS. Beginners in the warmer counties may cultivate Apricots, Plums, Peaches and Cherries, the methods of their cultivation and the principles of summer and winter pruning being easily understood. The Peach, Nectarine and Apricot require the warmth and protection of a south, west or east wall in the south of England and Ireland, but in the north of England, i.e., north of the Humber River and in Scotland generally, the wood and the fruit will not mature on any tree other than one having a due south aspect. In all parts of the country some kind of protection is needed against frost at the time of flowering. The young shoots must not be trained so closely together as to prevent the summer's sun reaching the wall or they will not mature sufficiently to form good blossom- buds. In some Yorkshire gardens Apricots are grown in rough sheds having merely a glass roof ; and the trees, if frequently syringed with clear water, do not suffer from red spider, a great pest of all wall trees. The syringing must cease when the fruit on any of the trees begins to change colour. After the crop has been gathered syringing may be continued at intervals till the month of August is out. Plums of the common and culinary varieties may be grown as low standard trees and bushes, and are not out of place on a lawn, provided they are afforded liquid manure at the roots occasionally in the winter. Pruning at the winter season will be found a simple operation if it be borne in mind that the fruit is produced by the well-ripened shoots of the previous year. The " spurs " should not be closer than 8 inches apart, and they need to be kept shortened back when they exceed 4 or 5 inches in length. It is only on the lower half of the one-year-old shoots that fruit may be expected to form : the upper half may be removed at the annual winter pruning. The dessert Plums are the better for the pro- tection of a wall or fence, or they may be grown in bush-form in a warm part of the garden. Excellent varieties of Plums are the Gages, viz., Bryanstone, a large, round fruit blotched with red, and ripening in September ; Green Gage, a well-known variety, Denniston's Superb, a greenish-yellow fruit of a large size for a Gage, is a prolific bearer and very hardy, and about a fortnight earlier in ripening than the common Green Gage. Oullin's Golden Gage is of great size ; the fruits are greenish-yellow and ripen in August. Reine Claude de Bavay is a large, delicious Plum, prolific in bearing, and of a hardy constitution. Three delicious Gages were raised by the late T. Rivers, viz., Early Transparent, Golden Transparent and Late Transparent. Amongst Plums other than Gages may be recommended Early Favourite, Grand Duke and Late Rivers — the two latter ripening in October and November — and Monarch ripen- ing late in September. The Czar ripens about the end of July ; it is a richly flavoured fruit, and the tree is very hardy. Some fine culinary varieties suitable for amateur cultivators are Autumn Compote, Curlew, and Early Rivers. Of Damsons, the Crittenden's, King of the Damsons, The Shropshire or Prune and the Common Damson offer a good assortment. The Damson makes a good standard tree and a good boundary or shelter tree for a plantation of other kinds of fruit. The Cherry is a favourite fruit with most per- sons, and the varieties are many ; it will, how- ever, be sufficient to give the names of some of the best, with the proviso that the earliest to ripen should be given wall space. Ripening in the month of June out-of-doors are Guigne Annonay, Semis de Burr, Bigarreau Jaboulay; in July, Large Black. Large Red, Kmpress Eugenie, May Duke (against a walll, Noir de Guben — a Bigarreau, as is also de Schreken, Black Taitarian (against a wall), Klton-earlier than the Bigarreau varieties ; Governor Wood, light red in colour, with tender flesh ; Mon- strueuse de Metzel, dark red, one of the largest Cherries, and Turkey Blackheart, a favourite Kentish variety. The Morello and Belle Magru- fique, both prolific, culinary varieties, and very hardy, may, with advantage, find places on a north wall, as well as be grown as standards or bushes in the open garden. APPLE AND PEAR STOCKS. It may be said that all varieties of Apples succeed on the broad-leaved Paradise stock, but it is not the kind on which should be worked large-growing, horizontally- or fan-trained trees, such as are commonly planted on walls in the cooler parts of these islands. The trees on this stock produce fruit when very young, and the formation of growth is thus restricted, so that the wall space would be bare of branches for several years after planting if the Paradise stock was employed. In addition, such trees scarcely have the vigour the Crab stock imparts ; so that, for carrying a large fruitful head for a great number of years, the latter is the better stock. These remarks apply likewise to the Pear, for the Quince stock may only be advised for single and double cordons on walls and bushes and pyramids. Not every variety of the Pear does well when worked on the Quince, but needs an intermediate graft of a Pear that unites with the Quince stock satisfactorily. Such are those early July Pears, Doyenne d'Ete and Citron des Cannes, which make good and fertile trees ; Fondante d'Automne, a large melting Pear, forms a well-shaped pyramid tree on the Quince when double-grafted. This last is in season in October. That delicious but un- certain variety when worked on the Pear stock, Gansel's Bergamot, for early fruiting should be double-grafted on the Quince. The fruit is ripe in October. Thomson's Pear comes into use in the same month as the last-mentioned, and should be double-worked on the Quince, like- wise the Seckle or Honey Pear of the Americans. Of January and February Pears, Zephirin Gre- goire and Knight's Monarch make good cordons o i the Quince, double-grafted, as do Ne Plus Meuris and Beurre Ranee. The latter is a good bearer, but requires a place on a south wall. /■'. .1/. CULTURAL MEMORANDA. ASPARAGUS PLUMOSUS. The months of March and April are most suit- able for repotting this plant. The best compost is one consisting of turfy loam one-third, leaf- mould two-thirds, and a small quantity of horn shavings or an artificial manure rich in ammo- nia. The drainage in the pot should be sufficient to secure a free outlet for water and no more. After potting, which should be performed by hand with some degree of firmness, the plant should be placed on a warm bed in a house or pit of considerable height, not plunged, or but slightly. No shade is necessary as a rule. If enough syringing or sprinkling be carried cut there is no danger of burning or scalding, and the conditions are just those most favourable to good growth : the more so if the walls and paths are frequently moistened. After a long period of cloudy weather a thin kind of shading may be employed during brief periods of strong sunshine for a few days. When this Asparagus is grown for cutting it is usual to plant it in a bed or border of soil, and train the main shoots on vertical rods or strings, from which it is an easy matter to detach them when wanted. Asparagus plmnosus nanus, it may be added, is obtainable from seeds. The fronds of seedlings differ slightly from those made by divided plants, being thicker and the stalks weaker, so as to cause them to assume a more pendant habit. This variety may be grown in pots or in beds of rich soil, and, if so desired, the main growths mav be fastened to thin Bamboo rods. F WHORTLEBERRIES AND CRANBERRIES. (Concluded from page 84.) OXYCOCCUS. O. MACROCARPUS (AMERICAN CRANBERRY). — III habit and general character this species differs but little from our native Cranberry (O. palus- tris). It has the same trailing, wiry, but stouter stems, with larger leaves and fruits. Botanically, it differs chiefly in the position of the flowers on the shoot. In O. palustris they form a small terminal cluster ; but in the present species they spring from the axils of small leaves or bracts below the extremity of the branch. Above the flowers, consequently, there is always a portion of leafy shoot. The leaves are oval to oblong (those of O. palustris are more pointed), J to V inch long, and glaucous, white beneath. The flower is light pink, and the globose fruit red, and V inch or rather more across. The culti- vation of this Cranberry in the Northern United States has developed into quite an important industry. Hundreds of acres have been specially prepared for its accommodation, the land being arranged so as to allow of its being flooded when necessary. According to Mr. J. Dawson, the cost of this preparation is sometimes as much as £60 per acre. But often a crop of 500 bushels of Cranberries is gathered from one acre of well- piepared land in a single season. A figure of a fruiting branch, showing the extraordinary fer- tility of this plant, was given in the Gardeners' Chronicle for October 30, 1880 (p. 569). O. palustris (Cranberry). — Our native Cran- berry extends over a large portion of the northern hemisphere. It is common in the Eastern United States and Canada, and reaches westward to British Columbia. It is abundant in Northern Europe, and is widely spread over the British Isles, but most plentifully in the north of England and the south of Scotland. In all these places, as well as in Northern Asia, its habitat is always the same — boggy situations on moors and mountains. In general appearance it is a small edition of O. macrocarpus. It has the same entirely prostrate habit and trailing wiry stems, but its foliage and fruit are smaller. The leaves are J to J inch long, ovate, pointed, and glaucous beneath. The rosy-pink flowers come in a cluster of five or less at the ends of the branches. The berry is red and about the size ol a Red Currant. The gathering and sale of Cranberries in Great Britain is not so important an industry as it once was. The draining and enclosing of boggy land which was carried on so extensively during the great French wars of a century ago, and up to the repeal of the Corn Laws, destroyed many favourite habitats of the Cranberry in this country. At Longtown, in Cumberland, near Solway Firth, it is said that in the Cranberry season £30 worth of berries used to be sold on one market day. They have an acid and astrin- gent taste, and are used for tarts, preserves, and sweetmeats. CHIOGENES. Chiogenes serpyllifolia (Creeping Snow- berry). — In habit this curious North American plant very much resembles Oxycoccus palustris. It has creeping, very slender stems, and small, ovate, pointed leaves, but is readily distinguished from the Cranberry by the leaves being furnished beneath v/ith rigid, rusty-coloured bristles in- stead of being glaucous. The flowers, too, are quite different ; they are very small, produced singly on a nodding stalk from the leaf axils, and the corolla is bell-shaped. The fruit is white, globular, and nearly i inch in diameter, with a delicate acid and aromatic taste. The whole plant, indeed, has an aromatic odour re- sembling that of Gaultheria procumbens. This plant has a wide distribution in North America, reaching from Labrador westwards to British Columbia, and south to Minnesota, Michigan, and North Carolina. It inhabits peat bogs and damp woods. W. J. Bean. 100 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1S09. THE ROSARY. CULTURAL NOTES FOR FEBRUARY. When the ground is dry and free from frost advantage should be taken of the opportunity to finish any arrears of planting, including rooted cuttings that have been " heeled in" temporarily. Roses of the rugosa type and hybrid Sweet Briars are very ornamental subjects for group- ing in gardens or pleasure grounds. They suc- of their attractive fruits during the autumn months. The frost will have loosened in the soil many stocks and cuttings planted last autumn or since that time. With this in mind, carefully examine all newly-planted Roses, es- pecially the standard Briars, and tread the soil about them firmly and then give a fresh surface mulch of manure. All hardy climbing Roses can now have their shoots thinned and secured to the arches, pillars, or pergolas over which they are trained. of 60° F. is ample, but it may be increased 5 or 10° more with sun heat, provided there is plenty of top ventilation but no cold draught. Just before or at the time the flower-buds de- velop the plants should be well fed with liquid manure and soot water diluted to a light-brown colour. This food should be given two or three times a week. The plants will now be benefited by plenty of atmospheric moisture during the day, but the conditions at night-time should be drier, when a little top ventilation may te afforded. Fig. 48.— l.^lio-cattleya felicia : awarded a first-ct.ass certificate at the meeting of the e.h.s. on January 26. (See page 98.) ceed in a smoky atmosphere, and for that reason they should be planted in town gardens. Rosa rugosa var. Blanche Double de Coubert is a very effective, double white variety, free in flowering and with very fragrant blooms. Rosa rugosa atropurpurea has carmine-crimson flowers. The l'enzance Briars are an acquisition not only for their rich perfume but also because The majority of the pot Roses should be brought into a cold house or frame in order that they may gradually be started into growth and pruned at intervals before being brought into heat. By this method the results will be much better, both in the quality of the growth and blooms, than if they are forced in excessive warmth. An atmospheric temperature The early-grafted plants will now be ready for a shift into 5-inch pots, using good rich loam with a small proportion of decayed or spent hot- bed manure and a dash of river or washed sand. Pot firmly and afterwards place the plants well up to the glass. Keep the structure closed for a few days. After one watering at the roots a light syringing overhead will suffice for several February 13, 1909.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 101 days, or until the new roots begin to ramify in the fresh soil. Soft grafting will now be in full operation, and will continue until the supply of stocks is ex- hausted. The propagation of Roses on their own roots will follow. As a general rule, early in March is a suitable time for rooting the cuttings, as by then the bulk of the herbaceous grafting will be completed. If hot-beds are to be em- ployed for the purpose, no time should be lost in getting the manure together. Horse manure, without straw, is the best material, and it should be turned over several times into a heap to fer- ment and dry. If the hot-bed is made up pro- perly, it should, with an occasional lining of fresh material, furnish a steady bottom heat of 75°, declining to 65°, up till such time as the cuttings are well rooted. The depth of the bed at the back should be at least 3 feet 6 inches, with a fall of 6 inches to the front. The manure must be trodden firmly. The space required for a two-light frame will be about 8 feet by 10 feet. This will allow a clear margin of 1 foot all around the bed for fresh linings when the heat of the frame begins to de- cline. A two-light box frame is about 7 feet square, and the bed and frame must be ad- justed to each other according to circumstances. I have used, with some success, hot-water circu- lating tanks under closed frames for propagating Roses from cuttings, but, on the whole, the old- fashioned hot-bed is the more satisfactory. The Roses in borders will now be making good progress, and plenty of fresh air may be admitted by both top and bottom venti- lators. Use the syringe freely to clean the shoots and to keep down insect pests. If mildew appears, paint the pipes with a solution of soft soap and sulphur. Towards the close of the day the atmosphere in the house should be kept dry. Whenever possible soft water should be used for watering. At the present time it is advisable to give no more moisture than will be fairly- absorbed by the evening. An occasional sprink- ling of slacked lime over the surface of the beds and walks will, in a degree, neutralise any sour- ness in the old soil. The use of lime will counteract the growth of algae ; it will also sweeten the soil and be beneficial generally to the growth of the plants. /. D. G. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. CYPRIPEDIUM "EARL OF TANKERVILLE." This beautiful hybrid (see fig. 49) was raised by Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, from Cypripedium exul and C. nitens " Sander's variety." The raisers first exhibited the plant at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on January 9, 1906, when it was given an Award of Merit by the Orchid Committee. A part of the original specimen passed into the collection of Col. G. L. Holford, C.I.E., C.V.O., Westonbirt (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), who exhibited it at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on January 26 this year, and from this plant our illustration was prepared. Cypripedium exul has never ranked high in the estimation of Orchidists, nor has it been of much value as an agent in hybridising. The present instance is, perhaps, the first really satisfactory cross, and in this case the good result has probably been due mostly to its combination with C. nitens "Sander's variety." There are numbers of hybrid Cypripedium s with larger flowers than those of the Earl of Tankerville variety, but in form and marking it is difficult to imagine a more perfect bloom than that under notice. The flower is firm and wax-like in substance, with the dorsal sepal pure white, and a small, emerald- green 'base, bearing deep, chocolate-purple blotches, which change in the upper part to rose- purple. The remaining portion of the flower is yellow, tinged with purple-brown. SWEET PEAS. It is a matter of some importance for culti- vators to know that they are liable to purchase the same variety of Sweet Pea under more than one name. The descriptions in the catalogues may be a little differently worded, and this mis- leads the purchaser. Amongst the best varieties for exhibition pur- poses and also for general garden decoration is one known as The King. This fine Sweet Pea has many good qualities in addition to that of size. It is a vigorous grower, and although some persons recommend it to be grown in slight shade I prefer planting it in an open position. The colour is best developed during bright weather, for in dull seasons, the wings assume a magenta tinge that detracts from the appearance of the flower. Mrs. A. Ireland is a new variety possessing good decorative qualities. It is the nearest to ting near to obtaining a sun-proof scarlet. Prince of Asturias is a very fine chocolate-col- oured variety. Not only are the flowers of a pleasing colour, but they are large and stout of petal. It should be grown for exhibition purposes, as the tone is suitable for mixing amongst lighter shades. The colour is pleasing even when seen in the flowers growing in the garden. Paradise Ivory attracted much attention dur- ing 1908. This variety is wonderfully fine in flowering, the bloom being of a pleasing cream shade. The blooms are valuable when in the cut state, but the variety will be superseded, at least for show purposes, when Mrs. C. Curtis and the Primrose Spencers are better fixed. Mrs. J. Wilcox is the finest of the Spencer American type that 1 have noticed, and if the raisers can place a good stock of this variety upon the market they will earn the thanks of those who admire the striped forms of this flower. The growth is robust. Evelyn Hemus is, without doubt, one of the FlG. 49. — CYPRIPEDIUM ''EARL OF TANKERVILLE " : GRANTED A FIRST- CLASS CERTIFICATE BY THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ON TUESDAY LAST. Jeannie Gordon of any of the Spencer form yet sent out. There are several other varieties described as nearly like this older variety, and when grown in comparison they will doubtless prove to be identical with it. Apple Blossom Spencer is, in my opinion, one of the finest Sweet Peas of recent introduction for planting in clumps in gardens. The flowers are less changeable in colour than those of many other kinds. This variety is very similar in many re- spects to Mrs. A. Ireland, yet quite distinct and altogether of a paler colouring. Some of the stocks of this variety are already quite fixed in character. George Stark is the finest scarlet variety yet raised. Seeds may not be had this season, as it is not yet placed in commerce. The flowers are not so affected by strong sun- shine as others of a similar colour, and this is therefore a great advance in the direction of a " scarlet " that does not burn. There are several other seedlings which have the same good quality, thereby indicating that we are get- most beautiful Sweet Peas ever raised. The colour of the flower blends and harmonises anywhere and everywhere, and never seems misplaced. The bine is healthy in growth, whilst the blooms withstand the weather well, although they are produced on long stems. Mrs. C. W. Breadmore need not be cultivated if Evelyn Hemus is grown, as they are very similar. Elsie Herbert has qualities of habit and vigour equal to those of Evelyn Hemus, but the ground colour of the flowers is white instead of cream. The petals have a beautiful, pinkish edge, and it is the opinion of many that the variety is second to none for general beauty and usefulness. The variety Constance Oliver has made a name for its raiser and is valuable to every exhibitor and lover of Sweet Peas. The long, strong flower-stems are crowned with mostly four, beautiful flowers of a creamy-yellow col- ouring suffused with an orange-pink tinge. 102 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1909. Etta Dyke has no equal amongst the white- flowering varieties, and may be relied upon to come true to character. Mrs. Henry Bull is another of the cream-ground section that is finding general favour. In this section, although the differences in the flowers are not great, there is still suffi- cient distinction to allow of naming the varie- ties accurately at a glance. A cream ground suffused either with apricot-pink, orange-pink, or slightly-flushed pink is a very beautiful tone, and this type of Sweet Pea is valuable for all- round purposes. James Grieve. — There are a few good stocks of this Sweet Pea which, when true to charac- ter, is not surpassed in depth of colour by any ifi the cream section. When seen growing in quantity the blooms present a somewhat greenish-yellow hue. The variety is very fine in flowering and forms one of the best of its colour for market purposes. Sweet Peas simi- lar in character to Marjorie Willis are numer- ous, their nearest approach to colouring in the Spencer form is Prince of Wales. Most trade growers appear to have the type under varying ■ i s' At certain times, when at its brightest, the colour is pleasing, and the distinctive white blotch at the base of the standard adds to the effect. But there is a " Primula-sinensis pink " about the type that quickly fades into objec- tionable magneta shades, and the lower flowers upon the stem usually develop these shades before the top flowers are in perfection. If it can be shown on the same day as it is cut in large groups it is effective, but when sent the previous day from a long distance it is dis- appointing. Maggie Stark may be classed with Helen Lewis. It is a variety with less substance in the petals than the true Helen Lewis, and some- what brighter in colouring. Maggie Stark forms an effective variety for furnishing cut flowers, and may best be described as being be- tween St. George and Helen Lewis. It is really a very greatly improved form of Evelyn Byatt. So far as I can discern, I cannot detect any dif- ference between it and such varieties as Lord Althorp and Helen Grbsvenor. I should always include the variety Olive Ruffle in any collection of Sweet Peas. But it does not come true, and, like Audrey Crier, seems difficult to fix. At the same time it is a very desirable variety and deeper in colour than Constance Oliver and others of that class. The growth is of dwarf habit so far as I have observed. This does net affect the flower-stems or flowers which are mostly produced four upon each stem. There are other good varieties of recent raising, but as they are not all fixed or to be had in commerce, it would serve no useful purpose to write upon their merits. From my knowledge I may safely predict that the year 1909 will give us definite fixed improvements in some of the sections of this beautiful flower. Charles Foster. NOTICES OF BOOKS. * School-Gardening. Those who have had to do with the organisa- tion and management of school gardens know that many difficulties arise in the course of the work. The choice of ground is usually limited, the land is often in bad condition, and the work o[ the boys has to be arranged so that it will not interfere with their ordinary class work. At the same time, if the teaching is to have any practical value, it is necessary that the ordinary routine of garden work should be fol- lowed as closely as possible, and this, with the rather uncertain supply of labour available, it is not easy to ensure. Above all, it is important that the best methods should be employed for carrying out even simple operations, and that some attempt should be made to explain clearly the meaning and value of each. This little book is an attempt to meet such difficulties half-way. It contains little that is new, but offers useful advice- as to the best methods of laying out school gardens and of planning the work. The descriptions and dia- grams are clear, and should be of service, especi- ally to inexperienced teachers. A chapter is devoted to seed-sowing. The cultivation of the commoner garden crops is * School-Gardening, by W. Francis Raukine. Pitman & Soni. Price Is, described at some length, and sufficient space is devoted to fruit culture, diagrams being given to illustrate correct methods of pruning, grafting and planting. Common diseases which attack garden crops are described, with their remedies, and lists of the best varieties are given in the chapters on fruit culture. There is a short introduction by Mr. H. J. Wright, with whom we agree, that, in cases where the experience of the instructor has been limited through uncontrollable circumstances, this little work " should do much to establish, the teaching on correct lines." The Week's Work. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Hoses. — The pruning of Roses trained on warm walls or planted in sheltered positions may be proceeded with. All dead wood and any weak growths should be removed. Train in strong, well-ripened shoots that may be required for furnishing the wall ; any not required may be pruned to two or three buds. It is a good prac- tice to train in some new shoots each year and to remove a corresponding number of the old ones, as this will impart fresh vigour to the plants. The shoots should be secured with tarred string, as this substance is more durable than ordinary string. Remove any of the surface soil that appears exhausted, replacing it with a fresh compost. Another plan of replenishing the soil is to make a trench at some distance from the stems and to refill it with fresh soil with which has been mixed a quantity of bouemeal. Early blooming of Roses. — Among early-flower- ing varieties suitable for training against walls are Rosa sinica anemone (one of the very finest of all the early-flowering single Roses, the large petals being a delicate -hade of pink) ; Viscoun- tess Folkestone (creamy pin';), Sunset (apricot), Niphetos (white), Catherine Mermet (pink), Reine Olga de Wurtemburg (red), Cheshunt Hybrid (maroon crimson, a fine variety for a wall), Wil- liam Allen Richardson (deep orange yellow) ; LTdeal (red, tinted yellow), Solfatare (sulphur yellow), Comtesse du Cayla (coppery carmine shaded with orange and yellow, an exquisite Rose when in the bud state), and Fulgens (crim- son). The best-coloured blooms of the beautiful William Allen Richardson variety are obtained from plants trained against a west wall, which is also the best position for the well-known Man - chal Niel variety. The pretty and distinct Rose bracteata requires some slight protection in severe weather, and should always be planted against a warm wall. When the pruning and' training of the Roses have be?n finished, the plants should be sprayed with a preparation containing nicotine, and another application should be given when the buds break intoi growth. This will ward off attacks of aphis. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J. W. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Park, London. Late-planted trees and shrubs. — Circumstances often necessitate the planting of trees and shrubs, the staking of trees, turfing, and other work being done late in the new year that would be better performed in the autumn. But with care such late work is generally successful, although the risk of failure is far greater as the summer approaches. In March late-planted trees and shrubs are often injured or killed by the cold winds. Staking trees. — Standard trees should be secured to a stout stake immediately after planting : they will require special care in tying, so that the bark may not be injured by rub- bing against the stake. The stems of all speci- men trees planted by themselves should have from 7 to 8 feet of clear stem between the ground line and the branches ; when less than this is allowed, there is a danger of the tops of the trees being broken by mischievous boys. Best kinds of stakes. — The most serviceable stakes are Larch poles, with the bark intact, and the " ricker " poles, which, I believe, are of some imported coniferous tree. Both are straight and strong, and can be purchased in different sizes, ranging in length from 10 feet to 18 feet. The shorter lengths are best suited for newly-planted trees, but for re-tying those that have been planted three or four years the taller stakes will be needed. Strips of sacking should, in all cases, be bound around the stem of the tree be- tween the ligature and the bark. This will pre- vent injury from rubbing or from tightening of the string. Secure the plant very firmly as high up ihe stem as possible, using strong tarred cord for the purpose. Trees that have been planted a few years should have an occa- sional inspection to see that the string is not cutting into the bark. A young, fast-growing tree swells in girth considerably between the time of its planting and the time when it is stout enough to do without a support. During this period longer and stouter stakes become neces- sary, for when in full leafage the tree has to withstand a very great strain during strong winds. Tree guards. — Some kind of tree-guard is necessary to protect Plane and other Avenue trees by the side of carriage drives. Orna- mental guards are often employed, but a much less costly method of protecting tree stems is to place a narrow strip of small-meshed galvanised wire netting (usually about 18 inches wide) around both the stem and the stake. The net- ting should be made secure by lacing it to- gether with wire. RHODODENDRONS AND AZALEAS AS BEDDING PLANTS. There is a varied assortment of flowering plants that will provide a display of flowers in spring, and a succession of bloom may be had from the time the earliest varieties of Narcissus and Tulips open until the summer bedding beautifies the gardens. We have, in addition to the spring bulbous flowering subjects, a large variety of "carpeting plants," such as Arabi-. Myosotis, Violas, Polyanthus, &c. It frequently happens that there is a time be- tween the spring and summer displays when the beds are bare of flowers, especially if the weather is of such a nature that the work of planting the summer bedding subjects cannot be early proceeded with. To avoid this " break " in flow'.ring, I have for several seasons past filled ? few beds with dwarf Rhododendrons and Ghent Azaleas. The showy flowers of these plants furnish a charm- ing effect and one not easily excelled. Their flowering season follows that of the spring bed- ding plants, and they remain in bloom till the end of May or the first week in June. A few plants of Iris germanica mixed with the Azaleas enhance the effect. The bright purple flowers of the Irises provide a pleasing contrast to the soft shades of yellow, salmon-pink, &c, of the Azaleas. After their flowering is over, the Rhododen- drons are removed to the nursery, where they are planted in rows fairly close together. Directly they are planted the roots are given a copious watering, after which they are well mulched with manure, which, in addition to stimulating new growth, affords protection to the roots throughout the summer months. If a par- tially-shaded site is selected for them they will withstand the dry, hot weather of summer much better than if placed in an exposed position. By the next autumn, flower-buds will have formed, and as new ones are produced each suc- ceeding year the same plants can be used for several seasons. If two separate batches can be provided so much the belter, as by using the plants in alternate seasons a period of 18 months in the nursery can be allotted to each, which is an obvious advantage. In the case of the Azaleas, the old shoots are cut hard back whenever the growth becomes irregular. By this method dwarf, bushy plants are maintained with plenty of healthy flowering growth. The Rho- dodendrons do not respond to this treatment quite so readily, but with the judicious use of the knife the plants can be kept dwarf and suit- able for this method of planting for several years. I have also used with good results for a similar purpose the light and graceful flowering Cine- raria stellata, its beautiful shades of Aster-like flowers giving a charming effect. These, if raised from seeds sown about the end of July and grown in a cool frame or house, provide good plants for flowering during May. They can be plunged in pots, either in separate beds or mixed with other plants. If given a sheltered posi- tion, the Star Cineraria will continue to flower for three or four weeks. /. Rogers, Ba/tersea Pari. February 13, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 103 THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Hart., Burford, Surrey. Oncidiums, 6-v. — The warmth-loving Oncidium ampliatum and the variety major will now be showing their flower-spikes, and the warm, moist atmosphere of the plant stove will be suitable for them until the flowers open, when they may be removed to a somewhat cooler structure. Immediately the spikes appear, water must be given sufficiently frequent to keep the roots moist. Plants of O. Cavendishianum that have their flower-spikes well advanced and are prominently showing their flower-buds should be placed in the warmest house, as the Mexican house, in which they made their growth, is rather too low in temperature for the proper expansion of the flowers. Any plants of O. leuco- chilum, O. nigratum, and O. maculatum that are showing their spikes and are at the warmer end of the Odontoglossum house should now be removed to the Cattleya house. Afford these Oncidiums sufficient water at the roots to keep the pseudo-bulbs in a fairly plump condition until the flowers open, when the quantity should be considerably lessened until growth recom- mences. Floweiing plants of Laelia harpo- phylla, Odontoglossum platycheilum, and the cool-growing Dendrobium tetragonum, D. aemti- lum, D. Kingianum and its variety album, will also develop their flower-buds better if given similar treatment. Odontoglossum citrosmum. — In the resting- house plants of Odontoglossum i itrosmum are already starting into growth, but they should not be excited by heat or moisture to make any rapid advance, or they might grow away and fail to produce flowers at the proper season. Our plants of this species are in a dry atmo- sphere ranging between 50° and 55° at night, but rising several degrees by day with sun heat. They are kept in a comparatively drv condition at the root, thus causing the pseudo-bulbs to become somewhat shrivelled. Immediately the flower-spikes are seen pushing up through the .me of the new growths, the plants should be placed in a more genial atmosphere, and well supplied with water, after which, in a few days, the pseudo-bulbs will rapidly regain their former plump condition. the winter. Plants which are doing well and flowering strongly at fairly regular intervals should not be disturbed, no matter how many- years they have occupied the same pots, or how crowded the bulbs appear to be. The present, however, is a suitable time to repot those whose soil is in a bad condition. The bulbs should be , washed free from the old soil in a pail of tepid water and repotted rather deeply in 10 or 12-inch pots, placing the bulbs closely together. Good loam, with one-fifth leaf-mould added and plenty of silver sand and some charcoal will be found a suitable soil. A plentiful supply of water is needed during the season of growth, but after the leaves have matured the plants re- quire rather less water and a lower temperature. FLilNTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Fonu, Pencarrcw Cornwall. Stove foliage plants. — Such genera as Al"- cacia, Calathea, and Maranta, whose young leaves are mostly very tender, should be given any necessary repotting early in the year before the sun gains sufficient power to burn tender vegi tation. The Marantas and allied plants are impatient ot root disturbance, and it is usually the best plan to let them alone and be content with top-dressing those which are grow- ing satisfactorily. At the same time, any plants in a poor condition or pot-bound should be re- potted. A suitable soil is one consisting of peat, leaf-mould, and fibrous loam in equal quantities, v. ith plenty of broken charcoal and sand. Pot- ting must not be done too firmly. Dieffenbachias are more useful when dwarf, therefore the tops of the old plants should be cut off and rooted. Further stock may be obtained by cutting up the stems as in the case of Cordylines. Caladium. — As soon as the tubers show signs of growing they should be potted. A suitable compost is one consisting of fibrous loam and peat (not finely broken up) in equal parts, to which should "be added leaf-mould, dried cow dung, and silver sand. See that ample drainage is provided, as in the growing stage these plants require heavy waterings. After potting, place the plants in stove heat, applying but little water until they have developed foliage. A mild bottom heat, and frequent sprayings with tepid water, will induce free and vigorous growth Keep the plants close to the glass, shading them only during the hottest part of sunny days : the humid atmosphere obtained by the frequent use of the syringe will prevent any burning of the leaves. Eucharis grandifiora (amazonica). — Unlike most of the deciduous bulbs, this evergreen species is rarely grown for any particular season, so that no time can be stated for attending to their repotting. Fxcept in the case of those which are showing flower scapes, it is usual to keep the plants slightly drier and cooler during FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Early Muscat vines. — When Muscat of Alex- andria Grapes are required very early in the season, it is advisable that the vines be planted in inside borders only. By this system there is less chance of the vines leceiving a check during the flowering stage. Before the vines burst into flower examine the borders, and, if dry, water them copiously with tepid water. It is not ad- visable to apply water to the vines when they are in flower, but it is equally bad for the borders to be dry. All laterals of a sufficient length to pinch should be stopped before the flowers expand. In most cases shoots should not be tied to the wires before the fruits have set. Care must be exercised to maintain an equable temperature in the vinery when the flowers are shedding their pollen. A night tem- perature of 65D or 70° will be suitable. During the daytime the temperature may rise to 85° by sun heat, and this will cause no harm, provided there is no sudden fluctuation in the temperature, which can be prevented by giving close attention to ventilation. Let the flowers lie artificially pollinated at mid-day by passing a rabbit's tail over them. The rods may be tapped occasionally also to assist pollination. Let the atmosphere be moderately dry, but should the surfaces of the borders become very dry they may be damped early on fine mornings. f.olt Muscats. — As a rule the vinery containing late Muscats should be prepared for forcing at the beginning of March. If it is deferred after that date there is a danger that the bunches ma\ ml perfectly ripen. Before starting the vines, tin in Highly cleanse the house, and wash the rods with a mixture of soft soap and sulphur. Young vines when newly starting into growth are very subject to " bleeding." In such cases the cut surfaces should be dressed with Styptic. The orchard house. — The buds on the trees, and especially those of Peaches and Nectarines, are swelling markedly. Therefore, the pots should be placed in position in the house, be- cause if this is deferred the growing buds will be liable to suffer damage during the act of removal. Little pruning will be necessary if the shoots were properly stopped last summer, but any very strong growths should be pruned hard back and all weak growths not required for fur- nishing the tree removed altogether. In shorten- ing the shoots, be careful to prune to a wood- bud, which can be easily distinguished from the flower-buds at this stage. Make a strong solu- tion of soft soap and sulphur, and wash the stems with this mixture. Then place the trees on their sides and syringe the whole of the branches with similar mixture. Maiden trees should be cut back to five or six buds. be allowed to elapse before planting the Straw- berries, so that the ground may settle down again. Then spread some wood-ashes, lime, and soot over the soil and fork these in, not lower than the top spit. Consolidate the ground by treading, so that planting may be done firmly, and see that the crown of the plant is not placed lower or higher than the level of the soil. If it is decided to plant Strawberri-s next July or August, it is advisable to select the ground for the purpose now and to trench it as already re- commended. In the intervening time the land may be cropped with early Potatos. These will be ready for lifting in June and July, so that there will be plenty of time to get the ground into a proper condition for the Strawberries. This is a better practice than to leave the trenching until just before the ground is re- quired for planting. Labour in summer-time is always scarce, and trenching is performed much better and quicker in cold than in hot weather. Plants that have been forced may be prepared for fruiting again in the autumn. They should be gradually hardened and planted out as early afterwards as safety will permit. Their chief requirements will be in the matter of watering till they are well established in their new quar- ters. In gardens where a number of young plants are planted each year, the runners should be layered as early in the season as possible, so that after they are well rooted they may be placed in their permanent quarters in good time. Such early-planted runners ahvays produce the earliest and finest fruits. Royal Sovereign is one of the best varieties for early-fruiting, and I recommend Givon's Late t'rolific for late-fruit- ing. Another late cropper is Laxton's Latest, a variety which will prolong the Strawberry season till the end of July. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Strawberries — The beds of established plants should be cleared of any dead leaves or other rubbish and the surface of the soil lightly dug with a fork; not deeply, or many of the roots will be injured. After this work is finished, and when the ground is hard with frost, suffi- cient manure should be wheeled on to the beds to provide a liberal dressing. In cases where the formation of new beds was decided upon last autumn, but it was found impossible to carry out the work at that time, the plants may now be planted. The land should first be trenched, working in plenty of farmyard manure as the digging proceeds. After the trenching has been "done, a short time should THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the lion. Vicarv Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Peas. — Suitable varieties may now be freely sown on ground in the open which has been deeply trenched and well manured. So many excellent kinds exist at the present time which are adapted for early crops, many being almost equal in point of flavour to the maincrop varie- ties, that gardeners may dispense entirely with the old round-seeded sorts. Wherever possible, I advise sowing the seeds in boxes, pots, or other suitable receptacles, raising them in a cool house, and afterwards, when thoroughly hard- ened, planting them out. Three or four sowings should be made in succession. For early use I piefer varieties which grow to a height of from 3 to 4 feet rather than the very dwarf kinds, although some of these latter are well suited for small gardens where stakes are difficult to procure. Suitable varieties for this sowing are Gradus, Early Giant, Early Morn, and Edwin Beckett. See that arrangements are made for trapping or destroying rats or mice. Plants which were raised early and which are growing in pots, boxes, or even planted out, under glass, should be to'p-dressed as required, and the growths neatly supported with stakes. Afford them all the light and air possible when the weather permits. Avoid hard forcing. Broad Beans. — These should be sown at 1 inch apart in boxes and raised under glass for plant- ing out. Select long-podded varieties. Batches of these Beans should be sown at intervals of from 10 days to a fortnight. I have always found that Beans do much better when trans- planted than when allowed to remain in the ground where sown. They certainly come into bearing much quicker. Beans which may be growing in pots for supplying early crops should be assigned the coolest place. Place them quite near to the glass, where plenty of air can be admitted. Few vegetables are more easily in- jured by hard forcing than these, but most satis- factory results can be obtained if the plants are allowed plenty of air and a cool atmosphere. Asparagus. — This vegetable can now be brought forward on mild hot-beds covered with portable frames. The chief requirement in the forcing of Asparagus is to place the roots in position and cover them immediately they are lifted, for if the roots are allowed to become dry the results are poor. Bury the crowns to a depth of about 3 inches and maintain a tempera- ture of from 50° to 55°. which may be allowed to rise 10° more by sun heat in the afternoon after shutting up. The beds should be syringed twice each day. 104 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens oj 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 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 rtsponsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.- The Editor will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, Jlowers, trees, &c, but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige bysendingto 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 neivspapers should be carefulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17— Roy. Meteorological Soc. meet. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18— Linnean Soc. meet. Average Mean Temperature for the eDsuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 89-5°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, February 10 (6 p.m.): Max. 41°; Min. 35°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London — Thursday, February 11 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 296; Temp. 43° ; Weather— Dull. Provinces.— Wednesday, February 10(6 h.m.): Max. 47° Ireland S.W. J Min. 33° Yorkshire. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY— Border Plants and Perennials, Liliums, Begonias, Azaleas, Ferns, &c, at 12; Roses and Fruit Trees at 1.30 ; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. TUESDAY— Unreserved Clearance Sale of Carnations and other Greenhouse Plants, Greenhouses, Piping, &c, at The Gardens, Warren House, Hayes, Kent, by order of the Executors of Martin R. Smith (deceased), by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. WEDNESDAY— Liliums, Hardy Bulbs and Tubers, Herbaceous Plants, &c, at 12 ; Roses and Fruit Trees at 1.80 ; Palms, Plants. Ferns, &c, at 5 ; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. FRIDAY— A collection of Orchids from a private grower; also other Orchids in variety, at G7 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45. The present year is the Anni- The versary of two events which Darwin Centenary. are recorded for all time in the history of the world. On February 12, 1809, Charles Darwin was born, and 50 years later, in November, 1859, the Origin of Species was published. There- fore, we celebrate this year, in a twofold sense, the memory of Darwin : the centenary of his birth, the jubilee of the birth of his greatest work. Though all will rightly claim to join in the celebrations, nevertheless, it is to the men who are occupied in laboratory, field or gar- den with the study of living things that the Darwin anniversaries will appeal with special force, for those whose occupations lead them to study Darwin's works in detail can appreciate most the compelling genius of the man. Each and every one of his published volumes would suffice to make or enhance the reputation of any professional man of science. The secrets which jealous Nature guard 'd since the world began are yielded up to the enchantment of his patient ques- tioning. No aspect of Nature is too vast, nor none to small, for his enquiry. Darwin's contributions to geology entitle him to rank with the great geologists. His contributions to zoology admit him to equality with the professors of that science. No contemporary botanist laid the science of botany under greater obligations than did Darwin. And beyond and above these several contributions to the individual sciences — contributions on coral reefs, cross and self-fertilisation of flowers, on Orchids, climbing-plants, earthworms, insectivorous plants, the expression of the emotions in man and animals, the power of movement of plants, and forms of flowers — there are his great works the Origin of Species and The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication. Were they but mere compila- tions it had been no small feat for one man to publish such a mass of varied work. When it is recollected that all these special works contain the results of his own re- searches, then the outstanding ability of Darwin comes to be recognised. Those great storehouses of facts, the Origin of Species and the work on variation contain, of course, much information collected from the most varied sources — not a little, as we are proud to remember, from the pages of this journal ; but with what masterly general- ship this motley array of facts is marshalled in ordered ranks ! With what transcendent skill they are shown to contribute to the elucidation of that mystery of mysteries, the Origin of Species ! As when we are borne away from some rich landscape, the varied details merge in one another, and are lost, so, after some while of abstinence from reading Darwin's works, our memory plays us false, suggesting that his discoveries are concerned chiefly with variation. But when we revisit the landscape the details reappear the more strikingly in contrast with the illusion of sameness; so, as we turn the pages of this series of wonderful volumes, we realise that none but a genius could have produced work of such variety and worth. There will be other opportunities during the present Anniversary year for considering in some detail certain of Darwin's several contributions to knowledge. In connection with the approaching celebration, the Uni- versity of Cambridge is preparing a Darwin memorial volume— a testimony to the catho- licity and profundity of his work. The publi- cation of this volume will, in proving Darwin one of the most distinguished sons of Cam- bridge, reflect upon the University a lustre which time can never dull. Though the expression of genius is infinite in its variety, yet all men of genius have certain qualities in common : a singleness of pur- pose, an unquenchable truthfulness with re- spect to the work to be done, a power of imposing their influence on their fellow-men. All these attributes of genius are conspicuous in Darwin. His devotion to work, in spite of ill-health, in spite of the claims of family, in spite of easy circumstances, prove his singleness of purpose. His weighing of the evidence for and against his theories, his meticulous, sometimes painful care in say- ing only what he meant and no more, his ready admission of indebtedness to others, witness to his unfaltering truthfulness. His power of winning to his side the men that count — Hooker, Huxley and Lyell — his power which is as strong to-day as ever of winning loyal and loving followers, testify to the magnetic influence which he exerts. But — and this is not so general among geniuses — Darwin was as great on the moral as on the intellectual side. To be great, said Whistler, is to be misunder- stood, and, as ail the world knows, the Origin of Species evoked a storm of criti- cism. The survivors of those strenuous times must smile now when they recognise that, like other famous quarrels, this one was largely about words. No one can read the Life and Letters of Charles Darwin with- out venerating their subject. The biography is a contribution of the first order alike to literature and to science. It reveals Dar- win's greatness, and from its perusal the reader rises up a better man. We rejoice that this centenary is to be celebrated with due form and ceremony at Cambridge; we rejoice that Darwin's quali- ties were to such a high degree the expres- sion of what we are fain to believe are typically British attributes — determination — it's dogged does it, as he used to say — love of fair play, steadfastness in friendship, and high courage. Our sole regret is that there should be no adequate national memorial to one whose works have contri- buted so much to the intellectual eminence of this country among the nations of the world. The proceedings at the an- The Royal nu.|, meeting 0f the R , Horticultural f J Society. Horticultural Society on Tuesday last were in every way satisfactory. The Report of the Coun- cil, which was published in these pages last week, shows clearly enough that the Society continues to enjoy unparalleled pros- perity. That Report was so exhaustive, that Sir Trevor Lawrence, who presided at the meeting, found little else to say regarding the year's work. In a few words, how- ever, it was pointed out that a large measure of success has been already obtained at Wis- ley, and special reference was made to the work which is being done in connection with the Laboratory and in the training of students. Mr. Chittenden's trials with Nitro- Bacterine have been discussed in these pages, and in reference to these Sir Trevor Law- rence stated that in some experiments with Sweet Peas in his own garden at Burford, he obtained only the same negative results as have been reported by Mr. Chittenden. In these days of motors, and other swift modes of conveyance, places that formerly were, to some degree at any rate, inacces- sible, can be easily reached by considerable numbers of people, and it is a satisfactory cir- cumstance that during the past year 11,000 visitors have been registered at the Wisley Gardens. These gardens have offered some valuable object lessons for practical gar- deners ; a remarkable instance occurred in the Vineries. The Wisley collection of Grapes is comprehensive, and the exhibit of numerous varieties in excellent condition which was made at one of the fortnightly meetings, was very creditable to the Superintendents re- sponsible for their culture. In connection with the Society's examination, a considerable February 13, 1809.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 105 development may be noticed in the arrange- ments that have been made for holding an examination in India at the invitation of the Indian Government. Sir Trevor Lawrence referred to Sir Daniel Morris' appointment in connection with tropical agriculture, and Fellows will be glad that Sir Daniel Morris has again found it possible to accept a seat on the Council. The intimation that the Council is taking steps to provide the Society with a first-class painting of Baron Sir Henry Schroder, Hart., will be received with the utmost satisfaction. Baron Schroder's great liberality to the funds, and especially his munificent contribu- tion towards the expenses of providing the Horticultural Hall, will ever be remembered with gratitude. But besides these acts of munificence Baron Schroder has exhibited from time to time magnificent collections of Orchids from his famous garden at Egham. Mr. Gurney Fowler, in seconding the adop- tion of the Report, made one of those straightforward statements of income and expenditure that we have come to expect from the Treasurer. He told us that the sur- plus income over expenditure during the year amounted to £7,867. The receipts were ,£1,400 higher than in the previous year, but the expenses were increased only by £11. The income from subscriptions alone showed an excess of £1,000. In connection with this extraordinary growth in the Fellowship of the Society it is interesting to remark that since January 1 in the present year a sum of £10,483 has been received from annual sub- scriptions, this sum representing an increase °f £'s43 °VI'1' the amount received in the same number of days at the commencement of last year. A slight decrease in the receipts from shows is explained by the unfavourable weather which prevailed on several occasions during the time the exhibitions were open to the public. There has been a saving of £S;N on the cost of the Journal, notwithstanding that four numbers have been issued during the year. An interesting incident was the presenta- tion by the President of two Veitch Memorial Medals on behalf of the Trustees, and two Victoria Medals of Honour, awarded by the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society. In order to show how worthily the medals were awarded, it is only necessary to say that the Veitch Medallists on this occasion were the Secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society, Rev. YV. Wilks, and the Chairman of the Floral Committee, Mr. William Mar- shall. The Victoria Medals were presented to Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., whose mag- nificent exhibits of Orchids to the Society's mil tings and to the Temple and Holland Park Shows have excited the greatest ad- miration, and to Mr. Charles Ross, who has enriched our collection of Apples to an ex- tent unequalled by any other raiser. Particu- lars of the fruits raised by Mr. Ross have been printed in this journal. Mr. Elwes initiated a discussion on the management of the Lindley Library, com- plaining that only £29 was spent by the Society in purchasing books during the past year. Several Fellows followed in a similar strain, showing that there is a real desire that the Library should be properly main- tained and that it should be made as com- plete as possible, particularly in works having the greatest horticultural value. The Rev. J. Jacob proposed that a sum of £1,000 should be taken from last year's receipts for this purpose. It was pointed out that the Library does not belong to the Society, but to Trustees, and therefore any money spent by the Society in the purchase of books is in fact a presentation to the Trustees. The Fellows appeared to think that these circumstances* do not tend to the best interests of the Library, and it was sug- gested that the Society should commence the formation of a library which would be strictly its own property. This, however, might lead to considerable overlapping. If the discus- sion has the effect of stimulating the Council to increase its grants to the Trustees it will do good. We have again and again urged the interests of the Library, and we hope that the Council will treat this question in the most liberal spirit possible. The explanation of the present policy of the Council in saving several thousands of pounds every year, is that it is imperative to provide a satisfactory reserve fund. When this has been accom- plished the Council will probably feel at greater liberty to adjust its income and ex- penditure in such a manner that there will be better provision even than now for carry- ing out desirable work for the extension of si Lentific horticulture. Flowers in Season. — Messrs. William Artindale & Soxs, Sheffield, have forwarded flowers of their improved strain of Primula ob- conica. The blooms are exceptionally large for this species, and the colours are a great advance upon the rather washy magenta of the type. Some of deep rose-colour are especially pleas- ing. Messrs. Artixdale inform us that their plants have been continually in flower since last September, and that they are pott;d in ordinary soil and afforded a temperature 1 >f about 50°. The seeds were sown at periods from March to June. British Gardeners' Association (Hasle- mere and District Branch). — The next meet- ing of the Haslemere branch will take place on February 20, at 7.30 p.m., at the Co-operative Hall, Clay Hill, Haslemere, when Mr. George Gordon, V.M.H., will give a lecture on "Gar- dens of Roses," illustrated by limelight views. All professional gardeners are invited to be present. New Appointment for Sir Daniel Morris. — Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., late Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West la- dies, has been selected for the newly-created office of Scientific Adviser to the Secretary of State for the Colonies on matters of an agricul- tural character relating to British possessions in the tropics. Linnean Society. — The next meeting will take place on Thursday, February 18. A dis- cussion on " Alternation of Generations " will be opened by Dr. W. H. Lang. Royal Meteorological Society. — A meet- ing of this society will be held at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great George Street, West- minster, on February 17, at 7.30 p.m. The papers to be read include: 1, "Report on the Phenological Observations for 1908," by Mr. Edward Mawi.ey ; 2, "The Cold Spell at the end of December, 1908," by Mr. William Marriott. National Auricula Society (Midland Section). — We are requested to announce that the dates of this society's show have been al- tered to Wednesday and Thursday, April 28 and 29. The Innes Bequest. — In our issue for January 30 was printed the details of the munifi- cent bequest to horticulture made by the late Mr. Innes. In view of the importance of this bequest, the following biographical details are interesting : — The late Mr. John Innes was born on January, 1829, and was educated privately at Brighton. At a comparatively early age he adopted a mercantile career, in the course of which he and his elder brother, the late Mr. James Innes (of Roffey Park, Horsham), ac- quired a considerable amount of property in the City of London. In the year 1861 they becama the founders of the City of London Real Pro- perty Co., Ltd., which continues as an institu- tion of the highest repute. About the year 1867 the brothers acquired the Merton Park Estate, and from that date until his death the chief energies of Mr. John Innes were directed to the development of that property, and the advance- ment of the welfare of the neighbour- hood. Mr. Innes was the founder of the Boys' Club and the Manor Club, two institutions which have proved of the greatest advantage to the working classes of Merton, while the elementary schools of the parish were always the subject of his warmest interest. The Rutlish School, moreover, owes much of its success to the energy he showed when the ancient endowment was made avail- able for starting it on its present successful career. It will be remembered that, under the scheme recently sealed by the Charity Commis- sioners, scholarships of the annual value of Ll.il are founded at the Rutlish School to be known as "John Innes' Scholarships." The sum available for the purposes of Horticultural Education and Research will yield an annual income of £5,500. Mr. George Wythes, V.M.H. — Much sympathy will be felt with Mr. Geo. Wythes, late gardener at Syon House, Brentford, in the bereavement he has sustained in the death of his wife on the 8th inst. Prizes for Best Cultivated Small Holdings. — The editor of Lloyd's News has sent us particulars of a new land culture scheme which our contemporary has promoted to ad- vance the small holdings and allotments move- ment. The scheme has the approval of Earl Carrington, President of the Board of Agricul- ture and Fisheries, who has described at a public meeting the conditions of the competi- tion in Classes A, B, and C. A Gardeners Catechism. — A correspondent has forwarded to us what we venture to think is a unique document. It consists of five folio pages on which are printed no fewer thaa fifty-eight questions which, as we gather, aspir- ants for the post of gardener to a particular employer are expected to answer before success can attend their applications. What they would be required to do afterwards is fortunately not stated. Anyone thinking of applying for the post must state, among other things, what has been his experience of pot Roses under glass ; whether he has grown them to flower during November, December and January ; the largest number brought into bloom for each month — scope here indeed- -if the applicant had sole charge, if not, what charge — probably in the "counting house" — how long he had charge? Answers to the same questions must be repeated 106 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1909. for February, March, April and May. A similar series of questions relates to Roses planted out In borders under glass. With respect to Roses outside, only four questions are asked ; for Tree Carnations seven, Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations seven more. As to general green- house work, the applicant whose hand aches and whose head reels has to say what experience he has had with Ferns, bulbs, decorative and flowering plants for the house and general green- house work. Having done all this, the aspirant turns to the last page and finds it easy to answer the last ten questions : as to whether his knowledge of trees and shrubs is good, his ex- perience of planting above the average, his knowledge of rock plants, also general outside gardening work, and of fruit cultivation under glass. His experience with Grapes, Peaches, Plums, Cherries ; whether he has a good control of men and can get the full amount of work out of them, and whether he is strictly economical in his methods of working a place. Finally, this application-form concludes with a solicitous enquiry after the health of the applicant in the past and in the present. There is a silence, which can only be due to oversight or exhaus- tion, as to the future state of health of the successful applicant. Not a word occurs in the document on the subject of remuneration. Publications Received. — That Rock Gar- den of Oars, by F. E. Hulme, F.L.S., F S A. With eight coloured plates and 42 illus- trations. (London: Fisher Unwin.) Price 10s. 6d. net— The Journal of Botany, British and Foreign, edited by James Britten. K.S.G., F.L.S. (February). (London : West, Newman & Co , 54, Hatton Garden, E.C.) Price Is. 8d. New York Agricultural Experimental Station, Geneva. /V. Y. Bulletin No. 301 : Report of Analyses of Samples of Fertilisers collected by the Com- missioner of Agriculture during 1908. Bulletin No. 305 : Troubles of Alfalfa in New York, by F. C. Stewart, G. T. French, and J. K. Wilson. Bulletin No. 306': Control of Leaf Blister Mite in Apple Orchards, by P. J. Parrott. Technical Bulletin, No. 7 : The Sporotrichum bud-rot of Carnations and the silver top of June Grass, by F. C. Stewart and H. E. Hodgkiss. Technical Bulletin No. 8 : The Bacterial Flora of Cheddar Cheese, by H. A. Harding and M. J. Prucha. (Published by the Station.) — The AgriculturalJournal of the Cape of Good Hope. (January, 1909 ) (Cape Town : Cape Times, Ltd.) Price 6d.— U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry. Bulletin No. 135 : Orchard Fruits in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge Regions of Virginia and the South Atlantic States, by H. P. Gould. Bulletin No. 137 : Seeds and Plants imported during the period from January 1 to March 31, 1908. Inventory No. 14 : Nos. '21,732 to 22,510. Bulletin No. 138 : The Production of Cigar-Wrapper Tobacco under Shade in the Connecticut Valley, by J. B. Stewart. Bulletin No. 75. Part IV. : The Relation of the Etiology (cause) of Bee Diseases to the Treatment, by G. F. White, Ph.D. Bulletin No. 75, Part V. : A Brief Survey of Hawaiian Bee-Keeping, by E. F. Phillips, Ph.D. Bulletin No. 68, Part VIII. : The Grape-Leaf Skeletoniser, by P. R Jones ; Report of the Entomologist for 1908, by L. O. Howard. (From annual reports of the Department of Agri- culture.) Circular No. 107 : What can be done in Destroying the Cotton Boll Weevil during the Winter? by W.D. Hunter. (Washington: Govern- ment Printing Office.) — Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies. Reports on the Botanic Station, Experimental Plots, and Agri- cultural Education, Antigua, 1907-8. (Barbados: Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies.) Price 6d. object during the whole winter. The expan- sion of the innumerable flowers on the long and singularly decurved spike was very gradual, and in August the spike still iemained with a few imperfect capsules, and an immense quantity of young plants (bulbils) growing on the rachis. The leaves had by that time withered and the stem showed signs of decay, but suckers were produced from the base of the stem, and there was altogether a most abun- dant crop of young plants. The flowering of this species has been repeated at least half a dozen times at Kew since then, a plant of it being in flower in the Succulent House at the present time. This has a clear stem 7 feet long and an inflorescence about 9 feet long. Being monocarpic, the plant dies after once flowering. The prolific character of the in- florescence in this and other species of Agave should be borne in mind, a crop of bulbils usually being developed when the whole plant is in the last stage of dissolution. The growth made by this species in New South Wales is sturdier than anything seen here. Messrs. Anderson and Co., of Sydney, state that the example shown in the Supplementary Illus- tration was planted in 1885, and that for many years it grew vigorously and was a magnificent specimen. The photograph was taken last July, when the flower-spike measured 12 feet in length and about 9 inches in diameter at the base. The flowers open slowly from the base upwards, the upper half of the spike as shown being still in bud ; they are green, with yellow anthers. The small, supplementary spike shown in the illustration is noteworthy, being quite unusual. The leaves of A. attenuata are soft, shy, glaucous green and spineless; this and A. Ellemeetiana, a near ally, being the only two broad-leaved species of Agave which have not spine-tipped leaves. The grandeur of the great Agave family has never been realised in British horticulture, always excepting the Tresco Gar- dens, where there is a good collection in mag- nificent condition. Where Agaves are allowed a little space they are usually half starved, ing confined to small pots and wintered in sheds. They are not considered to be good enough for the glasshouse accommodation neces- sary for their full development ; indeed, the few men who have thought such plants worth at- tention have been looked upon as "cranks." Still, Agaves are among the nobility of the i 3 t ible kingdom, as anyone who has seen the collection at La Mortola and other places on the Riviera will admit. It would be difficult to find a more striking object or a more inter- esting plant than this example of A. attenuata must have been when it was in the full flush of its procreative effort. For 20 years it had made steady growth, and accumulated the life force which resulted in the putting forth in a few months of a pole-like spike bearing thousands of flowers to be followed by capsules of seeds and numerous bulbils. The curve in the spike is usual ; one may wonder what it means. W. W., Kew. fore he was supplied it was found that he had put them in his catalogue at 6d. less than he himself was offering them. When it was found out that he had been cut- ting prices, the plaintiffs refused to supply him. In each succeeding year defendant had made application for the novelties, but they re- fused to supply them until he agreed to ask the same prices as" the plaintiffs in the second year. On November 15, 1906, defendant ordered certain Chrysanthemums from the catalogue, and plain- tiff told him he would be supplied at a discount. On December 4 the plaintiffs issued a fresh circular, making a considerable reduction in the price of their " Early Singles," and on December 8, 1906, defendant wrote on the strength of^ this circular, ordering ten of each of their " Early Singles." In the circular, in notifying the re- duction, the plaintiffs stated that no trade reduc- tion would be allowed. The goods were sup- plied and the account delivered, to which the defendant took no exception, but on October 11, 1907, he sent £20 on account, and did not in any way claim a discount. He first raised a. question about discount on December 18, 1907. Mr. Hooper contended that the defendant had always been and was entitled to the usual dis- count. His Honour gave judgment for the plaintirts on the claim and counter-claim. A NOBLE AGAVE. (See Supplementary Illustration.) Agave attenuata is a native of Mexico and has been known to cultivators since about 1834. It first flowered at Kew in 1861, after having been ,r0wn for many years in the Succulent House under the name of A. glaucescens. An excel- lent figure of this plant by Fitch was published in the Botanical Magazine in 1862 (t. 53331, wheTe we are told that it was a very attractive LAW NOTES. CLAIM FOR DISCOUNT. At the Redhill County Court on the 3rd inst., Messrs. William Wells & Co., Chrysanthemum growers, Merstham, sued Mr. William Syden- ham, of Tamworth, nurseryman, for £4 3s. 4d. for Chrysanthemums supplied. Defendant coun- terclainied for £7 10s., agreed trade discount in respect of such Chrysanthemums, and £3 6s. 8d., the difference between the actual amount due for plaintiffs' account, and amount paid to plaintiffs generally on trading account. Mr. William Wells said he had for some years supplied the defendant with ordinary Chrysan- themums, and allowed him the usual trade dis- count, but had refused to supply him with the novelties, as on a previous occasion defendant ordered 12 " Goacher's Crimson, 1902," but be- HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible Jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Chrysanthemum Fbamfield Pink. — The . colour of this variety varies considerably. I have seen it at different places quite a good colour ; but in these gardens we have never had anv really pink blooms, they always came white, flushed with pink. I should advise Mr. R. Richards and Mr. T. Down to discard this variety, as I have done, in favour of Winter Cheer'. It is very similar in growth ; the stems are stiff, and the foliage remains more free from rust and mildew than some of the very late- flowering Chrysanthemums. The colour is a deep rosy-pink. I believe it is a sport from F'ram- field Pink, though the plants with us grow less tall than that variety. Winter Cheer succeeds best when potted singly' in 6 and 7-inch pots, or three plants mav be grown together in a 9-inch pot. For flowering at the end of December, the last stopping mav take place at the beginning of July. If the flowers are cut immediately they are out they will last fully three weeks in water. The flowers may be disbudded to one on each stem, or they may be left in sprays, or the centre bud may be removed and the buds sur- rounding it left to flower. The former method produces the earliest flowers. Some very fine disbudded blooms were shown by a market- grower at the N.C.S. show in November last. A. Jefcries, Moor Hall Gardens, Harlow. Eryngium pandanifolium. — I found this plant referred to by /. G. W., Gardeners Chronicle, January 30, p. 76, in a garden in Jersey. The flower-heads are very small, about J inch, and of no beauty; but the foliage is in- teresting as mimicing that of Pandanus in ex- ternal form and internal structure, as both have long air chambers surrounded by similar cellu- lar tissue. There are several species, e.g., F. aloefolium, more or less resembling monocoty- ledons in moist ground in Brazil. As air cham- bers are only characteristic of submerged plants, this group of Eryngiums corroborates the theory that monocotyledons were primitively derived from aquatic dicotyledons. We thus find many terrestrial plants retaining, by heredity, charac- ters acquired when they were aquatic in habit. It may be noted that a leaf of a Banana has similar air chambers. George Henslow. Freesias.— In reply to IK. R. H., p. 92, it is no uncommon occurrence here for Freesias to produce nine and ten blooms on an inflores- cence, and occasionally we have had as many as 12 blooms on a single flower-spike. Wilmot H. Yates, Rotherfeld Park Gardens, Alton, Hants. My batch of plants is flowering well this season. It consists of the same bulbs that I have used for seven years. The inflorescences on several of the stems bear 15, 12, 11, 10, and 9 blooms respectively. R- A February 13, 1909] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 107 Grape Mill Hill Hamburgh. — As a rule I have great respect for the opinion of E. .1/., but his remarks on p. 76 on this subject are certainly wrong. Mis description there agrees in every way with the Dutch Hamburgh, a very inferior Grape (see Hogg's Fruit Manual, p. 384). 1 maintain that Mill Hill Hamburgh has all the good qualities of the Black Hamburgh, and the berries colour easier than those of that variety. F. B. S. Two Hardy Winter Greens. — Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, especially the sprouting variety ; most of the Kales and other green vege- tables in general, have been much injured by frost in this district. On December 29 we experienced 29° of frost, when the plants were wet, and in consequence the damage was greater than if the foliage had been dry. Late Queen Broccoli and Hardy Sprouting Kale escaped injury, thus proving the extreme hardiness of these varieties. This hardy Kale is one of the most useful and reliable of winter greens. Other varieties, in- cluding the well-known Curled Kale, were damaged by the frost. Wilmol R. Yates, Alton. Trenching.— Mr Beckett (p. Til) says nothing as to how the first crops fared after trenching, although 2 feet of stiff clay had been brought to the surface, and this is the whole point of my objection. If there is a piece of ground at Aldenham with 10 inches of surface soil and 2 feet of heavy subsoil still untrenched, it would be interesting to see the first crops after it had been trenched. I quite agree with .all Mr. Beckett says as to the value of, and necessity (or, working vegetable quarters deeply, and fully recognise the good results that will be ob- tained after a few years, when the heavy ma- terial has been manured, broken up, and culti- vated a few times ; but the system I advocate, whi'e producing the same result in the end, is much safer for the initial cropping. Since my former letter was written, two gardeners have furnished me with instances of failure through bringing the subsoil to the top. A. Shakelton, The Gay. if us. Forde Abbey, Ckard. 1 am pleased to read the testimony of Mr. Beckett at p. 70 as to the value of bringing to the surface the bottom layer of soil when land is trenched. Some persons appear to have a dislike bordering on dread at seeing the clay soil on the surface, forgetting or igm ring that it is amenable to a treatment in that posi- tion that will render it of immense value. What is so frequently termed " inert " soil is too often left below to remain inert. Many years ago, when in charge of a Sydenham Hill garden, I had to deal with a very tenacious kind of clay that formed part of the borings of the Penge tunnel. So unworkable was this clay that it was decided to burn it, and, with this heavy task accomplished, trenching was begun, and the lightly-burnt clay freely distributed as the work proceeded. In this way, and by adding all the light material available, this most tenacious of soils was rendered workable, and made capable of producing the finest crops. The benefits ac- cruing from the burnt clay were a revelation to me, the soil being lightened, warmed, and drained by a single operation that was lasting in its results. E. //. Jenkim Had Mr. Beckett our soil to deal with, he would have been unable to follow his system, for nothing will grow in the subsoil, which is a barren, loamy sand, for a great number of years. When brought to the surface, even weeds cannot exist in it. /. S. In recommending the raising of even the most unkindly of subsoils to the surface, Mr. Beckett is, perhaps, thinking of gardens where exceptional facilities are at command for i ai rying out the great amount of work necessary to render the soil suitable for an immediate crop. Having some knowledge of hard, impene- trable clods, wdiich bake like bricks in the sum- mer's heat when unalloyed clay is exposed by ordinary trenching, I am confident that a profit- able crop of the majority of vegetables cannot be obtained in such ill-conditioned staple. If the trenched plot could be left fallow for a season, much might, of course, be done with it, but, failing this, double-digging seems the more rational course to pursue. Besides, those plots which the short-handed gardener finds time to deeply dig, are usually those upon which he relies for his best produce ; he should certainly think twice before embarking on an enterprise which seems likely to leave his soil in a worse state than before, especially if he has no ground to spare for experiment. Taking these things into consideration, I feel sure that I have mis- understood Mr. Beckett or, otherwise, that his advice was given subject to reservation. Joseph E. Simms, Norihwick Park Gardens, Blockley. Hybrid Cyclamens.— At the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, held on the 26th ult., a few flowers of some hybrid Cyclamens were shown by Mr. F. H. Chapman. These flowers were the result of crossing C. ibericum with C. persicum, and though not as yet of much merit horticulturally, they are of great interest, for it has long been supposed that C. persicum would not cross with any of the hardy species. It has often been attempted without success. In 1895, Sir W. Thistleton Dyer, in a communication to the P.oyal Society gave an interesting sketch of the cultural evolution of the florist's Cyclamen. He chose this flower as being certainly of pure descent, in order to illustrate the view that evolution has proceeded by the accumulation of small "continuous" variations, rather than by sudden sports, or by natural hybridisation, and in the course of his remarks he said : " There is no question of hy- bridity ; Cyclamen latifolium (persicum) has re- sisted every attempt to cross it with any other species." As he had consulted the leading growers, and relied especially' for his facts on information supplied by Messrs. Suttons' hy- bridist, Mr. J. Martin, it may be assumed that they all concurred in this opinion. A year pre- vious to seeing this, I fertilised a number of flowers of C. persicum, some with the pollen of C. coum, and some with that of C. hederae- folium ; but I got no seed at all from any of the crossed flowers. It may be noted that C. ibericum is one of the parents of the hybrid C. Atkinsii, the only one recorded in Johnson's Gardener's Dictionary ; but other hybrids have been raised among the hardy species. Until they have been tested by further generations, and by repeating the original cross, caution is no doubt advisable with regard to the reputed hybrid parentage of these, as of any seedlings, even when every precaution has been taken. But Mr. Chapman is a careful and skilful hy- bridist, and, in the opinion of several experts who have seen the flowers, they are hybrids. Mr. ( hapman has given me the following par- ticulars of his crossings. He says : " I com- menced three years ago, using C. ibericum roseum as the seed parent, and some large- flowered forms of C. persicum for pollen. The parent plants are in pans in a cold house, and the pollinating is repeated to a considerable ex- tent. The first seedlings commenced to flower a year ago, and there was then no advance, but the colours varied. This year, a small propor- tion of the flowers are distinctly larger, but clumsy ; the petals do not reflex neatly and regu- larly as in the seed parent, but flop about in an ungainly way. Those that resemble C. ibericum in other respects vary greatly as to colour." Though these seedlings of the first generation are not in themselves an improvement on exist- ing forms, still, if they prove fertile, it may be hoped they will be the beginning of a race of hardy, large-flowering Cyclamens, with the same range of colour as now obtains in the florists' Cyclamen. It has yet to be proved whether the hybrids are hardy ; but there is every reason, on Mendelian principles, to expect that, at any rate, they or some of their progeny will be. There is, likewise, the possi- bility of a correlation between size or colour and hardiness, so that only the smaller-flowered seedlings — those nearer C. ibericum — would be hardy, while the larger-flowered ones would re- tain the tenderness of C. persicum. But I think it is more probable that at least some among the seedlings will be found to combine the size and colour characters of the one parent with the hardiness of the other. Such a race would be a welcome addition to our early-flowering hardy border plants. A. J. B. TRADE NOTICE. MESSRS. NUTTING & SONS, LTD. This private company has been formed vvitli a capital of i'20,000 in £1 shares to take over the business of seed merchants, carried on at 106, Southwark Street, S.E., as Nutting & Sons, and to adopt an agreement with W. J. Nutting, H. W, W. Nutting, and H. R. Nutting. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. February 9.— The meeting on Tuesday last was the occasion of the annual general meeting of the Society, and, as is usual at this anni- versary gathering, there was a fine display of exhibits of all kinds. No fewer than three Gold Medals were awarded — one for Orchids, another for cut flowers, and the other for a dis- play of Apples. There was a good attendance of visitors. The only awards to novelties were conferred by the Orchid Committee, which granted one First-class Certificate and two Awards of Merit; and, on re-consideration, the award granted to Cypripedium " Earl of Tan- kerville" (see p. 101, fig. 49) was raised to a First-class Certificate. The annual meeting took place at 3 o'clock. A short account of the pro- ceedings is subjoined. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq. (chairman), and Messrs. C. T. Druery, Henry B. May, Jno. Green, T. W. Turner, G. Reuthe, W. J. Bean, J. T. Bennett Poe, J. Jennings, W. Howe, C. R. Fielder, R. Hooper Pearson, J. F. McLeod, R. W. Wallace, Chas. Dixon, Jas. Douglas, Arthur Turner, Chas. E. Pearson, Chas. E. Shea, W. Cuthbertson, F. Page Roberts, Her- bert J. Cutbush, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jen- kins, M. J. James, George Paul, E. A. Bowles, and R. C. Notcutt. An imposing display of Liliums, Carnations and Daffodils was made by Mr. W. H. Page, Tangley Nursery, Hampton, for which a Gold Medal was awarded. The group was very large, and attracted much attention. There were bold stands, 5 or 6 feet in height, filled with choice blooms of Liliurn speciosum album, I., longiflorum, and in the centre L. speciosum. Between these the exhibitor arranged vases of perpetual-blooming Carnations of varieties best suited for decorative purposes. The golden trumpets of the Daffodils showed in bold re- lief against the softer tints of the Carnations. The group was staged in an artistic manner. Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea, arranged an exhibit of green- house flowering plants, with many decorative Ferns- and other suitable greenery. A novelty was seen in Nottonia Grantii from Uganda. The stem and foliage are succulent, as in some Euphorbias; the inflorescence consists of a head of small, red flowers, like a miniature Nerine set in an involucre. Other plants in the group were Jacobinia coccinea, Coleus thyr- soideus, Eupatroium vernale, Lopezia miniata, &c. (Silver-Gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Wit. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, Lon- don, N., displayed a very handsome exhibit of the perpetual-blooming Carnation, tall vases filled with large bouquets of such beautiful varie- ties as White Perfection, Fair Maid (pink), Vic- tory (scarlet), Mrs. Burnet (salmon), with shorter receptacles containing a great number of other kinds, including the new Rose Dore, made a pleasing group. Messrs. Cutbush also showed a hybrid between the perpetual-blooming and the Souvenir de la Malmaison types named Lady Millar. The habit more nearly resembles the Souvenir de la Malmaison variety : the bloom is blush colour passing to a bright rose at the edge. The same firm also exhibited forced flowering shrubs and a rock-garden planted with many early-blooming Irises, Crocuses, Tulips, Hellebores, and other early-flowering plants. (Silver-Gilt Banksian Medal.) Mr. H. Burnett, Guernsey, showed beauti- fully-developed blooms of the perpetual-flower- ing Carnation, the colouring in the flowers being developed to a remarkable degree. The varie- ties were numerous and represented the best of those in commerce. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, showed plants of the rose-coloured variety of Daphne indica, also a batch of Cycla- men latifolium, in which the Salmon King variety showed to advantage. The group also contained varieties with white, red, rose, crim- son and other shades. On another table this firm made a very large exhibit of perpetual- flowering Carnations. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. H. 1>. May .v SONS, The Nurseries, Upper Edmonton, showed an assortment of 108 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1909. greenhouse plants of both flowering and toliage types. In the centre of the display a batch of colouring was afforded by a group of Rhododendron indicum. There was also a batch of Primula obconioa with very deeply-coloured flowers, and another of Cycla- men latifolium. Ferns of the elegant Nephro- lepis exaltata Amerpholii, N. e. Todeaoides, Adiantum gracillimum, Davallia epiphylla, Platycerium alcicorne, and other decorative varieties were intermingled in the group. (Sil- ver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. R. & G. Cuthbert, Southgate Nur- series, exhibited a large floor group consist- ing mainly of forced plants of Lilac, Magnolia in variety as bushes and tall standard trees, Forsythia suspensa, Japanese Acers, Prunus of species, Pyrus floribunda and Azalea sinensis. (Silver-Gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, showed an exhibit of Primula sinensis that occupied the whole of one of the longest tables. The plants were a very compact-growing type, with stout foliage and inflorescences carrying blooms of the largest size. They represented a mixed strain, in which were seen all the gradations of colouring formed in this useful winter-bloom- ing plant ; especially fine were those of crimson, rose, magenta and salmon shades. The exhibit was set forth in an attractive style, small Ferns, Palms and Isolepis gracilis being employed for relief. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. H. Canneli. & Sons, Swanley, Kent, also exhibited a number of Primula sinensis in pots. The flowers were in most instances of fine quality and large size. The best white varieties were Moonlight and White Perfection ; a fine outstanding pink-flowered variety was Pink Perfection. Other good varieties were Miss Caroline Ward (pink), Mr. Herbert Ben- nett (pale purple), Mr. J. A. Gardiner (a sym- metrical flower of a bright pink tint), and Mr. Raphael (deep crimson). (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., showed Lily of the Valley in very fine condition, de- veloped from retarded crowns. The pots in which these had been grown were without drain- age material but contained moss-fibre. Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wisbech, ex- hibited bulbous plants — Crocuses and Daffodils — grown in bowls containing moss-fibre. Messrs. Geo. Mount & Sons, Ltd., The Nur- series, Canterbury, showed a number of cut blooms of Roses, the varieties being Joseph Lowe, a new Hybrid Tea ; Mr. W. J. Grant and Richmond. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. W. Seward, The Beeches, Hanwell, Mid- dlesex, exhibited a large collection of Cyclamen latifolium. The inflorescences had a wide range of colour, whilst the leafage was dwarf and compact. The plants carried masses of blooms, and were capital examples of good culture. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Richmond, Surrey, showed a large number of plants of Citrus japonica as bushes beautifully fruited and their fruits approaching maturity. Mr. Russell was likewise an exhibitor of a large number of the Witch Hazel Hamamelis arborea. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. J. Peed & Son, West Norwood Nur- series, showed a rockery of rough stones planted in a natural manner with various species of Ferns, Sedums, bulbous plants, hardy species of Cycla- men, Narcissus, &c, intermixed with Skimmias, tree Ivies, Bambusas, Ledums, Azaleas, and Cacti. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. Herbert Chapman, of Rye, again showed his varieties of hybrid Freesias. Messrs. T. S. Ware & Sons, Feltham, Middle- sex, showed an extensive collection of Primula obconica. The plants had been selected for im- provements in colour, size and form of the flowers, in height of the stalk and size of the trusses. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Ltd., The Nurseries, Dover, arranged on the floor in a realistic man- ner a rock-garden exhibit. Separating the larger " bays " were grass paths and at appropriate spots, shrubs were utilised. The rockery was furnished with seasonable flowering plants. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. Geo. Reuthe, Keston, Kent, showed specialities in hardy-flowering plants, also Himalayan species of Rhododendron, Dapln- phyllum macropodon, Lomatia pinnatifolia, Guevina avellana, Berberis japonica, Hama- melis arborea var. Zuccariniana, Berberis nepalensis, B. japonica var. Bealii (with frag- rant flowers), B. dulcis nana, and other interest- ing shrubs. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C., showed early-flowering hardy plants, including many tuberous and bul- bous subjects. Amongst them we noticed Iris reticulata, I. Danfordiae, a very dwarf species with intense yellow-coloured blooms ; Crocuses in variety ; Snowdrops, Lachenalias, Scillas, Freesias, Narcissi, Anemones, Adonis amuren- sis and Cyclamen Coum. Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Nur- series, Colchester, showed species of Crocus, viz., C. biflorus, C- Sieberi, C. Weldenii, and C. Imperati. Miss Alice Smith, Barnham, Bognor, made an interesting show of hardy Primulas and other flowers that had been grown in cold frames. A small rock-garden exhibit was arranged by the Misses Hopkins, Mere Gardens, Shepper- ton-on-Thames, with Primroses, Daisies, Helle- bores, Cyclamen Coum, Lithospermum prostra- tum, &c. Messrs. Joseph Cheal & Sons, Crawley, dis- played boxes of Alpine plants, also dwarf shrubs, including Conifers, suitable for the rock garden. Plants of Sarracenia purpurea from the open garden were shown by Sir Edmund Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Horsham (gr Mr. W. A. Cook). Orchid Committee. Present : J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair) ; and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), Harry J. Veitch, de B. Crawshay, Gurney Wil- son, Norman C. Cookson, W. Bolton, H. Little, W. Boxall, J. Forster Alcock, Stuart Low, F. J. Hanbury, F. M. Ogilvie, G. F. Moore, J. Charles- worth, A. A. McBean, W. Cobb, W. P. Bound, W. H. Hatcher, H. Ballantine. H. A. Tracy, A. Dye, C. H. Curtis, H. G. Alexander, W. H. White, C. J. Lucas, and J. Wilson Potter. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Hay wards Heath, were awarded the Society's Gold Medal for a display of Orchids, the middle portion of the group being composed of about 100 grandly- flowered specimens of Phalaenopsis Schilleriana literally laden with finely-developed, rose-pink flowers, borne on plants in the best possible condition of culture. Probably there has never before been staged at an exhibition such a mag- nificent display of this Phalaenopsis. In the centre was a selection of rare kinds, including the pure white Phalaenopsis Schilleriana vestalis, P. intermedia Portei, P. Stuartiana grandis, and others. At one end of the exhibit was a selec- tion of Laelio-Cattleya callistoglossa and other Laelio-Cattleyas, a batch of the pretty Cattleya Enid, the scarlet Renanthera Imschootiana, the front portion of this group having an edging of the dwarf yellow Oncidium cheiro- phorum. At the other end was an excellent and varied display of hybrid Odontoglossums, also Odontiodas, Brasso-Cattleya Queen Alexandra, Miltonia Hyeana, &c. The whole display was edged with specimens of the brilliant scarlet- flowered Sophronitis grandiflora. Sir Jeremiah Colvan, Bart., Gatton Park, Reigate (gr. Mr. Collier), exhibited a select group of rare and pretty species, including Den- drobium macrophyllum, the elegant white D. aemulum, D. Kingianuni album, Masdevallia cucullata, with seven blackish-purple coloured flowers, M. chimaera, and its variety aurea, Restrepia striata, two varieties of Pleione yun- nanensis, and Pleurothallis astrophora, a very singular little species. Of hybrids there was a very fine specimen of Dendrobium raised at Gatton with large and beautifully-formed flowers ; also Phaio-Calanthe Colmanii. Col. G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O., Weston- birt (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), showed a noble plant of Odontoglossum crispo-Harryanum with four immense branched spikes bearing al- together 125 flowers^ ' the largest spike having 61 blooms. The Lindley Medal was awarded to Mr. Alexander, the cultivator, for the extra- ordinary good culture seen in the specimen. The same exhibitor showed Laelio-Cattleya Gold- finch, superba (see Awards) ; L.-C. Goldfinch var. Argus, with bright chrome-yellow flowers with Indian-red coloured lip veined with gold ; the beautiful Cymbidium Holfordianum with two flower-spikes ; and Cypripedium Helen II. Holford's variety, a large, distinctly-spotted flower. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O. (gr. Mr. W. H. White), showed a fine branched in- florescence of the rare Mexican Epidendrum erubescens, which had been in bloom for many weeks, but was still perfect and with some flower-buds unexpanded. Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbridge, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for an ele- gant group of splendidly-grown white varieties of Laelia anceps, the flowers being large and finely developed on very strong spikes. Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylara (gr. Mr. H. J. Chapman), received a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a remarkable group con- taining many handsomely-blotched Odontoglos- sums, for which this exhibitor's collection is noted. Among unnamed varieties was a large-flowered Odontoglossum crispum with the inner parts of the segments of a deep reddish- purple, the like of which had not been shown before. Other choice plants noted were O. crispum Mossiae, with fine white flowers densely spotted with purple ; varieties of O. ardentissi- mum ; the new Brasso-Laelio-Cattleya Cook- sonii, with vellow flowers heavily tinted with coppery-red, and which was obtained by cross- ing Brasso-Laelia Gratrixiae and Cattleya Dowi- ana ; Cypripedium Chapmanii Oakwoo J variety, and others. Messrs. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, secured a Silver Flora Medal for an extensive group of choice Cypripediums which included C. Mrs. Wm. Mostyn, C. Miss Louisa Fowler, C. Van- dyke, and varieties of C. aureum. With these was a central arrangement of Calanthe Bryan, also hybrids of Odontoglossum Pescatorei, Lycaste Skinneri, Angraecum eburneum, Vanda Amesi- ana, and a bright display of the scarlet-flowered Sophronitis. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, obtained a Silver Flora Medal for a varied group, in which were Cypripedium aureum Surprise, C. aureum virginale, with n Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bag ... — unwashed — (French), p. pad Cauliflowers, per dozen — St. Malo, crates (12 heads) — Italian Heads, per basket Celery, per dozen rolls Celeriac, per doz. Chicory, per lb. ... Cucumbers, perdz. Endive, per dozen Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles s.d. s.d. 19-40 20 — 36 - 0 8-09 4 0-50 10-11 2 6-30 36 — 3 6-70 1 0- 1 G 2 0-30 3 6-40 5 0-60 3 6-40 3 6-40 8 0-10 0 3 0- 3 G 2 G- 3 G 16-19 2 6-36 3 0-40 2 6 — 3 0-36 12 0-15 0 16-26 0 3J- 0 4 4 0-70 16-20 12 0-18 0 Kale, per bushel ... Leeks, 12 bundles Lettuce (French), per crate Mint, per dozen bunches Mushrooms, per lb. — broilers — buttons, per lb. Mustardand * per dozen pun. Onions, per bag ... — (Valencia), case — Dutch, pr. bag — pickling, per bushel Parsley, 12 bunches — h sieve Parsnips, per bag... Peas (French), pkt. Pot at os, Sweet, per case -- (Algeri in),p.lb. — (French), p. lb. Radishes (French), per doz. bunches Rhebarb (Englishi, forced, per dz. bundles . . Salsafy, per dozen bundles Seakale, per dozen punnets Spinach, per crate Savoys, per tally... Turnips, per dozen bunches — washed, p. bag Tomatos (Tener- iffe), per bun- dle of 4 boxes Watercress, doz. per s d. s.d. 3 6 — 10-16 3 6-60 4 0-50 0 8 0 10 0 6 — 0 8-0 10 1 0 — in c, n ii 11 6-12 0 7 0-80 4 6 — 2 0-26 2 0-30 2 6-30 0 8 — 14 0 — 0 4 — 0 3-0 3* 16-26 0 10- 1 0 4 0-46 12 0-14 0 4 0 — 9 0-10 0 2 0 — 3 0 — 9 0-14 0 0 6-08 Remarks.— Apples from France are selling freely at good prices. Californian Oranges are slightly cheaper but they continue to sell well. Denia and Valencia Oranges are also lower in price. Rhubarb is arriving in increased quantities : the demand is fair. Muscat of Alexandria Grapes are finished for the season. Vegetables are not plentifm. Savoys are dearer ; also" Nigger" Beans. Madeira Beans are a shorter supply. Trade generally is quiet. E. //. /?., Covent Garden, Wednesday, Fihiuarv 10, 1909. Kents— Snowdrop ... Sharpe's Express Epicure Up-to-Date ... Lincolns — Royal Kidney British tjueen Up-to-Date ... Main crop R MARKS. Potatos. s.d. s.d. .40-43 .36-39 .30-33 .30-36 2 6-29 3 0-33 3 0-36 3 6-39 Lincolns— bharpe's Express ... Evergood Bedfords — Up-to-Date Blacklands Dunbars — Langworthy Up-to-Date, red soil it ii grey soil There is no great alteration in Supplies are plentiful, the demand being about an one. Edward J, Newborn, Covent Garden and St. February lo, 1909. s.d. s.d. 3 u- 3 3 2 G- 3 0 2 6-30 2 3- 2 G 4 6 4 9 3 9-40 2 9-33 prices, average Pancras, COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. Trade appears to have improved a little, but there is no great change to record. I have heard it remarked that Covent Garden Market is simply a dumping ground for surplus stock, but this is not quite correct, for there are many growers who depend entirely on the market for the sale of pot plants, and large consign- ments of the best cut flowers are disposed of in this market. Pot Plants. During unfavourable wi ather growers are careful not to send large supplies of plants that can be kept a little longer at the nursery, and buyers are equally care- ful not to purchase more than they require. Azaleas arc too numerous to be valuable. Yesterday (Tuesday) I saw well-flowered plants sold for what thev cost in Belgium before forcing. Some good Rhododendrons, in- i R. (Azalea) sinense, are seen. Cinerarias from Mr. Mott's and from Mr. Sweet's nurseries are good speci- mens. Plants of Erica melanthera are well flowered this year; this species finds increased favour with the florists. Plants of Lilium longiflorum sent by Mr. Holdrup are of especial quality. Marguerites are re- markably good from several growers. Spiraeas have rather tender foliage this season. Hyacinths in pots are abundant. Some fine double-flowered Tulips in pots arc to be had. Daffodils in several varieties are numerous. Good Callas are seen, but there appears to be little demand for them. Messrs. Butler Bros, are sending in plants of a round-fruited Capsicum ; they .'i' very pretty. In foliage plants variegated-leaved Funkias are prominent. The spec mens of Aralia Sie- boldii seen are well finished, but in many instances new growth will soon be starting, and tlun they will not withstand rough treatment so well. Aspidistras Palm% and Ferns are well supplied. Cut Flowers. Supplies of Chrysanthemums still hold out. Varieties noticed include W. J. Crossley (a shade of bronze \ Francois Pilan (yellow), Madame Charvct, Madame Felix Perrin, and Niveum. Roses are scarce, and best blooms are making high prices. There have been some fine blooms of Caroline Tcstout, Richmond, and Mrs. W. J. Grant, but they were not ex- posed for sale long. Carnations are plentiful and generally of good quality Good fresh blooms make from 2S. to 3s. per dozen. The best of the mid- season varieties of Tulips are now coming in : the double-flowered varieties are sold for the highest prices. Vuurbaak is the finest crimson-scarlet variety, and is one of the most expensive to purchase, the lowest price being 2s. 6d. per dozen blooms. Murillo and Salvatoz Rose are excellent double varieties. Daffodils occupy much space in the market : they are arriving from all sources, but those from English sources are the best. Emperor is now very good, also Empress, whilst Victoria may be regarded as one of the best of the bicolor kinds. Sir Watkin is good. Golden Spur has no rival as a pure yellow trumpet Daffodil. Narcissus ornatus is ahundant trom all sources. Violets are plentiful : the Parma Violets may advance in price, but at prts nt they are fairly plentiful. Eucharis blooms are plentiful again, and their prices have dropped. French flowers are arriving in good condition. A. H., Covent Garden, Wednesday^ February 10, igog. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. ! 1 iidin/i Febi uary 10. A week of striking contrasts in tempera tun', — The first three days were unseasonably warm, but since then the weather has remained cold for the time of year. The first day of the week proved very warm ; the tem- perature in the thermometer screen in the middle of tie day rose to 55 degrees, which is a remarkabh reading for so early in February. During the previous night the exposed thermometer only fell to 45 degrees, which is equally exceptional lor so early in this month By way of contrast it may be stated that four days afterwards the highest reading in the thermometer screen was only 35 degrees, while the exposed ther- mometer on the previous night registered 14 degrees o_f frost. The ground is now one degree colder at 2 feet deep, and two degrees colder at 1 foot deep, than is seasonable. Rain or snow fell on two days, hut to th total depth of only about one-tenth of an inch. There has been no measurable percolation through either gauge for nearly three weeks. The sun shone average for only one and three-quarter hours a day, which is 22 minutes a day short of the average du for the early part of February. On four days no sun- shine at all was recorded. On the first three days of the week the wind remained high, and in the windiest hour the mean velocity amounted to 20 miles — direction, W.N.W. During the rest if ihe week light airs and .alms alone prevailed. The average amount of moisture in the air at ; p.m. exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by 4 per rent. /;. HI.. Berk' hamstcd, Fehrttai v •••. 112 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1809. ENQUIRIES AND REPLIES. Timber for Forcing Houses. — After an ex- perience extending over well-nigh 40 years, I unhesitatingly declare in favour of pitch pine for lasting qualities where a moist and hot tem- perature is maintained. There is a great dif- ference in the quality of pitch pine, just as in other varieties of timber. I advise Mr. Elwes either to select his own logs at the timber yard, free from sap, and then make arrangements to have them sawn up into bars, wallplates, &c. ; or to go to a local builder and contract with him to supply the timber without sap. In making the selection at the timber yard, a small advance on the ordinary prices may be ex- pected. Ordinary pitch pine, taken haphazard, is worse than good common red deal. Best- quality red deal will last at least 20 years ; selected pitch pine, absolutely free from sap, under the most trying conditions, will last half a century. A plant-house in my nursery, built 25 years ago of selected pitch pine, and used as a store, is as sound as when built. I tried to in- sert my pocket-knife into it to-day, but the wood was hard. The interior of the house has never had a paint-brush on it. The nursery also contains a range of glasshouses built 45 years ago, and the timber of which the houses are con- structed is almost without a trace of decay. A. J. A. Binn, Chorlton-cum-Hardy. More depends upon skilful workman- ship and careful painting than the kind of tim- ber used. Moisture and heat are the enemies to guard against. Sills, ledges, and wallplates should be sharply bevelled and well coated with paint made of white lead. A span-roofed house, 60 feet long and 18 feet wide, built for me in 1880, was removed by the London County Coun- cil to Brockwell Park, S.E., two or three years ago, in good condition. The boiler was worn out, but everything else was sound, and the building can be seen as a show-house, in the public park. No expense had been spared in the first instance, and the house had not been built by contract. The age of structures used by mar- ket-gardeners' is never very great, and, in many cases, it does not exceed 10 years. W. Roupell. 1 have had experience in the construc- tion of plant-houses with deal, pitch pine and teak woods, and I have come to the conclusion that there is scarcely any difference in the duration of these timbers. Three years ago we erected a new Peach house in these gardens, and instead of using an ordinary wooden frame for the fronts, we made a cement sill and built mullions of 9-inch brickwork or piers, with a f-inch rebate of cement on them to form the casings for the front lights. The furniture for the ventilating gear was built in as the work pro- ceeded. The piers should be built about four days before the wallplate to which the rafters are fixed, in order to allow time for the cement to set. All wood should be sufficiently bevelled to carry off the moisture from condensation, and the less mortising the better, as in such holes decay usually commences. Our houses are all built on the longitudinal purline system, so that there is no outside painting on the roofs, and no putty required for glazing, the glass being fixed by strips of lead, escalloped, tacked on the pur- lines and turned up over the glass. James Sher- lock, Fowley Gardens, Liphook, Hants. to- LorFtehordenU GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mr. P. J. Clinch, for the past 7 years Gardener at Scribbles- town Park, Castleknock, Co. Dublin, as Gardener to Lady Mowbray and Sturton, Corbalton Hall, Tara, Co. Meath. Mr. James Mills, for the past 7 years Foreman at Broad- oaks Gardens, West Byfleet, as Gardener to Mrs. Brendt, Tandridge Hall, Oxted, Surrey. Mr. H. Reynolds, for the past 3 years Foreman in Poltal- loch Gardens, Lochgilphead, Argyllshire, as Gardener to J. Musker, Esq., Shadwell Court, Thetford, Norfolk. Mr. F. Howell, late Foreman at Bramham Park, Boston Spa, Yorkshire, as Gardener to F. W. Wignall, Esq , Bank House, Tattenhall, near Chester. Mr. Jtjhn Ed. Hall, for the past 3^ years Foreman at the Castle Gardens, Castle Eden, Co. Durham, as Gardener to M. D'Arcy Wyvill, Esq., Constable Burton Hall, Constable Burton, Yorkshire. Mr. G. Hyland, for the past 2$ years Fruit Foreman at Aston Rowant Gardens, Oxon, as Gardener to Major Hibbert, Ashby St. Ledgers, Rugby, and Braywick Lodge, Maidenhead. Mr. J. Cawkwell, lately with Messrs. Kent & Brydon, I '.irlinn'.on, as Gardener to W. Burdett-Coutts, Esq., M 1'., The Grove, Witton-le-Wear. Carnation Maggot (Anthomyia) : W. E. Flies of species of Anthomyia are on the wing throughout the summer, appearing first in early spring. Hence successive generations of larvte are kept up till November. After that time the pupa lie in the ground unhatched till spring or early summer. The flies may also live through- out the winter secreted in holes and crevices. The larva? live some months and take three weeks to hatch. Celery Diseased : W. W. See reply to W. Truster, p. 64 in the issue for January 23. Cypripedium Unhealthy : R. The growth appears to have been damaged by excessive moisture during a temporary fall in the tempera- ture. Dyeing Foliage Red : F. H. W. Place suffi- cient red aniline in rain-water to make a strong dye and boil it. Dip the foliage in this solution whilst still hot. Eggs on Apple Tyvics : A'. Y. Z. The eggs are those of the Lackey Moth, Bombyx neustria. The perfect moths may be observed on the wing in July and August, and are very pretty, but somewhat variously coloured. The eggs are laid in rings around the bark of the branch, and the caterpillars emerge during April in the following year. The caterpillars live in colonies surrounded by webs spun over the leaves. Cut off any shoots that are seen to be infested with eggs, and burn them. Examine the trees in May or June, and cut off the branches where colonies of larvaa exist, destroying them in a bucket containing some strong insecticide. Hybridisation of Violets : /. M., Grey friar. The hybridisation of Violets, and Violas gener- ally, is not easy. Emasculation can be effected, but it is difficult to make certain when pollina- tion has taken place. The flowers must be emasculated in bud. If a fairly large bud is chosen, it is easy to expose the stamens by turning back one of the lateral petals. When so exposed, the stamens can be picked off by means of a fine pair of forceps. The stamens must be examined as they are removed to see that there is no loose pollen about. It is some- times necessary to tear off the lateral petal in order to expose the base of the stamens suffi- ciently ; but it is better to avoid this if pos- sible and to turn back the petal into placet after the operation is performed. The expand- ing of the uninjured petals is a useful guide as to the proper time for pollination. The process of pollination is best effected by taking a re- cently-dehisced stamen from the male parent, holding it in a pair of fine forceps, and apply- ing it to the stigmatic surface by gently rub- bing the under surface of the stigma with it. For some reason, and it may be owing to the structure of the stigma, this method is not always successful in getting the pollen applied to the right spot, and it is sometimes found de- sirable to use a fine camel's hair brush, which is covered with pollen by being pushed into the throat of the flower which is to be used as the male parent. The brush is then rubbed on the under surface of the stigma of the castrated flower. If a brush is used, several brushes must be placed in readiness, as each must be sterilised between each operation by dipping into strong spirit. They cannot be used again till they are dry. These are the only methods of castration and pollination which we have found it necessary to adopt ; they are success- ful in a fair percentage of cases, but there is no doubt that the operation is not an entirely simple one. The difficulty seems to lie in the application of the pollen to the receptive area of the stigma. In addition to this, one has to reckon with the sterility which is not an un- common feature of hybrid Violas. If the sterility lies in the failure of the stamens to produce good pollen in sufficient quantity, it is worth while to try using the plant as the female parent before giving up hope of using it in crossing experiments. We doubt if it is possible satisfactorily to emasculate cleisto- gamous flowers. It would be very difficult to make certain that self-pollination had not occurred before emasculation was carried out. In the case of hybrids, they would provide a very easy method of obtaining " selfs," and would save much labour in that part of the work. Mice in the Garden. — Field rats and mice are easily killed by placing in their holes some moistened bran or meal, to which some white arsenic has been added. If poultry is present, a temporary enclosure of wire- netting should be put up where there are most mice, and where it is practicable to feed them for a short period. This will draw large quantities to the feeding-place, and they can be killed in this manner. The surplus poison can be dug in the ground, and the net- ting, if it be necessary, removed to a different part of the garden and used in the same way. Names of Fruits : S. Nye. Bergamotte Esperen. Names of Plants : /. IF. M. 1, Rhododendron! ferrugineum ; 2, R. hirsutum ; 3, R. Hammondii. — Foreman. 1, Ccelogyne ochracea; 2, Cochlioda sanguinea ; 3, Oncidium cheirophorum. — A .C.H. Ccelogyne (next week). Nitrogen: G. H. H. W. The probable expla- nation is that the soil in which Gorse lives is of a sandy nature and very light in texture. From such soils soluble substances, such as nitrates, are washed out readily by rain. The nitrogen fixed by the Nodule organism would sooner or later be converted by the action of other races of soil-bactetia into either nitrates, ammonia compounds, or free nitrogen. The last-named substance, if formed, escapes into the air ; the two former substances would tend to be washed out from the soil, by rain. Hence no considerable accumulation of nitrogenous food-material occurs in the soil. At the same time it is to be observed that the Nodule or- ganism does in fact enrich even poor, sandy soil in nitrogen to some extent. Thus Lupins are used largely and with success in Germany as a means of reclamation of waste, sandy soils. Rockery: C. //. Your best course will be to cut a semi-circular pathway, 2 feet wide, through the site. This will provide one half- moon-shaped bed at the front and another bed behind it, the pathway intersecting. Col- lect sufficient soil to raise the half-moon-bed 5 to 6 feet high at its centre, and make the ends of the hindermost bed agree in height also. Place your stones so that they will sup- port the soil in position, and each stone be practically on the same horizontal plane as its neighbour, forming little bluffs and declivities or down gradients behind each bluff. Your aim must be to represent an outcrop of rock, from the top and one face of which the weather has eroded hollows, fissures and crannies. These are destined to be the home of the rock plants proper. All the other spaces can b& furnished with Alpine species of coarser growth, and low-growing shrubs and bulbous plants. When finished, your rock-garden should represent a series of irregular rocky ledges supporting the soil in position, the prin- cipal seams or joints of which must trend in one direction, e.g., from the highest point. Plants for such a rock garden may include Arabis, Aubrietia, Saxifraga, and Arenaria in many species, and Lithospermum, Alpine Phloxes, Gypsophila repens, trailing and tufted Veronicas, Sedums Primulas, Alpine Columbines, Linarias, and Saponarias. All kinds of Heather and Veronica Hectori and V. decumbens may be used for the less dry sites. The plants will teach their own lesson. Those with long, whip-like roots and trailing growths will grow between hori- zontal layers of stone and drape their faces ; those with slender fibrils and trailing growths, as in Campanula, will need gritty ledges. If you cannot get natuial rock stone in sufficient quantity, it does not matter how your seams run. In such a case use every effort to cover with plants as much of the stone, clinker, or other supporting material as possible. Communications Received. — W. G.— G. E. — F. E. M.— F. I.. Cermisco— Sutton's— R.—H. D.— J. M.— RinaS.— A. H— L. M.— Ashtonian— Prof. B.— Rev. G. H. F..— (Next week) W. C— W. A. C— W. G. S.— J. G. W.— A. C. B.— Linnean Soc— W. P. W— S. B.— T. A. S.— H. B. H.— Gurney Wilson— R. P. B.— C. T. D.-K. II. J. — E. S.— O. T.— N. & Sons— Anxious— R. M.— W. D. H. — Mushroom— W. H.-F. N.— W. B. H.-P. A.-T. F. U. -J. C. Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle." ■ Agave attenuata, flowering in the Royal Agricultural Society's Grounds, Sydney, New South Wales. Printed by Temple Press Ltd., London, E.C. February 20, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 113 THE 6;ubcncrsfCbronicIe So. 1,156.— SATURDAY, February 20, 1909. CONTENTS. iSsculus parviflora Apple scab Berlin International Exhibition Books, notices of— Flore Alpine Paradise Uetriev d The Book of Nature Study Zeitscbiift FurBotani- ker Cleonies, the Colonial appointments from Kew Fennel, Italian Florists' flowers — New classification of Daffodils Foster, Mr. Charles ... Hampton Court gardens Kew gardens, visitors to ; changes at Lrelio-Cattleya Elinor... Law note- Owner's risk Moisture-loving plants Nitro-Bacterine, experi- ments with ... 114, Nursery notes — Notcutt, R. C, Wood- bridge Obituary- Gibson, William Yates King, Sir George Orphan Fund, Royal Gardeners' ... 120, 117 126 Park employes, examina- tion of Plants new or note- worthy- Iris reticulata atro- purpurea Rhubarb at exhibitions Sage, G. H., the late ... School-gardens in Staf- fordshire Shrewsbury flower-show Societies — British Gardeners' Association ... Commons and Foot- paths Preservation Horticultural Club ... Leeds Professional Gardeners' Manchester and N. of England Orchid ... Perpetual - Flowering Carnation Royal Horticultural... Vegetable competitions at Shrewsbury show Vegetables- Chicory Week's work, the— Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass 1 lardy fruit garden Kitchen garden, the... Orchid houses, the ... Plants under glass ... Public parks and gar- dens IJl LIS 12d 121 L'l 12U ILLUSTRATIONS. VEsculus parviflora, a flowering tree of 123 Cistus albidus in a Woodbridge nursery 117 Cleome spinosa 115 Finocchio or Italian Fennel 121 Laelio-Cattleya Elinor (Supplementary Illustration) View in a plantation adjoining Mr. Notcutt's nursery 116 PARADISE RETRIEV'D. THOSE who are acquainted with the scores of political pamphlets and the reli- gious sermonettes of the latter half of the 17th century must be well aware of the discrimination the authors exhibited in label- ling them with telling titles. They were followed, but at a far distance, by dra- matists and others, among whom must be included a few writers on gardening, and Paradise Retrieved is a good instance. It is in some respects a remarkable book. For one thing, its author seems to have written and published it to confute certain propositions of the Rev. John Lawrence, who had already published The Gentleman's Recreation, in which the offensive state- ments had appeared and a concise treatise on fruit culture, Paradise Retriev'd is note- worthy as being far in advance of anything that had appeared on that subject up to the time of its publication in 1717. Its author was Samuel Collins, Esq., of Archester, North- amptonshire, and the cause of his rushing into print was that Mr. Lawrence, who was rector of a parish in his neighbourhood and had taken up fruit culture with great en- thusiasm as a means of securing a crop of fruit, had recommended building tiles into fruit walls : the tiles to be set at regular in- tervals and to extend outwards an inch and a half from the wall. Mr. Collins' curiosity hav- ing been excited on reading tin description of this novel fruit-protector, made a journey to Yelvertoft Rectory, where, to his great disap- pointment, he found only " stuck about twenty tiles into an old dirt Wall with Lime." In this book he shows that these " horizontal shelters," as they came ( to be called, had never been proved by their inventor, and that they were ineffective as a means of warding off intense cold. The next year Mr. Lawrence published The Fruit Garden Kalender, in which he disclaims any connec- tion with The Lady's Recreation, a kind of bookseller's book on gardening, but nothing appears concerning Collins' outspoken state- ments, so that one can hardly escape giving them credence. At the same time it must be mentioned as proof of the great popularity attained by Mr. Lawrence as a fruit-grower that Hitt men-. tions his device of tiles, though with dis- approval, as being in use as late as 1755. While the above seems to have been the reason for Collins writing: indeed, in the preface to hi- h<..ik he dec lares that " the only motive that induced me to write was the sight I had of Mr. Lawrence and his G ird< 11 after reading his Book," yet it con- tains ,1 good deal mi fruit culture that must have been helpful to its readers. He modestly affirms that his own garden was " managed to a verj great perfection," and as one per- usr- chapter after chapter it is obvious that gardening must have formed the chief em- ployment of his life. He takes occasion to warn owners of gardens to be slow to change gardeners frequently, which seems, as in these times, to have been customarv with too many employers, and demonstrates how a man of "middling capacity," if honest and industrious, is not to be lightly superseded, ami almost certainly not without loss to the garden. A few points in his teaching may oe noted. He preferred trees to be the first year from the bud. He insisted on planting in October; but early planting, though not invariably the rule, must have been cus- tomary, for he quotes an old adage to the i fifect : — He who would a good tree have Must bring the old leaf to the grave. Roots were to be shortened slightly previous to planting, and pruning deferred till the following February. Writing of Apricots, he gave it as his experience that old trees which had been " blasted " might be cut over with advantage, and that they would produce a sufficient number of young shoots in the course of three years to again cover the walls. The advantage of properly thin- ning fruit is dwelt upon, one of the reasons he gave being the better quality of the fruit as compared with that only slightly thinned; and not only is the necessity of laying in a limited number of shoots insisted upon, but an engraving shows how trees should be trained. Another engraving exhibits Pears trained as Espaliers, in which the branches have more space than any previous autho- rity had recommended. The branches, it may be noted, were not trained straight, but slightly curved, a fashion which continued for some time. The evil of allowing moss to vegetate on fruit trees is pointed out, and rubbing with " hair cloath " the remedy pro- posed. A part of the volume is devoted to a sepa- rate Treatise of Melons and Cucumbers. He had already discovered that old seed of the former was to be preferred to new seed, the plants from which " spend themselves too freely in their vines without fruiting." He also asserted that fruit from old seed was " better tasted." The "Mellonry" was at this period an important adjunct to the garden, and Collins describes his own. This was an area of 19 yards by 16 yards, and it was en- closed on all sides but the south with a hedge of Yew, which on the north attained a height of 10 feet. In order to ensure the greatest pos- sible warmth, the ground inside was exca- vated to a depth of 16 inches. As a further protection from wind there were 8-foot hedges of Willow between the lines of frames and ridges. The fullest details are recorded of how to produce both Melons and Cucum- bers early and late by means of heated dung and grass, bell-glasses and frames. The treatise concludes with a warning " that Ladies should not be invited to this Place " lest the Melons should refuse to set, the last quaint wwds of the book being:—" I have been oblig'd at that time of fruiting to deny their entrance into the Mellonry." R. P. Brotherston. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. IRIS RETICULATA ATROPURrUREA. A kemarkable form of Iris reticulata, which is as yet, I believe, undescribed, is now flower- ing here for the first time. It might even be given rank as a distinct species if specific names are given to histrio and histrioides : but, if these- are regarded merely as local varieties of I. reti- culata, then this new form may be known as I. reticulata atropurpurea. During last summer I received a few bulbs of I. reticulata from Marash, in Asia Minor, and this flower now appears among them, together with a very fine form of histrioides distinguished by the fact that the deeper shades of blue on the falls occur rather as mottlings than as blotches. The buds of the variety atropurpurea appear when the two four-sided leaves are only 2 or 3 inches high. They somewhat resemble buds of I. Krelagei, but differ in having veinings ol purple-red on a whitish ground. When the flower unfolds, the blade of the fall is seen to be of a uniform velvety-black, which fades a little to red-black at the edges. There is only the merest trace- of a signal or ridge in the form of a minute touch of dingy yellow, but along the haft there runs a row of glistening black spines about a sixteenth of an inch in height. These stand out conspicuously on a black ground, which is bordered on either side by a slightly lighter, reddish groundwork veined with black-purple. The small, narrow standards are dark, blackish-red, widening at the top, with a characteristic outward curve, whilst the styles are of a somewhat lighter shade of red, especially at the edges. In one respect this Iris differs from all other forms of I. reticulata, namely, in having spathes that are veined and blotched with red-purple. In other varieties the spathes are either green or colourless, but in this case it is hard to distinguish the spotted spathes from the similarly spotted tube. W. R. Dykes,. Charterhouse, Godalmii 114 THE GARDENERS7 CHRONICLE. [February 20, 1909. EXPERIMENTS WITH NITRO BACTERINE. (Concluded from page 91.) It has been shown that in the Wisley experi- ments on fallowed soil three lots of inoculated seed were planted under such conditions that, as definitely stated in the directions for using the cultures, inoculation would be either useless or a failure. Comparing the total weight of Peas of inocu- lated seed with that of non-inoculated seed from the three plots where inoculation might be reasonably expected to produce good results, we have the following figures: — Non-inoculated Inoculated Seed. Seed. Increase. Gr^. Grs. Grs. Table H ... 7,175 ... 8,188 ... 1,013 ,, I ... «7,0S3 ... 7,963 ... 870 „ L ... »4,182 ... 4,702 ... 520 18,450 20.853 2,403 Increase in favour of inoculated seed = 13 per cent. * Number of plants in plots equalised to number of inoculated plants. We contend that it is both unscientific and unfair to add the results from plots which are known befoiehand to be either unfavourable or injurious to inoculation, to those from plots on which it is stated inoculation may be beneficial, and then to draw a conclusion either for or against inoculation therefrom. If Mr. Chitten- den's method is the correct one, it is quite easy to prove that any manure, if only sufficiently un- favourable conditions are taken, is useless on ordinary garden soil. Further, we cannot accept Table J of the Wisley report as a fair statement of results. In order to obtain this table the produce of " maincrop " is omitted entirely, because in Table I there is a variation in the number of plants, although " maincrop " in both Tables H and I gives the largest increase for inoculation in weight of Peas. Surely the scientific method would have been to equalise the number of plants where there was a difference, as is done in the following table: — Weight of Peas. Untreated "7,093 grs. Soil inoculated 7,175 ,, = I percent, increase. Seed inoculated 7,963 ,, = 10-8 „ „ Seed + soil inoculation... 8,188 ,, = 15-4 ,, „ ,, ♦ Number of plants in plots equalised to number of inoculated plants. These figures indicate the value of double inoculation. In the directions sent out with the culture material, it is recommended that the seed be inoculated, and then later the growing plants watered with the culture solu- tion. It is definitely stated that this double inoculation will give the best results. Yet the effect of watering with the culture solu- tion after seed inoculation was not tried at Wisley. The experiment described by Pro- fessor Henslow in last week's Gardeners' Chronicle is interesting as showing what may be the effect of watering with culture solution under certain conditions. Just a word about the Wye experiments. These certainly indicate that seed inoculation was useless on this ground. A probable reason for this is given by Mr. Gimingham in his report. He states that •' both lots formed nodules on their roots to ubout the same extent." Evidently there were already present in the soil sufficient bacteria to produce a supply of nodules. In " Seed and Soil Inoculation" (p. 10) it is pointed out that under these conditions inoculation is useless. Hence the Wye experiments confirm one of the conditions under which it has been stated in Germany and America, as well as in this country, that inoculation will be useless, but they do not furnish " a triumphant proof " that inoculation is useless on ordinary garden soils, for we have inoculated seed on garden soil giving an increase of 10.8 per cent, at Wisley and 7.6 per cent, at Reading. After all, the question of cost is an im- portant factor in determining the practical value of any manurial material. Considering that seed sufficient for an acre of land can be inoculated for less than Is., the cost of testing inoculation on any garden soil is not a prohibi- tive one. There may be no result — as at Wye. On the other hand, there may be success, as at Wisley and Reading, where the inoculated seed not only gave an increased yield, but this yield was larger than the yield from equal plots treated with manures which would cost not much less than £1 per acre. I quite agree with Dr. Keeble that further ex- periments are required, but these must be in field and garden as well as in the laboratory. We know something about the conditions under which the nitrogen-fixing bacteria work best in the soil, but many points are still obscure and require further investigation. We want to find out how these bacteria can benefit agri- culture and horticulture, but this can only be done by recognising their limitations, and experimenting with them under conditions which give them a chance of doing their work properly. W. B. Bottomlcy, King's College, London. THE CLEOMES. There is no modern monograph of the Cap- paridaceae or Caper family, and identifications of plants of that family have accordingly to be based mainly on the descriptions given in local floras. The South American species were re- vised by Eichler in the Flora Brasiliensis, vol. xiii., part 1, and from the account there given, the Cleome shown in fig. 50 has been identi- fied as Cleome spinosa, forma spinosa, Eichl. Eichler divided Cleome into two main sec- tions, one of which includes all the shrubby or tree-like species, in which the petals are gradu- ally narrowed down to the base, so that thev have no distinct claw ; whilst the other consists entirely of herbs, in which the petals are pro- vided with a distinct claw. C. spinosa belongs to the latter section. Two of the shrubby or arborescent species have been introduced into cultivation, namely, C. gigantea {Botanical Magazine, t. 3137), a shrub widely distributed over tropical America ; 3 to 5 feet high, and with greenish-coloured flowers; and C. dendroidea (Botanical Magazine, t. 3296), which, according to Gardner, who found it growing on the seashore near Rio de Janeiro, is a small tree attaining to a height of 10 to 14 feet. The flowers are blackish-purple, and the plant presents a beautiful object when in flower. The eight other shrubby species inhabit rather restricted areas in the Andes of Venezuela, Colombia, or Peru, and the section as a whole appears to represent an archaic type in slow process of extinction. According to this view, the gradually narrowed petals met with in the shrubby section, being less differentiated, would be regarded as more primitive than the dis- tinctly-clawed petals which are found in all the herbaceous species. The herbaceous section includes a large num- ber of species, among which are several cos- mopolitan weeds, and it may, accordingly, be regarded as a more modern group. At any rate, most of the species are evidently more in harmony with prevailing modern conditions than are those of the shrubby section. The species are in many cases difficult to distinguish, but ( '.. spinosa may be distinguished from most of its allies by the paired stipular prickles which occur one on either side of the base of the petiole. As defined by Eichler, it seems to consist of an unwieldy assemblage of forms, some of which are strikingly unlike. He de- scribes it as being in the highest degree variable, sometimes almost glabrous, sometimes hirsute ; the petioles and veins on the lower surface of the leaf prickly in some forms and unarmed in others ; the bracts varying between orbicular- cordate and lanceolate ; the flowers white, pinkish or deep purple ; the ovary glabrous in some forms and glandular in others ; and the gynophore sometimes as long as the pod, and in other cases only half as long. Eichler distinguished three forms of Cleome spinosa, taking into account only the character of the prickles on the petioles and leaflets and the colour of the flowers : — (a) Forma pungens. — Petiole unarmed (not counting the basal stipular prickles), or with one or two small prickles ; flowers white or pale rose. (b) Forma spinosa. — Petiole armed with stout prickles ; flowers rose or deep purple (see fig 50). (c) Forma horrida. — Petiole with crowded prickles ; flowers white or pale rose. According to these definitions, the plant illustrated in fig. 50 belongs to forma spinosa ; while the plant represented in Bot. Mag. t. 1640, belongs to forma pungens, for the petioles are unarmed. Eichler, however, expressly referred the plant shown in the Botanical Magazine to his forma spinosa, appa- rently because the petals were of a deep-rose colour. The presence or absence of prickles is. of greater systematic importance than a slight difference in the coloration of the petals, whilst the shape of the bracts probably affords a character of even greater value, and should certainly be taken into account in any attempt to sub-divide the species. Without mono- graphic study, however, it would be unsafe to construct a revised classification of the forms hitherto placed under C. spinosa, and it seems desirable, therefore, to follow Eichler in the meantime. Nevertheless, having seen actual specimens of both the plant now figured and also the typical C. spinosa (which falls under forma pungens), I am convinced that they are specifically distinct from one another. Typical Cleome spinosa, which I have collected in waste ground at Ciudad Bolivar, the port of the Orinoco, has comparatively glabrous stems and leaves, unarmed petioles (except for the stipu- lar prickles), suborbicular bracts and white flowers. The plant shown in fig. 50 has a densely glandular, pubescent stem and leaves, prickly petioles, lanceolate bracts and purple- magenta flowers. In fact, it has much more the habit of C. Selloana, Eichl., from which it differs in having the ovary and pod glabrous instead of densely glandular. As to the history of the cultivated plant no- thing seems to be known. Two plants were re- ceived at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, last August, from Messrs. R. Veitch 6k Sons, Exeter, and flowering specimens were received for iden- tification in September from Mr. W. E. Oumble- ton ; the figure was drawn from Mr. Gumbleton's specimens, with the exception of the separate large leaf and a few other details, which were drawn from material sent by Mr. R. C. Notcutt, of the Nurseries, Woodbridge. In order to aid identification, a short, popular description is now given. An erect, herbaceous, sticky plant, about 3 feet high, emitting an odour not unlike that of mint, but a trifle fetid. The leaves fingered, the upper with five leaflets and the rest with seven leaflets each. The leaf-stalks are prickly, and at the bottom of the stalk a pair of prickles, one on either side, point downwards. The midrib of the leaflets is prickly on the under side. The bracts, or leaves below the flower-stalks, are lance-shaped and sharp pointed. The flower-stalks vary in length from 1 to \\ inch. The sepals, which are awl- shaped, are under \ inch in length and ascend- ing. The petals are of a purple-magenta colour and nearly 1 inch long, including their stalks, which measure about ! inch in length. While the upper parts of the petals are still folded together, the filaments begin to grow faster than the petals, and as the long anthers at the end are tightly held by the petals the six filaments bulge out in the middle in the form of a bow. It is interesting to note that this is clearly shown in a woodcut of a Cleome in plate No. 34 of Marcgraf's Natural History of 'Brazil, which was published as long ago as 1648. T. A. S plague. February 20, TS09.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 115 Fig. 50. — cleome spinosa: flowers magenta or magenta-purple. l the plants I have named, also such species as C. villosum and C. Iinxallii. Both these plants are now opening their flowers. The best season for repotting is within a few weeks after the flowering stage. Annual repotting is not desirable. If is only when the old compost is sour, or has decayed, or division of the plants is net essary, that the operation should be done. After repotting the plants apply to the compost a light sprinkling over the surface. This should be continued for a few we.-ks each time it appears to be dry, after which time ordinary root-waterings should be given. Always keep the atmosphere fairly moist. Shade the plants from direct sunshine. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmcnd G. I.odir, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Tulips. — It is advisable, as soon as the Tulip growths can be seen through the soil, to apply a top-dressing consisting of some sifted leaf- mould with a little soot, lime and chemical fer- tiliser added. Such a top-dressing is also useful for Crocuses, Hyacinths, Silene, Myosotis, Wall- flowers and Arabis. Crocuses and Snowdrops growing in Grass more especially need such a top-dressing. Ranunculus. — It is a suitable time to plant Ranunculus. The best soil is one composed of a rich, rather light loam into which has been incorporated some well-decomposed cow manure and sand. The bulbs should be planted about 2 inches deep and 3 inches apart. Planting may be continued until the middle of March if de- sired. Turban Ranunculuses flower about the middle of May, and Persian sorts the end of May or beginning of June. Tree Paonies. — These should be planted as soon as the weather is favourable ; being gross feeding plants, they require a very rich soil. It is necessarv to protect the young growths from spring frosts. Tuberous-rooting Begonias should be examined with a view to starting them into growth. The largest tubers can be divided, should it be neces- sary to increase the stock. Afford sufficient warmth only to induce a slow growth at the start. The same remarks apply to Cannas. Seed- ling plants in pits and frames should be kept somewhat dry, as they withstand frost better in that condition. Vacant flower-beds or borders should be deeply dug and manured. If they are occupied by spring bedding plants, the necessary manure must be placed ready at hand so that as soon as the spring-flowering plants have bloomed the land can be got ready for the summer bedding. Cortaderia argentea (Pampas Grass). — The clumps of this ornamental Grass should be trimmed, the old inflorescences removed, and the plants generally made tidy. The present is a suitable time to plant the Pampas Grass. Select a position by the side of a stream or lake or a position on a Grass plot, but the site must be a fairly sheltered one, otherwise strong winds will break the plumes. The best soil for the Pampas Grass is a moderately light one, and one con- taining plenty of manure. As the inflorescences are developing in summer-time, copious watering at the roots will be of benefit. The Pampas Grass can be propagated by division of the clumps and from seeds ; the latter should be selected from the finest plants. The bog garden. — As dead and withered foliage will protect the plants from damage by- severe frosts, the plants should not be made tidy until the winter is past. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Hakriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore- Planting one-year-old vines. — The border should be prepared two or three weeks before the vines are to be planted, in order that the sorl may become properly settled and suitably warmed. All the old soil should be removed, and advantage should be taken when the house is empty, to cleanse the woodwork or repaint it if necessary. The depth the border should be made will depend on the variety to be planted and, to some extent, on the width of the vinery. For the first two years a width of 4 feet will be ample. In the case of late vines, the borders should be at least 3 feet deep, but plenty of drainage material must be provided. It is a mistake to plant late varieties of Grapes in shallow borders, as these require water too fre- quently. For early and mid-season varieties a depth of 2 feet 6 inches will be ample. The bottom of the border should be concreted, un- less the subsoil is gravel, and a layer, not less than 9 inches deep, of material for drainage should be provided. The vine enjoys a rich, calcareous loam, containing plenty of vegetable fibre ; the top spit of an old pasture is the most suitable material. Artificial manures and coarse bones should be added, and the quantity will be more or less according to the quality of the soil I do not advise the use of farmyard manure! for vine borders except as a surface dressing. Old mortar rubble and wood ashes may be freely employed, especially if the soil be of a heavy- nature. In making the border, it is important to ram the soil as firmly as possible. The best time to plant is when growth is just becoming active. The roots should be spread out evenly, and for this reason they should be carefully separated with a pointed stick ; this work will be facilitated by occasionally dipping the "ball" into a tub of lukewarm water. Make a hole of sufficient depth for the roots, spread them out to their full length, and work in some fine soil amongst them, arranging them carefully and near to the surface. The planting should be done as expeditiously as possible, and, as soon as completed, the roots should receive a copious watering, making the water tepid and applying it by means of a fine-rose can. The vinery should be kept warm and close, but arti- ficial heat should be used very sparingly till the roots are active, or the vines will grovt weakly. Cherries. — The house should be fumigated just before the trees come into bloom. The Cherry is very impatient of forcing, and for this reason sudden increases in temperature are to be avoided, especially when the trees are in flower. At this stage the atmosphere in the house should be moderately dry and in constant circulation, but theie should be no severe draughts of cold air. Tap the trees at mid-day to aid the dispersion of the pollen. Pot trees will require very care- ful watering until the fruits commence to swell. 120 THE GARDENERS CHROMCLE. [February 20, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of 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. 1/ 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 responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be carejullo mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOB THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23— Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Competitive Classes for late dessert Apples. Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. Arthur W. Sutton, on "A Camping Tour through Syria to Petra in Arabia.") Surveyors' Institution Annual Dinner at Hotel Metropole. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 399°. Actual Temperatures:— London.— Wednesday, February 17 (6 p.m.): Mas. 44° ; Min. 31". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London —Thursday, February 18 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 30 0 ; Temp. 43° ; Weather— Fine. Provinces.— Wednesday, February 17 (6 p.m.): Max. 49" Sligo; Min. 35" Scarborough. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY— Herbaceous and Border Plants, Liliums, Bulbs. Plants, Sec, at 12; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30 ; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. WEDNESDAY— Perennials, Border Plants and Bulbs, Liliums, &c, at 13 ; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30 ; Palms and Plants, at 5; Miscellaneous Bulbs and Roots, at 11.30; Japanese Liliums, at 1 ; at 67 & 6S, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. THURSDAY— Special Spring Clearance Sale of Nursery Stock at Hollamby's Nurseries, Groombridge, near Tunbndge Wells, by Protheroe & Morris, at 11, FRIDAY— ... . Choice Imported and Established Orchids, Orchids in Flower and Bud, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45. A few weeks since we recorded The the procf xlings at the Annual %rund." Meeting ,f the Gardeners' Royal Benevol. nt Institution. In the present issue it is the turn of the Royal Gar- deners' Orphan Fund. Just as in the case of the Benevolent Institution, this Report of the Executive Committee goes to show that a large amount of money has been subscribed for the purposes of charity. The year 1908 saw the Coming-of-Age of the Orphan Fund, therefore extra efforts were put forward to make the year one of greater progress than usual. The Duke of Bedford, president of the Fund, presided at the Annual Festival, and, in connection with that event, a greater sum of money was raised than at any similar Festival in the history of the Fund. In order to spread an interest in the work, especially amongst those young gardeners who have not felt themselves in a position to subscribe 5s. a year, the committee invited shilling contribu- tions. This new means of appeal obtained a considerable degree of popularity, and re- sulted in the collection of a sum of ^250. The shilling contribution, therefore, rendered considerable financial assistance, but beyond this it served to make the Fund better known to many who heretofore had displayed but little interest in it. The proceedings at the Annual Meeting will be read with supreme satisfaction, for not only were 20 additional children elected to the Fund, but after an appeal by Mr. Harry J. Yeitch in favour of the candidates who had met with ill-success at the poll, the com- mittee and general meeting resolved to place these also upon full benefit. We believe that the committee is well advised to thus em- ploy to the full the funds at their disposal, rather than to save an amount each year greater than is necessary to provide for a proper reserve fund. Gardeners and others who have supported the Orphan Fund in the past will be the more encouraged in their liberality by such enterprising policy. It was pointed out at the meeting that the two can- didates who received most votes were orphans of a gardener who had been a life member of the Fund, and who, in other directions, had done all he could for the charity during the time that he was in a position to afford help. This may be taken as a reliable indication that, if gardeners subscribe to the Fund, their children will be the more certain of obtaining support should it ever be necessary for them to appeal to the subscribers. During the 21 years that the Fund has been in existence, it has distributed the sum of ^19,506. The total number of orphans who have received benefits is 253. The disbursements last year amounted to £1,621 7s. 6d. Mr. Henry B. May announced that already there were nine candidates whose applications had been accepted by the committee, and who therefore will come up for election next February. Circumstances seem to show, therefore, that the list next year will be a heavy one. We have every reason to hope, however, that the support the Fund will re- ceive during this year will be equally large, and that, at the next annual meeting, it may be found again possible to grant assistance to every child on whose behalf application is made for relief. The Secretaries of the Shrop- Tho shire Horticultural Society shs^ow.ire have sent us a c°py of the schedule of prizes to be offered at the exhibition which will be held at Shrewsbury, on August 18 and 19 next. We do not find any important additions or omissions in the section for plants and cut flowers. Liberal prizes, amounting in some classes to .£.50, are again offered for groups of plants, and in others that are less exacting the prizes are proportionately high. In the classes for cut flowers there appears provi- sion for almost every species that may be ex- pected to be in season at that time. The principal class in the fruit department, as last year, is one for a collection of 30 dishes of ripe fruits in not fewer than 10 distinct kinds. The 1st prize will consist of a handsome silver Champion Cup, value 25 guineas (to be won three times), and ^20 in cash, with the Society's Gold Medal. In the remaining prizes in the same class a sum of ,£55 is offered and two medals. The Cup was won for the first time last year by the Duke of Westminster's gardener, Mr. N. F. Barnes. Most of the other classes for fruit familiar at Shrewsbury are repeated, and an excellent display may be confidently anticipated. The show of vegetables will be of less extent than usual, but this will not be due to any cutting down of the Society's own classes. It will be caused by the omission of most of the special prizes usually offered by the principal seedsmen. We understand that an explanation of the absence of these classes is to be found in a new regulation which the Society has introduced to the effect that no condition shall be expressed in the schedule which would require the seeds to be purchased from the donors of the prizes. We for our part are, nevertheless, disposed to regard this regulation as introducing a salutary reform. The familiar cards stating that the produce has been grown from So-and-so's seeds have little, if any, value to the public; whilst they certainly detract from the general appearance and repute of the exhibition. Assuming that in all cases the exhibits have actually been raised from such particular seeds, the prac- tice has the effect of implying that the superior quality of the produce is due solely or chiefly to that fact : whereas, the greater part of the credit rightly belongs to the culti- vator, and therefore the exhibitor. It has been alleged again and again that sufficient care is not always exercised in the placing of such cards ; but whether this is the case or not, the practice of admitting them to the exhibition is certainly susceptible of abuse, whilst the condition that only such exhibitors who purchase seeds from the firms offering the prizes may compete, serves to limit un- necessarily the number of competitors. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the trade will come to recognise that the new regulation which is designed to increase the prestige of the show is in no wise derogatory to that of the trade itself. Such being the case, the Society deserves all support. On an- other page a correspondent points out that it may be possible to evade the spirit of the Society's regulation, owing to the wording of the schedule in the few special classes that have been retained. If this is true and the intention of the committee is frustrated amended regulations will be required. A further innovation is to be noticed with regard to the honorary exhibits. In future a definite number only of silver cups, and gold and silver medals will be awarded to non-competitive exhibitors, probably with a view to enhancing- the value of these awards. Our Supplementary Illustration. — Some years ago Messrs. Charleswouth & Co., of Haywards Heath, raised and flowered a hybrid between Lslia harpophylla and L. cinnabarina, which they named L. coronet. Its flowers were of bright orange colour, similar to L. harpo- phylla, and they were larger than that species. In other respects, however, the hybrid possessed but little qualification as a garden plant. Like some other despised seedlings, it has made a very good parent, and when crossed with Catt- leya Schroderae it has produced a hybrid which retains the intensely bright and deep orange colour whilst the flowers axe of good size and substance. The plant depicted in our Supple- mentary Illustration was shown by Messrs. Chaelesworth & Co. at the Royal Horticul- tural Society's meeting on March 17, 1908, when it obtained an Award of Merit. It is known as Laelio-Cattleya Elinor. Royal Horticultural Society. — The next meeting of the Committees will take place on Tuesday, the 23rd inst. At 3 p.m. a lec- ture on " A Camping Tour through Syria to- Petra in Arabia " will be delivered by A. W. Sutton, Esq., J. P., F.L.S., V.M.H. Phis inter- esting lecture will be illustrated with lantern- slides. February 20, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 121 Examination of Employes in Public Parks. — The Royal Horticultural Society's fourth examination of the employes in public parks was held on January 11 last. As previously, the examination was partly viva voce and partly written, occupying about 3 hours and a half. It was held at the Society's Hall in Vincent Square, Westminster. One hundred and nineteen candi- dates entered, and of these 25 secured places in the first class, 40 in the second, and 37 in the third, leaving 17 candidates who failed to obtain the minimum marks required. No one candidate stands out prominently before the others, and the highest marks obtained fall considerably be- low those of 1908. It is encouraging, however, to notice that about 50 per cent, of the candi- dates in Class I. consisted of those who' had been in the lower classes last year, and that other candidates of former years, if not yet in Class I.j are higher in the list this year than they were previously. Reviewing the results generally, the examiners state that " there is still much room for improvement, the higher standard hoped for in last year's report having to be still held in anticipation. A complete knowledge of garden practice and the reasons for it ; the values of phosphatic and nitrogenous manures, their comparative tost, and the quantities re- quired ; the art of curves and the power to ex- press them neatly on paper ; arithmetical cal- culations for land measures and simple rib computations -such things as these, added to a more extensive knowledge of gardening special- ised for public parks, are necessary to raise the employes to the standard of really first-class craftsmen whose skill is to find expression in the gardens in which they serve. The higher places gained by most of the old candidates in the lists should be an encouragement to the less success- ful to persevere diligently with their work and try again next year." Appointments. — Mr. Archibald Clarence Miles, a member of the gardening staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has been ap- pointed by the Secretary of State for the Colo- nies, on the recommendation of Kew, a Curator of Botanic Stations in the Agricultural Department of the Gold Coast. Mr. W. C. Worsdell has been appointed deputy Professor of Botany at the South African College, Cape Town, South Africa, in the room of Professor H. H. W. 1'earson during his travels in Angola and else- where in the present year. Kew Bulletin. Changes at Kew. — Mr. William Dallimore, who has had charge of the Arboretum at Kew for some years past, has been appointed to the New Museum for British Forestry, under Mr. Hillier. Mr. Arthur Osborne, Foreman in the decorative department, will succeed Mr. Dalli- more as Foreman in the Arboretum. Mr. Charles Foster, Assistant Director of Horticulture at the Reading University Col- lege, will remove to Sutton Place, Guildford, in July next to take up the position of director of a model farm which Lord Northcliffe is about to establish. School Gardens in Staffordshire. — In the quarterly report of the Staffordshire Educa- tion Committee it is stated that the former system of evening gardens is to be superseded, as it has been found to overlap with the ele- mentary day-school gardens. Four schemes are put forward in replacement, by which instruc- tion in horticulture can be given. The scheme to be adopted in any place will depend upon local circumstances and the report of the in- structor. The schemes are as follow: — (1) Allotment demonstration plots, (2) model cot- tage gardens in villages, (3) fruit demonstration stations, (4) evening gardens of fruit and vege- tables. South-eastern Agricultural College. — A meeting of the Governors of the South- Eastem Agricultural College was held at the Charing Cross Hotel on Monday, February 8. The Right Hon. Lord Ashcombe, who was elected chairman for the ensuing year, presided. The Principal, Mr. M. J. R. Dunstan, in his report, stated that the number of students at- tending the college courses was 127, the largest number on record for the spring term, and that the new horticultural course had commenced with 14 students. Visitors to Kew during 1908 The num- ber of persons who visited the Royal Botanic Gardens during the year 1908 was 2,710,220. These figures show a decrease of 252,494 visitors over the year 1907, when the number of visitors was the largest yet recorded. During the last 10 years (1898-1907) 16,428,064 persons have visited the Gardens, giving an average of 1,642,808. The total number on Sundays was 1,321,384 and on week-days 1,388,836. The number of visitors on Sundays is the largest on record, being in excess of that for 1907 by 52,863. The increase is probably very largely due to the great number of French visitors during the tummer. The total number on week-days was 1,388,836, the corresponding number for 1907, 1,691,213. The maximum attendance on any one day was 98,388 on August 3. The smallest number on any one day was 68 on January 21. The greatest number on a Sunday was 70,904 on July 26, and is a record number for a Sunday, showing an excess of 5,990 visitors over the figures for 1907. The ■t number r>n a Sunday was 1,032 on December 6. Kew Bulletin. The Late G. H. Sage.— Many of our readers will regret to hear that Mr. G. H. Sage, whose somewhat unexpected death was recorded in these pages recently, has left a widow and young children almost or entirely unprovided for. We have re eived a letter from Mr. W. A. Cook, gardener at Leonardslee, Horsham, in which he states that a number of friends have decided to raise a sum of monev for presentation to the widow, and it is hoped that gardeners will assist this fund to the extent of their ability. Mr. Cook states that the follow- ing sums have been already given or promised : Messrs. R. & G. Cuthbert, 2 guineas ; ''X.Y.Z.," 20s.; J. Jennings, 10s.; H. G. Smyth, 10s.; J. Barnshaw, 2s. 6d. Others interested in this movement are: — Messrs. Charles Dick- son, John McKercher, Chas. Foster, John Weathers, Joseph Godseff, H. G. Alexander, Herbert J. Cutbush, W. J. Watson, L. R. Russell, C. F. Waters, T. Walters, A. R. Allan, A. Taylor, A. R. Searle. Mr. W. A Cook is the honorary secretary, and contribu- tions may be sent to him. It is suggested that a shilling contribution, if generally supported, would be sufficient to meet the case. The Kings Visit to Berlin. — It is in- teresting to record that the whole of the floral decoration for the banquet offered by the British Embassy to their Majesties the King and Queen during their recent visit to Berlin was entrusted to a London firm of florists — Messrs. Felton & Sons, of Hanover Square. The flowers used foT this purpose were scarlet Carnations, Lilies of the Valley and white Lilac. Owing to the fact that the flowers obtainable in the German capital were not of so high a quality as the best giown in this country, it was found necessary to arrange them in masses instead of lightly, as would have been done if finer blooms with longer stems had been avail- able. Among the other floral decorations car- ried out by Messrs. Felton in connection with the Royal visit were those of Messrs. Waring & Gillow's Berlin establishment. Here the effect was produced by the use of " Mimosa " (Acacia), Violets, brown foliage, and mauve ribbons. In carrying out this work, undertaken at three days' notice, 100 workmen and three interpreters were employed. Only the kindly aid of the Municipal Fire Brigade in the shape of two fire escapes enabled the men to place the floral and other decora- tions at the higher altitudes of the building. It is a matter of congratulation for Messrs. Felton to know that both His Majesty King Edward and H.I.M. the Kaiser expressed their appre- ciation of the work. Recreation Ground for Southall.— A new recreation ground has been secured by the Southall District Council, says the Times, and it is to be called Southall Park. After the com- pletion of the erection of a new lodge at the en- trance, Lord and Lady Jersey will perform the opening ceremony, which has been fixed for May 1. Berlin International Horticultural Exhibition.— The Prussian Horticultural Society (Der Verein zur Beforderung des Garten-baues in den Preussischen Staaten) is making prepara- tions for an international exhibition to be held about Easter in the newly-erected Exhibition Halls at the Berlin Zoological Garden. The honorary president of the exhibition is Herr VAN Arntm-Criewen, Minister of Agriculture. The Prussian Government has appointed official representatives of all foreign European states, and from these special exhibition commissioners are selected. His Majesty the Kaiser, who, like all kings of Prussia since the year 1822, is the patron of the society, will give a prize of honour for the most excellent exhibit. Her Majesty the KAlSERljw, who takes the greatest interest in plants and ir. flower shows, will award a Gold Medal for the best object of the florist's art, a silver medal for the finest specimen of German Rose culture, and a bronze medal for the best German Lily of the Valley. Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess, as showing her sympathy in the ex- hibition, will give an award of honour. The city of Berlin has sanctioned prizes of a total sum of 6,000 marks, and many suburban authori- ties are also offering prizes. A guarantee fund has been raised of more than 100,000 marks. The entire building construction and the horticul- tural decorations in the two adjacent halls are so planned that the more decorative Hall 1 will be chiefly set apart for German exhibitors and their exhibits. The handsome orchestral space will be enlarged and made to resemble the rastle terrace of the Achilleion, in Corfu, and its gardens. It is stated that Holland intends to have a special show, in which bulbs, Rho- dodendrons, Azaleas, fruits and vegetables will be chiefly represented. France is preparing for a private exhibition of novelties in plants, forced fruits, vegetables, and French floral arrangements. From Belgium will be shown stove and greenhouse plants, Palms, Azaleas, Araucarias, and hybrid Orchids. It is hoped that England will be well represented. About one-third of the available space will be occu- pied by foreign exhibits. " Zeitschrift Fur Botaniker." — The first number of a new German botanical periodical, the Zeitschrift Fiir Botanik, has just been issued. The Zeitschrift is edited by Pro- fessors Jost, Oi.tmann and Graf zu Solms- Laubach, and published by Gustav Fischer in Jena at the price of 24 marks per annum. The first number contains an account by Hans Fitting of his investigations, conducted for the most part in the Botanic Gardens of Buitenzorg (Java), on the effects of pollination, &c, on the flowers of Orchids. The number contains also a series of reviews of current, botanical re- search publications and classified lists of new literature. The names of the editors and pub- lisher are a sufficient guarantee that the Zeitschrift will be a valuable addition to periodi- cal botanical literature. 122 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 20, 1909. LAW NOTES. NOTICES OF BOOKS. OWNER'S RISK. As an effort is again being made to get this question brought before Parliament, may I be permitted to state briefly the position? The attitude of the railway companies. — Last year a well-known nursery firm in the north had 6,000 five-year Spruce trees rendered worthless in transit. A claim was made and the following was the reply received from the traffic manager of the railway company: — ■ I submitted your claim to a meeting of the Joint Claims Committee of the Scotch Railway Companies, held at Perth on 2nd inst., but regret to say could not get it passed for settlement. The owners risk note which was signed at the time of forwarding clearly protects the company and relieves them from all liability, not only for loss, but also for injury. I am exceedingly sorry that you should have suffered through this accident, but the difference saved by carrying your goods at the owner's risk rates, instead of company's, must amount to a considerable sum in the year, and should go some way at least towards covering your loss. The attitude of the Courts.— -The judge said if people would persist in taking advantage of these low rates and signing contract notes which relieved the company of all liability, he did not see how they hoped to recover. Judgment would be given for defendants — the railway company, with costs. The official attitude. — Extract of report of Departmental Committee on Fruit Industry ap- pointed by Lord Onslow, President of the Board of Agriculture, 1903. With regard to the refusal of the companies to pay claims for loss or damage, especially in the case of fruit consigned at owner's risk, the committee are strongly of opinion that it would be a great advantage to all parties if carriage at owner's risk were done away with altogether. Mr. Hennell, as representing the companies, was clearly of this opinion, and stated that, when the Great Western Company framed their new scale for goods traffic, they made the rates at company's risk only, and that they did not, as a rule, give owner's risk rates between places where they controlled the traffic, on account of the friction which invariably arose. We believe that if the owner's risk rates at present in exist- ence were slightly raised, say, 5 percent, {which Mr. Vincent Hill suggested was the proper difference between them and company's risk rates— though the actual difference is gener- ally much more, and varies enormously), and if all fruit, both by goods and passenger trains, were carried at com- pany's risk in future, growers would gladly pay the small extra amount, and get rid of the present annoyances and loss occasioned by the non-payment of claims, or the pay- ment of them only after much correspondence and delay. In the event, however, of the owner's risk rates bein<: maintained, the committee are of opinion that the exemption of a company from liability unless " wilful misconduct " is proved, is too stringent a condition ; for, in hardly any case would it be possible tor a consignee to obtain the necessary evidence, as that would have to be derived from the servants of the company itself. They consider that the term misconduct.1 "culpable negligence" should be substituted for "wilful They are glad, however, to note that, according to Mr. Hennell, the railway companies seem inclined to take a more reasonable view of their liability, and to admit claims in the case of total loss, and sometimes in the case of damage, the assumption of this attitude being, no doubt, largely dne to the representations made by the Board of Agriculture to the railway companies in Great Britain, the correspondence being subsequently presented to Parliament. The attitude of the horticultural trade. — It is universally felt that it would be a great gain if a Bill on the lines of Mr. Hooper's could be got through Parliament making the railway companies liable for "culpable negligence" or "gross neglect" instead of, as at present, being only responsible for "wilful misconduct." The latter no one outside the railway is ever able to prove. Then I believe it is a universal opinion that a simple arbitration court to settle disputes, or, as Mr. Morgan Veitch so ably ad- vocates, a simple procedure in the county or borough courts from which, in matters of liti- gation between a railway company and a trader, there shall be no appeal where the amount of dispute is under £20. The sheer absurdity of judges and railway companies' contentions that traders must send at the higher or company's risk rates is appa- rent by simply stating that the difference be- tween the two rates on seeds and plants is often as much as 100 per cent. — in the case of Tomatos it is more, viz., 42s. 6d. owner's rate London to Glasgow, while company's risk rate is 100s. per ton. Railways are now more than ever before, owing to their joint committees, a gigantic monopoly, and it is the duty of Parliament to find a way out for the public — the trader. The Board of Trade is no good William Cuth- bcrtson. * "The Book of Nature Study." In the second volume of this work Mr. Oswald Latter continues his remarks of inver- tebrate animals. The present contribution in- cludes a most interesting description of bees. Though concise, it affords a good knowledge of what goes on in a hive. Perhaps more might have been said with regard to the economic aspects of these creatures, and the same remark applies to the article on ants, which is the next subject dealt with. Gardeners will be especially interested in the chapters on plant-lice and gall-flies. The gnat is given as a type of aquatic insect which can be reared easily in captivity and kept under observation ; and a water-bettle (Dyticus) is used as an illus- tration of the beetles. If a brief space can only be given to well- known forms, it is not to be expected that much will be devoted to creatures which have hitherto attracted but little attention. This is regret- table, because some of those students who be- come interested enough to study natural history might, with advantage, turn their attention to neglected animals. As a matter of fact, many observations still remain to be made upon the centipedes and millipedes, and not quite three pages of the Book of Nature Study are devoted to them. Spiders receive a little more attention, as do the snails, slugs, and fresh-water mussels. The carnivorous forms of so-called worm-eating slugs have a special interest to the gardener, in that they will do no harm to vegetation and may be useful in keeping down earthworms. Little more than one-third of the volume is devoted to the consideration of the aquarium, as well as of fresh- and salt-water plants and animals that most easily accommodate them- selves to a life in restricted conditions. Miss Marion Xewbiggin is responsible for this con- tribution. Several aspects of the aquarium are pointed out: — By its use the teacher may keep creatures which can be utilised as the subjects of lessons ; the habits of aquatic creatures may be studied in a way and to a degree which could not be accomplished if the creatures were in their natural surroundings ; and, finally, the aquarium shows how plants and animals mutually depend upon one another. Careful directions are given for starting aquaria, and suitable algae and aquatic water plants are dealt with. Of the larger ani- mals suitable for a fresh-water aquarium, the pond tortoise of South Europe and various amphibia and a few fish are mentioned, and afterwards molluscs, Crustacea, and insects. In a similar manner marine forms are described, of which the invertebrate forms belong to the classes already mentioned. In addition, though, we have sea-urchins and star-fishes, and those very common inhabitants of the marine aquarium, the sea-anemones and their allies. The concluding chapter has been written by Professor Arthur Thomson, and serves to illus- trate that, in nature study, the outlook should be a general one, and that observations should not be confined to the creatures themselves, nor to their habits merely, but should also in- clude their surroundings and inter-relationships. The title chosen is "The Haunts of Animals.'' The habitats dealt with include the seashore, the open sea, with its free-swimming population, the depths of the ocean, where everything is dark, and silent, and cold, and where there are no plants. Rivers, lakes, and ponds are also con- sidered in connection with their inhabitants ; whilst on dry land, links and dunes, meadow- land and woodland receive attention. Lastly are considered the dwellers of the air. * The Book of Nature Study, Vol II. Edited by J. Bretland Farmer, D.Sc, F.R.S. The Caxton Publishing Co. Price 7s. 6d. net. The contribution gives many useful hints and much valuable information for those who wish to carry on that outdoor, observational work which should be the keynote of all nature study. Hints as to shore excursions follow, and Pro- fessor Thomson describes a typical one. To the open sea he gives less attention, and, as the subject of the abysses of the ocean is removed from the direct scope of nature study in school, he passes over this with little comment. We commend Professor Thomson's further remarks to the consideration of every earnest exponent of nature stud}'. As in the previous volume, particular attention has been paid to illustrations. The photographs of pools with which Miss Newbiggin illustrates her chapters are extremely good. Such crea- tures as slugs, centipedes and woodlice are not usually represented by photographs, but the pictures by Mr. Hugh Main show that there are considerable possibilities in this direction. Mr. Berridge's photograph of a millipede is also very good, and so are those of bees and ants by Mr. W. P. Westell. We are promised in the third volume chapters on the germination of seeds and the growth of plants by Miss Charlotte Laurie ; Dr. Lang will deal with common plants and their structure ; while trees, Ferns, and children's gardens will form the topics to be considered next. W. M. W . * Alpine Flora. Mons. C'orrevon is well known as an authority on Alpine plants, and those who have visited his garden at Floraire are well aware that he can also grow them successfully. We had every reason, then, to look forward with pleasure to the appearance of the Flore Alpine when it was advertised as amongst the forthcoming books on horticulture. The expectation is realised on opening the volume, though, per- haps, not quite in the form we anticipated. The book opens with a brief introduction, and to this succeed 100 coloured plates by Mons. Robert of some 180 plants. The repro- duction is, in many cases, remarkably good, and the tinted background forms an effective feature in each study. The work is so excellent that it is difficult to signalise any particular plate for praise beyond another, and there is hardly one that fails to reproduce accurately and artistically the plant it portrays. Perhaps we may be allowed to regret that the Soldanella is repre- sented as mauve rather than blue. We have >een plants of the former colour, but one generally associates a more pronounced shade of blue with the flower than is depicted on pi. 66. The general introduction to the letterpress fol- lows the plates, and contains a brief account of some of the famous rock-gardens of Europe, among which those of this country easily pre- dominate. A fine picture of the " Matterhorn " in Sir Frank Crisp's garden strikingly recalls the great mountain itself. In connection with this plate, we might incidentally remark that the re- ference should be to p. 248, not to 234, as given in the legend. The description, together with cultural notes, of a good representative collection of Alpine plants then follows, and the hints respecting' some of them are such as to make one realise the defects of our own climate. Eritrichium is said to need a certain degree of care ! Of Androsace glacialis, perhaps wisely, nothing of cultural ad- vice is offered. Its habitat is given, and the para- graph ends in a verse. The names of the plants are given in English as well as in foreign languages — an advantage to the tourist, who might well add Mons. Corre- von's volume to his bag when making an expedi- tion to the Alps. The only serious fault we have to find with the book is on account of its weight, but the delicacy of the plates could, perhaps, hardly have been secured except on a heavily- loaded paper. * Flore Alpine, by H. Correvon and Ph. Robert. Illustratefl with 100 coloured plates. Geneva, 1908. Price 18s. February 20, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 123 /ESGULUS PARVIFLORA. This species (see fig. 53) differs from other members of the genus in having a shrubby habit and in producing its flowers in the month of August, a time when most other shrubs have finished their flowering. The plant is a native of South- Eastern United States, and is usually to be seen near rivulets in moist situations, where it forms large, spreading clumps or thickets. Under cultivation in this country ^Esculus par- viflora forms a large, spreading shrub, reaching 10 or 12 feet in height and as much as 20 feet in diameter. The bushes spread by means of suckers, which are produced near the main stem, so that the plant does not encroach very fast upon other shrubs or trees with which it may be associated. The pure white flowers are borne in long, terminal thyrsoid racemes, some- times more than 1 foot in length. The petals, usually lour, vary in number, there being sometimes as many as seven : the upper are slightly longer than the lower petals. The stamens, which are long and thread-like and often three times the length of the corolla, form the attractive part of the flower. Each filament is tipped with a conspicuous red anther. The foliage resembles that of the Horse Chestnut, but is somewhat smaller. The plant thrives in a moist soil and delights in an open, sunny posi- tion. It forms a fine subject for the shrubbery, border or lawn. On account of the white flowers, the plant shows best when in bloom against a background of trees or tall shrubs. C. P. H. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible /or the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Vegetable Competitions at Shrewsbury. — Competitors in the vegetable classes at the Shrewsbury show must have opened their eyes wide when they read their schedule of the classes at the ensuing show in August next. Those favoured classes which invariably brought great competition and the finest of vege- table products have entirely disappeared, and their places taken by small or single-dish classes fof prizes offered by a Manchester and a Words- ley firm. It is stated — although whethti rect or not I do not know— that this year the Shropshire Horticultural Society declined to ac- cept any prizes fettered with conditions as to the sources from which seeds be obtained. If that is so, no one can complain. Nevertheless, its vegetable department, which has hitherto been such a popular one with exhibitors and visitors, must under the new arrangement ma- terially suffer. That result, no doubt, the society has anticipated, and may have good rea- sons for the course it has taken. But there re- mains good cause to think that, in spite of the determination of the society to exclude special restrictions as to the source from which seeds are obtained, the conditions annexed to classes 109 to 116 and 117 to 126 rather override the society's intentions. In each of these classes the name is given of a variety which a particular fiim has not only so named but of which it claims exclusive ownership. How .are competi- tors to obtain these things, except from the firms in question, and is not that a method of compelling such purchases quite as bad as any methods or conditions which have previously prevailed? Assuming that any competitor showed Best of All or Scarlet Emperor as " New Exhibition Runner" Bean in Class 118, and this is quoted as an example, and a representative of the firm offering the prizes declares it should be disqualified, because not their " New Exhi- bition," specially on the ground that the com- petitor had purchased no seed from that firm, what would result? Would the judges be com- pelled to disqualify? Some authoritative state- ment should come from the society as to whether exhibitors in these classes are necessarily com- pelled to obtain seeds of the varieties from the firms offering the prizes or not. If the answer is yes, then the society's new conditions dis- appear. If it is no, then no competitor can be disqualified. Vegetable. Nitro-Bacterine. — The following experi- ments which I made during 1906 may be of interest: — The bacterium ( fseudomonas radicicola) were obtained direct from the U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, and had been prepared on the cotton-wool system then in vogue. A field on which the usual rotation of farm crops had been grown was selected, and long beds, 1 foot wide and 50 feet long, were carefully prepared, each bed being afterwards sown with equal quantities of Clover seed. One bed was then watered with plain water and the other with bacterial culture. Dur- ing the summer and following year the beds were constantly examined, but although the crops succeeded well, at no time could any dif- ference be discovered either in the growth or amount of nodules on the roots between the two beds. The second experiment, on Sweet Peas, made at the same time and with the same cul- ture, gave a different result. Ten new flower- pots were filled with a mixture consisting of equal parts cinder-ash and sand, which had been baked for an hour in a large furnace. Five of these pots were sown with 12 ordinary Sweet Pea seeds, the other five with 12 seeds, which had previously been soaked in the bacterial culture ; all the pots were afterwards placed in a green- house and kept moist with rain-water from a tank inside. The uninoculated plants made very little progress, being dwarfed and appearing chlorotic, with very few flowers and no nodules velopment of Apple scab such as seen last vear was largely due to two successive rather cold and wet seasons that were far from being favourable to the production of good fruit out- of-doors. But now that through such climatic conditions scab seems to have got such a foot- hold is it wise to trust to a succession of warm, dry summers to check it, or should the trees be sprayed for that purpose? If any readers have had experience of home spraying, they may do well to let the world know the results. A . D. Moisture - loving Plants. — Mr. Smilh (p. 52) mentions a white form of Astilbe Davidii known as " grande," which he says is " worthy of extended planting." This white variety of Astilbe, so far, has not come under my notice, neither have I seen mention made of it before. There is, however, a species known as Astilbe grandis which differs in several particulars from A. Davidii. This is, indeed, a splendid plant for moist positions. The foliage is strong and vigorous, the individual leaves measuring often 2 feet in length. It grows to about 6 feet high, 2i feet of which is composed of the erect slightly branching spike of white flowers. The inflorescence has not the plumose appearance of that of A. Davidii, and the plant has a stronger, bolder habit than that species. Another addi- tion to Mr. Smith's list might be Artemisia lactiflora, which also is a plant of recent intro- duction, and one specially adaptel for half- (Photogmph by C P. Raffill. Fig. 53. — .-ESCULUS PARVIFLORA flowering in the royal gardens, kew. on the roots, while the inoculated plants made rapid growth of a typical green co.our nearly twice as high, and they produced many flowers at least a week earlier than the others. The roots carried a number of good-sized nodules. Gurney Wilst n. Apple Scab.— I saw during the early winter large quantities of Apples exposed for sale so affected by black scab as to be unfit for food. The sight of these fruits was all the more painful, because on sale with them were beautiful Colonial fruits absolutely free from fungal spots. At a Surrey gathering of agricultural co-operators recently, samples of Apples were submitted to me almost eaten up by the fungus. It would helo in finding a remedy for this trouble if it were shown exactly under what conditions the trees were growing that produced such fruits, just as it would be interesting to learn from growers whose trees and fruits have been quite free from scab what forms of trees and methods of culture were adopted by them to secure immunity. It may be assumed that good culture has much to do with the absence of the fungus, and lack of culture, such as is sometimes seen in orchards, may account for its presence. Again, who has sprayed trees to protect them against this fungus? We read so much about spraying^ yet see so little of it. Does it begin and end in a trial? It is fair to assume that the great de- shady, moist positions. The foliage has no par- ticular attraction ; the great merit of the plant lies in the inflorescence which is borne on stem9 about 4 feet high, in a lax, graceful manner. The flowering period is the end of August and September. The plant may be readily increased by division or by cuttings. Juno. Hampton Court Gardens.— At Hampton Court Palace gardens the long wall which ex- tends from the main road to the Palace, and, again, some distance beyond it to the river Thames, presents a bare and uninviting aspect in winter. It is faced by a border some 7 feet in width only, which in summer-time is planted with a very great variety of flowering plants, some of them being 5 feet to 6 feet in height. Obviously, with such a narrow, crowded bor- der, there is no opportunity for training plants against the wall. Were this long border made 20 to 30 feet in width, very fine effects might be obtained, and still leave ample room behind for the inclusion of wall climbers and shrubs. I would like to see, as an experiment, that por- tion of the wall from the garden entrance up to the high road specially planted with a view of making it a feature of attraction. The border in front should be planted with quite dwarf plants, such as would not in the least ob- scure the view of the plants on the wall. Flower gardening at this popular place of 124 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 20, 1909. resort has become somewhat stereotyped, and any break away from the present plan would be gladly welcomed. Along the wall, at inter- vals of 10 feet, are piers. These should be planted with a wide range of climbers, including the best varieties of climbing Roses. Some climbers might be planted for their handsome foliage only, but the range of selection is in- finite. The intervening panels might be filled with plants, flat-trained to the wall, of Escal- lonias, Garryas, Ceanothuses, Cotoneasters, Cydonias, Forsythias, Magnolias, Viburnums, Fuchsias, Buddleias, Choisya ternata, Chimo- nanthus, and other shrubs. Flat-trained Helio- tropes, Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, Cassia corym- bosa, and other tender plants, sunk in tubs, would greatly help in the scheme of decoration. A. D. about August, and the plants put out sometimes in trenches, sometimes on the flat, but always earthed or moulded up. Naturally, in this country the seed would have to be .-own earlier, and the crop requires much the same culture as Celery. "Finocchio" in Italy is eaten raw with salt, or cooked with butter and served up, as is the case here with Celery. Although this vege- table is not much known to English people, yet we have for some years supplied seed of it to those of our customers who have met with it when abroad. Sutton cV Sons. Finocchio or Florence Fennel (Fceni- culum dulce). — We have had no difficulty in growing this plant satisfactorily under ordinary garden cultivation. The edible part consists of the broad leaf-stalks, which, overlapping Fig. 54.. -SPECIMEN OF FINOCCHIO BROUGHT FROM ITALY BY MESSRS. SUTTON AND SONS. The Old Double Primula. — Mr. Leonard Sutton tells me that a type of Primula sinensis formerly existed which was completely double and destitute of anthers. As it set no seed, it was propagated by cuttings exclusively. Can any readers of the Gardener!:' Chronicle put me in the way of obtaining a specimen of this type? In connection with a study of the inheritance of doublenes9, its properties would be well worth investigating. W . Bateson, Grantchester, Cam- bridge. Finocchio. — We have just returned from our annual visit amongst our seed crops in the south of Italy, arid, remembering that, in a recent issue of the. Gardeners' Chronicle , there appeared an article on " Finocchio," we brought back one or two specimens which were grown at Naples (see fig. 54). Large quantities of this "Finocchio" are grown around Naples. The seeds are sown one another at the base of the stem, form an enlargement varying in size from that of a hen's egg to the size of a man's fist. The plant does not form tubers as R. B. (see p. 45) imagines. The edible portion should be used before the plant develops its inflorescence, which it does very soon. The first sow- ing may be made in April or May, followed by, say, two sucoessional sowings in the sum- mer. Sow in rows made 18 inches apart, and thin the seedlings to 9 inches between each other. During dry weather the plant should be well watered. If it is desired to blanch the stems, a little soil can be drawn about them 10 days before the vegetable is required for the table. Long Sweet Fennel (Fceniculum offici- nale, All.) is sown in the autumn for a spring crop. The tender stems of this plant are eaten just as it runs to seed. Vilmorin, in his Vege- table Gardtn, says: "The famous 'Carosella,' so extensively used in Naples, and scarcely known in any other place, is referred by authors to Fceniculum piperitum, D.C., a species very closely related to F. officinale. The plant i* used while in the act of running to bloom, the stems, fresh and tender, are broken and served up raw, still enclosed in the expanded leaf- stalks. They are esteemed a great delicacy, and. are obtained only from the end of March till June." /. Coutts, Killcrton Gardens, Exeter. Pinus pinaster. — In my article on this tree- on p. 69, I appear to say, with reference to the collection of resin, that the pot receiving it con- tinues to be moved up 3 feet at a time after a height of from 10 to 15 feet is reached. The pot is moved up 3 feet at a time until a height of 10 or 15 feet is reached, but not afterwards, for when that height has been attained a new groove is commenced. 7?. Stewart Lynch. SOCIETIES. MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. February 4. — Committee present : E. Ash- worth, Esq. (chairman), and Messrs. R. Ash- worth, F. W. Ashworth, J. C. Cowan, J. Cypher, W. Holmes, A. J. Keeling, C. Parker, J. E. Shill, F. K. Sander, H. Thorp, W. B. Upjohn. Z. A. Ward, A. Warburton, and P. Weathers (hon. secretary). The number of exhibits were fewer than at the last few meetings. H. J. Bromilow, Esq., Rainhill (gr. Mr. Mor- gan), who has been a consistent exhibitor in the class for the Sander Cypripedium Cup, staged a splendid group of Cypripediums, for which a Silver-gilt Medal was awarded. Choice hybrids, including C. X Victor, C. X aureum var. virginale, and C. X Mrs. YV. Mostyn were a feature of this display. S. Gratrix, Esq., Whalley Range (gr. Mr. Shill), exhibited Cypiipedium X Memoria Jerninghamiae, a distinct plant, the parentage of which was not recorded. Mrs. S. Gratrix received a First-class Cer- tificate for Cypripedium X Actaeus var. Gra- trixas, a very distinct variety with a pro- nounced green tinge throughout the flower and finely-marked dorsal sepal. C. Parker, Esq., Preston, was awarded a Bronze Medal for a small group of Cypripe- diums containing some distinct forms of C. insigne, in, addition to several well-known hy- brids. Z. A. Ward, Esq., Northenden (gr. Mr. Weatherby), gained a Silver-gilt Medal for an exhibit of good Odontoglossums. Mr. J. Birchenall, Alderley Edge, exhi- bited Scelochilus variegatus, a botanical Orchid with very small flowers. Zygo-Colar X Amesi- ana, showed by the same exhibitor, received an Award of Merit. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Enfield, were awarded a Silver Medal for a group of choice plants, including several good hybrid Cypri- pediums. Cymbidium X Wiganianum, shown by Messrs. Low, gained an Award of Merit. A. Warburton, Esq., Haslingden (gr. Mr. Dalgleish), was awarded a Silver Medal for a group of Cypripediums, which included C. X aureum var. Hyeanum, C. X aureum Vine House variety (Award of Merit), C. X Evansi- anum, and a good form of C. Spicerianum, War- burton's variety. Odontoglcssum X ardentissi- mum var. xanthotes and O. sceptrum var. Masereelianum were also shown by Mr. War- burton. Messrs. Jas. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, staged a pleasing display of well-grown Cypri- pediums, for which a Silver Medal was awarded. Messrs. Keeling & Sons, Bradford, were- awarded a Bronze Medal for a group in which two plants, viz., Cypripedium x Actaeus,. Grangefield variety, and C. X Leeanum var. Dorothy, received Awards of Merit. J. McCartney, Esq., Bolton (gr. Mr. Holmes), was awarded a Silver Medal for a miscellaneous group of plants, in which were some good varieties of Laelia anceps. Cattleya Trianae var. Holmesii, a flower of commendable form and with a richly-coloured lip, received an Award of Merit. February 20, 1909.] THE GARDEN E US' CHRONICLE. \ 2 5 E. Rogerson, Esq., Didsbury (gr. Mr. Price), received Awards ol Merit for Cypripedium X Transvaal, Oakdene variety, C. x Memoria Lord Burton, and C. X Dicksonianura. H. Arthur, Esq., Blackburn, showed a small group of Cypripediums. (Bronze Medal.) Other exhibitors were Messrs. Robson, Altrincham ; Shackleton, Bradford ; Craven, Keighley ; and Bolton, Warrington. COMMONS AND FOOTPATHS PRESERVATION. February 5. — Lord Eversley presided over the monthly meeting of the Society held on this date at 25, Victoria Street, Westminster. The solicitors' report upon the provisions of Private Bills to be introduced into Parliament during the coming session, and under which Commons, Open Spaces and Rights of Way will be sub- ject to interference, was presented. It was stated that while 31 Bills of this nature would come within the purview of the Society thi> year, the extent to which public rights would be interfered with was, on the whole, less than the average. The area of common land scheduled amounted to about 320 acres, the most serious proposal being that of the North- Eastern Railway to absorb 178 acres of Salt End Pasture on the banks of the River Humber at Preston. It was resolved to oppose this Bill. The Great Western Railway proposed to acquire portions of the Link Common, Malvern. Hunger- ford Common, Berks, and 9V acres of Worm- wood Scrubs, Hammersmith, but in each case the company had consented to add to the com- mon an area equivalent to that to be abstracted. It was decided to make representations to the. London County Council in order to provide that on the widening of the highway at Tavi- stock Square the Pine trees affected should not be cut down. The Society also determined to take steps to secure the reintroduction into Par- liament of its Public Rights of Way Bill, the chairman stating that a number of members had undertaken to ballot for this measure. The final arrangements with regard to the amicable settlement of important footpath disputes being carried out by the Society in Herts, and Sussex were approved ; and the recently-issued afforest- ation report was carefully considered. The; general feeling was that, while in the case of some exceptionally large commons portions might possibly be devoted to afforestation with- out material injury to grazing rights, in the case of the less extensive open spaces' an im- portant class of small farmers and cottagers would be seriously affected if any portion was withdrawn for tree planting. LEEDS PROFESSIONAL GARDENERS'. February 8. — The members of this society held their annual dinner on this date. The chair was taken by the Rev. R. Warburton, M.A., and he was supported by the Grand Mas- ter of the Order of Oddfellows, Bro. G. Bamby. The secretary, Mr. Geo. Carver, stated that the amount of sickness is 58 per cent, below the average. The official valuation showed the society to have a solvency of 20s. 3d. in the pound, with a surplus of £63. It is suggested to devote the surplus funds of the lodge to the benefit of the aged and infirm members. HORTICULTURAL CLUB. ANNUAL DINNER. February 9. — As a fitting social pendant to the annual meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, the Horticultural Club held its annual meeting and subsequent dinner at the Hotel Windsor on the above date, under the chair- manship of Mr. Harry J. Veitch. The secretary's report of the progress of the Club was read at the annual meeting by Mr. E. T. Cook, and was highly satisfactory. The number of members has increased during the year, and there is a larger balance. A number of interesting papers and discussions have been read during the session, proving that the Club has its instructive as well as its social side. This has been steadily kept in view for many years past and it has added considerably to the at- tractiveness of the meetings. Ab 'it 80 members and guests, including ladie .. re present at the dinner. The tables were beautifully decked with flowers, while a charming musical and vocal enter- tainment was provided by Sir Frank Crisp, who was present on the occasion and was heartily thanked for his kindness. Mr. George Paul proposed the toast of the Royal Horticul- tural Society in the place of Sir Albert Rollit, who had hoped to be present. The Rev. Joseph Jacob, M.A., responded in a brief but humorous speech. The Chairman proposed that of the Horticul- tural Club, laying stress upon its educational utility, Mr. H. Morgan "Veitch replying. The chairman's health was drunk with all the honours. The visitors were welcomed by Mr. George Munro in an appropriate speech, Mr. P. Ander- son Graham responding on behalf of the ladies and other guests. The health of Mr. E. T. Cook, the honorary secretary, was next proposed, and, finally, that of Sir Frank Crisp, who had done so much on the present occasion to enhance the enjoyment of all present by engaging the services of Miss Emily Shepherd, Miss Carrie Herwin, and Mr. M. Fred Rome, Ernest Sewell, Samuel Masters, Charles Wreford, and Herbert Townsend, whose varied contributions of music, songs, humorous stories, experimental magic, and liv- ing marionettes served to delight the audience. PERPETUAL-FLOWERING CARNATION. (ANNUAL MEETING ) February 10. — The annual meeting of the above society was held at the Hotel Windsor on this date. Mr. J. S. Brunton presided, about twenty members being present. The minutes1 of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The hon. secretary, Mr. H. Mathias, read a letter from Lord Howard de Walden, president, regretting his inability to preside over the meet- ing. The chairman moved the adoption of the report, from which we extract the following paragraphs : At the annual general meeting in 1908 the title of the Society was altered from "The Winter-Flowering Carnation Society " to "The Perpetual Flowering Carnation Society." A scheme for the registration of the names of new varii ties has been adopted. Nine new varieties have been registered during the year. A variety must gain at least 85 points to entitle it to a First-class Certificate, and 75 points to entitle it to an Award of Merit. His Serene Highness Prince Francis of Teck has been graciously pleased to become a patron of the Society. The Right Hon. Lord Howard de Walden has accepted the post of president. Two successful shows were held at the R.H.S. Hall, Vincent Square. The greatly increased competition in the amateur classes at the December show, and the high quality of the blooms in these classes have largely justified the policy of your committee in increasing the number and scope of classes for amateurs' exhibits. Asa means of helping amateurs, an expert grower was appointed to give an address on "The Cultivation of the Perpetual-flowering Carnation," in the lecture-room of the R.H.S Hall, on the afternoon of the April show. On the occasion of the December show a question box was placed in the hall, and a number of visitors availed themselves of the opportunity of writing questions and placing them therein. Your committee considered it desirable that the Society should be in a position to award medals of its own, and. after much deliberation, a drawing was approved, and a die cut. Donations to defray the cost of medals are earnestly invited, or if individual members will defray the cost of one or more medals and place them at the committee's dis- posal to be awarded as special prizes, they will be much appreciated. Two cups have been presented to the Society, one by Lord Howard de Walden, and the other by the American Carnation Society, It has been decided that these two cups shall be held as challenge cups in perpetuity. Your Honorary Secretary is in correspondence with Mr. Albert M. Herr, the Secretary of the American Carnation Society, on the subject of the compilation of a complete list of perpetual-flowering Carnations, with a view to the framing of a list of too-much-alike varieties. The Society has lost seven members by resignation, 27 struck off for non-payment of subscriptions, and one by death, viz., Martin R. Smith, Esq., a vice-president of the Society. His loss is one that will be deeply felt, not only by the members of this Society, but also by every true lover of the Carnation. Fifty-one new mem- bers have joined during the year, and the total member- ship of the Society at December 31, 1908, was 173. The resolution for adopting the report was seconded by Mr. L. J. Cook, and carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the officers was proposed by the chairman, and special mention was made of the admirable manner in which the secretarial work was carried out by Mr. H. Mathias. Mr. E. F. Hawe:s as show superintendent and Mr. J. S. Brunton were also entitled to thanks. The vote was carried with acclamation. The adoption of the balance-sheet for the past year was moved by Mr. C. H. Cur- tis, one of the honorary auditors to the society, who testified as to the able manner in which the accounts had been kept. It was resolved that the offices of hon. secretary and treasurer, which have previously been held by Mr. Mathias, should be held by separate persons. The fol- lowing were elected to serve as officers of the society during the coming year : President, Lord Howard de Walden ; treasurer, Mr. L. J. Cook ; secretary, Mr. H. Mathias ; exhibition superin- tendent, Mr. E. F. Hawes. The retiring members of the committee were all re-elected, and the Rev. J. Jacob was also appointed on the committee. Messrs. C. H. Curtis and R. Pinches were re-elected auditors. It was decided to hold the annual dinner on the day of the spiing exhibition, March 24, at 7.30 p.m., and Mr. Hawes was asked to undertake the arrangements. BRITISH GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. (LONDON BRANCH.) February 11. — The monthly meeting of the London branch of the above Association took place on this date at Carr's Restaurant, Strand, W.C. There was a large attendance to hear Mr. Chas. H. Curtis lecture on " Kew Gardens." The lecturer gave a brief account of the history of these famous gardens, and described the more important features. The interiors of the Temperate House, the " North " Picture Gallery, the Museums, the Herbarium, the Lily House with the Victoria Regia in flower, and other in- teresting parts of the gardens were shown as lantern slides. At the close of the lecture Mr. Curtis, in answer to a question, stated the ad- vantages offered to a young gardener who spends a period of two years at Kew. The opportuni- ties for study and the experience to be gained were unobtainable elsewhere. ROYAL GARDENERS' ORPHAN FUND. February 12. — The twenty-second annual meeting of the supporters of this charity took place on the above date at Simpson's, Strand, London. Mr. Henry B. May, chairman of the Executive Committee, presided over a somewhat limited attendance. The secretary, Mr. Brian Wynne, read the minutes of the last meeting, and presented the report of the Executive Com- mittee for 1908. This was as follows: — REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. It is with great gratification and a deep sense of thankfulness that at the close of the twenty-first year of the existence of the Fund the Committee is enabled to present a Report which they believe will afford the liveliest satisfaction. The receipts from all sources in 1908 amounted to no less a sum than ^2,694 is. 9d. More than half of this amount was obtained by the appeal made at, and in connection with, the Coming- of-Age Festival held in May, which will be long remem- bered as an interesting event in the history of the. Fund. The Committee acknowledges with deep grati- tude their indebtedness to their noble President, the Duke of Bedford, for presiding on that occasion, for his Grace's sympathetic appreciation of the benefi- cent work which is being carried on, his eloquent commendation of the claims of the Fund to the generosity of all interested in gardeners and gardening, and for his munificent contribution of ^250 to the Festival dinner list. To Mr. N. N. Sherwood and his sons, Mr. William and Mr. Edward Sherwood, whose practical sympathy with the objects of the Fund, from the day of its foundation, has helped materially in placing the charity in its present position, grateful thanks are accorded for their generous presentation of J6391 Metropolitan Railway 35 per cent, preference stock to endow the " Maybud Campbell Grant " of £13 per annum to an orphan girl selected to receive same under the Rules of the Fund. The appeal made on the initiative of Mr. H. J. Clayton, for a special Coming- of-Age gift to the Fund, to be raised by means of a shilling collection, resulted in the receipt of the hand- some sum of £250, and the Committee tender their grateful thanks to all who assisted in bringing about such an appreciable addition to the Fund's exchequer. The net result of the year's work is an increase in income over that of the previous year, amounting to .6747 ns. 7d. This sum has enabled the Committee to increase the Allowances and Grants in Aid made to the poor children by the sum of ^109 17s. 6d. ; to add £596 7s. 70.. to the Reserve Fund, £8$ to the deposit account, and to increase the balance carried forward by £77 9s. 2d. At the commencement of 1908 there were 100 children receiving the full benefits of the Fund. Seventeen more were added to the roll at the annual meeting, held in February. At the close of December the number on the elected list was 104, whilst 21 of the candidates awaiting election, greatly being in need of assistance, were receiving compassionate allowances. The total sum distributed among the beneficiares during the year was ^r,62t 7s. 6d., the highest total yet reached. The number of children elected to receive the benefits of the Fund since its foundation is 253, and the total 126 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 20, 1909. expenditure in weekly Allowances and Grants in Aid .hum- the same period is .£19,506. The next Festival takes place on Thursday, May 6. at the Hotel Cecil, when his Grace the Duke of Rutland has most kindly consented to preside. The Committee make this announcement with extreme pleasure. For some years past the Fund has greatly benefited by the exertions made on its behalf by the Committees of the Chesterfield and District Chrysanthemum Society, the Altrincham and District Gardeners' Mutual Im- provement Society, the Chislehurst Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Society, the Bradford Chrysanthemum Society, and similar institutions. The Committee are glad to record the fact that during the year several additional societies of this character have caused their names to be enrolled among the regular contributors. To "lie and all who have helped the Fund in this way most cordial thanks are tendered. The Committee also again most gratefully acknowledge the valuable support accorded to the Fund by the owners of private gardens, who kindly open their establishments to the public from time to time in aid of this and other charities. In this connection special thanks are due to Mary Countess of Ilchester, Sir Frank Crisp, and Major John W. Dent, for valued contributions. The Committee has again, unhappily, to deplore the loss the Fund has sustained by the hand of death. As former colleagues, the valued services of Mr. George Nicholson and Mr. C. E. Osman are gratefully remem- bered, as also are the active services rendered in the early days of the Fund by Mr. W. J. Brewer and Mr. Henry Hawkins; whilst in recent years Mr. W. Neild, Mr. R. Lye, and Mr. Joseph Lee, were all devoted adherents to the children's cause. The late Mr. J. Cawthra, of Bradford, and Mr. Benjamin Greaves, of Horsham, were annual contributors, and Legacies of £150, less duty, from the former gentleman, and £$b from Mr. Greaves, are thankfully acknowledged. The members of the Committee who retire by rota- tion are Mr. W. Bates, Mr. G. L. Caselton, Mr. C. Dixon, Mr. H. B. May, Mr. J. W. Moorman, Mr. Whitpaine Nutting, Mr. G. Reynolds, and Mr. J H. Witty. These members, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. To the Auditors, Mr. M. Rowan and Mr. P. Rudolph Barr, the Committee again tender their sincere thanks for the valuable services they render the Fund from year to year by their exhaustive examination of the accounts. The retiring auditor is Mr. Barr, and with great pleasure the Committee recommends his re- election. In concluding this Report the Committee again appeal with confidence to the liberality of all those who recog nise the legitimate claims of necessitous orphans. In the ranks of gardeners, as in those of most other callings, there are many distressing cases of premature death. The breadwinner is suddenly removed from the scene of his labours, whilst still young, and therefore before he has had time and opportunity to provide for those dependent upon his industry. The widow, being often left with several children of tender years, she is unable to use her capacity for earning a living, because her presence and care are needed at home. Surely, the cry of the children is one that we have no right or desire to disregard! The amount of good that follows the disbursement of small sums to children is out of all proportion to the sums contributed, and not only is this the case, but in helping the children by ensuring to them the necessities of life, the heavy lot that oppresses the young widow is materia'ly lightened. The Committee, therefore, believe that, in the future, as in the past, the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund will receive such a measure of support as will enable it to continue the work it has faithfully discharged in the past twenty-one years. The Chairman, in proposing the adoption of the Report and Balance-Sheet, stated that there was little for him to tell the meeting, owing to the comprehensive character of the printed Report, which was circulated in the room. He, however, called attention to the increased receipts during the Coming-of-Age year, which amounted to £747 lis. 7d. over the previous year. The number of children elected to re- ceive the benefit of the Fund since its founda- tion was 253, and the total expenditure in weekly allowances and grants in aid during the same period was £19,506. He called attention to the useful work that several societies, men- tioned in the Report, continue to do in the interest of the Fund, suggesting that other societies might help in a similar manner. The " shilling " subscription was adopted on the suggestion of Mr. H. J. Clayton to signalise the Coming-of-Age year, and this was the means of raising a sum of £250. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Wm, Marshall, late chairman of the Executive Committee, who said that the Report was entirely satisfactory. The resolu- tion was adopted with unanimity. Mr. R. Hooper Pearson proposed a vote of thanks to the President of the Fund, the Duke of Bedford, K.G., for presiding at the last Festival Dinner. He said that the gratifying successes which had attended the efforts of the committee to raise a record amount of money at the Coming-of-Age festival were partly due to the President's presence on that occasion and to his munificent gift of £250. The resolution was seconded by Mr. W. J. Cutbush, and carried unanimously. On the proposition of Mr. \Y. Roupell, seconded by Mr. George Gordon, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Edward Sherwood for his duties as treasurer during the year, and he was re-elected to fill the position. Mr. Rudolph Barr was re-elected auditor on the pro- position of Mr. W. Poupart, and seconded by Mr. W. Bates. Mr. A. Dean proposed that the members of committee who retired by rotation and whose names were mentioned in the Peport, should be re-elected. After the motion had been seconded by Mr. W. Rates, the resolution was carried. CASH STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1908. RECEIPTS. To Subscriptions : General ,, ,, Local Secretaries ,, Donations: General ,, ,, Local Secretaries ,, Subscription List at Annual ] 'inner ... Less Expenses 1887- 1 908 : Special Fund (raised by shilling Subscriptions) " Maybud Campbell Grant " (presented by Mr. N. N. Sherwood and his sons) Legacies: Mr. James Cawthra 135 ,, Mr. Benjamin Greaves 50 £ s. d. -'54 12 0 79 3 5 187 6 7 25 16 3 1,141 17 6 2IO 9 S 333 IS 2"3 3 931 250 185 25 •• 359 5 6 8 7 2 694 . 8j8 17 9 •4 £3.502 19 I ,, Advertisements in List of Subscribers ,, Dividends on Stock and Interest Deposit ,, Income Tax returned Balance last Account Note — Investments. 3 per cent. London and County Consoli- dated Stock ^7,24° '5 x° 3 per cent. Canada Stock 2,000 o o L. & N.-W. Railway 4 per cent. Pre- ference Stock ... 340 o o Great Indian Peninsula Railway Guar- antee 3 per cent. Stock 514 o o 2I per cent. Consols 1,000 o o "Thomson Memorial Trust" — East Indian Railway B. Annuity of £14, cost 43° 11 0 " Km ma Sherwood Memorial " — Metropolitan Water (B) 3 per cent. Stock 516 15 11 " Maybud Campbell Grant "— Metropolitan Railway 33 per cent. Pre fere nee Stock 391 o o EXPKNDITURK. £ s Allowances to Orphans ... 1,486 Grants in Aid ... ... ... 122 " Emma Sherwood Memorial " 13 Secretary's Salary Printing & Posting List of Subscribers Rent, Insurance, &c Printing & Stationery Advertising... Annual General and Com- mittee Meetings, &c. Postages Bank Charges Sundry Expenses (Petty Cash) • 1 .6 2 1 US 3 6 8 11 1 6 o 5 8 11 '5 6 13 10 Purchase of .£242 19s. 8d. 2j per cent. Consols ... Metropolitan Railway 35 per cent. Pref. Stock Balances : Cash at Bank Cash in hand Cash on Deposit ?°5 ? 391 o 50 7 582 10 6 1 6 10 385 — 968 17 4 .£3,502 19 1 The Chairman then rose to propose the re- election of Mr. Brian Wynne as secretary to the Fund, at a salary of £200 per year. He stated that Mr. Wynne would in future devote his whole time "to the work of the Fund, and that a new office had been taken by the committee in Surrey Street, Strand. The Chairman paid a high tribute to the mariner in which Mr. Wynne had discharged his duties as secretary during the 10 years he had held that position. After the resolution had been seconded by Mr. W. Bates, it was carried with acclamation. Scrutineers having been appointed, the meet- ing was adjourned until 4.30. On reassembling, the following candidates were declared duly elected : — Result of the Ballot. Votes. Muriel H. Lee 394 Reginald T. Dyer 272 Louisa Dyer ... ... ... ... 263 John F. Campbell 245 Richard ]. Lavingtnn 224 Phyllis M. Lee 220 Edith M. Campbell 211 Gertrude A. Stenning ... ... 211 Eva A. J. Tulett 201 Andrew Murray 188 Violet S. McCallum 162 Albert G. Moore 162 James F. Thomas 154 Florence A. Gregg ... .. ... 147 Ethel E. E. Smithers 136 Elsie F. Fulbrook 129 Arthur H. Warren ... ... ... 129 Ellen L. Lavington 107 Kate Tebbutt 93 Albert E. Payne 90 Mr. Harry J. Veitch congratulated the com- mittee upon the work of last year and on the lumber of candidates that had been elected. He said, however, that there were five who had been unsuccessful at the poll. Being uncon- nected with the management of the Fund, he did not know the exact resources at the com- mand of the committee after the election that had taken place that day. But he appealed to the chairman to induce the committee to stretch a point in favour of the unsuccessful candidates. If this could be done, all present would be deeply grateful. The Chairman stated that the committee had every confidence that the public would continue to assist the Fund. The circumstances of the disappointed candidates had been taken into c onsideration by the committee, and he thought that if it were the desire of that meeting that those candidates should be placed upon the Fund by resolution, the committee would not oppose the motion. In addition to those now before the meeting, there were nine fresh candi- dates on the list for next year. It looked, there- fore, as if there would be a big list at the next anniversary meeting, and they must look to their friends for increased support if all the cases deserving of help were to be placed on the Fund. Mr. Veitch's motion was seconded by Mr. George Gordon, and carried unanimously. The following candidates were therefore de- clared duly elected : — Florence E. Ward 89 Edward G. W. Randall 86 Elsie Atkinson 83 Ann Laing .. 80 Hilda D. Whitlock 34 The Fkiendly Supper. The same evening the committee and a few friends dined together at Simpson's. Mr. Henry B. May presided. Having inspected the Securities and examined the Books and Vouchers supplied to us, we hereby certify the above Account to be correct. ] nnuary 1$, IQOQ. P. RUDOLPH BARR M. ROWAN SCHEDULES RECEIVED, National Sweet Pea Society's ninth annual exhibition to be held in the Royal Horticultural Society's Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, on Friday, July 2:1, 1909. Hon. Secretary, Mr, C. H. Curtis, Adelaide Road, Brent- ford, Middlesex. Midland Carnation and Picotee Society's nineteenth annual exhibition to be held on July 28 and 29, 1909. February 20, 1909.] THE GA RDENERS CHRONICLE. 127 MARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, February 17. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent the prices on any particular day, but only the general averages for the weeU preceding the date of our report. The prices depend 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 occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.] Cut Flowers, Ac: Average Wholesale Prices. 16-26 16-26 4 0-50 6 0-80 3 0-40 16-26 2 6 1 0 3 6 2 0 s.d. s.d. Acacia (Mimosa), p. doz. bunches 9 0-12 0 Anemone fulgens, p. dz. bunches — double pink, p. dozen Bunches Azalea, per dozen bundles Bouvardia, per dz. bunches Calla sethiopica, p. dozen Camellias, per dozen Carnations, per dozen blooms, best American various — second size ... — smaller, per doz. bunches 9 0-12 0 Catileyas, per doz blooms Chrysanthemums specimen blooms p. doz. 2 0-30 — smaller, per doz. bunches 12 0-24 $ Cypripediunis, per dozen blooms.. Daffodils, per doz. bunches Dendrobium nobile, per dozen Eucuaiis graudi- flora, per doz. blooms Freesias (white), p. doz. bunches .. Gardenias, per doz. blooms Hyacinths (Roman) per doz. bchs. — Dutch Lilac (English), while, p. bunch — mauve — (French), mauve 4 0- Lilium an rat urn, per bunch — fongillorum ... — lane i f olium, rubruai — album Lily of the Valley, p. dz. bunches 12 0-15 0 16-26 3 0-60 2 6-30 2 6-36 2 6-30 3 0-50 9 0-12 0 6 0-10 0 3 0-50 3 0-50 5 0 2 0- 4 0- 2 0-30 2 6-30 9 0-10 0 Lily of the Valley, extra quality ... Marguerites, p. dz. bunches white and yellow ... Mignonette, per dozen bunches Myosotis, per doz. bunches Narcissus, Paper- white, per dz. bunches — Gloriosa — ornatus — Soleil d'Or ... Odontoglos sum cri spurn, per dozen blooms Pelargonium s, show, per doz. bunches — Zonal, double scarlet Ranunculus, pel dz. bunches Roses, 12 blooms, Niphetos — Bridesmaid ... — C. Testout ... — K ai se r i n A. Victoria — C. Mermet ... — Liberty — Mme.Chatenay — Richmond — The Bride ... — Ulrich Brunner Snowdrops, per dz. bunches Spiraea, per dozen bunches Stock s, double white, per doz. bunches Tuberoses, per dz. blooms — on stems, per bunch Tulips, per dozen bunches single — best double varieties Violets, per dozen bunches — Par in a s, per bunch .. Cut Foliage, Ac: Average Wholesale Prices. Adidiitum cunea- tiuii, dz. bchs. Agrostis, per doz. bunches Asparagus plu- uiosiis, long trails, per doz. — — medni.,bch. — Sprengeri Betberis, per doz. bunches Croton leaves, per bunch Cycas leaves, each Daffodil foliage, p. doz. bunches... Ferns, per dozen bchs. ( English) — (French) Plants In Pots, &c s.d. s.d. S 0-12 0 10-20 0 9-16 10-13 16-20 2 0-26 2 0- 0 6- s.d. s.d. Ampelopsis Veit- chii.per dozen 6 0-80 Aralia Sieboldh, p. dozen 4 0-60 — larger speci- mens 9 0-12 0 — Moseri... ... 4 0-60 Araucaria excelsa, per dozen ... 12 0-30 0 — large plants, each 3 6-50 Aspidistras, p. dz., green 15 0-24 0 — variegated ... 30 0-42 0 Asparagus, plumo- sus nanus, per dozen 12 0-18 0 — Sprengeri ... 9 0-12 0 — ten u is si mus 9 0-12 0 Azaleas (Indian), p. dozen 24 0-36 0 Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, p. dz. 12 0-1K 0 Cinerarias, per dz. 8 0-12 0 Clematis, per doz. ** 0- 9 0 Co cos WeddeUi- ana, per dozen 18 0-30 0 4 0-50 4 0-50 6 0-90 9 0-24 0 Crotons, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Cyclamen, pr. doz. 12 0-18 0 Cy peru s alterni- folius, dozen ... — laxus, per doz. Daffodils, per doz. I)raca?nas, perdoz. Erica hyemalis.per dozen ... ... 10 0-15 0 — nielanthera ... 12 0-18 0 — Wilmoreana ... 12 0-18 0 Euonymus.perdz., in pots 4 0-90 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 8 0-12 0 — in small and large 60's ... 12 0-20 0 — in 48's, per dz. 4 0-10 0 — in 32's, per dz. 10 0-18 0 Ficus elastica, per dozen — repens, per dz. Genista fragrans, per doz. Grevilleas per dz. Plants in Pots, ate. Hardy flower roots, per dozen Hyacinths, per dz. pots Isolepis, per dozen Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen — Fosteriana, per dozen Latama borbonica, per dozen Lilium 1 o n g i- florum, per dz. s.d. s.d. 2 0-30 2 0-30 3 0-40 2 6-26 16-26 2 6-36 2 0-26 2 0-26 6 0-80 60-90 9 0-12 0 2 6-36 2 6-40 6 0-90 2 0-40 2 0-36 6 0-80 4 0-60 5 0-90 2 6-36 6 0-80 16-20 5 0-80 2 6-36 6 0-10 0 12 0-24 0 4 0-50 s.d. s.d. 2 0- 2 6 Galax leaves, per dozen bunches Hardy foli age ( various), per dozen bunches 3 0-90 Honesty (Lunaria) per bunch ... 10-16 Ivy-leaves, bronze 2 0- ti 6 — long trails per bundle — short green, perdz. bunclies Moss, per gross ... Myrtle, dz. bchs.. ( E n g 1 i s h ) small-leaved ... — French Ruscus racemosus, 3 0 p. dz. bunches 18 0 - 0 9 Suiilax, p. dz. trails 4 0-60 Average Wholesale Prices. 0 9-16 16-26 5 0- C 0 10-110 10-16 : Average Wholesale Prices (Contd,). s.d. s.d. Lilium lancifolium, per dozen ... 12 0-24 0 Lily of the Valley, per dozen ... 18 0-30 0 Marguerites, white, per dozen ... 6 0-10 0 Selagineila, p. doz. 4 0- li 0 Solanums, per doz. 8 0-10 0 Spiraea japonica, p. dozen 8 0-12 0 Tulips in boxes, per doz. bulbs- 0 6-09 — in pots, per dz. 9 0-12 0 Potatos. s.d. s.d 10-20 8 0-10 0 4 0-60 15 0-24 0 18 0-30 0 12 0-18 0 18 0-24 0 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. Apples Foreign — California Newtown Pip- pin, per case, 4 tiers — 4$ tiers — (American), per barrel : — Baldwin — Greening — Newtown Pip- pin — Oregon New- town Pippin, per case (150)... — Do. (1S6] [96] — Do. (88) \ (80)) — (NovaScotian), per barrel : — Russet — Baldwin — Ben Davis — Faltawater ... — French Russet, per case Bananas, bunch: — Doubles — No. 1 „ ... — Extra „ ... — Giant ,, ... — (Claret) — Jamaica — Loose, per i\/.. Cape fruit, p. case : — Peaches — Apricots — Plums — Nectarines ... Cranberries, per case Custard Apples ... Dates (Tunis), per ■ \- zen I ii ■ Figs(Eleme), p. dz. — pulled, per dz. s.d. s.d. 8 0-86 7 0-76 22 0-24 0 25 0 — 25 0-27 0 13 0 — 14 6 — 13 6 — 19 0-20 0 20 0-21 0 17 0 21 0 24 0 9 0-96 9 0-10 0 6 6-80 8 0-90 10 0-12 0 5 0-76 5 0-56 0 6-10 6 0-10 0 2 6-60 2 6-60 10 0-18 0 16 0 — 3 0-12 0 4 3-46 4 3 — 5 0 7 6 Grape Fruit, case Grapes, Gros Col- mar — Alicante — (Guernsey) ... — (Almeria), per barrel Lemons, box : — Messina, 300 .. — Do. 360... — per case, 300.. Limes, per case .. l.ychees, per box... Mandarines (25' s), per box — (96's), per box Nuts, Almonds, per bag — Brazils, new, per cwt. — Barcelona, bag — Cocoa nuts, 100 — Cob, per dozen lbs Oranges (Dema) ... — Cal i f or n lan seedless, per case — (Valencia) per case (4l0) — per case (714)... — Jaffas — Palermo Blood — Palermo Bitters — Murcia Blood, per case (200)... Pears, Easter Beurre, p. box — Glou Morceau, per case Pineapples, each ... — (Natal), per dz. Tangerines (Cali- fornian), i - i cavt 1180-200)... — (Florida), per case (120-2001... s.d. s.d. 9 0-13 0 12-30 13-26 0 10- 1 2 12 6 20 0 10 0-13 0 9 0 11 0 12 0-18 0 5 0 — 10-15 0 8-10 2 9-36 50 0 55 0 32 0-35 0 11 0-14 0 16-19 9 0-16 0 10 6-13 0 8 0-16 0 8 0-14 0 9 6-10 6 8 6-96 6 6-70 9 6 11 0 - 2 0-36 4 0-60 10 0-12 0 18 0-20 0 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. Artichokes(Globe), per dozen — white, p. bushel — per cwt. Asparagus, per bundle: — Sprue ... — Paris Green ... Beans — — (French), p. lb. — (Guernse y), per lb — I Madeira), per basket — Niggers Beet root, per bushel Brussel Sprouts, J bushel — bags Cabbages, per tally — per mat — Greens, per bushel Cardoon (French), per dozen Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bag . — unwashed — (French!, p. pad Cauliflowers, per dozen — St. Malo, crates 112 heads) — Italian Heads, per basket Celery, per dozen rolls Celeriac, per doz. Chicory, per lb. ... Cucumbers, per dz. Endive, per dozen Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles s.d. s.d. 2 0- 2 6 2 0 — 36 — 0 t>- 0 9 4 0-46 10-11 2 6-30 3 6 — 3 6-70 1 0- 1 (l 2 0-30 3 6-40 5 0-60 3 6-40 3 6-40 8 0-10 0 3 0-36 2 6-36 16-19 2 6-36 3 0-40 2 6-30 3 0-36 12 0-15 0 16-26 0 3±- 0 4 4 0-70 16-20 10 0-12 0 Kale, per bushel ... l.eeks, 12 bundles Lettuce (French), per crate Mmt, per dozen bunches Mushrooms, per lb. — broilers — buttons, perlb. Mustardand Cress, per dozen [.mi, Onions, per bag ... — (Valencia), case — Dutch, pr, bag — pickling, per bushel ii ey, 12 bunches — h sieve Parsnips perbag... Peas (French), pkt. Potatos, Sweet, per case — (Algerian), p. lb. — (French), p. lb. Radishes (French), per doz. bunches Rhi'barb (English), forced, per dz. bundles Salsafy, per dozen bundles Seakale, per dozen punnets Spinach, per crate Savoys, per tally... Turnips, per dozen bunches — washed, p. bag Tomatos (Tener- iffe), per bun- dle of 4 boxes Watercress, per doz s.d. s.d. 3 6 — 10-16 3 6-60 5 0-60 0 10- 1 0 0 8 — 0 10- 1 0 1 0 — 10 6-11 0 11 6-12 0 7 0-80 4 6 — 2 0-26 2 0-30 2 6-30 0 8 — 14 0 — 0 4 — 0 3-0 3i 16-26 0 10- 1 0 4 0-46 12 0-14 0 4 0 — 9 0-10 0 2 0 — 3 0 — 10 0 20 0 0 6-08 8 0-10 0 6 0-80 8 0-10 0 4 0-60 Rf.makks.— Tomatos are very scarce and of poor quality. Vegetables generally are dearer, owing to the cold weather. Large quantities of Oranges continue to arrive: sound packages are realising similar prices to those of last week. The trade in Lemons and Bitter Oranges is very slow. Californian seedless and Jamaican Oranges are arriving in a splendid condition. Fruit from Cape Colony continues to sell readily except Plums, which are very plentiful and comparatively cheap. E. H. R., Covent Garden, Wednesday, February 17, 1909. Kents— s.d. s.d. Snowdrop 4 0-43 Sliai pe's Express ... 8 6-39 Epicure 3 0-33 Up-to-Date 3 0-36 Lincolns - Royal Kidney ... 2 3-29 British Queen ... S 0- 3 3 Up-to-Date 3 0-36 Maincrop 8 6- 3 y Rkmahks.— Supplies are large and the demand sm London markets contain heavy stocks of Potatos. J. Newborn, CovctU Garden and St. Patterns, February Lincolns— bbai pe's Express ... Ever^ood Bedfords — Up-to-Date Blacklands Dunbars— Languorthy Up-to-Date, red soil ii ii grey soil s.d. s.d. 3 0-33 2 6-30 2 6 2 0- 3 0 2 6 4 9-50 3 9-40 2 6-30 all. The Edward 17. 1909. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. Hardy flower roots are already on sale, but the returrf of frost has stopped the demand for them. There arc also seen Roses, hardy climbers, Conifers, and ever- greens. The cold weather has also affected business in pot plants, but it does not influence the cut-flower trade quite so much. Pot Plants. Azaleas are still the most showy plants in the market, and supplies are over-abundant. Good Marguerites are plentiful, also well-flowered Cinerarias and Cyclamen, but Genistas are only moderate, and their in- florescences do not last long during the cold weather. Begonia Gloire de Lorraine is soon affected by cold, but well-flowered plants are seen Hyacinths are good, and, in addition to pots con- taining three bulbs, large quantities are now grown singly in 3-inch pots. Cyclamens, Primulas, Ericas, &C, are also grown and flowered well in small pots. Plants of Erica Wilmoreana in 45 and 5-inch pots are well flowered. Solanums are not quite finished, but the berries are getting over-ripe, and fall off, unless very carefully handled. Some well-berried plants of Aucuba vera are seen, and these last for a long time. Capsi- cums, with round berries, are very pretty. Ferns are not very bright in the foliage, but the new fronds will soon be developing. Supplies of small Ferns are well sustained. Palms vary but little, except that the demand has been very limited. Aspidistras do not sell readily, and there has been very little trade in tender foliage plants ; as soon as milder weather sets in we may expect an improvement in business. Cut Flowers. Daffodils are more abundant and cheaper. The variety Emperor is good, also Victoria, Princess, Golden- Spur, and Sir Wat kin. Princeps is seen in large quan- tities, but this varit-iv is lacking in quality. Narcissus ornatus from English growers, and also from the Scilly Islands, is abundant. Soleil d'Or, White Pearl (Scilly White) and Paper Wh.te are plentiful. Early forced Ro-es are seen in larger quantities. Richmond is undoubtedly the finest red Rose now in the market ; it retains its colour well, but growers inform me that it is not so prolific in blooming as Liberty. Caroline Testout seems to be the best early pink variety. Joseph Lowe is another Rose that forces well. Carnations are plentiful, and, with increased sunlight, the colours are better*, there is no improvement in their prices. Gar- denias are very scarce, but Eucharis blooms are more plentiful. Violets, both from English nurseries and from France, are over-abundant. Lilium longiflorum is not of the best quality, but we may expect a better supply soon. L. speciosum is always known in the mar- ket as L. lancifolium : the variety rubrum is rather pale in colmir. At the first sale of Liliums for iqoq at Messrs. Protheroc & Morris' Rooms, on the 10th inst., the bulbs sold readily, there being a brisk competition, especially for the finest bulbs, which were in splendid condition. Large quantities of Japanese Irises were also disposed of at good prices. A. H., Covent Garden, Wednesday,. February Jj, iQog, THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending February 17. A nether cold week. — The present cold period has now lasted 11 davs. Except on one day during the past week the weather continued cold, both during the dayiime and at night. On the coldest day the temperature in the thermometer screen at no time rose higher than 37°, and on the coldest night the exposed thermometer registered 14p of frost. The ground still remains cold, being 1° colder at 2 feet deep- and 2° colder at 1 foot deep than is seasonable. Light rains fell on three days, but to the total depth of only about one-tenth of an inch. A few flakes of snow fell on two of those days. A few drops of rainwater still come each day through both percolating gauges. The sun shone on an average for 3J hours a day, or for nearly an hour a day longer than is usual in February. The winds have been light during the week, and have come almost ex- clusively from s* me northerly point of the compass. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon fell short of a seasonable quantity for that hour by 7 per cent. The double Snowdrop came first into flower in my garden in the spot selected for its observa- tion on the 15th, or 6 days later than its average date in the previous 22 vears, but 3 days earlier than last year. E. M.y Berkhamsted, February 17, 1909. TRADE NOTICE. WALLIS BROS. LTD., HARPENDEN\ This private company has been formed with a capital of £2,000. in £ 1 shares. The objects are to adopt an agree- ment between A. R. Searlk (trading as Wallis Bros., horticultural sundriesman) and Mrs. F. Wallis, and to carry on the business of market gardeners, fruit growers and merchants, dealers in agricultural and horticultural seeds, plants, &c. Registered offices, Ecclesborne Villa, Amen- bury, Harpenden, Herts. 128 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [February 20, 1909. feet. In parks a small steam roller is of great ser- \ ice, and it can be well employed on the roads Drains. — Proper provision for the removal of the surface water is of the utmost importance. A 6-inch or 9-inch dram, according to circum- stances, should be placed down the centre of the new roadway, with an easy fall to the outlet or main drain. The gulleys should be placed about 200 feet apart on level ground, but if there is much fall to the roadway they will require to be closer. Many roadways in the London [.arks are kerbed with stone pitchers, which vary in size, and may be obtained of granite, Purbeck, or York stone. THE APIARY. By Chloris. Preparing frames and sections. — When frames are used in the hives, it is necessary to place either a portion, or a whole sheet, of foundation in each frame. If this is not done the bees will build their combs in any direction but that desired by the beekeeper. It is an advantage to use a strip of comb only as a starter when a swarm is newly placed in a hive, for the bees are then gorged with honey for comb-building, and if whole sheets are used, then no use is made of this supply. Further, if sections of drawn-out comb or shallow frames are placed above the queen-excluder zinc, then the bees are compelled to store in the supers, because there is no room in the brood chamber. Some may say then it will be an advantage to i "starters" at all times, because of the saving of foundation, but this is not so. When bees are transferred in the spring or autumn into bar frame hives, it is advantageous to use full sheets of foundation, otherwise the bees would fill a greater part of the remaining space below the starters with drone comb, whereas a swarm FlG id. APPLIANCE FOR FIXING COMB FOUNDATION IN FRAMES. rarely builds drone comb during the first season. The best foundation on the market is that) known as "weed'' foundation. Always secure the foundation to the top bar. Too much care cannot be taken to make it quite fast. If no wiring be contemplated then that which weighs seven or eight sheets to the pound may be utilised, but when wiring is re- sorted to, then the thinner quality — that which is 9 or 10 sheets to the pound — may be used with safety. Some persons use a board when wiring foundation in a frame. Take a piece of wood (A in fig. 59) f inch thick and cut it so that it will exactly fit inside a brood frame ; then prepare another board (B) that will fit inside a shallow frame. Place these two pieces back to back, and between them place two strips of wood (C, C) about three-quarters of an inch thick, as in the figure. These will project at the top, bottom and sides. The dotted line in the illustration represents the larger board which is used for fixing the comb in brood frames, and the smaller one for shallow frames. In fixing up frames, never allow the founda- tion to reach to the bottom bar, but allow for stretching. For sections, use whole sheets of wax. Tf a little glue is put on the edge of the foundation :t will make it secure. 136 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 27, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISMER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Lt tters for Publication, as well as specimens of 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 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 responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.- The Editor will be glad to receive and to 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. Appointments for March. THURSDAY, MARCH 4— Linnean Soc. meet. SATURDAY, MARCH 6— Soc. Franc. d'Hort. de Londres meet. MONDAY, MARCH 8- Ann. Meet. United Hort. Ben. and Prov. Soc. at Hort. Hall, Westminster. TUESDAY, MARCH 9— Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Bulb Exh. in Hort. Hall, Westminster. Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. W. S. Murray, on " Bulb-growing in Holland "). British Gard. Assoc. Ex. Council meet. THURSDAY, MARCH 11— London Branch B.G.A. lecture on "Insect Pests." WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17— Roy. Meteorological Soc. meet. THURSDAY, MARCH 18— Linnean Soc. meet. TUESDAY, MARCH 23- Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 8 p.m. by Mr. K. Lloyd- Praeger, on "Rock Gardens"). WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24— Perpetual-flowering Carnation Soc. Sh. at Hort. Hall, Westminster. Annual dinner in the evening. THURSDAY, MARCH 25-Torquay Spring Fl. Sh. TUESDAY, MARCH 30— Cornwall Daffodil and Spring Fl. Soc. Exh. at Market Hall, Truro (2 days). Bournemouth Spring Fl. Sh. (2 days). Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich — 40,5°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, February 24 (6 p.m.): Max. 41°; Min. 80°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London — Thursday, February 25 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 302 ; Temp. 38° ; Weather— Overcast. Provinces. — Wednesday, February 24 (6 p.m.): Max. 45° Ireland S.W. ; Min. 34° England E. coast. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY— Perennials, Liliums, Azaleas, &c, at 12 ; Roses and Fruit Trees at 1.30, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. TUF.SDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY— Sale of First Portion Nursery Stock, at St. John's Nur- series, Worcester, by order of the Receiver for the Debenture Holders of R. Smith & Co., Ltd., in volun- tary liquidation, at 11.30, by Protheroe & Morris. WEDNESDAY— Herbaceous Plants, Bulbs, &c, at 12 ; Roses and Fruit Trees at 1.30; Palms, Plants, &c, at 5, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. FRIDAY— Imported and Established Orchids, at 12.45, at 67 andCS, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. The problem of alternation of Alternation g-enerations in plants, which is Generations.0' R^eat interest to morpholo- gical botanists, formed the subject of discussion at the meeting of the Linnean Society on the 18th inst. As most gardeners know, a Fern plant leads, as it were, a double life. In completing its life-cycle, it passes through the Fern stage and the prothallial stage. The Fern plant bears spores and is hence termed the Sporophyte. The spores, on germinating, give rise not to a new Fern plant, but to a simpler structure, the green, heart-shaped prothallus. Since the prothallus forms the male and female reproductive cells, or gametes, it is said to constitute the Gametophyte or sexual generation. Thus, in the full life-cycle a Sporophyte generation alternates with a Gametophyte generation. Similar phenomena are presented in an almost equally striking manner by the Mosses and Liverworts. In these groups, as in the Ferns, two generations alternate with one another. The Moss plant bears the male and female reproductive cells, and so, like the prothallus of a Fern, is to be regarded as the Gameto- phyte. As the result of fertilisation of the egg-cell, a type of structure entirely different from that of the Moss plant itself is produced. This structure grows out from the Moss plant as a capsule borne on a stalk. The capsule when ripe contains spores which germinate without fertilisation and give rise each to a Moss plant. Hence this peculiar structure, the capsule with its stalk is a Sporophyte, and takes a place in the life-cycle of the Moss similar to that taken by the Fern plant in the life-cycle of the Fern. It is noteworthy that, whereas in the Ferns the two generations are capable of independent existence, in the Mosses the capsule generation (Sporophyte) lives as a partial parasite on the Mosg plant. But more noteworthy for our immediate pur- pose are the striking dissimilarities in form presented by. the Sporophyte and Gameto- phyte. During the 19th century it was proved that this alternation of generations is not con- fined to Mosses and Ferns, but occurs also in as precise, though less obvious, a manner in the higher plants. Among the flowering plants this remarkable alternation is disguised owing to the fact that the generation bearing the .sexual cells — the Gametophyte — is at- tached to, and so dependent upon the flower- ing-plant itself — the Sporophyte — as to seem part and parcel of it. In more recent times this alternation of generation has been shown to occur also among the lower plants, such as the AlgEe. It would have been surprising indeed if such impressive and general phenomena had not engaged the attention of botanists and if the search for the meaning of alternation of generation had not led to considerable con- troversy. Much attention has, in fact, been given by botanists to this question and much controversy has arisen. Long ago the botanists engaged in the study of alternation formed themselves into two opposing camps. In the one camp were those who held the antithetic hypothesis, in the other those who maintained that of the homologous nature of the alternating generations. According to the antithetic hypothesis, the two generations — Sporophyte and Gametophyte — are not comparable ; the Sporophyte is something which did not occur originally in the life history of the forerunners of plants now pos- sessing it, but which has been intercalated. On this view no strict comparison can be in- stituted between the members (leaves, &c.) of the one generation and those of the other. According to the homologous theory, the two generations are comparable. If we omit various considerations based on recent dis- coveries bearing on the minute structure of the nuclei of the two generations, we may perhaps fairly say that but for one other hypothesis this was the position of affairs which the botanists met to discuss. The other hypothesis just referred to is that put forward by Professor Bower, who has cham- pioned with great ability the antithetic- theory. The suggestion put forward by Bower was that the kind of alternation now exhibited by Liverworts, Mosses and Ferns came about, or assumed its present propor- tions, as a consequence of the adoption of a land habit by plants which previously had been denizens of the water. In the circum- stances in which the newcomers to the land found themselves they were able, or were constrained, to make provision for their wide and economical distribution. This was effected by spores : minute, cheaply-produced, reproductive cells, which do not require to be fertilised, but which are capable of independ- ent growth. The more efficient the spore production the greater the power of the plant to increase and multiply and occupy the earth. The Fern plant and the Moss capsule represent successful devices evolved for the purpose of copious spore production. This view, though, of course, hypothetical, had the merit of conferring on the antithetic hypothesis a precision as to ways and means which was lacking from the opposed, homo- logous hypothesis. The latter hypothesis ap- peared to content itself with the affirmation that the two generations, though they look so different, are, nevertheless, comparable, with respect to their several members, one with the other. The holders of this view were able to bring forward much evidence in support of their contention. They could, for example, point to the discoveries of Farlow, Lang, and others in apospory and apogamy. In some Ferns the fronds of the Sporophyte may fail to bear spores and give rise to that which, on the antithetic theory, they ought to be incap- able of producing, viz., a prothallus. Con- versely, a Fern prothallus may, in certain circumstances, give rise, without preliminary fertilisation of an egg-cell, to a Fern plant, a Sporophyte. Recognising, apparently, that the homolo- gous theory, though supported by strong evi- dence, was, after all, in a sense a negative theory, that is, that it did not offer a clear suggestion as to how the Sporophyte has its remarkable and distinguishing properties, Dr. Lang, who opened the discussion at the Linnean Society, made a valuable and, as it would seem, a probable suggestion. Dr. Lang's hypothesis is that the different forms of the two generations are due, not to any essential differences in the specific cell from which each of these two generations springs, but to the different environmental in- fluences which operate on these initial cells. Thus, in the Fern, whereas the spore develops on moist earth, free from all association with the Fern plant which formed it, the egg-cell develops within the tissues of the prothallus enclosed, and is provided with food material from the prothallus. These different environ- ments suffice, according to Dr. Lang, to in- duce in the Sporophyte and Gametophyte of the Fern the differences of development which lead the fertilised egg-cell to become a Fern plant and the spore to become a prothallus. The introductory paper by Dr. Lang was admirably lucid. The discussion which fol- lowed was opened by Professor Bower, who paid a warm and well-deserved tribute to Dr. Lang's work, admitted that he was prepared to modify his well-known views on the antithetic nature of alternation, but maintained that an intercalation of Sporophyte had occurred' in the history of plants which show alterna- February 27, lHU'J.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 137 tion and that the origin and course of this occurrence must be determined before the antithetic theory can be discarded. Dr. Scott pointed out that Lang's hypo- thesis does not supersede the homologous hypothesis, and that it is a theory not of origin but of cause. He welcomed the sug- gestions of Dr. Lang as helpful in suggest- ing an explanation of the great differences between Sporophyte and Gametophyte in the .Mosses and Ferns. Dr. Farmer made the important point that the evidence of the behaviour of the nucleus in what is termed the reduction division must not be counted on in support of theories of alternation ; reduction of chromosomes being a phenomenon common to animals and plants and thus of even wider generality than alternation. Both Professor Oliver and Mr. Tansley made valuable contributions to a discussion which was conducted in so charming a man- ner as to disappoint those who expected that opposing views on abstract, scientific subjects would lead to acrimony. Dr. Prain, in a few felicitous words, brought the meeting to a conclusion. Linnean Society.— At a meeting to be held on March 4, at 8 p.m., a paper on "The Mon- tane Flora of Fiji" will be read by Miss L. S. GlBBS. The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent In- stitution.—At a largely attended meeting of the committee held on February 23, under the presidency of Mr. Harry J. Veitch, and includ- ing Mr. W. A. Bilney. the honorary solicitor, it was unanimously resolved that, in view of amendments to the Old Age Pensions Act which will probably be proposed by the Gov- ernment during the present session of Parlia- ment, no immediate steps should be taken for the alteration of annuities payable by the in- stitution. At the same meeting £45 was voted from the Good Samaritan Fund in several sums to six gardeners and two widows of gardeners who were in distressed circumstances and in urgent need of assistance. Presentation to a Gardener.— Mr. W. H. Bailey, on leaving Bevendean Gardens, Ox- shott, was reeently presented with a clock by the members of the Oxshott Cricket Club in ac- knowledgement of his services as honorary sec- retary. A Gardeners Golden Wedding. — Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Cole, of Pant-y-ffynon, Llan- dudno, celebrated their goiden wedding on the 20th inst. Mr. Cole is a son of the late William Cole, Senr., late of Fog Lane Nurseries, With- ington, near Manchester, and well remembered as one of the celebrated plant-growers of thirty years ago. Mr. Alfred Cole was gardener for some years to the late Joseph Broome, of Wood Lawn, Didsbury, and Sunny Hill, Llandudno. At Llandudno he proved himself to be not only a clever Orchid grower, but a good all-round gardener. ^ "The Dahlia News." — This little monthly journal, the organ of the New England Dahlia Society of Boston, Mass., U.S.A., still con- tinues to flourish. We. have just received No. 11 of Vol. 2 for January, 1909, and find its con- tents, limited as they must necessarily be, just as varied and interesting to the grower as ever. The contributors are by no means confined to America, and articles appear at intervals from Dahlia specialists in England, France, Germany and elsewhere. Mr. M. Moody, gardener to F. D. Godman, Esq., F.R.S., South Lodge, Horsham, will retire at the end of March. Mr. Moody, who will continue to reside in Horsham, Iras had the charge of this garden for 31 years, 27 of which have been spent in the service of F. D. Godman, Esq. A successor has been found in Mr. T. H. Slade, late of Poltimore Gardens, Exeter. Lady Gardeners. — The first annual dinner given to lady farmers and gardeners by the Women's Agricultural and Horticultural In- ternational Union took place recently at the Criterion Restaurant. Mrs. Charles Chapman, hon. treasurer of the union, presided over a large attendance. Miss L. Dunington, in proposing the health of " The Guests," stated that the union sought to im- prove the industrial conditions under which women worked in agriculture and horticulture, to obtain and maintain an adequate rate of payment for work done, to endeavour to pro- vide employment, and to establish a high standard of perfection. French Gardeners in London. — On the occasion of the annual dinner of the Societe Francaise d' Horticulture de Londrus, recently held at the Cafe Royal, under the chairmanship of Sir Albert K. Kollit, Officer of the Legion of Honour, a telegram in the name of the com- pany present was despatched to M. 1 ai i ieki . the President of the French Republic, offering the cordial and respectful salutations of the meeting. In reply, Sir Alberi ROLLIT has re- ceived a very cordial message from the Palais de 1'Elysee, thanking him as chairman, Mr. G. Schneider, and Mr. Harman Payne and the members of the society for their kind saluta- tions. Effects of Frost. — From reports which have reached us, it appears only too probable that the severe frosts this season have caused considerable damage to garden and nursery stock, lea Roses especially have suffered greatly, and some reports even indicate that a very large percentage of the standard Tea Roses throughout the country have been killed out- right. The usual vagaries are noticed in respect to shrubs, whilst some that are not reputedly tender have been killed, others that might have been expected to succumb, have so far escaped injury. Mr. Fielder, of North Mymms Park Gardens, Hertfordshire, states that whilst Olearia Gunniana and other species are killed, the greenhouse plant of former years Choisya ternata is perfectly healthy. Mr. Hudson, of Gunnersbury House Gardens, Middlesex, states that he finds that Irost is more injurious to Bamboos if the roots are rathe.r dry than when they are growing in a moist situation. This is in- teresting, because the reverse is the case with most other plants. There is some satisfaction in the knowledge that during periods of frost the damage to vegetation frequently appears greater than it really is. We hope that such is the case now, and that when the season of growth begins it will be found that many plants survive for which but little hope is at present entertained. Jubilee Flower Show, Haarlem, 1910.— The complete schedule for this event has now been published in a volume of 80 pages in the Dutch language. It may be remarked that the competition is open only to Dutch exhibitors, and that it is expected that many additional special prizes will be given by patrons and socie- ties, &c. The prizes in the schedule are 75 gold medals and about 2,500 other prizes. The judges will be chosen from among the horticulturists of all nations. The permanent show in the open (from March 23 till May 16) will consist of 200 classes for beds and groups of Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissi, Crocuses, and other bulbous plants, herbaceous perennials, rockeries, Coni- fers, Aucuba, Azalea and Rhododendrons, Buxus, Ilex, Prunus, and other shrubs. The first special show (March 23 to 31) contains 275 classes, principally for Hyacinths, Tulips, Nar- cissi, Crocuses, Amaryllis, and other bulbous plants in pots. A special feature will be the class for bulbs and plants, retarded in ice. There are classes for Azalea mollis and Rhodo- dendrons, Roses, Lilacs, and other forced shrubs, stove and greenhouse plants, and cut flowers. The second special show (April 15 to 27) will have 300 classes of the same general character as those of the first shew, but the third special show (May 7 to 12) will not afford an opportunity for .showing Hyacinths, but wili probably have the character of a special show of Orchids and decorative floral art. The regu- lar meetings of the committee for judging new bulbous plants will be held in the show build- ings every week. The permanent e».hibition in the open will have the greatest, interest for foreign visitors, and although the artistic and suitable arrangement of bulbous plants is a rather difficult matter, there is every prospect that a good effect will be obtained, for already four local exhibitions of the same nature have been organised in the bulb district. The Noord- wik section of the Bulb Growers' Society has done so already, the Sassenheim section quite recently, and the Hillegom section is even this season preparing a local show, which may be considered as a valuable trial for the Jubilee Flower Show to be held next year. Seed for the Tropics. — The question of the advisability of drying seed for export to tropical countries is considered in a brief note by Mr. Main in a recent number of the Agricul- tural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States (12, vii., 108). Mr. Main, who is the Superintendent of the Government Plantations, Perak, states that, according to his experience, ii is quite unnecessary to subject flower and vegetable seeds to a special drying process before despatching them from England to tropica', countries. He has compared the germination capacity of seeds from ordinary paper packets which had been packed in brown-paper parcels with that of seeds which had been specially dried and packed in hermetically-sealed tins. Mr. Main found that whereas the former showed a germination of 85 per cent., the latter did not exceed 55 per cent. Unfortunately, Mr. Main does not state with what kinds of seeds his experiments which gave these results were made. Our readers will recollect that we have more than once drawn attention to this sub- ject. The method of drying, when carried out with proper precautions, does not in such cases as those of which we ourselves have had experi- ence lead to any material reduction in the ger- mination capacity ; though it does lead to a somewhat slower rate of germination. It would be interesting to know the result of a carefully- planned experiment, in which samples of seeds of known histories and germination capacities were exported at various seasons, some specially dried and enclosed in sealed tins, others un- dried and packed merely in paper. Mr. Watson in sending seeds to tropical climates from Kew, has not found it necessary to dry and enclose them in sealed tins (see Gardeners'' Chronicle, January 13, 1906, p. 20). Publications Received. — Handbook on Pruning Roses. (Second edition). (The National Rose Society) — Trees and Shrubs of the British Isles, by C. S. Cooper and W. Percival Westell, F.L S. Sixteen full-page coloured plates and 70 full-page black and white plates drawn direct from Nature, by C. F. Newall. (London: Dent & Co.) Price Is.; Part I —The Estate Magazine. (February). Price 6d — The Cross- Breeding of Farm Plants. Extracts from Press opinions of Messrs. Gartons' experiments and results. — The Life of Philibert Commerson, by Pasfield Oliver. (London : John Murray). Price 10s. 6d, net. 138 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 27, 1S09. THE LATE SIR GEORGE KING. The death of Lieut. -Colonel Sir George King, K.C.I. E., LL.D., F.R.S., F.L.S., M.B., &c, was briefly announced on p. 128. All who had the pleasure of knowing him personally will regret the loss of an amiable and modest friend. Yet this regret will be tempered by the knowledge that the deceased had little pleasure in life during the last two or three years, and death came as a relief from much suffering. Sir George King was a native of Scotland, and was born on April 12, 1840. He was educated at the Aberdeen Grammar School and Univer- sity, where he took the degree of M.B. In 1865 he entered the Bengal Medical Service, and was for some years house surgeon of the hospital at- tached to the Medical College in Calcutta. From early years botany was his favourite study, and he was appointed to the chair of Botany at the Medical College in 1871, and the same year be- came superintendent of the Royal Botanic Gar- den, Sibpur, Calcutta. Some years elapsed be- fore King became an active contributor to botanical literature. Probably his numerous duties and delicate health — for he was never very robust — prevented him ; but the following ex- tract from a 1902 edition of the guide to the Cal- cutta garden is an appreciation of his qualities as a gardener and a botanist : " When he as- sumed charge, the garden was still suffering from the effects of the devastation caused by the two great cyclones of 1864 and 1867 ; so much so, that, as a scientific institution, it was neces- sary largely to remodel it, and, as a place of pub- lic resort, practically to remake the whole. The tireless energy of the new superintendent, com- bined with his genius for landscape gardening, in a few years completely altered the aspect of the place, increasing incalculably its value as a scientific centre, and bestowing on it all the charms that, as a pleasure ground, it now pos- sesses. The herbarium, which had only begun to recover from the effects of the depletion advised and effected by Wallich, during Dr. King's in- cumbency again attained to a rank commensur- ate with the needs of a garden of such import- ance, and-, whether for the quantity or the ar- rangement of its contents, is now of a value un- dreamed of when the Wallichian distribution took place." Subsequently King was made superintendent of the Cinchona Plantations in Sikkim, and in 1876 he published A Manual of Cinchona Culti- vation in India. His work in connection with this establishment was enormous for one on whom so many other duties devolved. The cul- tivation of Cinchona, with the preparation of quinine, is now one of the most important Government industries in India, and it has brought this valuable drug within reach of the poorest of the vast numbers of the poor in that country. In 1891 King was appointed Director of the Botanical Survey of India, in addition to his other offices. If he published little during the first 20 years of his life in India, he made up for it afterwards, and one marvels how he found time for so much. Some account of his more im- portant publications may be of general interest. Sir George was the founder of and by far the largest contributor to the Annals of the Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta, a large quarto serial. The first volume appeared in 1888, and it has now reached the tenth volume. But that gives no idea of the extent of this great work, illustrative of the flora of India, as the so-called parts are equal in size to ordinary volumes. The first volume, for example, consists of two such parts and an appendix ; the whole devoted to a monograph of the species of Ficus of the Indo-Malayan and Chinese countries. There are about 200 pages of letterpress and 232 plates. Sir George made a special study of this genus, he also elaborated the species of Ficus for Hooker's Flora of British India, and wrote several papers on the physi- ology of the genus. The second volume contains monographs by the same author of the Indian species of Artocarpus, Quercus and Castanopsis. Of Quercus alone 82 species are described and figured, comprising many of the handsomest trees of India. The eighth volume of the Annals is of special interest to horticulturists. It is the joint work of King and R. Pantling, and consists of four thick parts, illustrating the Orchids of Sikkim by 448 coloured plates. In this connec- tion it may be mentioned that Part I. of the fifth volume of the Annals contains "A Century of Indian Orchids," by Sir Joseph Hooker, with 101 coloured plates ; and Part II. of the ninth volume contains " The Orchids of the North- western Himalaya," by Mr. J. F. Duthie. These number 173 species, belong to 45 genera, and they are represented in 151 partially-coloured plates. It is true that there is a little repetition, but the Orchid flora of India is perhaps the richest in the world, area for area, probably ex- ceeding 1,200 species, outnumbering those of any other family. Concurrently with the Annals, King published his " Materials for a Flora of the Malayan Penin- sula " by instalments, which first appeared in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, and were afterwards issued separately. The first in- LAW NOTES. THE LATE SIR GEORGE KING. stalment is in the 58th volume of the Journal, dated 1890, and the last in the 74th volume in 1907. The classification is the same as in Bentham and Hooker's Genera Plantarum, and, with the co-operation of some other botanists, the work has been brought down to the end of the Labiatae, forming four octavo volumes bearing both the original and a consecutive pagination. Several collectors were engaged in gathering and preparing specimens for this work, which reveals the immense wealth of the arboreous ele- ment in the vegetation of the peninsula. A very large number of new species are described, many of them valuable timber trees. Taking a family remarkable for its timber trees, the Dipterocar- paceas, for example, 62 species belonging to 11 genera are described, two-thirds of which were previously unknown. Such is a sample of the kind of work to which Sir George devoted what one may truthfully designate every minute of his spare time. Doubtless he worked too hard, but he has left his mark on all that he touched, especially the now beautiful Calcutta garden. The late Dr. Otto Kunze, who was a keen critic, in his Vm die Erde, says " the herbarium and library were rich and a pattern of what they should be ; the gardens tastefully laid out and more like a pleasure ground than a botanic garden." THE POISONS AND PHARMACY ACT, 1908. Draft Regulations. The Privy Council has now approved of the draft Regulations which it is proposed to bring into force with reference to the working of the new Poisons and Pharmacy Act, and unless the Privy Council should see fit to alter its decision in the interval, these Regulations may be made effective at any time after March 28 next, that is to say, 40 days after the draft Regulations were first promulgated. It is encouraging to find that amongst the Regulations it is proposed to adopt, the follow- ing special provision is made in favour of the horticultural trade. " In granting licenses for the sale of poisonous substances for use exclusively in horticulture, preference shall be given to nurserymen, florists, seedsmen, and other persons whose business is specially connected with horticulture." It will also be observed that in addition to the power possessed by His Majesty in Council to vary the Regulations themselves from time to time as may be deemed necessary, the Regula- tions also reserve the right to revoke or suspend a license. Subject to this power, licenses will remain in force for one year, so that application will have to be made for renewal of a license annually. The fee payable on the granting of a license is £1 Is., and for renewal of license 2s. 6d. Various forms are appended to the draft Regulations, but it will be ;ufficient for present purposes to give the form of application only. The Regulations themselves are as follow : — Regulations Referred to in the Foregoing Order in Council. 1. A license shall not be granted to any person unless the local authority are satisfied that he is fit to be entrusted with the sale of the poisonous substances. 2. In granting licenses for the sale of poisonous substances for use exclusively in hor- ticulture, preference shall be given to nursery- men, florists, seedsmen, and other persons whose business is specially connected with horticulture. 3. Applications for licenses and lenewals of licenses shall be in the forms set forth in Schedule A to these Regulations, and shall be sent to the local authority at such time as the local authority may direct. 4. A license and a renewal of a license shall be in the forms set forth in Schedule B to these Regulations. 5. A license shall continue in force for one year, but may be renewed from time to tune for one year at a time, subject to the same pro- visions as in the case of a grant of a license. 6. A license may be revoked or suspended for such term as the local authority think fit, if the local authority are satisfied that the licensee has failed to comply with the lequirements of these Regulations or of the Poisons Acts, or that the licensee is not a fit person to be en- trusted with the sale of poisons. 7. A licensee shall, on being required to do so by any officer of the local authority or any police officer, produce his license, and any renewal thereof. 8. The fees charged in respect of the grant and renewal of a license shall be such as the local authority may determine, not exceeding in the case of a grant of a license, 21s., and in the case of the renewal of a license, 2s. Cd. 9. A license shall not authorise the licensee to sell or keep open shop for the sale of poisonous substances except from or on any premises within the area of the local authority which granted it, and for the purpose of these Regula- tions, a municipal borough the council of which is a local authority for those purposes shall not be treated as forming part of any county. 10. Every local authority shall keep a register of the licenses granted by them for the time being in force, and any person shall, at all reasonable times, upon payment of such reason- able fees as may be fixed by the local authority, be entitled to inspect and to make copies of, or take extracts from, the register. 11. All poisonous substances shall be kept in a separate store or cupboard apart from any other goods, and poisonous substances shall not February 27, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 139 be sold at the same counter as articles of food for human consumption. 1l!. A poisonous substance shall not be sold except in an enclosed vessel or receptacle as re- ceived from the manufacturer, distinctly labelled with the word " Poisonous," the rame of the poison, the name and address of the seller, and a notice of the special purpose for which it has been prepared. 13. Liquid preparations shall be sold only in bottles or tins, easily distinguishable from ordinary bottles or tins, and the word "Poisonous" shall be indelibly marked on each bottle or tin. 14. Solid preparations shall be securely pai ! < <1 in such a manner as to avoid, 30 far as possib i . the risk of breaking or leakage from transport, and the package shall contain a notice that it must be destroyed when empty. l.i. For the purposes of these Regulations the expression "poisonous substances" means the poisonous substances to which Section 2 of the Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1908, applies for the time being. Form ok Application for License. The Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1908. I, of , carrying on the trade of at , hereby apply for a license to sell and keep open shop for the sale of the poisonous substances to which Section 2 of the Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1908, applies fur use exclusively in con- nection with* I undertake to comply with the provisions of the Arsenic \it, 1851, the Pharmacy A. t, 1M1S, and the Regulations made by order in Council under the Poisons and Pharmacy A' t. 1908. (Signed) Date. *(Here insert either "agriculture or " horti- culture" or "agriculture and horticulture.'1 //. .1/. V. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himselj responsible Jor the opinions expressed by Ins correspondents.) The New R.H.S. Classification of Daf- fodils.—Mr. Engleheart's letter of protest and criticism, page 116. regarding the new R.H.S. classification of Daffodils is welcome in that it voices with authority the dissatisfaction of many who feel that their opinion is of too little weight to warrant their giving expression to it. In the notes contributed a few weeks ago, being under the impression that the list was published with the full authority and concur- rence of the Narcissus Committee of the R.H.S., I assumed that there was nothing to do but ac- cept it and hope that the inconsistencies and deficiencies, some of which I alluded to, and which, as Mr. Engleheart says, are obvious, would be removed by future alterations and additions. It appears, however, that the Nar- cissus Committee as a whole was not consulted before the publication of the report of the Special Committee, and that neither Mr. P. R. Barr nor Mr. Engleheatt were represented on that committee. That being the case, the authority attached to the present classification list is very much weakened, and we may, there- fore, hope that it may be altogether recast. For exhibition purposes (and by that I do not mean from the point of view of the experts or judges, but in the interests of the managers of shows and of competitive exhibitors) some prin- ciple of classification according to measurements is inevitable, for the public, and even the judges, are always more or less influenced by size. In- deed, it is quite reasonable that flowers of the short trumpet type, such as Giant Incompara- bilis and Leedsii, should not be expected to com- pete either with pure Ajax on the one hand or with the Incomparabilis and Leedsii varie- ties on the other. The principle of classifica- tion by measurements does form a part of the old arrangement, but, as Mr. Engleheart says, it could and ought to be combined with more consideration for the natural divisions and affinities, and more account should be taken of colour distinctions. No one will ignore the difficulties of the task, which have been greatly increased by secondary crosses in vary- ing degrees and by the introduction of dis- tinct species, such as N. triandrus and N. cycla- mineus. Though some degree of arbitrariness Cannot be avoided, it need not, I think, be so glaring as, for instance, is displayed in the case of Triandrus hybrids and in Division 7 of the new classification. Whatever system be adopted, I strongly agree with Mr. Engleheart that the pure species should be kept in separate divi- sions, and not mixed with the hybrids. A. J. Bliss. Freesias. — I am enclosing some spikes of this flower, each inflorescence having 12 blooms, with a corresponding number on the side sprays. We have had as many as 13 blooms on the main stalk, with eight and five flowers respectively on the lateral sprays from the same flower stem. Our plants, which exceed 2 feet in height, are potted in 5 and 6-inch pots. G. Elwood, Swan- more Park Gardens. Our plants have not produced more than nine flowers on an inflorescence, but this season the majority of bulbs developed side shoots that flowered, there being a total of from 30 to 33 flowers per bulb. This I attributed to a liberal feeding with manure water after the plants had .flowered. The man.iie enables the new bulbs to develop, and to gradually but thoroughly ripen. H. Juniper, Dyrham Pari; Gardens, Barnet. [Some excellent spikes of Freesia accompanied this note. — Eds.] Experiments with Nitro - Bacterine.— Since Trofessur Bottomley's article on experi- ments with Nitro-Bacterine [Garden > t' i 'kronicle, February 6) contains several statements liable to mislead the general reader, it would seem de- sirable that these statements should be taken as they occur and examined more closely. Firstly, although in the Wisley trials four of the p.ots were dressed with lime in addition Iphate of potash and superphosphate of lime, while in the Reading trials the soil was a calcareous loam, Prof. Bottomley still main- tains that the application of these mineral manures would tend to increase the acidity of the soil. It is also stated by Prof Bottomley that these fertilisers appi u to have an in- ju s action on the introduced bacteria them- , and statements contained in the U.S.A. /■'aimers' Bulletin, 240, are cited ; he claims that it is there " specifically stated that the action of these concentrated fertilisers on inoculated seed is injurious." As a matter of fact, reference to the above bulletin will show that the remarks in question concern the method of sowing the seed, and read as follows : — " The action of concentrated fertilisers drilled with inoculated seed is injurious; this is especially true if the seeds should be still moist after treating with liquid culture." How this injuri- ous action is " fully confirmed " by the Reading and Wisley trials is not easy to perceive, since these unfavourable conditions were not pre- sent in those trials. Further, in the discus- sion of the beneficial results obtained by the application of lime to Plots XIX. and XX., it is pointed out that, in order to demonstrate the fixation of nitrogen in laboratory-cultures by the nitrogen-assimilating organisms, the pre- sence of carbonate of lime is absolutely neces- sary. This is true as far as it goes, but for some reason or other, Prof. Bottomley considers it politic not to mention that potash and phos- phates are equally indispensable. In using the very general term nitrogen-assimilating organ- isms, he includes a large number of bacteria differing greatly in their physiological and mor- phological characters. Whilst the addition of carbonate of lime is necessary to the growth of such organisms as Azotobacter and Clostridium, it has been shown by several investigators that many organisms are able to fix nitrogen equally well in the absence of carbonate of lime ; the nodule organism is one of these. Would it not have been better for Prof. Bottomley to confine his attention to the nodule organism as related to the Wisley and Reading experiments instead of indulging in a dissertation on the requisite conditions for the culture of organisms not at present concerned? As regards the culture of the nodule organism itself, various American and German bacteriologists have advocated the ad- dition of acid potassium phosphate or even of free organic acids to the culture solutions and jellies ; hence it will be seen how very slightly Prof. Bottomley's remarks on carbonate of lime and its use in laboratory cultures bear upon the consideration of the Wisley trials. In ad- dition, his statement that " the same proportion of lime applied as a mixture of lime, potash and superphosphate would be fatal to the organisms" is very vague and quite as irrelevant as his foregoing one. Again, in his consideration of the Wisley trials, we are presented with a specially-compiled table of results, which, he states, shows that the seed-inoculated, unmanured plot gave a greater yield of produce than any of those receiving various forms of manure. This, at first glance, would seem to indicate a decided in- ■ rease to be due to inoculation, and a decrease due to the use of potassic, phosphatic and nitro- ius manures, as far as the fallowed land is med. If, however, we tabulate the yields ol the corresponding plots on the cultivated land, we find that the seed-inoculated plot pro- duced the smallest crop in the aeries ol six plots. Weight Weight Plot. of pods. "I Peas. grams. grams. Soil and seed untreated 25.549 10.303 Seed inoculated 19.507 8.179 Manure, 10 tons per acre 23.674 9.653 Lime, 40 bushels per acre 24.559 9.681 Superphosphate and potash 27.017 10.788 Calcium cyanamide 25.692 9.696 This fable is given, not to demonstrate the futility of inoculation, but to indicate to the general reader how inaccurate and useless it is to compare yields from plots in absolutely different series as was done by Prof. Bot- tomley in the case of the Wisley and Reading re- sults. An explanation of these very erratic yields «ill, no doubt, be found in Mr. Chittenden's report (p. 238), in which he says: "One point was particularly noticeable on the fallowed ground; the soil there was appreciably deeper at the northern end, the bottom of the slope, than at the southern end, owing to the washing down of the finer particles of soil during the heavy autumn and winter rains of 1907-8, and fhis had a marked effect upon the yield of the fallowed land." This, in itself, would seem to account for the abnormally high yields of the untreated plots and for the gradually decreasing yields of the two rows of plots (cultivated and fallowed land] taken from the lower to the higher numbers. If, further, we take into considera- tion the disposition of the two plots in each series of experiments, we shall find that, irre- spective of soil- or seed-inoculation, the plot nearest the lower or northern end of the experi- mental field gave, in the majority of cases, the heavier crop. All the plots, 1 — 2. 7 — 22 (with the exception of 13 and 14) conform to this rule, constituting as they do two-thirds of the total number of plots. This is shown in the following table: — Weight of Peas in grams. Northern Southern plot. plot. Cultivated land, 7 and 8 10.080 9.681 „ 9 and 10 lfl.788 9.067 „ 11 and 12 10.020 9.697 Fallowed land, 15 and 16 7.963 7 093 „ „ 17 and 18 7.686 6.513 „ 19 arid 20 4.702 4.182 As this point has not been brought to the notice of the reader in any of the reviews on Mr. Chittenden's report, it seems desirable that it should be mentioned in this article. H. B. Hutchinson, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Jiarpenden. Vegetable Prizes at Shrewsbury.— I was pleased to see the letter by Vegetable in your last issue. If the committee had con- templated the change they have made I think they should have given the trade notice at the last exhibition, or have sent a deputation to the largest prize donors to ask their opinions. The trade has liberally supported Shrewsbury, and to a great extent made it the show it is. I feel sure it would soon fall to pieces as a horticul- tural show were the trade support or exhibits withheld. The committee said they would ac- cept no prizes with any stipulations, and yet they have accepted prizes from certain firms, allow- ing them to stipulate their own fancy names. In offering prizes at Shrewsbury and other places, I have done it to encourage the gardeners to do their best in friendly 110 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 27, 1909. competition and have their exhibits judged by impartial judges. I fail to see what is the dif- ference in my offering prizes for vegetables or Sweet Peas grown from my seeds or in stipulat- ing on particular names. Suppose, for instance, I offered prizes for Sweet Peas under the name of " Sydenham's Sky Blue," and so on, and they were found to be nothing more than old standard varieties under new names, what would the public say? The committee have been badly advised when they say they will only give a limited number of awards to the non-competi- tive exhibits. These exhibits have been a great feature at Shrewsbury. The trade have gone to enormous expense to bring their very best. Now the committee as good as tell them they do not appreciate this help : they would rather favour only the competitive exhibits by giving them, what I think, unnecessarily large prizes, thereby encouraging the covetous man to come and win all the money he can, whereas the unselfish man, who often makes a ten times more interesting exhibit, is to have the cold shoulder. I shall watch with considerable in- terest how these new regulations are carried out, feeling sure there will be considerable trouble, which will be most unfortunate, if not disastrous, to the former good and liberal repu- tation of the society. Robert Sydenham, Birming- ham Our attention has been called to a letter in your last issue under the nom de plume of Vegetable, which we think it advis- able to answer to prevent any disputes aris- ing hereafter. On reference to paragraph 4 on page 4 of the schedule your readers will find it stated "that no condition shall be expressed in the schedule as to the seeds, &c, being pur- chased from the donors of prizes." The com- mittee had no intention of preventing these donors specifying any particular varieties of vegetables or flowers to which such should be confined, but they declined to permit any re- strictions to appear stating the seeds must neces- sarily be purchased from such donors. By way of obviating any compulsion on the part of in- tending exhibitors to purchase their seeds from these donors, we may mention that such exhi- bitors will not necessarily be debarred from competing in these trade classes through not ordering seeds direct from them, as it is pre- sumed the donors supply the trade with their produce for sale in the usual way, and conse- quently any exhibitor can procure such through his own seedsmen without running any risk of disqualification when the judges make their awards. We imagine it will be the duty of these donors to see that the competitors in their respective classes have complied with their re- quirements. We take this opportunity to call the attention of your readers to a printer's error on page 29 of the schedule in the third line of notes, viz., "No trade cards will be allowed on any of the exhibits in Classes 134 to 165," whirh should read Classes 131 to 165. The. Hon. Secretaries. The Lindley Library. — From the report which was printed on p. 105 of the proceedings at the Annual Meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, held on the 9th inst., it appears that a discussion took place respecting the ownership af the Lindley Library. The report says : " It was pointed out that the library does not belong to the Society, but to trustees, and that, there- fore, any money spent by the Society in the pur- chase of books is, in fact, a presentation to the trustees." This suggestion is so calculated to mislead ordinary readers and to do serious mischief, that it ought not to be allowed to pass without notice. Trustees are not trustees for themselves, but for other persons ; and, although the legal ownership of property held in trust is in the trustees, the beneficial ownership is in the persons for whom they hold it. The instru- ment declaring the trust will show for whom and for what purposes the property is held, and any gift to the trustees is a gift to them only as custodians for the benefit of others. The botanical library of the late Dr. Lindley was, to the best of my recollection, sold by his executors to, and was paid for by or for, the Royal Horti- cultural Society, and was vested in trustees for that Society. The instrument declaring the trust ought to be held by the trustees, or by their solici- tor ; and a copy of it ought to be in the posses- sion of the Society, or of their solicitor. I do not remember having ever seen this document ; but it is incredible that it should be so drawn up as to render a gift of books to the trustees a gift to them, except for the benefit of the Society. A gift of money or of books by the Society to the trustees for the library can hardly be a mis- application of the Society's property. It seems a legitimate dedication of its property for a par- ticular purpose for its own benefit. Moreover, the mere fact that persons who are not Fellows of the Society may be allowed to use the library, can hardly prevent it from being the property of the Society. But in order to set the question at rest the trust deed should be submitted to some competent lawyer. Lindley, East Carleton, Norwich. The Infertile Double Primula sinensis. — Professor Bateson can no doubt obtain from Messrs. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, plants of the old alba plena, Marchioness of Exeter, Annie Hillier, King of the Purples, and others all absolutely double, and such as have been in commerce for many years past. These plants have to be increased by severing side growths and rooting them in small pots as cuttings, or, as some growers do, heap up sandy soil about the plants in the pots. Others again layer the side growths to induce them to root, and then remove them from the parent plants and pot them up separately. A few years ago wonderfully fine specimens of these double Chinese Primroses were grown about Leather- head, Mr. Mease, at Downside, having had plants, 18 inches across, carrying large heads of bloom. These Primulas, like double Prim- roses of the Acaulis section, are pure doubles. They are all products of thrum-eyed flowers, that is, those which have as singles their clus- ters of anthers or pollen cases prominent. These anthers have developed into petals, and hence the flowers are barren. All these doubles origi- nated from single flowers, which gradually sported and became thus florally demoralised. A. D. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. February 23. — An exceptionally fine display of flowers and fruits was made at the meeting held on Tuesday last in the Society's Hall, Westminster. The building was filled with groups of early bulbous plants, forced trees, and shrubs, Orchids, Carnations, Roses, hardy flowers, and other subjects. The attendance was large, the building at times being crowded with visitors. The Floral Committee granted an Award of Merit to a rose-coloured variety of Freesia ; the Orchid Committee conferred three First-class Certificates and six Awards of Merit ; and the Fruit and Vegetable Committee recom- mended a First-class Certificate to the well- known Apple Bamack Beauty. At the afternoon meeting in the lecture-room fi . new Fellows were elected, and a lecture on " A Camping Tour through Syria to Petra in Arabia " was delivered by Mr. Arthur W. Sutton. The room was crowded with an appre- ciative audience. It will be remembered that Mr. Sutton gave this lecture to a meeting at the Horticultural Club (see Gardeners' Chronicle, October 26, 1907). Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. H. B. May, Jno. Creen, T. W. Turner, G. Reuthe, Arthur Turner, F. Page Roberts, Chas. E. Shea, W. Cuthbertson, W. P. Thom- son, W. J. James, E. H. Jenkins, E. A. Bowles, W. A. Bilney, R. C. Notcutt, J. F. McLeod, W. Howe, C. R. Fielder, Herbert J. Cutbush, W. J. Bean, R. Hooper Pearson, A. Kingsmill, J. T. Bennett-Poe, Chas. Dixon, Jas. Douglas, R. W. Wallace, Walter T. Ware, J. Jennings, C. Blick, George Paul and W. G. Baker. A group of remarkably fine plants of Rich- ardia Elliottiana was shown by Mrs. Les- chai.las, Highams, Windlesham, Surrey (gr. Mr. W. Farmer). The spathes were not only of extra large size, but were of the richest yellow colour. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, displayed Ghent Azaleas in variety, the plants, although of small size, being crowded with blossoms. They also showed Acacia ovata, A. cordata, Erica codonodes Veitchii, Daphne indica rubra, and a collection of Carnations of the perpetual-blooming type. The Carnations made a pretty display, some being suspended in baskets hanging from slender arches. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nurseries, Upper Edmonton, showed an assortment of decorative Ferns, batches of Primula obconica and P. kewensis X, and standard plants of tire scented-leaved Pelargonium Clorinda. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, King's Road, Chelsea, showed a batch of hardy Rhododen- drons in bloom, the plants having been lifted from the open garden early in January pnd developed under glass. The varieties were The Countess (white, slightly tinted with rose), R. arboreum Wellsianum, and Handsworth Early Red. At the back of the Rhododendrons was a row of forced Lilacs. Messrs. Veitch also ex- hibited a batch of greenhouse flowering plants, including Kalanchoe Dyeri, Crowea angusti- folia, Coleus thyrsoideus, Begonias, &c, whilst on the table they usually furnish with green- house plants were large groups of Cyclamen lati- folium and Primula sinensis. The Cyclamen especially were remarkable for their wealth of blooms and general good culture. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. R. & G. Cuthbert, Southgate, ex- hibited a large group, consisting of forced hardy plants of many species of deciduous Magnolias, inclusive of M. Lenne, M. speciosa, and M. alba superba ; also numerous plants of Azalea sinensis in variety, Forsythias, Pyrus, Prunus, Syringas, both single and double- flowered, and Staphylea colchica. All the plants were in splendid bloom. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Ilighgate, Lon- don, N., showed a collection of forced flower- ing trees and shrubs, another of perpetual- blooming Carnations, also a variety of Alpine and early-flowering hardy plants arranged as a rock-garden exhibit. The Carnations were very attractively displayed, there being large bunches of all the popular kinds in tall and short receptacles arranged with greenery. The forced plants included Lilacs, Azaleas, Boronias, Prunus triloba, Magnolias, Staphylea colchica, Xanthoceras sorbifoha, &c, set in Ferns and small Palms. The Alpine plants in- cluded early-flowering, bulbous, and other plants, Irises being a feature, especially I. re- ticulata in variety and I. orchioides. We also noticed the dwarf-blooming Tulipa pulchella, with pretty carmine-rose-coloured flowers. (Sil- ver-gilt Flora Medal.) Mr. W. H. Page, Tangley Nursery, Hampton, again made a very fine display with Carnations and Liliums, not so large as the exhibit he staged at the last meeting, but, though smaller, of equally fine quality and arrangement, the group being one of the most artistic and brightest in the building. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. H. Burnett, Guernsey, again demon- strated his skill in the culture of the perpetual- blooming Carnation by a display of choice blooms of this popular flower. The colours in the numerous varieties exhibited in this group were remarkably well developed, and the size of the blooms and substance of petal were also good. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, Surrey, exhi- bited a group of Lilacs in flower. The exhibit was arranged as a semi-circle on the floor of the building, and, in addition to the Lilacs, were small specimens of Clematis indivisa and Piunus sinensis alba plena. The inclusion of graceful Bamboos gave a pleasing touch of greenery to the display. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, showed Primulas of the ordinary florist's and the star or stellata types. Nearly all were of named varieties, the best of the stellata varie- ties being Red Rover, Scarlet Gem, Lady Emily (white), Countess of Radnor (a fine deep red), Unique (white with a yellowish eye, surrounded by a zone of pink), Blue Lady, and White Spray. Amongst the older type were some of the 0ueen Alexandra variety with exceptionally large blooms, Mrs. C. F. Raphael (pink), Moonlight (white), Mrs. Marlow (rosy-carmine), Mrs. Ken- nard (rosy-purple), and The Czar (almost helio- trope). (Silver Banksian Medal.) February 27, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 141 Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, showed Primula sinensis " The Duchess" of the normal type, and a variety in which the foliage par- takes of the Ivy-leaf type. Mr. G. Mount, Nurseryman, Canterbury, showed, as at the last meeting, the hybrid Tea Roses Liberty, Richmond, and Joseph Lowe. -(Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. J. Peed & Son, Nurserymen, West Norwood, showed a rockery decorated with "various lowly Alpines, such as Ericas of hardy species, Cacti, Snowdrops, Helleborus, Primula X kewensis finely flowered, various Saxifragas, Lachenalias, including a variety named Ruby. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. A. Chafman, Rye, showed Cyclamen ibericum seedlings ; also examples of Iris Dan- fordiae. The. Guildford Hardy Plant Co. showed examples of Iledera minima., H. conglomerata, Saxifraga Valdensis, S. Burseriaaa, Adonis amurensis, hybrids of Helleborus orientalis, H. caucasicus, and Shortia galacifolia. Mr. Geo. Reuthe, Keston, Kent, again showed rare and interesting shrubs ; also bulbous plants, coloured Primroses, Snowdrops, Hepaticas, Primulas, and other early-blooming plants. (Bronze Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Thos. S. Ware, Ltd., Ware's Nur- sery, Feltham, displayed rock-garden plants ar- ranged on an improvised rockery composed of real stones. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Harden, London, displayed an assortment of bulbous flowers, some as cut blooms and others as pot plants. The Misses Hopkins, Mere Gardens, Shep- I nit. m, again displayed a rock-garden exhibit, as at the last two meetings. Messrs. G. & A. Clark, The Nurseries, Dover, showed a garden rockery, similar to the one they displayed at the last meeting, and planted with Irises, Trumpet Daffodils', hardy Primroses, both single and double-flowered, small Conifers, Taxus of species, and Thymus of low, creeping habit. Messrs. Eggett & Son, Nurserymen, Thame, showed a few hardy Ferns arranged in a rock- work exhibit. Miss Alice Smith, The Bungalow, Bognor, showed a small-sized garden rockery planted with suitable species of plants. Water-colour drawings and studies depicting scenes in Kentish gardens and sketches in colours of flowers were shewn by Miss Jose- phine Gundry, Foot's Cray. (Silver-Gilt Flora Medal.) Miss Cox, The Cottage, Rose Hill, Dorking, also showed several studies in water-colours of flowers excellent in colouring and pose. Award of Merit. Freesia Rose Queen. — A variety of Freesia, with considerable rose colour in the flowers, was shown by Messrs. Bark & Sons, and received an Award of Merit. Orchid Committee. Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec.), de B. Crawshay, W. Boxall, G. F. Moore, J. For- ster Alcock, \V. Thompson, F. Sander, F. M. Ogilvie, R. G. Thwaites, J. Charlesworth, A. A. McBean, W. H. Hatcher, W. P. Bound, J. Cypher, W. H. White, H. G. Alexander, A. Dye, C. H. Curtis, H. A. Tracy, H. BaUantine, Gurney Wilson, W. Bolton, C J. Lucas, N. C. Cookson, Stuart Low, and F. J. Hanbury. The premier award, a Silver-Gilt Flora Medal, was given to Messrs. Sandkk & Sons, St. Albans, for a varied group, in which rare hy- brid Odontoglossums yvere conspicuous. The finest of these included the large and hand- somely-blotched O. crispo-Harryanum Brug- gense, raised by Messrs. Sander at Bruges. Other handsome Odontoglossums were O. Irene (O. triumphans X O. Kegeljanii), a good yellow flower blotched and barred with reddish-brown ; O. Helenus (O. Harvengtense X O. Coradinei), a distinct and pretty variety ; O. gemmatum (O. triumphans X O. elegans), curiously showing the colour and form of O. triumphans in an intermediate shape ; O. Vuylstekeas, of a dis- tinct type ; O. Nysa (O. Hunnewellianum X O. triumphans), coloured yellow with brown mark- ings ; O. Vulcan (O. crispum X O. Vuylstekei), a well-formed and richly-coloured flower ; and O Hellemense (O. harvengtense nobilor X O. crispum, blotched variety). At one end of the group were some magnificent plants of Phalae- nopsis Schilleriana, one having eight spikes bearing together about 100 flowers. Other not- able plants were Cattleya Trianae Rajah ; Cypripedium villosum, Sanders' variety, large, with much blackish-purple in the dorsal sepal ; Calanthe hololeuca, pure white ; Oncidium splendidum, and others. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Haywards Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a fine group rich in Odontiodas, for two of the best of which see " Awards." Among the rarer hybrids were Brasso-Laelio-Cattleya Cooksonii, with pretty, yellow flowers, veined and tinged with bronzy-rose ; a good selection of hybrid Odontoglossums, including several forms of O. Ossulstonii, O. crispo-Harryanum, and O. ama- bile. Among the Cattleyas was a distinct form of C. Trianae, with light-coloured floyvers ; and with the Cypripediums the pretty C. Rossettii, many varieties of C. aureum, and other rare forms. Monsieur Mertens, Ghent, was voted a Sil- ver Banksian Medal for a select group of hy- brid and seedling Orchids. Among others were good forms of O. laudatum, O. amabile, and O. Vulystekei. Messrs. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, secured a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of rare Cypripediums, which included the best varie- ties of C. aureum, C. vill-exul, and C. Beeck- mannii. With them were Miltonia Bleuana, Dendrobium Melpomene, D. Leechianum, Mas- devallia macrura, &c. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park (gr. Mr. Collier), staged an interesting little group, in which Bulbophyllum comosum bore five spikes of yvhite floyvers ; Cirrhopetalum Masters- ianum, a pretty umbel of copper-red blooms ; C. retusiusculum, several reddish heads of bloom ; Dendrobium Mortii, an Australian species of the D. teretifolium class, many slen- der, white flowers. Among the hybrids were a dark Zygo-Colax near to Z. leopardinus and the latest new Gatton hybrid, Dendrobium Lady Colman (see Awards). Colonel G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), sent Laelio-Cattleya Pizarro, Westonbirt variety (L. Jongheana X C. Dowiana aurea), a rose-coloured flower with gold veining and disc to the lip ; and the hand- some Cattleya Trianae Mooreana (see Awards). Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbridge, staged a select group, principally Odontoglos- sums, among which were a handsome, large- flowered, spotted O. crispum ; a large, yellow Odontoglossum blotched with brown, raised from O. Wilckeanum X O. crispum ; and a good form of the white O. ardentissimum. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, sent the handsome blush-white Cattleya Trianae Lowiae ; Odontoglossum crispum Car- mania, Dendrobium chessingtonense, and Cypri- pedium chrysotoxurn Victor. R. G. Thwaites, Esq., Streatham (gr. Mr. Black), sent Dendrobium chessingtonense " Buttercup," yellow with dark eye ; D. c. King- cup, buff-orange with maroon centre, and the singular hybrid D. atro-Brymerianum. (See Awards.) Mr. H. A. Tracy, Amyand Park Road, Twick- enham, showed Odontoglossum crispum Jamesi- anum, an effectively blotched variety ; Cypripe- dium Eurybel (Euiyades x bellatulum), and an elegant form of Cycnoches peruvianum with five flower-spikes. G. F. Moore, Esq., Chardwar, Bourton-on- the-Water (gr. Mr. Page), showed Cypripedium Graceae "W. F. Page" with several pretty yvhite flowers marked with purple ; two very dis- similar hybrids of C. Beeckmannii, and C. Bridgei magnificum (see Awards!. De B. CeawshaYj Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Stables), sent his dark-coloured Odon. toglossum Queen Alexandra var. Theodora, O. Zena, and other interesting Odontoglossums. Mr. F. McBean, Plumpton, showed Cattleya Trianae " F. McBean," a blush-white flower with very broad petals and fine lip-coloured pur- plish-rose in front. W. Waters Butler, Esq.. Southfield, Edg- baston (gr. Mr. Jonesl, sent Cattleya Trianae, C. Enid magnifica, Dendrobium Wardianum al- bum, and Odontoglossum Pescatorei album, all of good quality, well-grown and distinguished as Southfield varieties. J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebelands, South Woodford (gr. Mr. J. Davis), showed the hand- some Odontoglossum Smithii (Rossii rubescens X crispo-Harryanum), illustrated in the Gar- deners'1 Chronicle, December, 1905, p. 427, in fine condition. AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Cattleya Triance Mooreana, from Col. G. L. Holford, OLE., C.V.O., Westonbirt (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander). A remarkable variety, lar:;e, of fine shape, and unique in colour. The sepals and broad petals are silver-yvhite tinged with rose, the petals being the darker and having a claret-purple band on the tips. The fror.t of the lip is deep claret-purple ; the disc is pale yell iw. Lcelio-Caitleya Pizarro, Westonbirt variety (L. Jongheana x C. Dowiana aurea), from Col. G. L. Holford. A charming hybrid with large rose-coloured flowers with gold veining on the lip. Odonlioda Lutetia (O. luteo-purpureum X C. Noezliana) from Messrs. Charlesworth & Co. This, in the variety shown, proves to be a vcTy handsome hybrid with flowers as large as those of O. luteo-purpureum and of a yellowish ground colour, tinged and blotched with cinna- bar-scarlet. Award of Merit. Odonlioda Keigh'.cyensis CO. cirrhosum X C. Noezliana), from Messrs. Charlesworth & Co. A very elegant hybrid with slender-branched spikes of blood-red flowers showing the influ- ence of O. oirrhosum very distinctly. Cycnoches peruvianum Tracy's variety, from Mr. H. A. Tracy, Twickenham. Flowers greenish- white, sparsely spotted with purple ; the rayed lip white. Inflorescence more dense than in the type. The plant bore five spikes. Cymbidium W oodhamsianum Orchidhurst variety (Lowianum X eburneo-Lowianum), from Messrs. Armstrong & Brown. Flowers larger than in C. eburneo-Lowianum, greenish-white with red-brown markings on the lip. Dendrobium Lady Colman (Artemis X Find- layanum), from Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park (gr. Mr. Collier). One of the largest and most beautiful Dendrobiums yet raised, the blooms rivalling the best forms "I D. Wardianum. The ground colour is white with the outer halves of the segments rose-pink. The lip has a deep maroon disc with a white band in front, the apex being rose colour. Cypripedium Bridgei magnificum (Godseffia- Hum X Argus Mocnsit), from G. F. Moore, Esq. (gr. Mr. Page). Dorsal sepal blackish on green ground, with a narrow white margin ; petals broad, deep rose on the outer halves. Cypripedium Curl-mannii (Mons. de Curte X Beeckmannii), from G. F. Moore, Esq. A very fine flower with large dorsal sepal, green at the base and yvhite above, distantly spotted with purple. Petals broad and shining, mahogany brown on the upper sides, lighter below with a few dark spots. Lip yellow tinged with brown. Botanical Certificate. Odontoglossum cariniferum, from De B. Craw- shay, Esq. A rather rare, species, originally introduced from Central America in 1848. It bears a branched inflorescence. The flowers have brownish lanceolate sepals and petals keeled at the back, and whitish labellum. Certificate of Appreciation. Dendrobium alro-Brymcrianum ( atro-violaceum X Brymerianum), from R. G. Thwaites, Esq. (gr. Mr. Black). A very interesting hybrid, tht- habit of the plant being intermediate between the two parents, but the flowers are nearer to those of D. atro-violaceum and show little of D. Brymerianum, even the fringed lip of which gives no indication. Flowers greenish with small purple spots, and dark purple veining on the lip. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: J. Cheal, Esq. (in the Chair], and Messrs. W. Bates, A. R. Allan, E. Beckett, A. Dean G. Hobday. H. Parr, J. Vert, J. Davis, P d! Tuckett, J. Mclndoe, O. Thomas, H. S. Rivers, W. Barnes, H. Markham, W. Poupart, and C. G. A. Nix. Mr. A. Poupart, Twickenham Green, sent a fine sample of Barnack Beauty Apple (see \wards). Mr. Poupart also sent a superb 142 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 27, 1909. sample of blanched Seakale, for which a Cul- tural Commendation was awarded. A sample of home-made Orange jelly, ex- hibited by Mrs. Miller, Marlow, was highly commended. A Silver Banksian Medal was given to this lady for a collection of preserves in bottles. A collection of bottled fruits sent by Mr. Poupart, jun., Twickenham, was one of the best exhibits of preserves ever displayed in the Hall by an amateur. The fruits repre- sented varieties of Plums, Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines, Raspberries, Currants, Morella and Sweet Cherries, and Blackberries. (Silver-gilt Knightian Medal.) Q. P. Serocold, Esq., Taplow (gr. Mr. R. Bullock), sent a collection of well-kept Apples in about 40 varieties. Amongst the best varie- ties were Baxter's Pearmain, Melon Apple, Tower of Glamis, Cox's Orange Pippin, Rib- ston Pippin, Adams's Pearmain, Dumelow's Seedling, Cox's Pomona, Newton Wonder, and Dutch Mignonne. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Messrs. W. Seabrook & Co., Chelmsford, displayed a collection of some 36 dishes of Apples, many of the samples being exception- ally c;ood. The more noteworthy were Dutch Mignonne (specially good, as it was in several other exhibit*]. The Queen, Blenheim Pippin, Barnack Beauty, Beauty of Kent, Gloria Mundi, Orchard, Hersham, was awarded the 1st prize for Claygate Pearmain; 2nd, Mr. II. G. Wadlow, Peterborough, for Cox's Orange Pippin. The other variety was Duke of Devon- shire. In the class for six dishes (open to trade growers only) two exhibits were staged. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, were well 1st with fine fruits of Sturmer Pippin, Northern Sky, Dutch Mignonne, Lord Hindlip, King of Tompkin's County, and Reinette du Canada ; 2nd, Messrs. W. Seabrook & Co. First-Class Certificate. Apple Barnack Beauty (see fig. 61). — This variety is a good late market Apple, and it re- ceived an Award of Merit on March 14, 1899. The Committee raised the Award to a First-class Certificate on this occasion, believing that the variety is not so well known as its worth merits. The fruit is of medium size, greenish-yellow in colour, with red on the side next to the sun. The flesh is yellowish. Scientific Committee. February 9. — Present : E. A. Bowles, Esq., M.A., F.L.S., F.E.S. (in the Chair): Messrs. C. T. Druerv, II. T. Giissow, G. S. Saunders, A. Worsley, J. T. Bennett-Poe, W. Hales, F. J. &'■. Fig. 6i. — apple barnack beauty, awarded a first-class certificate by the r.h.s. on tuesday last. Bismarck, Schoolmaster, and Bramlev's Seed- ling. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Messrs. T. Rivers & Sons, Sawbridgeworth, exhibited a large group of Orange trees and gathered fruits, the whole forming a very at- tractive exhibit. The Oranges included Achilles, Seville, White, Silver, Egg, and Brown's Navel. There were also Imperial Lemon, Shad'! I . and Citrons, in all a remarkable collection of the Citrus family. (Silver-gilt Knightian Medal.) Competitive Class for Df.ssert Applf.s. Contrary to expectation, the amateur class for four dishes brought 11 collections for the two prizes that were offered. Some of the fruits shown, whilst well-kept examples, were not regarded as late varieties. Mr. Markham, Wrotham Park Gardens, Barnet, was awarded the 1st prize for medium-sized but well-coloured fruits of May Queen, King of the Pippins, Cox's Orange Pippin, and Baumann's Reinette ; 2nd, Col. Borton, Cheveney, Hunton, Kent (gr. Mr. J. W. Whittle), with Calville Rouge, Christmas Pearmain, Barnack Beauty, and Melon Apple. The judgments were for appearance rather than for table quality, and russety varieties were not favoured. f^ Only three dishes were staged in the single- dish class. Mr. J. Watkins, Dairy Farm Chittenden (hon. secretary), and Gurney Wilson (visitor). Malformed Orchids. — Mr. Saunders reported that the flower of Cattleya Triance referred to him from the last meeting showed three perfect stamens surrounding the pistil, three very short and regular petals, and three sepals shorter still. Mr. Saunders showed drawings illustrating these points. Albinism in Orchids. — Mr. Gurney Wilson ex- hibited specimens in illustration of the inherit- ance of albinism in Dendrobiums. He found that Dendrobium Murrinianum crossed with D. Ballianum, the former not a pure albino, though pale, the latter nearly white, gave seedlings al- most exactly like typical D. nobile. D. nobile alba (virginale) which, when selfed, gives quite white seedlings, when crossed with D. Findlay- anum gives D. " Cybele," all the seedlings being alike, and no light forms among them. Similarly, Dendrobium Wardianum album crossed with D. nobile alba gives all coloured flowers. These "reversions" to coloured forms confirm the re- sults that have been obtained in crossing Sweet Peas and Stocks. Floral proliferation in Cyclamen. — Mr. L. Lawrence (gr. to R. Gregory, Esq., of Shoreham) exhibited a plant of Cyclamen showing floral proliferation. The seed was from Lowe's Cyclamen Salmon Queen, and this was the only plant which had produced such flowers. All the flowers on the plant were alike, and every one had five perfect flowers arising from within the calyx, probably axillary to the sepals, though apparently alternating with them, and surrounding the central corolla, &c. Hippeastrum pardinum. — Mr. A. Worsley exhibited flowers of a form which he regarded as belonging to this species. He considered the species to be a variable one, and the form figured in the Botanical Magazine, v., t. 5645, not to be the one most commonly met with. Notonia Grantii. — This interesting Composite with bright-red heads of flowers and Kalanchoc- like in habit, about 3 feet in height, a native of Uganda, was exhibited by Messrs. J. Veitch. It was recommended that a Botanical Certificate be awarded to it. It is figured in the Botani- cal Magazine, t. 7691. GHENT HORTICULTURAL. February 7. — A monthly meeting of the Chambre Sytidicale des Horticulteurs Beiges and Societe Royale d'Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand was held on Sunday, February 7. i citificates of Merit were awarded to Mons. Th. Pauwels for Cypripedium aureum ver- tumne, Miltoniopsis Pauwelsianum (M. Roezlii X vexillaria Leopoldii), Cypripedium " Ville de Paris," and Cattleya Trianas var. ; to Mons. M. F. Lambeau for Cypripedium Queen of Italy, Miltonia Bleuana var. splendidissinia, Cypri- pedium aureum Bruxellense, Laelia anceps San- deriana, Lycaste Skinneri var. Hellemense, Miltonia Bleuana var. Prince Charles, Cypripe- dium aureum " Surprise," C. aureum " Pom- one," Laelio-Cattleya Warneri-Digbvana, and L.-C. Digbyano-Mossiae var. Queen Alexandra , to Mons. Em. Praet for Cattleya Trianas var. and Cypripedium Leeanum Clinkaberryanum ; to Mons. Verdonck for Dendrobium nobile virgin- ale ; to Messrs. Duchesne & Lanthoine for Odontioda Watermaelensii ; to Mons. H. De Coninck for Cattleya Percivaliana splendida ; to Mons. V. Heursel for Cestrum Smithii and l.ibonia igani ; to Louis Van Houtte, pere, Ltd., for Bilbergia Forgetiana and Sanseviera Laurentii ; to Mons. Aug. Haerens for Azalea Mme. Aug. Haerens, Azalea President Alexis Callier, and Azalea Brillanta belgica;to Mons. Louis De Smet for Anthurium Rothschildia- num rotundiflorum perfectum ; to Messrs. Haerens & Wille for Azalea Christmas Cheer X Mme. John Haerens; and to M. Oct. Van- tier Cri'yssf.x for a seedling Azalea known as ['resident Arthur De Smet. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. February 15. — A meeting of the Executive Committee was held on this date at Carr's Restaurant, Strand, Mr. T. Bevan occupying the chair. The Hindhead Chrysanthemum Society was admitted in affiliation. The secretary placed be- fore the committee an interim financial state- ment, and the relations with the Crystal Palace Co. were fully discussed. It was resolved that all the medals awarded at the Society's shows be handed to the exhibitors, and that 10s. in the pound of the prize money be also paid, with an intimation that the committee hoped to pay the balance if and when the debt due by the Crystal Palace Co. be paid. The question of the 1909 shows was then dis- cussed, and, under the altered state of affairs, it was considered advisable to hold only one, in- stead of three, the prospective receipts for the year not justifying a greater expenditure. Upon the motion of Mr. Curtis, it was resolved that a show and conference of early-flowering varie- ties be held. Subject to arrangements being con- eluded, the show will take place some time about the middle of October, either at the Hor- ticultural Hall or Earl's Court. One-third of the Floral Committee retiring by rotation, the following gentlemen were elected to fill the vacant places: — Messrs. P. A. Cragg, Moorman, J. B. Riding, W. Wells, Seabrook, and W. Newton. The Finance, Schedule, and Pub- lications Committees were re-elected as at present constituted. February 27, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 143 ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS. February 16. — A largely-attended annual meet- ing of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was held at the Westminster Palace Hotel on the above date. The proceedings included the presentation of the Society's Gold Medal to Mr. A. Holte Macpherson, F.Z.S., as winner in the Society's international competition for an essay on " Comparative Legislation on Bird Protec- tion." The second prize of 10 guineas went to Colonel A. G. Momber (San Remo). The Duchess of Portland presided at the meeting, and, in speaking of her warm sympathy with the Society, of which she is president, said she longed for the day when all ladies would leave to the birds their beautiful plumage instead of wearing dead bodies with glass eyes for the supposed adorn- ment of their hats. Sir John Cockburn also de- nounced the wearing of plumage. Mr. F. E. Lemon (hon. sec.) made special reference to the story recently circulated by the trade that " osprey " plumes are moulted feathers, and to the complete answer to this contained in infor- mation received by the Society from II.B.M. Consuls in Venezuela and the Argentine, and from the United States ; he also drew attention to the fact that three of the watchers employed by the Audubon Societies had recently been murdered at their posts, two of them in Florida, where they were specially employed in protecting the remaining egrets. Sir William Anson referred to the excellent educational effect of the Bird and Tree Chal- lenge Shield Competitions in elementary schools, of which he has knowledge in his own county. Other speakers included Julia Lady Tweeddale, the Earl of Stamford, Captain Tail- bv. Mr. Meade-Waldo, Mr. Trevor Battye, Mr. Montagu Sharpe (chairman of council), and Mr. t hampion B. Russell ; and among those also present were Lady Forester, the Hon. Mrs. Arthur Henniker, the Hon. Mrs. Boyle ■("E.V.B."), Mr. Dresser, Dr. Penrose, Mrs. Sturge, Mr. W. L. Fisher, and Mr. Ernest Bell. DEBATING SOCIETIES. CARDIFF GARDENERS'.— A meeting of the above association was held at St. John's Schools, Cardiff, on February 2. Mr. H, R. Farmer presided. A lecture was given by Mr. M. Toy, Foreman, Castle Gardens, Cardiff, on " Perpetual-flowering and ' Malmaison ' Carnations." The lecturer pointed out the advantages of the perpetual- flowering varieties for all kinds of decorative purposes. Cure should be taken to obtain cuttings from clean, healthy plants for propagating purposes. They should be inserted by the first week in January, covering them with hand-lights, and affording a bottom heat of 55°. Mr. Toy explained the necessary cultural details, including the best composts, stopping the shoots, and watering ; he also spoke of the diseases and pests which infest the Carnation. In the case of varieties of the Souvenir de la Malmaison type Mr. Toy advised their propagation by means of layers. At the meeting cf the society held on February 16, Mr. H. A. Gerhold, chemist, Penarth, delivered a lecture on "The Cultivation of Sweet Peas." Mr. Gerhold ex- plained the form of the flower, the preparation of soils for planting, autumn and spring sowing, and the best chemical manures to produce large, well-coloured blooms. SALISBURY AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'.- A meeting of this society was held on February 3, Mr. S. W. Tucker presiding. The meeting was devoted to a debate on various subjects, including the origin of the florists' Cycla- men and the best mode of cultivating it; the advent and growth of the Sweet Pea and the best method of culture ; tin- cultivation and exhibition of Turnips; the cultivation of Cinerarias; and the best methods of growing herbaceous Calceolarias. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending February 24. The most sunny February day for 10 years.— The present cold period has now lasted 18 days. During the past week, however, the low temperatures have been at night, the mid- day readings being nearly all more or less above the average. Consequently the daily range of temperature has been unusually large for a winter month. For instance, on the 23rd inst. the lowest reading in the thermometer screen was 20°, and in the warmest part of the day 51° — giving a range in temperature of 31°— which has only twice been exceeded in February during the last 23 years. On the coldest night the exposed thermometer registered 20° of frost, the lowest temperature since the severe frost at Christmas. The ground is now 3° colder at 2 feet deep ami 5° colder at 1 foot deep than is seasonable. No rain has fallen for 9 days, and there has been no measurable per- colation through either of the soil gauges for over a month. The sun shone on an average for 5^ hours a day, or for more than twice the average duration for this part of February. On the brightest day there were 8£ hours of continuoui sun shine, making this the most sunny February day for 10 years. Light air and calms have alone prevailed during the week. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. fell short of a seasonable quantity tor that hour by as much as lb per cent.— E. A/., Bcrkhamsted, February 24, 1909. m: arkets. Plants in Pots, ate: Average Wholesale Prices (Contd.), CO VENT GARDEN, February 24. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 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 occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.] Cut Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. Acacia (Mimosa), p.doz. bunches Anemone fulgens, p. dz. bunches — double pink, p. dozen bunches Azalea, per dozen bunches Bouvardia, per dz. bunches Calla asthiopica, p. dozen Camel lias, per dozen Carnations, per dozen blooms, best American various — second size ... — smaller, per do/., bunches Cattleyas, per doz, blooms Cypripediums, per dozen blooms.. Daffodils, per doz. bunches Dendrobium nobile, per dozen Eucnans grandi- flora, per doz. blooms 2 Freesias (white), p. doz. bunches .. 2 Gardenias, perdoz. blooms 3 Hyacinths (Roman) per doz. bchs. 9 — Dutch 6 Lilac (English), white, p. bunch 3 — mauve 3 — (French), mauve -1 Lilium auratum, per bunch ... 2 — longitloruin ... 4 — lane i f o I iuin, rubra ai ... 2 — album 2 Lily of the Valley, p. dz. bunches d. s.d. i 0-12 0 6- 2 G , 6-2 6 0-5 0 0-8 0 0-4 0 0-2 6 s.d. s.d. 6-3 6 0- 2 0 0-15 0 6-2 6 0-6 0 2 6-30 2 6-36 2 6-30 0-12 0 0-10 0 30 5 0 extra quality . 12 0- 3 0 6- 3 0 0-10 0 0 15 0 2 0-30 2 0-30 3 0-40 16-20 16-2 6 2 6-36 2 0-26 Marguerites, p. dz. bunches white and yellow ... Mignonette, per dozen bunches Myosotis, per doz. bunches Narcissus, Paper- white, per dz. bunches — Gloriosa — ornatus — Soleil d'Or ... O d on to glossum crispum, per dozen blooms Pelargoniums, show, per doz. bunches — Zonal, double scarlet Ranunculus, per dz. bunches Roses, 12 blooms, Niphetos — Bridesmaid ... — C. Testout ... — K a i seri n A. Victoria — C. Mermet — Liberty — Mine.Chatenay — Richmond — The Bride ... — Ulrich Brunner Snowdrops, per dz. bunches Spiraea, per dozen bunches Stocks, double white, per doz. bunches Tuberoses, per dz. blooms — on stems, per bunch Tulips, per dozen bunches, single 6 0-10 0 — best 'double varieties ... 12 0-24 0 Violets, per dozen bunches .. 10-30 — Parraas.p.bch. 4 0-50 6 0-80 6 0-90 8 0-10 0 2 6- 3 G 2 6-40 5 0- 8 0 2 0-40 2 ii 9 6 4 0-60 4 0-60 5 0-90 2 6-36 6 0-80 16-20 5 0-80 2 6-36 0 3-04 0 9-13 Cut Foliage, 8tc: Average Wholesale Prices, s.d. s.d Adiautum cunea- tnin, dz. bchs. Agrostis, per doz. bunches Asparag us plu- mosus, long trails, per doz. — — medm.,bch. — Sprengeri Berberis, per doz. bunches Croton leaves, per bunch Cycas leaves, each Daffodil foliage, p. doz. bunches... Ferns, per dozen bchs. (English) — (French) 4 0-60 8 0-12 0 10-20 0 9-16 2 6-30 10-13 16-20 2 0-26 2 0-30 0 6-09 Galax leaves, per dozen bunches Hardy foliage (various), per bunche s.d. s.d. 2 0-26 3 0-90 dozen Honesty (Lunaria) per bunch Ivy-leaves, bronze 2 0-26 — long trails per bundle — short green, perdz. bunches Moss, per gross ... Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English) small-leaved... — French Ruscus raceniosus, p. dz. bunches 18 0 — Smilax, p. dz. trails 4 0-60 1 0- 1 0 9-16 16-26 5 0-60 4 0- l 0- r, ii 1 6 s.d. s.d. 6 0-80 4 0-60 Plants in Pots, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Crotons, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Cyclamen, pr. doz. 9 0-15 0 Cy per u s alterni- folius, dozen ... 4 0-50 — laxus, per doz. 4 0-60 Daffodils, per doz. 6 0-90 Dracaenas, perdoz. 9 0-24 0 Erica melanthera... per dozen .. 12 0-18 0 — persolata alba, 12 0-24 0 — Wihnoreana ... 12 0 18 0 Euonymus.perdz., in pots. . .. 4 0-90 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 8 0-12 0 Ampelopsis Veit- cfaii, per dozen Aralia Sieboldii, p. dozen — larger speci- mens — Moseri Araucaria excelsa, per dozen — large plants each Aspidistras, p. dz. green — variegated Asparagus, plumo sus nanus, per dozen 12 0-18 0 — Sprengeri ... 9 0-12 0 — tenuis si inus 9 0-12 0 Azaleas (Indian), p. dozen 24 0-36 0 Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, p. dz. 12 0-18 0 Cinerarias, per dz. 8 0-12 0 Clematis, per doz. 8 0-90 Cocos Weddell' 9 0-12 0 4 0-60 12 0-30 0 3 6-50 15 0-24 0 30 0-42 0 — in small and large 60's ... 12 0-20 0 — in 48's, perdz. 4 0-10 0 — in 32's, perdz. 10 0-18 0 Ficus elastica, per dozen 8 0-10 0 — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 Genista fragrans, per doz. - 8 0-10 0 Hardy flower roots, per dozen Hyacinths, per dz. pots Isolepis, per dozen Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen — Fosteriana, per dozen Latania borbonica, per dozen Lilium 1 o ng i- florum, per dz. — lancifolium, p. dozen... s.d. s.d. 10-20 8 0-10 0 4 0-60 15 0-24 0 18 0-30 0 12 0-18 0 18 0-24 0 12 0-24 0 Lily of the Valley, per dozen Marguerites, white, per dozen Mignonette, perdz. Primulas, per doz. Selaginella, p. doz. Solanums, per doz. Spiraea japonica, p. dozen ... Stocks (intermed- iate),white, p. dz. Tulips in boxes, per doz. bulbs — in pots, per dz. s.d. s.d. 18 0-30 0 6 0-10 0 8 0-90 5 0-80 4 0-60 8 0-10 0 8 0-12 0 8 0-10 0 0 6-09 9 0-12 0 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. 2 0-26 — Do. Apples Foreign — California Newtown Pip- pin, per case, 4 tiers 8 0-86 — 4* tiers ... 7 0-76 — (American), per barrel : — Baldwin ... 22 0-25 0 — Greening ... 25 0 — — Newtown Pip- pin 25 0-27 0 — Oregon New- town Pippin, per case (150)... 13 0 14 6 (126) (96) I — Do. (88) [ 13 6 (80) J — (NovaScotian), per barrel : — Russet — Baldwin — Ben Davis — Fallawater ... — French Russet, per case Bananas, bunch : — Doubles — No. 1 „ ... — Extra „ ... — Giant „ ... — (Cla inches thickness of litter — that which has been rejected when preparing the manure will answer well. The surface of the ted should be kept moist. Treated in this manner, it should begin to yield Mushrooms in eight or ten weeks from the time of inserting the spawn. The sooner you make the necessary preparations the bet- ter. We would rather not estimate the amount of crop you are likely to take per week from your house — so much depends upon circum- stances. Names of Fruits: A. E. E. Mannington's Pearmain. Names of Plants : H. Hibernia. The Codiaeums or Crotons are as follow : 1. Laingii ; 2, varie- gatum ; 3, Johannis ; 4, Davisii ; 5, interruptum ; 6, this is Cordyline (Dracaena) Cooperi. — W. F. B. Photinia serrulala.— A. E E. 1, Cupressus Lawsoniana ; 2, Thuya occidentalis. — W.F.B. 1, Abies balsamea ; 2, A. numidica ; 3, Cupressus species in a juvenile stage and, therefore, impossible to determine ; 4, Berberis japonica (B. Bealeiis a synonym of B. japonica). — D. H. Sparmannia africana, an excellent plant for conservatories, and one which grows and flowers well in a dwelling house.— O. R. 1, Oncidium pubes ; 2, Odontoglossum hastila- bium ; 3, Brassia brachiata ; 4, Oncidium ornithorhynchum. — Knowledge. 1, Cypripedium Calypso (Boxallii x Spicerianum) ; 2, C. villo- sum. — G. H. 1, Cedrus deodara ; 2, Crypto- meria japonica ; 3, Viburnum Tinus ; 4, Berberis aquifolium ; 5, Choisya ternata; 6, Abies nobilis. — A. S. Ornithogalum lacteum. — ' W.J. F. 1, Begonia metallica : 2, Abutilon Savitzii ; 3, Begonia Gloire de Sceaux ; 4, On- cidium flexuosum. — E. C. B. 1 and 2, Carex tristachya (syn. japonica), the type and varie- gated variety ; 3, Cyrtomium Fortunei. Potato Scab : Potato, Oxon. The tubers are affected with Dry Scab, caused by Stemphy- lium atrovirens, better known as Phellomyces. Diseased tubers should not be used for "seed," and the land in which they were grown will be infected. It should be well limed, and not used for planting Potatos or root crops, except Turnips, for some years to come. Purchasing a Nursery : G. H. W. There is- still opportunity for the energetic man to be successful in a market nursery business. But competition is keen, and every method must be adopted to so lit in the cropping of both the land and the houses that no sooner is one crop finished than another is ready to take its place. It is essential that a good mar- ket shall be near at hand, or payment of freights will take a large proportion of the profits. Kent and Middlesex are both great fruit-producing counties, the supplies from these parts being mainly sent to the London markets. Although, as you state, much for- eign produce is sold in this country, it is generally at a time when our own fruits and vegetables are out of season. The demand for home produce is always good. Snowdrops : /. McC. The plants are affected with the Snowdrop mildew — Sclerotinia galan- thina. The plants should be destroyed and the ground treated with lime. Trade Paper: Nurseryman. The Horticultural Trades Journal is published by the Horticul- tural Printing Co., Junction Street, Burnley. Vine Roots Unhealthy : /. C. M. There is no disease present in the roots you send. The trouble is due to some cultural defect or an unsuitable rooting medium. Overhaul the border, cut away the dead portions of the roots, and encourage the formation of new ones near the surface by placing some fresh loam, enriched with suitable manurial pro- perties, on the bolder. At the same time see that there is proper provision for drainage. Communications Received. — F. C. £. — H. R. G. — Linnean Soc— J. V.— F. J. L.— J. J. W— J. S.— C. T. D.— M. & Co. — H. R. R., Chicago— T. P.— D. B. C.-G. H. H. W.— A. 1. L.— W. A. C— H. C— W.— C. H. I'.-H. W. W.— A. D.— F. M.— W. F. V.— E.G.-F. K. P.-C. C.— P. A. — C. F. B.— T. S.-C. D., Buitenzoiy-C. II. J.-J. C— C. S. & Co.— II. S.— T. S., Battersea— J. R.— W. A.— H. & Son-H. G. S.-H. N. H.-G. F. Supplement to the " Gardeners' Chronicle." Margam Park, Glamorganshire. Printed by Temple Press Ltd., London, E.C. March G, 1909.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 145 THE 6arbcners'Cbroniclc No. 1,158.— SATURDAY, March 6, 1909. CONTENTS. Apple scab 157 Aquilegias 14!) Book?, notices of— Life Histories of Familiar l'lants ... 147 That Rock Garden of Ours 147 Publications received 154 Bulb exhibition at Hil- legom lb3 Coffea, a disease-resist- ing species of .. 153 Daffodils, the new clas- sification of 156 Euphorbia jacquiniae- 1 flora 161) Florists' flowers — The Auricula 146 Forestry- Treatment of planta- tions without refill jr thinning 155 11 French " garden, notes from a ... 155 Fruits from Capi 153 Fruit trees, the training of 149 Genetics, progn — in the study of Ibi Green Peas, to preserve 160 Law notes — Action for wages 157 Trade name dispute - 157 Nelumbium speciosum var, Osiris 154 1H 145 1-16 159 15S 153 157 159 156 LEG i ifl 154 153 161 151 150 150 151 151 146 New inventions Nursery notes — Sutton & Sons, Read- ing ■■ - Orchid disease, a new... Orchid notes and glean- ings- Three new hybrid Odontoglossums ... Rosary, the — Cultural notes for March Societies — Debating Dumfriesshire and Galloway Hort. ... Royal Horticultural... (Scientific Committee) Royal Meteorological Stoking garden furnaces Sweet Peas for winter flowering Vegetable prizes at Shrewsbury Vegetables, scarcity of Weed-killers Week's work, thi Flower garden, the ... Fruits undi I Hardy fruit gardi n Kitchen garden, the... Orchid house , the Plants under glass ... Public parks and gar- dens ILLUSTRATIONS. Cyclamens as cultivated in Messrs. Sutton & Sons' nursery Leaf of Odontoglossum affected by " spot " disease, 145; sections through affected parts of a leaf Nelumbium speciosum var. Osiris (Supplement,!: \ illustration) Primula sinensis growing in its natural habitat, 148 , the stellata type of, at Reading LEAF-SPOT OF ODONTOGLOS- SUM URO-SKINNERI. FOR some time past my attention has been directed to the occuirence of numerous black spots on the lower surface of the leaves of Odontoglossum Uro-Skinneri. The appearance presented by these diseased leaves is, I believe, well known to growers if the species in this country, and is commonly attributed to unsuitable cultivation. The ma- terial which I have investigated was kindly sup- plied to me by Mr. Norman C. Cookson, to whom I am also indebted for observations upon the effect produced by a change in cultural conditions. The spots (fig. 62) are found chiefly on the older leaves, the younger leaves being almost, if not entirely, unaffected. They are often crowded together, and vary greatly in size, the smallest being barely visible to the naked eye, while the largest, elliptical in shape, may attain a longer diameter of half a centimetre. In this latter condition the spot is slightly raised above the surface of the leaf, and presents the appear- ance of a blister. Each spot is surrounded by a translucent border, and all stages in the de- velopment of the spots may be found on the same leaf. The anatomical structure of the leaf presents xerophytic characters (fig. 63). The outer cell- wall of both the upper and lower epidermis is thickened, and possesses a well-defined cuticle. The stomata. which are entirely confined to the lower surface, are sunk in pits, with the forma- tion of a pronounced outer cavity (fig. 64). The cells of the mesophyll gradually increase in size from the lower to the upper surface, where they constitute a large-celled aqueous tissue. Transversa sections through the region of the spots show an accumulation of a brown muci- ■ laginous or gummy substance beneath the lower epidermis. In the initial stages this substance is present only in the respiratory cavities of the stomata, from which it exudes into the -\.A ^pctl^.w (4 >--^ Fig. 62. — leaf-spot of odontoglossum uro- skinneri. (nat. size.) stomatal openings (fig. 64). In more advanced stages it collects in large masses, spreading through the hypodermal cells and into the in- ternal tissues of the leaf (fig. 63). In the interior of the leaf this muciiage is colourless, and may be traced as a white, glistening substance, filling the intercellular spaces. Towards the epi- dermis it gradually becomes a deep brown, at the same time becoming harder, and this gradual fading away of the brown colour to- wards the centre of the leaf may indicate that it is the result of oxidation. The gum appears to be excreted from the cells into the intercellular spaces, and thence it gradually accumulates beneath the stomata. It is this accumulation which raises the epidermis and forms the blister-like structure. In no case were wounds of any kind to be found upon either the upper or lower epidermis, and all idea of the disease being due to an initial injury may be dismissed. Where the gum is present, the intercellular spaces are much enlarged by the separation of the cells along the middle lamella (fig. 65), but otherwise the cell-walls appear to be quite normal. The cell-contents are greatly disor- ganised, and there is a partial or complete dis- appearance of the protoplasm, nucleus, and chloroplasts. A marked alteration takes place in the chloroplasts. They lose their regular outline, increase greatly in size, split into a. number of smaller bodies, and finally disappear. Hence in an advanced stage of the disease the cells are found without any trace of chlorophyll, the protoplasm and nucleus are also completely disorganised and the cells become empty, pre- senting a strong contrast to those of the normal healthy portion of the leaf. In the Annals of Botany, vol. ix., 1895,. Massee describes a "spot" disease of Orchids in which the characteristic is the plasmolysis of the cells, the complete disappearance of the chloroplasts, and the formation of highly-re- fringent, hyaline spheres. These spheres were found to be rich in tannin, and, contempo- raneously with their formation, the cytoplasm, becomes turbid and the primordial utricle tinged with brown. Massee also shows how this "spot" can be produced when drops of water were allowed to rest on the leaves and the tempera- ture was suddenly lowered. He finds no trace of fungi or bacteria, and concludes that the Orchid disease known as "spot" is of non- parasitic origin, the initial cause being the pre- sence of minute drops of water on the surface of the leaves at a time when the temperature is- cxceptionally low and the roots copiously sup- plied with water. The leaf-spot of Odontoglossum Uro-Skinneri differs in many respectsi from that described by Massee. There are no pits formed in the leaf, but, on the contrary, the epidermis is raised above the surface of the leaf, and the spots - appear only on the lower side. The sections bear no general resemblance to tissues invaded by Plasmodiophora, and the enlarged vacuo- lated spheres are not produced. Again, the accumulation of gum in the intercellular spaces, which is a pronounced characteristic of. this disease of O. Uro-Skinneri, is not noted by Massee. The nature of the gum is difficult to determine. It is very insoluble ; it reacts to many of the aniline stains, and, colouring red with phloro- glucin and yellow with thallin sulphate, suggests that it is a substance of the nature of vanilin. Gums or mucilages are frequently met with in- plant-tissues, but always as the result of some pathological condition. The first process in the healing of wounds is the sealing up of the ex- posed surface by a gummy substance, which prevents the too rapid loss of water. These wound gums appear to be formed as an excre- tory product in the natural process of healing, but little is definitely known as to their origin. Many gums which appear to be of much the same chemical composition are also formed in the plant as the result of fungal or bacterial action. The production of Gum Arabic, for in- stance, has been traced to the action of certain bacteria, and nun erous well-known diseases of plants in which gum is produced, such as the- Red-string of the Sugar-cane, the Gummosis of the Beet-root, the Black-rot of the Turnip and Swede, &c, have been proved to be due to a similar cause. The common gum flux of the Amygdaleae has been attributed to the action of" a Coryneum. In the leaf-spot of Odontoglossum there was- no sign of any fungus to be found. But special 146 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 6, 1909. staining and examination under a high power of the microscope revealed the presence of numerous bacteria (fig. 65). These occupied notably the cells surrounding the tissues in the initial stages of gum formation, and could be seen almost filling the cavity of the cells. Although the subject requires further investiga- tion, it is probable that these bacteria have some lence in the first place This Orchid, in its native habitat, Guatemala, exists at a high ele- vation, in cool, shady places. Cultivation in too moist and, possibly, too heated an atmo- sphere produces conditions which are inimical to the health of the plant. M. C. Potter, M.A., F.L.S., Botanical Laboratory, Armstrong College, Newcasile-apon-Tyne. The lip is oblong, three-quarters covered with brown in the horseshoe form seen in a good flower of O. triumphans, and showing the small blade and apex and crest of that species. The column is that of O. triumphans, with brown wings and anther cap. de B. Crawshay. [This description was received a week or so before Messrs. Sander & Son exhibited a plant from the same cross at the R.H.S. meeting on Feb- ruary 23. — Eds.] '■' . ' ' ' ' ';'' FIG. 63. transverse section through region of spots, showing general STRUCTURE OF LEAF AND ACCUMULATION OF GUM UNDER LOWER EPIDERMIS AND EXTENDING INTO THE INTERNAL TISSUES. destructive action upon the protoplasts, and that from this action result the escape of the cell-contents and their conversion into the gummy substance, filling up the inter- cellular spaces. According to the researches of Greig Smith, Gum Arabic is not de- rived from the cellulose, but is die to the action of Bacterium acaciae upon such carbo- hydrates as levulose, saccharose, maltose, or mannite. In the present case there is no soften- ing or swelling of the cell-walls, and, doubtless, certain carbohydrates present in the cell-con- tents may provide the material from which the gum is derived, under the influence of the in- vading organisms. Attempts made to induce the disease upon ^healthy plants by inoculation with bacteria iso- lated from the diseased leaves have been unsuc- cessful. It must be remembered, however, that infection is often very critical and uncertain, and depends upon conditions sometimes difficult to approximate. It has been noted that the spot is more preva- lent when the plant is grown in a very moist or almost saturated atmosphere, and in such con- ditions it is very liable to spread In a dry atmosphere, on the contrary, the spot does not increase, and if a plant affected with it is re- ^V^v^y^ ■ ^*jP.P4~~ Fig. 01. — a stoma with gum in respiratory cavity and exuding into stomatal opening. moved to a drier atmosphere, the spot already developed is checked, and instead of the epi- dermis being raised as a blister, it may even begin to sink at the larger spots. Clearly bacteria play a considerable part in the development of the disease and the forma- tion of the gum, but unsuitable cultural condi- tions are also largely responsible for its preva- FLORISTS' FLOWERS. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. ODONTOGLOSSUM HUNIADES (O. Hun- NEWELLIANUM X O. SCEPTRUM). The hybrid, as represented by the first plant to bloom, can hardly be called interest- ing, except for the fact that it has proved the smaller species to be the stronger. In form and colouring it is almost a duplicate of O. Hunne- wellianum, the lip alone showing a form some- what more like O. sceptrum than the remainder of the flower. It was raised by Mr. Sander at Bruges, de B. Crawshay. ODONTOGLOSSUM LANDOLPHUS (O. Andersonianum x O. Rolfe.e). This hybrid was also raised by Mr. Sander. The first one to flower is rather a pleasing and interesting plant. The sepals and petals are clear, bright yellow, the sepals having one brown spot almost at the apex, and the petals being unspotted and having a median area of lighter yellow, so often present in the unspotted forms of the female parent. The lip is unspotted, somewhat orbicular, with the right-angled shoulders of O. Andersoni- anum, and likewise the colouring in the channel. The column is white. The influence of the smaller-flowered parent is dominant, and the entire blotching of Rolfeas is suppressed, except the spot in the sepals, which is almost always present like an island in a sea in that hybrid. Analogous in the suppression of the spotting is O. Rolfea? Kathleen, lately in Mr. Bradshaw's, now in Mr. Butler's collection. Doubtless some of the plants will show more influence of O. Rolfeas. de B. Crawshay. ODONTOGLOSSUM POLYPHEMUS (O. KEGELJANII X O. TRIUMPHANS). In raising hybrids of O. Kegeljanii, many people may say I wasted time, but, in effect, they have a different character to all others, and eventually the later generations may prove good acquisitions. This one bloomed a month ago, and, as might be expected, it has rounded and filled up the form of the female parent, retaining the rich yellow ground just shaded by green in the centre of the sepals. The sepals have two bars and a great apical blotch of rich glossy brown, like O. Kegeljanii, almost covering their surface. The petals are of similar yellow colour, with reddish-brown basal markings and a large blotch beyond. THE AURICULA. The hon. secretary of the National Auricula Society (Southern Section) stated at the annual meeting held recently in London that the list of members belonging to that special society was larger than at any previous time in the society's existence. This is very satisfactory, and is evidence that this charming, old-fash- ioned garden flower is increasing in favour with those who value flowers for their in- trinsic worth, as well as for their historical as- sociations. One sometimes hears comments on the difficulty in cultivating Auriculas. I have frequently received complaints of plants not succeeding, but, on investigation, the cause was found to be due either to ignorance of the ordinary rules of culture, or to neglect. If Pelar- goniums or any other garden plants are at- tacked by green fly, and no means are taken to destroy the pest, there will soon be an end of the Pelargonium. The Auricula also is liable to be attacked by aphis, and this must be destroyed by fumigations. The woolly aphis, which lives and thrives on the- stem and roots,, can be destroyed by frequent fumigations with XL-All compound, or, if the roots are care- fully examined at the time of repotting, the aphis can be effectually blushed off. Auriculas should be overhauled before the end of February to ascertain that the roots are in a good condition and provision for drainage perfect. When this has been done a clean flower pot of similar size should be ready in which to replace the plant. Those who possess a heated house for Auriculas should place their plants in it now. If it is intended that the FlG. 65 —INTERCELLULAR SPACES FILLED WITH THE GUM, AND BACTERIA INSIDE THE CELL. plants should all be in flower at the same time, the edged flowers should be placed in heat before the selfs, although a few of the edged flowers, such as Acme, will come into flower with the selfs under similar treatment. Some care is necessary in watering the plants, for as the season advances the growth is very rapid, and the plants suffer if they are allowed to March 6, 1G09.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 117 become at all dry at the roots. Too much mois- ture will be equally bad and cause the plants to become drawn and the leaves flabby. Those who possess garden frames only should see that the glass is covered at night-time with thick mats. Careful attention must also be {Tiven to proper ventilation of the frames ; the lights, when opened, should'always be tilted in a manner that will protect the plants as much as possible from cold winds. Rooted offsets should now be removed carefully from the parent plants, placing two or three aiound the -edge of a small flower pot filled with fine, sandy soil. They may be placed in hand- lights, where they will soon become established. The offsets which were put in small pots about September should be repotted : they will, with good treatment, form strong plants and flower well next year. By keeping insect pests from the plants and giving careful attention to ven- tilation early in the morning in fine weather, satisfactory results will be obtained. /. Douglas. THE ROSARY. CULTURAL NOTES FOR MARCH. Pruning will require attention towards the end of this month. Roses that have been in- jured'by the frost should be pruned to the first dormant bud. Hardy climbing Roses on walls, arches, fences or pergolas should be first at- tended to. Prune the bushes moderat'eiv and cut out any unripe or weakly shoots, f.nd, «rh e they are crowded, thin out the weaker and nail or tie the remaining shoots to the walls or trellis.-worlt. The following varieties growing in a sheltered position on a south aspect or 1 jainst a wall may also be pruned lightly during the present month. Leave all the long, ripened shoots their full length, and only shorten the points of the shoots if they are soft and un- opened:— Cheshunt Hybrid, Gloire de Dijon, Carmine Pillar, Madame Berard, Climbing (aroline Te'stout and Aimee Vibert. There will be a difference of several weeks between northern and southern districts for practising pruning. The work must be regulated, not only in accordance with the local conditions, but also v, ith the type of Rose. The Moss, Provence, imum of serviceable information within the narrowest limits of space. At the other end we encounter the innumerable stories of rather aimless wanderings told by discursive and not over-critical ramblers. Similar conditions, mutatii mutandis, occur in other pursuits whirh engage the interest of a large and heterogeneous public. In amateur gardening the cult of the rockery is now well to the fore, and the publishers, who presumably know their public, are busily catering for all sorts and conditions of aspirants. No doubt the volume before us will appeal to a particular class of readers, though they will * That Rock-Garden 0/ Ours," by F. Edward Hulme, F.L.S., F.S.A., with50illustrationsby the Author. T.Fisher Unwin. Price 10s. 6d. net. probably not be drawn from the ranks of people who call themselves rock-gardeners. In fact, it is a little difficult to justify the title of the book at all, except, perhaps, that in the first chapter Mr. Hulme gives a few directions as to their re- lative positions to be occupied by the soil and the stones. For the rest, the book rather reminds us of Ruskin's treatise on sheepfolds, which excited a not inconsiderable, though wholly tem- porary, interest in agricultural circles. Indeed, Mr. Hulme uses the term mainly, as it seems to us, to indicate a rather remarkable wild garden, wherein are to flourish all the wild- plants that have already mad© themselves promiJ nent in these islands. But, however beautiful Coltsfoot, Cinquefoil, and many other plants of the same sort may be, they are hardly in place except in the wildest of wild gardens. Even the author himself seems to recognise this, for he hints at their devastating powers of reproduction and extension. Few cultural directions are given — nor, indeed, are they, for the most part,-' necessary — for the denizens of such a- rock-' garden as Mr. Hulme had in his mind, and he is thus able to devote the greater part of his pages to the antiquarian and other lore that attaches to the objects of his admiration. The text is illustrated bv 50 plates, partlv in- colour and partly in half-tone. They are of un^ even character ; some are good, but others ar£ blurred and indistinct. Incidentally, we might remark that the figure of a Daffodil, referred to on p. 56, is not to be found on Plate L, as stated,' but on Plato XXIV. It might, perhaps, be gathered from the fore- going, that we think but poorly of Mr. "Hulme' s book. This is by no means entirely the case ; but we do think that the title conveys a mistaken im- pression, which is fair neither to the reviewer nor to the general reader. If the author '.ad called his book a gossip about common plants we could have found no fault with him. /. B. F. * Life Histories of Familiar Plants. This book is not addressed to the professed botanist but to " that large and growing class of \ature-investigators who derive pleasure from seeking the why and the wherefore of details in' plant structure and the relationship of these details to animal life." While acknowledging his indebtedness to dis- tinguished observers in the past in the sam9 field of work, the author puts forward in each chapter his own suggestions as to the solution of various plant problems. Some of these invite criticism, if not from the Nature-investigator, certainly from the botanist. ' The Cowslip flowers rather later than does the common Primrose, but that this fact is directly due to the delay caused by the growth " of the thick stalk on which the umbel of flowers is borne seems at best doubtful, nor can we readily agree that the larger size of the Primrose ■ flower is directly associated with the larger sup- ply of nutritive material available owing to the absence of such a stalk. The Cowslip, again, is not by any means confined to low-lying pas- tures, but occurs in great abundance on the slopes of downs and in similar situations. It seems unlikely, moreover, that the spotted Orchis has been aided in the struggle for existence by the fact that its mottled leaves have anv re- semblance to the spotted body of an adder. It may well be that browsing animals are more familiar than is man with the " snake in tha grass," and with the frog and his like, but this- theory of immunity from grazing animals, secured to the Orchis by virtue of its spotted leaves, demands stronger evidence than is forth- coming here. The leaves of the common Arum are similarly spotted, but are of very different ' size and shape, and could hardly be mistaken by any browsing animal for a viper. The book is extremely well illustrated with 86 plates, reproduced from photographs and microphotographs. • Lite Histories of Familiar Plants, by John J. Ward. Cassell & Co. Price 6s. 148 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [March 6, 1909. NURSERY NOTES. THE READING PRIMULAS. It scarcely needed a visit to Reading to show that the Chinese Primula is as popular a green- house plant as ever. It blooms at a time when dwarf-flowering plants are few, and there is no sign that any other species is likely to oust it from, its present high position as a decorative plant. Every florist knows how suitable Primu- las are for furnishing vases in dwelling-rooms, and how their qualities in this respect have been improved since crossings have teen made ■with the star or stellata section. But if these facts were sufficiently well known, a visit to Reading served, nevertheless, to show that Messrs. Sutton & Sons are in no way relax- ing their efforts to improve and develop their strains. Thus they are, so to speak, assisting the plant, as best they can, to maintain its hold on the public. When it is remembered that their collection includes about 14,000 flowering speci- mens, that there are 300 to 400 distinct stocks, and yet that only 60 sorts are catalogued, it can be the better imagined what an immense amount of detail has to be recorded and studied merely for the sake of keeping the stocks true. But more than this is necessary. The strains have not only to be maintained at the present high merit, but, where possible, this must be in- creased. Cross-fertilisation between varieties in themselves cross-bred, goes, on every year; it is by this method that most of the novelties are obtained. Cross-fertilisation, however, is but one step — a step that leads often to bewildering variation. At this point the process of selection commences. Not the old process of attempting to " fix " characters by continued selection from a batch, but selection of individuals, which, being pure dominants or recessives, will be cer- tain to come true from seeds if the flowers are self-fertilised. As Messrs. Sutton do not cata- logue any novelty that cannot be perpetuated by seeds, nor any of which a considerable quantity of seeds cannot be obtained at one time, it fol- lows that many novelties appear in the collection from time to time which are never introduced to commerce. Some of them are sterile. Others, again, produce seed, but have not the property of coming true from seed, and if these were to be perpetuated, it could only be done by layers or side growths, as in the case of the old alba plena and other varieties with perfectly doub'.e flowers. Such an instance is found in Giant Lavender, which, being incapable of breedi.ig true from seed, is what is described as a heterozygote ; there are others of the same class, including some of the seedlings obtained from the Duchess strain crossed with Crimson King. In previous notices of the Reading Primulas, W3 have referred to the attempts that are made to apply the principles of heredity, commonly expressed in the term Mendelism, to the cross-breeding experiments. The plants form excellent material for demonstrating these prin- ciples, and for proving some of the elementary truths which Mendel first discovered. On our recent visit we were shown in one house batches of plants representing first crosses, such, for in- stance, as from Crimson King, and Snow- don. Being the first seedlings after the cross, they are termed the Fj genera- tion, and, in most cases, all the plants were similar to each other, and intermediate in their characters between the parents. This is what we should expect ; but when a plant from the Fi generation is self-fertilised, the seedlings (F2 generation) vary in a constant proportion, some being pure " dominants," others recessives, and still other impure dominants. When the pure dominants and pure recessives are again " selfed," they reproduce themselves true from seeds as often as the process is repeated. They are, therefore, " fixed," but not in exactly the manner that gardeners have been in the habit of meaning by that term. It would be more cor- rect to say that they are pure The impure domi- nants, upon selfing again, split up, and so on. These things are the same, of course, in all plants ; the Primulas are merely convenient plants to illustrate hereditary principles that ap- ply to cross-breeding in plants and animals alike. Occasionally the sum does not work out as it should do, and, for reasons that at present arc unexplainable, except by the somewhat un- satisfactory assumption that the operator must have made a mistake in making his records. It is always — or nearly always — in regard to colour that unexpected results are obtained, and it has to be remembered that some of the colours are not pure in themselves, but combinations of several colours, therefore the results of crossing are the less certain. In the characters which have to do with the habit of the plant, or with the foliage, and even colour of stem, the propor- tions in the F2 generation are Mendelian. The Fern leaf, for instance, is a recessive character in Primulas, and can always be depended upon to breed pure when a cross between a Palm and a Fern-leafed variety is self-fertilised. much the same manner. All these and other cir- cumstances are of the greatest value to the stu- dent. The work of the practical breeder fur- nishes facts from which the scientist is often able to deduce principles that, in their turn, are valuable to the breeder. It may be said that at present horticulturists have not benefited to the extent they might reasonably expect from Mendel's principles, but at the very least Men- delisni has shown them the value of the Fj gener- ation. In days gone by practical men have often destroyed their seedlings of florists' flowers be- cause, after the first cross, they failed to exhibit any superiority over the parents ; now they know that even when this is the case one plant should be selfed in order to see what it is capable of pro- ducing in the F2 generation. In this matter alone the waste of effort there has been is beyond es- timation. A second point is the uselessness of attempting to " fix " by selecting from a batch. De Vries' experiments have conclusively shown that selection should be from individuals. In these two matters gardeners have no longer **«*oA Fig. 66. — primula sinensis growing on the rocks at ping-shan-pai, western china. (nat. size.) Among the most interesting results in cross- ing are some which have reference to what is termed correlation. In most plants there are cer- tain characteristics which are so opposite to each other that they seldom develop in the same plant ; whilst there are others that are almost always to be found when certain others are present with which they correlate. A few Primulas shown by Messrs. Sutton at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society illustrated this point. The moss-like foliage of the old variety Magnifica has been united with almost all the colours in Primu- las, but, nevertheless, it has so far been found impossible to get the Duchess strain to take on this type of leaf, although repeated trials have been made. As a rule, the result of such a cross has been to produce a kind of Ivy-like leaf, per- fectly distinct from the other types of leaf, but not in itself decorative. This type of foliage is usually correlated with star-like flowers of poor quality, as judged by the florist. But the plants exhibited at the meeting had long lobes to the leaves, and correlated with this character were the lobes of the flowers themselves lengthened in any excuse for working by the old, wasteful and comparatively ineffective method. To refer to some of the many noteworthy varieties : — Giant Crimson is a variety which re- presents as well or better than any other the de- velopment of the Reading strains. Of good habit, the plant bears strong, erect spikes of flowers which measure from 2 inches to 2$ inches in diameter. The colour has been much improved in the past few years, and it is now intensely vivid and full. We were informed of a curious circumstance in the history of this variety. One of its parents, nine or ten years ago, had "Primula blue" flowers. In subsequent breed- ing it never produced a plant with blue flowers until last year, but it has repeated the effort again this season. It is worth while pointing out here that a name is often retained for a fresh and improved stock. Whilst particular stocks of Crimson King, Snowdrift, or Rosy Queen are catalogued for sale, other stocks vary- ing but little from these, but alw-lys on the better side, are in course of development, and, when these latter stocks are large enough, they March 6, 1909.] Til E GA R D ENE 11 S' C II 11 ONI CI E. 149 are substituted for the earlier ones, usually without any change in the name. It is this procedure that explains why " Blue Fern-leaved" is a better plant to-day than it was five years ago. In regard to cultivation, there is nothing be- yond the resources of the Reading establishment. The excellent houses are filled with plants of such perfect development, no writer can easily exaggerate the high culture exhibited. We were impressed with the effect of the proper tem- perature treatment in the development cf colour in the well-known variety, " Czar." Certain plants had been cultivated in as cool conditions as could safely be imposed, and the flowers in their rich violet-blue and magnificent zone were so superior as to be dis- tinguished from others at the merest glance. We do not intend to retail to the reader a list of the varieties cultivated at Reading : their names and characteristics are already cata- logued. It is sufficient to say that almost all colours are obtainable, either with Fern, Palm, or Moss-like foliage ; that the Giant type is so true that even when cultivated in 2J-inch pots the flowers are still 2 inches or more in diameter, and that the stellata section is variously col- oured and capable of producing such perfect plants as the specimen illustrated at fig. 67. We invite the reader to compare the figure just mentioned with fig. 66, which portrays a native specimen of P. sinensis growing in a very re- stricted district in China. The illustration is reproduced from a photograph taken by Mr. E. H. Wilson, and is probably the best yet published of the species in its natural hon.e. It may be pointed out that the plant shows con- siderable difference from a plant now in the Reading collection, which is believed to be of the same species, and interesting in the fact that the flowers are perfectly free from a trace of " eye" or zone. Only a concluding word can be said of the Cyclamens. The view reproduced in fig. 68 will serve to show the wealth of the collection. The seed is sown in October in pans, and the seedlings are pricked out singly into 2J-inch pots as soon as they are ready for the change. They flower, therefore, when about 14 or 15 months old.. The strains are excellent in every . way, 'as is the culture afforded the plants. Efforts are being made to develop a large- flowered type with scented flowers. " Scented Rose" is a considerable step in this direction. seriously of pruning and training, but as early as 1717 a gentleman named Collins published a small treatise by the name of Paradise Relricv'd, in which the subject is treated in the most en- lightened manner. But one gathers that the writer was rather more intent in proving other authorities of the period to be wrong in their methods than in publishing his own, which were right. Earlier still, that accomplished gar- dener, John Reid, of Rosehaugh, a place still famous for fruit, wrote on this subject. He demonstrated, though in a rather confused man- ner— not to be unexpected in a man whose ac- quaintance with English was .at best but slight — how wall trees should be managed to give the best results. This was in 1688, 34 years previous to the first English writer who approaches the subject from the true standpoint. It is not to be denied that Hitt carried his train- ing to extremes, just as Forsyth did later, and THE TRAINING OF FRUIT TREES. It is common belief that the management cf wall trees is less perfect than in former years. Certain it is that some young men of the pre- sent time have little skill in training fruit trees, having never been taught how to nail shoots straight nor to place them at the correct angle. I believe there are some persons who consider that nothing is gained by being particu- lar in arranging the shoots of fruit trees, though a slight consideration will show that to be an error of judgment. When all the shoots of a fruit tree are disposed at regular distances from each other there is no overcrowding in one part of the tree and waste of space in another. Fur- ther, each branch receives as much of the sun's rays as another, and the young growths of the current year have ample room to develop without encroaching on the old or fruit-bearing portions. This is an important consideration, which was the objective of a former race of gar- deners by whom the training of hardy fruit trees was attended to with the greatest care. It is true that none of the earliest writers on gardening had a very clear conception of the importance of training and pruning, and well into the eighteenth century advice on the subject is occasionally encountered which shows how long a time it took to break down old prejudices. Hitt, whose work was published in 1755, is supposed by some to have been the first to treat sun's rays reach the bricks and warm them ; another, that none but vigorous shoots are per- mitted on the trees ; these being capable of pro- ducing quite as large a crop of fruits as is- able to mature. B. AQJILEGIAS. There are few flowers more decorative or re- fining in their effect on our herbaceous border* than the comparatively neglected Aquilegias. Their period of flowering is not quite so pro- longed as that of the Viola, yet in many in- stances, as in that of A. chrysantha, the " Golden Columbine," it has lasted in flower in- my garden for nearly three months. The Aqui- legias have come to us from various regions; from the Altai Mountains in Siberia, from the Alps and the Pyrenees, from Guatemala in. Fig. 67.— a specimen of Messrs. suttons' stellata type of Chinese primula. later still other gardeners whose pet theories are to be found in the pages of the contemporary gardening Press. Fundamentally, these old practitioners operated on correct lines, though at an enormous waste of energy, and, no doubt, not always successfully, because all else was made subservient to pruning and training. No one would now be so injudicious as to appraise these at more than their true value. One of the most remarkable improvements of Collins — con- sidering the fact that his contemporaries plashed the shoots of fruit trees one over the other, and that Bradley, at the same period, imagined he was making an advance in allowing a space of 4 inches between the shoots of Apple trees — was that he regulated the shoots of stone fruits at 4 to 5 inches apart. One of the benefits resulting from training the shocts far apart is that the South America, from Canada, from California, and from the Rocky Mountains. One of the finest of the Aquilegias, and most graceful in habit, is A. ccerula Tiybrida, "divinely tall, and most divinely fair," as Tennyson sings of Helen of Troy. The original colours of this beautiful Columbine were blue and white, but when crossed with A. chry- santha, it became suffused with yellow and in- vested with spurs of greater length. Aquilegia californica hybrida is a remarkable combination of deep orange and bright scarlet ; though, in virtue of its peculiarly pendulous tendency, in which respect it resembles several notable Roses, its beauty is half concealed. Aquilegia cana- densis, whose colours somewhat resemble thoss cf A. californica, is extremely effective in certain situations ; so also is the uniquely-coloured 150 THE GARDE NEKS' CH li O NI CL E. [Mauch 6, ie09. A. Skinned, which has delicate green sepals and yellow petals, with strongly contrasting spurs of brightest orange-red. It is a native of the northern regions of South America. Aquilegia glandulosa, whose colours are white and blue, is a species which is easily increased by careful division of the fibrous root-stock. It is of closely-tufted habit, and does not grow to any great height, forming in this respect a con- trast to such commanding forms as A. cali- fornica and A. ccerulea hybrida, which, when in flower, can be seen and admired from any part of the garden. A derivative from this variety called A. Wittmaniana, though possessing con- siderable fascination, is not equal in beauty or graceful formation to the parent flower. The late Dr. Stuart, of Chirnside, in Berwickshire, the distinguished originator of the "Violetta" race of rayless miniature Violas, raised the grandest of all Aquilegias, which bears his name. He used to assure me that Aquilegia Stuartii could not be grown successfully except by earnest cultivators, since it requires very care- ful attention in its earlier stages, and a deep, fertile soil. I have been informed by Messrs. Cocker, of Aberdeen, who introduced the variety to commerce, that it was the result of a cross between A. ccerulea and A. glandulosa, though others have attributed part of its origin to A. Wittmaniana. «) After cultivating Aquilegias for many years with even more pleasure and success than I anticipated, I have come to the conclusion that, whether we consider the length of time during which it blooms with such splendid profusion, its utter indifference to atmospheric conditions, its strikingly beautiful formation, or its lustrous golden hue, A. chrysantha, if not so varied or highly artistic in its aspect as A. californica or A. ccerulea hybrida, is the most valuable, and assuredly the most enduring, of them all. Nothing in my garden is more impressive in early summer than long lines of A. chrysantha, with innumerable flowers of the brightest Prim- rose hue glittering beneath the blossoms of over- shadowing Apple trees. Though less refulgent than the Eastern Lily, the Carnation, or the Rose, the Aquilegia has a dainty beauty of its own, and is, as this contribution, I hope, sufficiently proves, of much value for garden decoration. David R. Williamson, Manse of Kirkmaiden, Wigtownshire, N,B, The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Late planting.--\Nhete circumstances have arisen to so far prevent the planting of fruit trees, the work may still be done. The chief advantage of autumn planting is that the roots form new growths before the very cold weather sets in, and thus they become partially estab- lished before winter, and are better able to withstand drying winds and hot weather during the succeeding summer. When planting is left until the spring extra care is needed to enable the trees to get a good start. The ground should have been previously prepared as ad- vised in a former Calendar, and a dry day selected for the planting. The soil should be in a proper condition for working — neither too wet nor too dry ; on no account plant when it is in a wet condition. After the planting is completed mulch the trees with some light manure, that from a spent Mushroom bed being suitable. If the weather continues dry, water- ing may become necessary ; the trees may also be svringed early in the afternoons in dTy weather, as this will assist in keeping the wood plump and fresh. Orchards. — In improperly tended fruit planta- tion-, the trees are never pruned, whilst spraying with an insecticide or dressing them with lims is never thought of. Though rather late for the work, the trees may still be overhauled, and it will be better to do this now than to wait till next winter. Cut out all the dead or badly- placed shoots, and thin the remainder suffi- ciently to allow the sunshine and air to pene- trate to all parts of the tiee. Old orchard trees are often dense thickets of shoots, producing only inferior fruits. By a system of proper treatment these trees may be made to bear good marketable crops. When the shoots have teen thinned choose a calm day for spraying the trees with an alkali wash, and, if time per- mits, give them a second spraying after an interval of a week or two. Any grass grow- ing immediately beneath the trees, and for at least a yard beyond the spread of the branches, should be dug in. After this a good dressing of lime should, be applied, followed by a mulch- ing of farmyard manure. The trees will derive benefit from this treatment the first season. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicarv Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Onions. — On a fine day, when the ground is sufficiently dry and the soil in a workable condi- tion, advantage should be taken to prepare and sow the principal bed of Onions. First make the ground thoroughly firm, and rake the surface level ; then sow the seed thinly in shallow drills drawn at distances of 10 to 12 inches apart. Apply a dressing of soot and wood-ashes. Then carefully cover the seeds and again rake the sur- face finely. Onions raised in heat early in the year should still be grown in a temperature of from 50° to 55° F., being placed as near to the glass as possible. Any surplus plants which have not been pricked off may, if thoroughly hardened, be planted out in a sheltered position on ground of a fine tilth, in rows 1 foot apart, and the plants at distances of 6 inches from each other. Under this treatment Onions invariably make serviceable bulbs, and no amount of cold after this date will injure them, provided they have been properly prepared for exposure. Any selected bulbs intended for seeding should be planted in a sunny position sheltered from cold winds. Plant the bulbs 18 inches apart in the rows, and make the rows at distances of 2 feet. Green crops. — February has been an excep- tionally dry month in this locality. There have been no rains, but a continuance of dry, frosty weather, which has had the effect of injuring most of the green crops. Whole breadths of Sprouting Broccoli, especially the earlier varie- ties, have been completely destroyed, also many of the white Broccoli. Of this latter vegetable, Late Queen and Model have proved to be the hardier with us, and amongst Borecoles or Kales the least injured have been the Scotch, Cottager's, Labrador, and Chou de Russie varieties. The last-named sort received a First- class Certificate from the Royal Horticul- tural Society in April, 1907, after trial at Wis- ley. Late plantings of Brussels Sprouts have also been affected by frost. Ground that has been dug or trenched has benefited from recent weather, especially in gardens where the soil is heavy. Seahale. — This has proved to be especially valuable now that green vegetables are scarce. Care should be taken to provide for a continuous supply by introducing successional batches into the Mushroom house or other suitable structure for forcing. Seakale may be also forced in the open should circumstances require this method to be adopted. The cuttings intended for culti- vation next season should be grown gently in a cold frame. They will be ready for planting by the end of March or early in April, but care must be taken not to force them in the slightest degree. Spinach raised last autumn has in many cases withstood the cold weather remarkably well. As soon as the conditions are favourable the ground about the plants should be weeded, hoed and given a dressing of soot, repeating these operations about every ten days. Make an early sowing of this vegetable on a south border, planting the seeds in drills drawn one foot apart. Early Spinach may also be grown on a very mild hot-bed in frames : it is surpris- ing what a large quantity of this valuable green vegetable can be produced from an ordinary three-light frame. Celery and Chicory. — The latest varieties should now be lifted and stored in sand or ashes under a north wall. The heads will re- main in a good condition for a much longer period if stored in this way than when left in the ground. Chicory may also be taken up and treated in the same way as advised for Celery. Parsnits are much better when allowed to re- main a considerable time in the ground, but they should now be lifted and stored in sand in a cool place. The herb garden. — Examine the plants care- fully v\ith a view to replacing any which are becoming exhausted. Some will need to te propagated from cuttings, others by division. The herb border is an inteiesting feature in a garden, and it is the more interesting when it contains a large number of varieties. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J. W. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Park, London. The propagating department. — Many of the stock plants intended for furnishing a supply of ci.t- tings will now be in such a condition that the work may be commenced. There will be a plen:i- lul supply of cuttings of such plants as Age.n- tum, Lobelia and Koniga (Alyssum). Zonal Pelar- goniums that have been wintered in store pots, and are now potted singly in smaller pots, should be given warmer conditions so that they may grow rapidly and form strong plants by the time they must be hardened. Some of the autumn- rooted plants of Ivy-leaved Pelargonium should ■be allowed to develop three or four shoots and be trained as pyramids. Others may grow naturally for pegging down as a groundwork to such plants as Fuchsias. The pyramids will be useful as " dot " plants over a carpeting of Violas, Harrison's Musk (Mimulus), Verbena, Phlox Drummondii, and similar dwarf-growing subjects. Old Fuchsias should be started into growth and repotted. Flower seeds. — Many flowering plants can be easily raised from seeds, and they are especi- ally valuable when cuttings of other plants have failed to survive the winter. Tuberous- rooting Begonias will form good plants in the one season from seeds sown at the present time, whilst those of the semperflorens type are in- valuable for summer bedding. Prick off the seedlings in suitably-prepared pans or boxes as soon as they are large enough for transplanting and give them a further shift into small pots when they are ready. Petunias, Verbenas, Ager- atums and Lobelias can all be raised from seeds. Sweet Peas should be sown in 5-inch pots, plac- ing five or six seeds in each pot. Germinate them in a cool house, and when the shoots are 6 or 9 inches in length, pinch out the tops in order to induce a bushy growth. It may be ad- visable to shift them into 6-inch pots before they are planted in rich, deeply-dug soil in the open. Schizanthus wisetonensis and Nemesia strumosa are suitable annuals for planting in the flower-beds. They should be raised in a cool house and planted out at the end gf May. Sub-tropical garden. — Some of the most suit- able plants for the sub-tropical garden are Grevillea, Acacia, Ficus, Canna, Eucalyptus, Musa, Solanum, Wigandia, Ricinus, Nicotiana, Palms and Ferns. Acacia Lophantha is easily propagated from seeds. Abutilons may also be readily raised from seeds, but the mi st suitable plants are those about 2 to 3 feet tall, and these are best grown from cuttings, inserted during the previous summer. Two good Abuti'.ons for the sub-tropical gardi n are A. Thompsonii variegata and A. Savitzii. The leaves of A. Savitzii are blotched with silver. The Cannas also furnish a wealth of material in their numerous varieties both foliage and flowering. Those with bronze-col- oured stems and leaves are effective when intermixed with free-flowering plants such as Petunias or Fuchsias. They may also be massed for their floral effect. The best method of in- creasing Cannas is by division of the root-stock in early spring. There are several species of Eucalypti suitable for the sub-tropical garden. One of the best is E. Globulus (the Blue-gum tree). Others are E. citriodora, E. Gunnii, and E. cordata. All the Eucalypti may be readily raised from seed. The Castor-oil plant (Ricinus) forms a handsome subject in its beautiful foli- age, especially when planted by the side of a rivulet or in the foreground of a shrubbery. It grows very quickly from seed. Those with green foliage, of which R. zanzibarensis is the best, are the most hardy, but they are not so pretty as the coloured varieties, of which R Gibsonii is a good example. March 6, 1!)(J9.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 151 THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Masdevallia. — The present is a suitable time to break up old plants, or to afford increased root room to the Chimera type of Masdevallias, which consists of such species as M. Chimaara, M. bella, M. Backhousiana, M. Wallisii, M. Car- deri/and M. Chestertonii. These plants should be grown in shallow, teai-wood baskets, as their flowers are produced from descending stems similar to those of a Stanhopea. No crocks are required for drainage, and only a moderate quantity of fibrous peat and Sphag- num-moss for a rooting medium, which must not be too lightly compressed. These Masde- vallias are very liable to attacks of red spider, but this pest may be prevented by frequently spraying and sponging the under-sides of the leaves. Afford the plants the same atmo- spheric temperature as advised for M. tova- rensis. Any plants of Masdevallias which require a cooler treatment, such as M. Harry- ana, M. Lindenii, M. Veitchii, M. ignea, &c, that have deteriorated through loss of roots and foliage, may be repotted at this season. It is not advisable to disturb strong, healthy plants of these species at present, but to pot them at the end of August or the beginning of Septem- ber. All plants that are repotted should be kept well shaded from direct sunshine, and any flower-spikes that appear should be pinched off immediately they are perceptible. Ccelogyne. — Plants of the warm-growing Ccelo- gyne asperata (Lowii) andC. pandurata may now be safely potted should they require more root room. C, asperata thrives well in a mixture of good fibrous loam, Osmunda fibre and Sphag- num-moss in equal parts, and plenty of small crocks. The fibre and moss should be cut up rather small and incorporated with the loam. O. pandurata grows well in the Osmunda and Polypodium mixture. When repotting the plant, it is not advisable to pot up more than two bulbs behind the leading growth. Give it plenty of room to grow, as the rhizome will extend itself several inches each year. The flower- spikes will soon be pushing up in the centre of the growths, therefore good supplies of water must be given until the new pseudo-bulbs are completed. The flower-spikes of the rare Coelo- gyne Sanderae, which for ma|y weeks have ap- peared to be in a stationary condition, will soon begin to develop their flower-buds. Keep the plant well up to the roof glass of the inter- mediate house, where it will not be exposed to the least sunshine. When the flower-buds ad- vance afford the plant frequent waterings at the root. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C, Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Ipomaa. — Such species as I. hederacea and its varieties, and I. rubro-ccerulea. are useful greenhouse twining plants. Seeds should be sown in heat, and the young seedlings potted into light, rich soil, keeping them for a time in a warm atmosphere. When they are repotted into their final pots a heavier soil may be used, and the potting should be done firmly. Coltut. — Cuttings may now be taken from the plants retained from last year. Insert them in sandy soil in the propagating house, and keep them shaded until they have made roots. A good percentage of desirable varieties may be raised from seeds, but the plants which appear first are almost invariably of coarse growth and poorly marked. Hence they should be rejected. Canna. — Plants flowering in the greenhouse should now be repotted, using a rich soil. The choice varieties may easily be increased by root division, but it is necessary that each piece of severed toot-stock should possess a bud and a few roots. Tree Ferns. — During their season of ai the growth, Tree Ferns are benefited by a slight in- crease in temperature. Even when they have at- tained to a large size repotting is not often necessary. Should the soil in which they are growing be exhausted, and it should not be con- sidered advisable to use larger receptacles, much of the exhausted soil may, in the case of Dick- sonias, be removed, and the plant repotted in the same tub ; the work should be done just before the new growth commences. When grown in a warm house Cyatheas quickly make tall stems. When these become too tall they may be cut off to a convenient length and be placed into pots containing a few inches of soil. Such work should be done now, and these large cuttings, as they may be termed, will quickly form roots and produce surprisingly large fronds. The lower portion of the stem may be utilised for planting on it Davallias, Selagi- nellas and similar plants. When Tree Ferns are actively growing abundant moisture in the at- mosphere is necessary, and the fronds must noi be exposed to direct sunlight. Tree Ferns grow- ing in a conservatory or other place where the surroundings cannot be kept sufficiently moist, should have their stems frequently damped dur- ing hot, dry days. Forced shrubs. — As soon as these have finished flowering they should be removed to a warm house to complete their growth. Pick off the old flowers and any seed vessels that may have formed and prune any plants that require it, remembering that the shoots should never be cut so severely as in the case of similar species growing out-of-doors. Afford the shrubs a liberal treatment in the matter of manuring, &c, as success or otherwise in flowering next spring will depend largely on the quality of the growth made now. Blinds.— These should be overhauled and fixed at an early date on those houses where they are needed. The sun for a few hours in the middle of the day is very powerful, even early in this season. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Early pot vines. — After the flowering is over and the young berries are swelling freely, the vines can be forced rather harder than hitherto, as both the roots and the upper portion of the vine will be in active growth. Keep a moist atmosphere by constantly spraying all avail- able spaces in the house, also damp the paths with liquid manure when the ventilators are closed. This will assist in keeping down red spider, and be otherwise beneficial to the foli- age. The roots must be liberally fed with diluted liquid manure, alternated with some approved i.i tiliser, given two or three times a week. Take care not to overcrop the vines or the quality erf the units will be impaired. Sin to eight bunches of Grapes on each rod will yield an ample crop. Attend to the stopping of the laterals as often as they require it, and cut out those shoots which are not wanted. The tem- perature of the vinery at night-time mav be raised to 70°. During the daytime it may reach 85° or 90° if the top ventilators are opened a little. Close the house early in the afternoon after charging the atmosphere with moisture. Early vines in borders. — As soon as it is de- termined which are the best bunches, all those not reqi ired should be removed. Thinning the berries should be commenced when thev .ire about the size of Peas. This operation requires great care and the characteristics of each par- ticular variety need to be studied when the bunches are thinned. Black Hamburgh, al- though a free-setting Grape, does not need so severe thinning as Madresfield Court or Foster's Seedling. After the bunches are thinned, the borders should receive a good dressing of well- seasoned farmyard manure, the properties from which should be thoroughly washed into the soil with tepid water. Mid-season vines. — Attend to the disbudding of these. First remove the weak, useless growths, and when it has been determined which, are the strongest and best shoots, the final thin- ning may be done, but sufficient shoots should be left to properly furnish the trellis with foli- age. Borders that are full of healthy roots should have liberal and frequent applications of stimulating manures. Melons. — Plants which were raised at the be- ginning of the year should be stopped when their shoots are about half-way up the trellis. This will encourage the development of the lateral shoots and hasten the plants into flower. Do not attempt to pollinate the flowers till three or four are open on each plant, otherwise the crop will be uneven and -disappointing. Pinch the laterals below the trellis at the first joint. Those which are showing fruit may be stopped at the second leaf beyond the fruit. Make fresh sowings as often as necessary. At this time of the year ripe fruit can be had in about 13 weeks from the time of sowing. The hot-bed, which was necessary for Melon culture at the. beginning of the season, can be dispensed with. Strawberries in pots.— The earliest plants, hav- ing passed their flowering stage must be* given more liberal treatment with' regard to moisture, both at the roots and in the atmo- sphere. Thin out the fruits to six or eight upon a truss, and securely stake and tie each truss to prevent their stems being broken. Stakes, for this purpose are furnished every season by the prunmgs from outdoor fruit trees. Syringe the plants two or three times. every day with tepid rain water and damp the floor of the house, frequently. Close the house early in the after- noon and syringe the plants at the same time. Apply liquid or artificial manure at every alter- nate watering. It is a good plan to have a large batch coming on slowly in a cool house From this batch the strongest plants may be selected when they commence to develop their! flower-spikes, removing them to a warmer house as required. Before removing anv plants from out-of-doors, clean all dead leaves from them, and, after laying the plants on their sides, thoroughly syringe them with a solution of soft soap and sulphur in water. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Delphinium.— Young plants raised from seed sown last season may now be planted out in the borders. Slugs are fond of the young shoots, therefore care must be taken to' protect them from these pests. Seeds may be sown for rais- ing plants to furnish successional flowers. I). uudicaule, sown now, will produce its rich,, orange-scarlet flowers in August and Septem- ber. Others that will flower by the end of the summer, if sown now, are D. cardinale, D. Brunoniauum, D. grandiHorum, D. sulphureum,. and D. formosum. It is a good plan to plant the large-growing Delphiniums in a nursery or reserve, garden during the first season, as those with the best flowers can be selected for plant- ing in the permanent borders. Pyrethrum.— These hardy border plants are valuable alike for the flower garden or for fur- nishing cut blooms. They should now be planted where they are intended to flower. Pansies and Violas.— Sow the seeds in shallow boxes and place them in a frame with a little bottom heat. The seeds should be sown thinly, as the seedlings are liable to damping. As soon as they are large enough, prick out the seedlings into other boxes and afford them cold treatment. Later they should be planted in the open on well-manured ground, where they will furnish a display of flowers during the summer months. Plants that were put out in the autumn ior spring flowering should be examined and have any decayed leaves removed. If birds are troublesome, sprinkle the plants with water in which a little paraffin has been placed : the sprinkling should be repeated at frequent in- tervals. Wallflowers. — Any blanks should be filled with fresh plants. Take care to preserve plenty of soil about the roots in transplanting, and do this work without delay, making the soil quite firm. Any of the spring-bedding plants that have failed may also be made good from the re- serve garden. Clematis. — The plants should now be pruned and made tidy. Shorten the shoots somewhat severely, and top-dress the soil as mav be neces- sary. Mice are very destructive to Clematis, and it may be necessary to place traps for these pests. Among the large-flowering varieties notable kinds are Fairy Queen, Gipsy Queen, Ville de Lyon, Madame Van Houtte, Belle of Woking, Alba Magna, La France, Mrs. Hope, and Queen Alexandra. The free-flowering C. montana and its rose-coloured variety are ex- cellent climbing plants for a variety of purposes. Planting shrubs. — This work should be pro- ceeded with as soon as the conditions admit. In the case of impoverished soils, some fresh ma- terial should be afforded, such as leaf-mould, road scrapings, or cow manure. The border itself should be given a top-dressing of manure. Lilacs especially enjoy this manurial assistance, and the result is seen in the superior blooms and increased growth. Conifers may still be planted. 152 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [March 6, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters tor Publication, as well as specimens of 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. 1/ 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 responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.- The Editor will be glad to receive andto select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c, but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be carejutto m»rh the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, MARCH 8- ■ ■„"...«. Ann. Meet. United Hort. Ben. and Prov. Soc. at Hort. Hall, Westminster. TUESDAY, MARCH 9— V . Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Bulb Exh. in Hort. Hall, Westminster. Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. . W. b. Murray, on " Bulb-growing in Holland "). British Card. Assoc. Ex. Council meet. Hort. Club meet. THURSDAY, MARCH 11— British Gardeners' Association (London Branch) meet, at Carr's Restaurant, Strand. Lecture on " Insect Pests." Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 41*0°. Actual Temperatures :— London.— Wednesday, March 3 (6 p.m.): Max. 83"; Min. 29°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London —Thursday, March 4 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 293 ; Temp. 36° ; Weather— Bright. Provinces.— Wednesday, March 3 (6 p.m.): Max. 38" Ireland S.W. ; Min. 29" Yorkshire. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY- , ■ Perennials, Border Plants, Spring-flowering Bulbs and Tubers, Azaleas, &c, at 12 ; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30 ; at 67 & 68, Cheapside. WEDNESDAY- Herbaceous and Border Plants, Lihums, Bulbs, and Tubers, at 12; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30; Palms and Plants, at 5 ; Miscellaneous Bulbs, Palm Seeds, &c, at 11.30; Japanese Liliums, at 1.30; at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. It will be of interest to „ The recall the circumstances under Methods i r* and Scope which the volume (see Crar- Genetics; deners' Chronicle, December 12, 1 90S) entitled The Methods and Scope of Genetics made its appearance. About a year ago the University of Cam- bridge received from an anonymous source an offer to endow, for the space of five years, a professorship in biology. The offer was accompanied by a suggestion that the pro- fessorship, if founded, should, in bearing the title " The Darwin Professorship," serve to commemorate Darwin's unique services to biology. The University, whilst accepting the gener- ous gift, decided wisely that it could not at- tach the name of Darwin to a professorship the endowment of which was not permanent. But it took the step most calculated to en- sure this permanency by inviting Mr. Bate- son to occupy the chair. Ancient custom, which finds yet an abiding place within the venerable walls of our older Universities, de- crees that a newly-elected professor shall, on assuming his office, deliver before the mem- bers of the University an inaugural lecture. To a stranger coming from some distant seat of learning, such an occasion, invested with the chill decorum which reigns in academic spheres, might seem a distasteful, almost barbarous, relic of the method of trial by or- deal. But to Professor Bateson, at home in Cambridge and known as one of the most distinguished of her men of science, the occa- sion had, we imagine, no such sinister import and but served him as an opportunity for informing the world in general of recent pro- gress in the experimental study of evolution. Bateson 's ordeal was in the years which are passed, during the patient time when, alone, and heedless of the talking Darwinians, he pursued the only way of experimental en- quiry into the problems of Variation and Heredity which Darwin himself had first shown to be within the range of experimental science. The volume, embodying the sub- stance of Bateson 's inaugural lecture, must, we think, convince all who read it that the new modes of research comprehended in the term " Genetics " mark the most im- portant and fruitful departure from the con- ventional methods of enquiry which has occurred in recent times. It justifies the high claims put forward not so long ago by Bate- son himself on behalf of the discoveries asso- ciated with the name of Mendel ; and it is a splendid record of the work which we owe to Bateson and his colleagues — Mr. Punnett, Miss Saunders, Mr. Doncaster, Miss Dur- ham— as well as to other workers, such as Mr. Hurst and Professor Biffin in this coun- try, and de Vries, Correns, Tschermak, and other investigators in foreign lands. The term Genetics was proposed, as our readers are aware, by Bateson himself as a more comprehensive substitute for the older descriptive phrase, " hybridisation and plant- breeding." To quote his own words used during an earlier inaugural address, namely that given at the opening of the Third Con- ference on Hybridisation and Plant Breeding, called by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1906: — "The study of hybridisation and plant-breeding . . . has become a de- veloped science, destined, as we believe, not merely to add new regions to man's know- ledge, but also to absorb and modify pro- foundly large tracts of the older sciences . . the science itself is still nameless, and we can only describe our pursuit by cumbrous and often misleading periphrasis. To meet this difficulty I suggest . . . the term Genetics, which sufficiently indicates that our labours are devoted to the elucidation of the phe- nomena of heredity and variation : in other words, to the physiology of descent." The new name was well chosen. It has stood the test of time and has passed not only into our language but into the languages of the civilised world. The new name was wanted, for it marked the introduction of a new method. The new method was discovered by Mendel, whose work, forgotten for a time, was brought to light again by de Vries and other investigators. To no one more than to Bate- son is it due that the work of Mendel has served as a model and an inspiration for modern research in Genetics. There is no need, in this place, to describe the discoveries which Mendel made. They have been recounted with characteristic vigour by Professor Bateson and by his pupils. One aspect of Mendel's work de- serves, however, more prominence than, as far as we can remember, it has yet received. Judged by his experiments and by the theory of segregation which he built on the results of his experiments, Mendel was a genius among men. But he showed his genius most by beginning at the beginning. His pre- decessors had grown grey and weary in the endeavour to discover how the almost infinite complexity of one organism, the offspring, compares with the equal complexities of the parents. The task was superhuman. They failed. Mendel, recognising intui- tively that the complex of characters — ■ whose sum is the individual — is made up of a series of simple characters, fixed his gaze on those individual, simple char- acters. His genius manufactured common sense. By the study of the simple characters individually he showed that law and order reign in inheritance. Into the eager hands of Bateson came the Mendelian key. He and his pupils and co-workers first verified the results of Mendel's experiments and then set themselves to solve the more complex cases which, unsolved, seemed to limit the applica- tion and use of the new knowledge. What striking success has followed upon their efforts readers of the Evolution Reports and of the inaugural lecture may learn. Foremost in interest from a horticultural standpoint is the discovery of the meaning of reversion. Tall Sweet Peas breed true. Of dwarf Sweet Peas both " Cupids " and " Bush " breed true. Now Cupid crossed with Bush gives Tall. The explanation is of the simplest, Cupid is tall minus some- thing; "Bush" is tall minus something else. In other words Cupid, in sporting out of tall, did so by losing a certain factor which made for height. Bush, in arising from Tall, did so by losing another factor, which also made for height. When Cupid and Bush are mated* together each supplies one of the missing links of tallness and both necessary factors for tall are thus present in the offspring, which are therefore Tall. Similar results have been obtained by Bate- son and Punnett in the case of flower-colour of Sweet Peas. Two white plants, though breeding true when selfed, may give, when crossed, purple-flowered offspring. The albi- nos each lack one of the two necessary factors for colour : one albino lacks one, the other the other colour factor. Coming together they supplement each other's deficiencies and colour results " by reversion." As shown by- Hurst in a recent issue of this Journal, the facts are substantially the same in albino Orchids. The mysteries which have so long enshrouded the mode of inheritance of colour in flowers are slowly disappearing and the laws of such inheritance arc discovering themselves. When a theory admits of the replacement of vague and indefinite ideas by precise and definite conceptions — and this is what the Mendelian theory does in the case of rever- sion— it proves its value as an instrument of thought. Those who refuse to profit by the aid of such vindicated theories must be con- tent to remain behind in the march of pro- gress. Though we have devoted consider- able space to the subject of reversion because of its horticultural interest, it must not be supposed that this is the only or chief matter dealt with in the pages of the volume on Genetics. A theory of the nature and inheri- tance of sex, based on Mendelian studies and March 6, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 153 supported by weighty evidence, is brought forward, and evidence of the dependence of structure on chemical constitution is offered. For an account of these and other subjects of equal interest we must refer our readers to the work itself. It is unnecessary to say that the most careful perusal of " The Method and Aims of Genetics " will repay all who are concerned with the work of hybridi- sation and of plant-breeding. Those, too, who are interested in the wider aspects of the science of Genetics will find much which will compel their careful thought, for Professor Bateson does not shrink from indi- cating that this new knowledge obtained by breeding Experiments with plants and animals has bearings of the most profound importance on the welfare of the race and on the treat- ment of social problems. Horticulturists, more perhaps than any others, have the right to congratulate Pro- fessor Bateson on the constant care and suc- cess with which he has ministered to the growth and education of his god-son Genetics. Royal Horticultural Society. — The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 9. At 3 o'clock a lecture on "Tulips and the Tulip Mania" will be delivered in the lecture room by Mr. W. S. Murray. Horticultural Club. —The next House dinner of the Club will take place on Tuesday, March 9, at 6 p.m., at the Hotel Wind- sor. Professor Bottomley will further discuss the question of " Soil Inoculation," in reply to Mr. Chittenden's criticisms in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society based on the Wisley experiments. Mr. Chittenden will Le present and take part in the discussion. The Royal Society.— Among the 15 names of gentlemen nominated by the Council of the Royal Society for election to the Fellowship of the Society are those of Mr. A. D. Hall, Director of the Rothamstead Experimental Sta- tion, and Dr. A. B. Rendle, Keeper of the Department of Botany, British Museum. United Horticultural Benefit and Provident Society.— The annual meeting of this Society will be held at the Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, S.W., on Monday, March 8, at 8 p.m. The National Horticultural Society of France has recently held its annual election of officers and committees. We understand that Mr. Hakman Payne has the unique distinc- tion for a foreigner of being appointed a mem- ber of the Floral Committee of the society's Chrysanthemum section. Weed - killers. — Under the title "Weed- Killers and their Application," Mr. F. Pil- kington Sergeant publishes, in the Pharma- ceutical Journal ana Pharmacist for Feb- ruary 20, the first of a series of articles on "Horticultural Preparations." Mr. Sergeant classifies the weed-killers in general use into the highly poisonous arsenical compounds and the so-called non-poisonous compounds. He gives recipes for the preparation of the more service- able arsenical weed-killers from which we give the following details : — Arsenious oxide, 1 lb. ; sodium hydroxide, 1 lb. ; water, six pints. The mixture is boiled till clear, diluted to one gallon, and then to it is added any suitable aniline dye to serve as a warning colour to the riser. This concentrated solution is diluted, before use, with 98 per cent, of water. A gallon of the diluted liquid suffices for four square yards of path. It is recommended that (1) the paths should be sprayed with the preparation during dry weather, preferably on a warm, sunny afternoon ; (2) during the spraying, the borders of the paths should be protected ; (3) the paths so treated should be swept on the fol- lowing morning in order to avoid disastrous consequences to birds, &c. This precaution has the additional advantage that thereby the worms, which have died on the surface, are removed. Of the so-called non-poisonous weed-killers, those in most frequent use include crude hydro- chloric acid diluted with 40 parts of water ; 4 per cent, of sulphuric acid ; and 1 per cent, sodium hydroxide. These substances are, of course, poisonous, and should not be used by anyone not conversant with their properties. Rock salt and lime powdered and sprinkled on the paths are effective, but have the drawback of disfiguring the paths temporarily. Among other materials mentioned are lime and sulphur in the proportions of 8 ounces sulphur, 8 ounces lime, and one gallon of water ; the mixture to stand for 24 hours and to be diluted with one gallon of water. This mixture is very effective on cinder paths, but is apt to discolour porous tiles and paths dressed with red-sandstone gravel. As will be seen from the foregoing, Mr. Ser- geant's article is very valuable, and may be commended to all who have the care of con- siderable areas of paths. It insists, very pro- perly, on the danger of the indiscriminate use of the highly poisonous arsenical compounds. At the risk of repetition, we would point out that those desirous of using any of these poisonous substances should first inform themselves of the properties of the substances and of the precau- tion to be adopted in their use. Board of Agriculture Leaflets.— These are now issued in sectional form, the pamphlets relating to kindred subjects being bound together in separate volumes. That on " Fungi Injurious to Farm and Garden Crops " contains a very com- plete description of the American Gooseberry- mildew disease, and is illustrated with coloured pictures showing the disease in its various stages. Others of the greatest use to the gar- dener are those entitled as follow : — " Fungi Injurious to F'ruit and Fruit Trees," "Insect and Other Pests Injurious to Fruit Trees and Bushes," "Insect and Other Pests Injurious to Farm and Garden Crops," " Forest Trees and Their Diseases," " Manures and Feeding Stuffs," and '' Cultivation of Fruit Trees and Farm and Garden Crops." The cost of each volume is one penny, and they can be had post free from the Secretary, Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, 4, Whitehall Place, London, S.W. Exhibition of Bulbs at Hillegom, Holland. — In April next an open - ground flower show will be held at Hillegom, Holland. This kind of show was a great success last year at Sassenheim. The principal idea is to show how to obtain the best results from planting Dutch bulbs in small and large gardens, in bor- ders, terraces, and lawns, and to make the most effective combinations in beds and groups, com- bined with evergreen and early-flowering shrubs. The show ground occupies more than three acres and is divided into two parts. One part will be a French garden and the other part an old Dutch garden. In the centre of the old Dutch garden is the town hall, an interesting, old- fashioned building, just opposite which is the church situated on a hill near a small brook (old Dutch " gom " — hence 'he name Hillegom). The church was erected in the fifteenth or sixteenth century. A drain- ing mill which can be seen from the show ground is used to pump the water from the low land into the leading canal. There is a beauti- ful view from the steps of the towa hall over the bulb fields in this drained land into the low-lying, green, peasant lands of the old Haar- lem Lake. The show will be divided into a per- manent exhibition in the open, and temporary shows in large tents — the latter beinp, intended for cut flowers and forced plants. Cultivators of Rhododendrons, Lilacs, and clipped plants (Forms), &c, will also exhibit their best products, so that the show will be in- teresting for florists and nurserymen as well as for amateurs. The opening date is fixed for April 8, and the exhibition will close at the end of the first week in May. The great inter- national exhibition of bulbs will be held next year at Haarlem. Disease Resistant Coffee. — For many years past the existence of Coffea arabica has been menaced by the disease, due to the fungus, Hemileia vastatrix. No effective cure or prevention of the disease has as yet been discovered, and, mainly for this reason, the Coffee plantations of Ceylon have almost totally given place to Tea culture, whilst plantations of Java and Madagascar yield less produce each year, Liberian Coffee (Coffea liberica) is better able to withstand the malady, but its market value is less than that of C. arabica, and, therefore, the planters have not adopted it to any great extent. Hybrids of the two species have so far failed to yield any useful results. A new species, discovered growing wild on the shores of the Oubanghi, Central Africa, by M. Dybowski, and named C. congensis, which has been grown since 1903 in the botani- cal garden at Ivoloina, has so far remained free from disease. Its market value is stated to be fully equal to that of the best qualities of Arabian Coffee. Whilst the present crop of C. congensis has not suffered from the disease, C. arabica, planted at the same time, has been en- tirely destroyed. Fruits from Cape Colon Y.—TheGovernment of this colony has instituted a scheme for the inspection of fruits intended for export, and those consignments that satisfy the requirements are branded " Passed by Government Inspec- tor." The Trades Commissioner for the Cape of Good Hope has been informed from Cape Town that shippers of fruit who have not agreed to the conditions of the Government inspection scheme are branding their boxes with the words "Extra Selected" and "Selected," which are the terms used to indicate the grades of fruit shipped under that scheme. The Trades Com- missioner desires to point out that any Cape fruit so branded upon which do not also appear the Government inspector's stamp with the Arms of the Government of the Cape of Good Hope and the words " Passed by Government Inspec- tor " is not shipped under Government inspec- tion. The "Retrospective" Chrysanthemum Show in Paris. —This exhibition was a great success, and the credit of its organisation must be accorded to M. George Gibault, the able and learned librarian of the National Horti- cultural Society of France, assisted by his deputy, M. Le Texnier, and several other mem- bers of the society. As this was the first re- trospective flower show ever held, it has been asked to what will the next one be devoted. Another dealing with some other flower is sure . to follow. In the meantime we have heard the question asked : A retrospective Chrysanthemum show cannot be held in England? As a souvenir of the show, the National Horticultural Society of France decided to strike a special commemo- rative plaquette d'honneur to be awarded to the two principal exhibitors, M. Rene Mommeja r-.nd Mr. Harman Payne. 154 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [March 6, 1903. " Le Chrysantheme." — This interesting pub- lication, the official organ of the French National Chrysanthemum Society, has reached 'tis 110th number. It contains an article on " Le Chrysantheme, Fleur du Japan " (illus- trated) by M. Mommeja, notes on the Chrysan- themum " retrospective " show at Pairs by M. Nonin, an account of the Paris show (illus- trated) by M. G. Clement, a continuation of the report of the congress at Tours, and other matter. Horticulture at the White City. — Mr. W. H. Adsett has been appointed hon. secre- tary to the horticultural and agricultural sec- tion of the Imperial International Exhibition to be held at Shepherd's Bush. It is intended to hold two international flower shows during the season. Several of the leading continental firms are arranging to provide specimens of their bedding-out, and it is hoped to secure an ade- quate British representation. Full details may be forwarded by the hon. secretary, Adminis- trative Offices, London, W. Horticultural Show at Southport. — The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society will again hold a horticultural exhibition, owing to the success which attended the show at Man- chester-last year. The exhibition will be held at Southport, and Mr. Peter Blair has been appointed manager. Publications Received. — Kew Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information. (No. 1, 1909). (London : Wyman & Sons, Ltd.) Price 2d.— The Queensland Agricultural Journal. (Janur ary). (Brisbane: Anthony J, dimming, Acting Government Prinler). — The Transvaal Agri- cultural Journal. (January). (Pretoria: Govern- ment Printing and Stationery ■ Office), — The Darwin- Wallace Celebration, held on Thurs- day, July 1, 1908, by the Linnean Society of London. (London: The Linnean Society). — The Fertilisation of Tea, by George A. Cowie, M.A., B.Sc. (London: Tkapical Life Publishing Department). — Beautiful Flowers and How to Grow Them [Part VIII), by Horace J. and Walter P. Wright. (London : T. C. and E. C. Jack.) Price Is— The Orchid Stud-Booh, by Robert Allen Rolfe, A.L.S., and Charles Chamber- lain Hurst, F.L.S. (Kew: Frank Leslie & Co, 12, Lawn Crescent).— One and All Gardening, 1909, edited by Edward Owen Greening. (London : Agricultural and Horticultural Associa- tion^ Price 2d. — Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Illinois. Circular No. 123 : The Status of Soil Fertility Investigations. Circular No. 124 : Chemical Principles of Soil Fertility, by Cyril G. Hopkins. Bulletin No. 129: Market Classes and Grades of Sheep, by W. C. Coffey. U.S.A. : Urbana, Illinois).— The American Apple Orchard, by F. A. Waugh. (London ; Kegan Paul, Trench Trubner & Co., Ltd.) Price 5s. net. — Eliza Brightwen. The Life and Thoughts of a Naturalist, edited by W. H. Chesson, with an Introduction by Edmund Gosse. (London : T. Fisher Unwin, Adelphi Terrace). — Botanical Magazine. (March). (London: Lovell Reeve & Co., Ltd., 6, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, W.C.). — Chrysanthemums for Garden and Greenhouse, by D. B. Crane. (Second Edition). (London: W. H. & L. Collingridge, 148 & 149, Aldersgate Street, E.C.).— Journal of Botany, edited by James Britten. F.L.S. (London : West, Newman & Co., 54. Hatton Garden, E.C). VEGETABLES. SCARCITY OF GOOD WINTER VEGE- TABLES. Owing to the severe frosts the green crops have been much damaged, and prices for all green vegetables are, in consequence, much above the average. Leeks appear to have gone off badly, doubtless owing to the mild season of last year causing the growth to be soft. I do not consider sufficient use is made of such vegetables as Celeriac. This should be sown early, like Celery, and when lifted, packed in soil or sand in a cold store that is just frost-proof. Celeriac is a delicious vege- table in season from November to the end of April, and it is not only valuable as a cooked vegetable, but also, like Beetroot, for salads. Frequently, in a severe winter, Celery is badly injured by the cold, and then Celeriac is doubly valuable. Chicory is not often used as a green vegetable, but it is by no means an in- ferior one. It should be forced so that the top growth is compact and somewhat like Seakale before it opens out. Chicory grows so readily, that it is worth a trial. The Witloof or Brussels variety gives the largest crown growths, but too much heat should not be employed in forcing, otherwise the top growth is weakened. Cooked as is Seakale, and served with melted butter, it is an excellent winter vegetable, and may be had at a small cost from December to May. The Cardoon is worthy of more atten- tion as a winter green vegetable. Although, to obtain extra fine heads, special culture is neces- sary, good Cardoons may be had at a small cost by sowing the seed in small pots in frames and planting the seedlings out in trenches, after- wards blanching and finally lifting them in No- vember, or at the approach of frost. They will remain good for a considerable time if lifted carefully and placed where frost cannot injure them. Excellent roots may be had by sowing in the open in trenches in light soil, or on the fiat in the case of heavy land, Late in April or early in May. A distance of 18 inches from plant to plant and 3 feet between the rows will allow of the growth of stalks sufficiently long for any purpose, and these I find are more hardy than the larger ones started under glass. The Cardoon is a gross feeder and re- quires plenty of moisture. I recently saw French- grown Cardoons in Covent Garden Market, and these, at wholesale price, realised 10s. per dozen. Endive, such as the large, round- leaved Batavian, grown in quantity for winter supplies, makes a splendid green vegetable, and though by no means hatdy, with timely shelter or lifting into a cold house, will give variety. For cooking purposes it should not be blanched, but grown as hardy as possible, and it is surprising what a lot of good edible material a well-grown plant contains. For years I have advocated growing the dis- tinct varieties of Winter Cabbage. These I have always found hardy, as having a short leg or stem they better escape damage by frost. Such kinds as Christmas Drumhead, St. John's Day and Little Gem are most valuable in seasons like this. They are somewhat like a small Drumhead Cabbage, the hearts being remarkably firm and of excellent edible quality. Those sown in the summer for winter use are most valuable, be- cause they have few waste leaves and the hearts are much protected. Spinach Beet, sown on a well-drained border in August, will give a good supply of green leafage, and though liable to be damaged by frost, I have found a little loose litter sufficient to protect them and to preserve the winter sup- ply. The plant is much hardier than many people imagine. Roots enter largely into the winter supply, and Scorzonera and Salsafy are both valuable. Scorzonera is not grown so extensively as Salsafy, but both are useful winter roots, as they furnish a supply from November to April. Their cul- tural requirements are simple, and they may be giown in a not over-rich soil. The yellow-fleshed Turnip is of greater value than the white in such seasons as this, being more solid and a better keeper. As regards Potatos, those who have room for the Black Congo and the Fir Apple varie- ties would find them a welcome addition at this season, as they give variety. The small but de- licious Stachys tuberifera or Japanese Artichoke is excellent fried in butter and served on toast. The White Artichoke should not be overlooked, being a good winter vegetable. 67. Wythts. NELUMBIUM SPECIOSUM VAR. OSIRIS. (See Supplementary Illustration.) This very beautiful variety of the Lotus family flowered in Gunnersbury House Gardens during last summer. I had previously cultivated several varieties of Nelumbium speciosum, but the op- portunity was taken to make a fresh trial with some of the best. Upon the previous occasion I attempted to acclimatise them in a heated tank- out-of-doors during the summer months. I tried this with all possible care for three seasons, but the rhizomes gradually became weaker and weaker, and I had to give up the attempt. The plants produced strong, healthy foliage, but rarely a flower of good quality. Last year the plants were cultivated under glass, and the re- sults were much more satisfactory. The varie- ties of N. speciosum are truly noble plants, both in foliage and in flower, being quite a feature during the season. There are, in all, some 15 varieties of N. speciosum described in the French and German catalogues. These vary in colour from pure white to rose and crimson shades, some having double and some single flowers. The best six, in my opinion, are N. speciosum var. Osiris (the illustration shows the flower natural size) ; N. s. album (pure white) ; N. s. album plenum ; N. s. Shiroman ; N. s. japoni- cum roseum (rosy-lilac with white base]; N. s. Pekinense rubrum, perhaps the finest red ; and N. s. roseum plenum, with large double, deep pink flowers. Our plants are grown in tubs of from 24 to 28 inches in diameter and about 10 inches in depth. The tubs are first crocked as for any other -plant and then a layer of turfy loam is put on, which, with a thin layer of finer soil, some under and some upon the rhizomes, is all that is needed. The finer soil might contain with ad- vantage a small proportion of leaf-mould and some coarse sand or shingle. The plants were cultivated in a house heated much the same as a stove during the season of growth, but a little more air was admitted when the foliage had matured. By having a hole at the side of the base of each tub the water could be changed occasionally ; afterwards the tubs were filled again to the rims. Each flower will last from four to six days, but the buds are also very beautiful. A free use of the syringe is sufficient to prevent red spider, which appears to be the only insect- pest to trouble them. Only three rhizomes were placed in each tub and this number is ample. So far, they have not been examined since they were stored in a temperate house last autumn, but I think I shall take them out and replant them before they start into growth. During a holiday last summer I saw a pool of the type (N. speciosum) luxuriating in a sunny position in the garden of one of the largest hotels at Lugano. This was early in August, and the flowers were then coming on ; I counted some fifteen or sixteen that in a few days would make a fine display. I have seen them out-of-doors at the Villa Carlotta on the Lake of Como. Last year also I saw cut flowers of the same (N. speciosum) in the florists' shops at St. Muiitz. These had evidently been cut in the bud stage, and by so doing it is possible to keep the flowers fresh much longer. The supply of the cut flowers is from Italy, as I was informed by Mr. Leo- pold de Rothschild, who takes a great interest in these plants. The essential is a very warm and sunny posi- tion, such as prevailed where I saw them growing out-of-doors. In this country we can hardly expect to succeed with Nelumbiums ex- cept in the most favoured conditions, or under the protection of glass. First-class Certificates have been awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society to N. s. album plenum (shown as N. s. Shiroman), August 27, 1901, and N. s. Osiris, July 21, 1908. In each case flowers were exhibited from these gardens. Jns. Hudson, Gunnersbury House Gardens, Mid- dlesex. March 6, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 155 FORESTRY. TREATMENT OF PLANTATIONS WITH- OUT REGULAR THINNING. We have from time to time published notes from our correspondent Capt. Henry Rogers on this subject. The system of treating planta- tions without regular thinning was adopted by him in 1857, and in 1894 we published a note on the subject. Since then Mr. Rogers has kept us informed of the results, contributions en the subject having appeared in our issues of June 17, 1905, p. 386, and December 8, 1906, p. 388. Mr. Rogers now writes: — "The last cuts, 20 feet wide leaving 80 feet of trees unthinned, were made in May, 1895. These cuts were planted with three rows of trees, 6 feet between each row. The centre row was formed of Silver Fir, there being a distance of 12 feet between high. I iiitend, ultimately, to have the Larch which remain among the Douglas Fir cut out, and I hope that the Firs will develop without side branches. This season we have planted 50 trees of the Douglas Fir to fill vacancies caused by the death of trees planted in previous years. The young Douglas Fir trees have a tendency to form more than one head. We are careful to remove these in the month of May." NOTES FROM A "FRENCH'' GARDEN. Work in the French garden has been greatly interfered with by the cold weather, but the mak- ing of the hot-beds can be proceeded with in fiosty weather, especially if all the materials have been prepared beforehand. During cold mornings the manure should be brought into the frame ground and placed about the frame to keep up the temperature therein. It is heat should be too great and destroy their ger- minating powers. Cauliflowers sowneaily in February are grow- ing well. They must receive abundance of ven. tilation whenever the weather peimits, for every effort must be made to have them sturdy. We do not intend to plant Melons under cloches this year, as the results are not always satisfactory. Instead we shall use the bell-glasses for a crop of Tomatos, which will be planted early in May. The seeds have already been sown on a mild bed, originally prepared for our first sowing of Lettuces in January. The manure of this bed has been turned over, and some fresh material added. We have sown 50 seeds under each cloche in a rich loam. The seedlings will be pricked off in the middle of March in frames that have pre- viously housed a batch of Lettuces, which will have been harvested by that time. Melons to succeed Passion Lettuce grown in cold frames should now be raised from seeds. The frames will be at liberty for the FlG. 68. — VIEW OF IHE CYCLAMENS AT READING. (See p. 149.) each tree; the other two rows were Beech, at 6 feet apart. In May, 1905, I thinned the Larch trees in the thick parts to 8 feet apart, felling any that had scars on them in case th.v should be affected with the Larch disease. On November 20 I planted 400 Douglas Fir, that were 2 feet to '2\ feet high. There was some delay in receiving the trees, caused in their transit, and the roots suffered, resulting in the death of some of the trees. In 1887, when this plantation was 30 years old, a Douglas Fir was planted among old Oak and young Larch trees. This Fir grew up amongst the other trees with- out any large branches, and became, in 1907, as high and as large as the Larch near it which had been planted 30 years before. This induced me to plant Douglas Fir at dis- tances of 6 feet from any other tree and 6 feet from each other. In November, 1906, I planted 493 trees of Douglas Fir from 2 feet to 2£ feet not advisable to allow the mats to remain on the lights after 8.30 a.m., even though frost is pre- sent, because the plants would become drawn in the dark. The crop. of Lettuces under the lights are growing well ; they should have any of the outer decayed leaves removed as soon as opportunity permits. We have sown our first batch of Endive on a very hot bed, composed of three-quarters fresh manure and one quarter old. We gener- ally sow a pinch of seeds when the heat has reached the top of the bed in order to test if the conditions are suitable. If the seeds ger- minate well within 48 hours, the conditions are favourable for sowing, and the seed should be scattered very thinly. The manure around the frames outside must be changed every week. The mats are kept over the lights until the seeds germinate. Some do not place the seeds below the soil, but on the surface, in case the Melons early in April. They are set on a bed of manure 2 feet high after tread- ing, and sufficient is placed to accommodate one light. The manure is made level, and mats are placed around the beds to shelter the frames from the wind. A layer of soil is placed in the frames, and the seeds are sown 1 inch apart either way in the centre of the frame. The glass is covered with mats until the seeds ger- minate. As soon as the seedlings appear they should receive as much light as possible, and, in the middle cf the day, w-hatever the weather may be, a little ventilation on the side opposite to that from which the wind is blowing. This is necessary to change the atrn sphere in the frame as well as to harden the young plants. Next week we shall sow our main batch of early Celery, using the variety Chemin. For a winter crop we use Green of Paris. P. Aquaiias. 156 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 6, 1809. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself tes^onsible jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) The R.H.S. Daffodil Classification.— I would like to make a few remarks on Mr. Engle- heait's article on the R.H.S. Daffodil Classifica- tion which appeared in your issue of February 20 last. First, his opening paragraph about the constitution and procedure of the special com- mittee is misleading. I have a copy of the minute of the Council before me, and the name of Mr. P. R. Barr was not included. Probably, remembering the services of Mr. W. Barr at the time of the last Daffodil Conference, they chose him instead of his brother, as both of them are recognised by all Daffodil people as high autho- rities. Secondly, Mr. Engleheart ignores that part of the introductory remarks appended to the classification, in which it is distinctly stated, " If the principle involved in the present list should find acceptance, it is intended in a future edition not only to correct and modify the ar- rangement according to further experience, but also to indicate which varieties are considered to be self-yellow and self-white, large and small trumpets, &c, &C."1'* This surely fully answers his remarks, and also those of Mr. Bliss (see p. 139) about Division 7, and the making of a special class for pure Poeticus varieties. Every division can be subdivided very easily, almost to any extent. To me the practical *nd, of neces- sity, debateable point will be how far such sub- division, is to be carried. Thirdly, I cannot fol- low Mr. Engleheart in his comparison of the present classification of the R.H.S. with the botanical one of Mr. Baker, and the semi-botani- cal one of Mr. Peter Barr. He might as well compare the purely florist classification of Tulips with that of the same Mr. Baker pub- lished in the Journal of the Linnean Society (vol. xiv., p. 275). I would rather compare it with the colour classification of the Sweet Pea Society. It does not profess to be' in any way natural or botanical, and so I think it will avoid many possible pitfalls. " It is for garden and show purposes." Personally, I regard it as one- seventh garden and six-sevenths show. Fourthly, some such authorised list of flowers was badly wanted. There is no recognised standard or classification in existence; and I would ask Mr. Bliss and Mr. Engleheart whether Peach should be shown as a " Medio " or a " Parvi,'- or whether Mr. Goodwin's Arnold Rogers is a " Magni " or a " Medio," and then, when they have answered according to their lights, why the exact opposite should not be held by my- self? There is no National Daffodil Society, and I hold that the R.H.S. ought to take the lead, and that, in doing as it has done, it has done a great service to those who exhibit flowers. The classification is not complete, and it will take time to arrive at anything approach- ing perfection. Rome was not built in a day ; neither can anyone conversant with the difficul- ties of pigeon-holing the huge number of old and new Daffodils expect it to be done at once. The issuing of some list which, to give it its lowest value, may be taken as a basis on which to build up a more perfect scheme is in itself the best thing that could have happened. Had the R.H.S. waited until a more complete list had been made, it is highly probable that Daffo- dil shows might be a thing of the past before it ever saw light. Joseph Jacob. Vegetable Prizes at Shrewsbury.— The esteemed secretaries are evidently under a mis- apprehension as to the rules of the seed trade in relation to the selections and names adopted by a particular firm. They conclude that any seeds- man will have in stock any of the seeds named in the Schedule Classes 109 to 126, but I do not know of any seedsman in the kingdom other than the firms named in the schedule who has them. If I apply to my seedsman for seed, from such firms as named, of " Moneymaker " Tomato or of " New Standard " Carrot, he will tell me that he does not stock varieties under those names, but that he has superior sorts with other names. If I ask him to obtain from the said firms the varieties as named in the schedule ho will probably decline to do business in that way. But if he does so, it is obvious that he must obtain the seeds from these firms, and whether I gel them directly or indirectly through my seedsman, the principle of compul- sion is there plainly enough, and the new condi- tions of the society are essentially violated. Mr. E. Murrell, in his classes, makes no conditions. His offers are most honourable. Will Messrs. Pritchard & Sons and Mr. John Wilson say whether " Selected Champion Onion," and " Excelsior " are other than selected globular forms of Ailsa Craig? I do not know whether all of Messrs. Baker's Sweet Peas are in com- merce. As to the Eckford Peas, they are all in commerce. Vegetable. Instead of being censured and criti- cised for the alterations in this schedule, which I consider undoubted improvements, the commit- tee and hon. secretaries are to be congratulated. By their action they have come into line with the Royal Horticultural Society and the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society. I have often wondered why they did not do it years ago 1 William Cuthbertson. 1 am well aware, from personal ex- perience of the inner workings of a horticultural society, that flower shows often owe much to the trade. The officials are usually ready to acknowledge that help, whether it be in the form of subscriptions or exhibits. Until enlightened by Mr. Sydenham's letter* in your last issue, I was of the opinion that the object of the trade was to secure a good advertisement for their wares, but it seems that they are actuated by the benevolent object of "encouraging gar- deners to do their best in friendly competition ! " A. C. Bart left. Stoking Garden Furnaces (seepp, 379, 417, vol. xliv.). — By smothering a fire with coal, a great quantity of the combustible gases escape without being consumed. On one occasion I was stoking a crucifix boiler, and the damper had been shut rather close, so that the coal had not burnt through. When I broke the coal which had coated together on the top, the flame caused an explosion of gas, which had accumu- lated in the top chamber of the boiler, and I was blown against the stoke-hole wall. In stoking, much depends upon the kind of fuel that is used. Small coal, such as is employed in the North of England, is the most difficult to regulate. Anthracite coal gives no trouble if there is a good draught in the furnace, but when all the advantages are considered, coke is one of the most satisfactory fuels. I agree with Mr. Jenkins (p. 417, December 12, 1908), that dif- ferent boilers require different treatment, but neither Mr. Jenkins nor the writer (on p. 379) mentions the most essential points in stoking. The heating capacity of the boiler must be first considered. Some years ago trials were made to ascertain the number of feet of 4-inch pipes a boiler was capable of heating, but the trials were made in comparatively warm weather, and the flues of the boiler were quite clean. The same boiler would not heat on a frosty night more than half the cubic space that the trial credited it with, especially if the flues, tubes, &c, were not clean. Herein lies the great advantage of the upright tubular boiler, for there is no chance of the tubes becoming coated with soot. Notwithstanding this, I do not agree with Mr. Jenkins as to their superiority over horizontal boilers. I have stoked two of the largest upright tubular boilers made by the Thames Bank Iron Company. They required a large amount of fuel, and were eventually replaced by horizontal, terminal saddle boilers, with the result that there was a great saving of fuel. The heating power of these upright "tubulars" was very great. On one frosty morning I started big fires under ihem at about 4 a.m., and after attending to the other fires I found two boiling fountains ; the 2-inch safety pipes through the roof were throw- ing out boiling water at a tremendous rate. In stoking, the first thing is to keep all parts of 1he boiler thoroughly clean, and if this is en- trusted to an ordinary labourer or stoker, it is a matter of chance whether it is done properly. An inexperienced man was sent to clean out a boiler and the flues, and after he had finished I cleared out nearly as much soot and ashes from the side flues as he had taken out. The great secret of an efficient boiler is in the setting. The flowpipe should have a good rise and a sufficient fall for the return, so as to set up a pressure of cold water at the bottom of the boiler. The pipes through the houses need have no more rise than is sufficient to prevent an accumulation of air at the joints. When the water in a boiler or pipes begins to "kick" or " jump," it is a sign of faulty arrangement. In regard to "feeding" a furnace, I was taught, in the case of a saddle boiler, to push the burn- ing fuel to the back and to fill up the front, but sufficient fuel should be left on the bars to cause combustion. If treated as recommended at p. 379, there would be a danger of getting an air space at the back, and this should be avoided at both the front and the back. The most economical method of stoking is to well fill the furnace and leave the damper out to the fullest extent until the fuel has burnt bright, then shut off the draught below and put the damper in, leaving sufficient space only for the smoke to escape. A most successful cultivator once said that by doing his own stoking he saved more than he could make by giving his attention to the plants. Now that fuel is so much dearer, it is of great importance that stoking should be done economically. A. H. Telemly Sweet Pea for Winter Flower- ing.— These charming flowers are useful for decorative purposes at a time of the year when other flowers are scarce. The seeds should be sown in pots early in September, and the plants placed in a fairly cool greenhouse before the advent of frost. They will yield a wealth of flowers from the end of January onwards. Care must be taken not to give them too much arti- ficial warmth, or the dropping of the flower-buds before expanding will be the result. L. E. Walker, The Gardens, Barton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds. Euphorbia jacquini/Eflora. — The excellent plants of this species staged by Mr. Prime at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on January 26, were admired greatly by all who saw them. The plants were not only re- markable for their brilliant inflorescences, but also for the vigour and wealth of the foliage which was present on the stems down to the soil — ample testimony that they had received proper cultural treatment. The cuttings from which the plants were raised were not inserted until June, thus proving that a long succession of flowering may be maintained by successional propagation. This is, of course, widely prac- tised in the case of E. pulcherrima, with this difference, that while late propagation of the lat- ter species invariably means loss of stature and, usually, size of the coloured bracts, the plants of the subject of our note were not affected in these respects. Those who cultivate this plant for winter blooming cannot too often be reminded that no class of soil, nor admixture of soils, can possibly counteract the mischief caused by over- watering. What constitutes over-watering will, of course, depend upon the subject itself, but the soil in which sparse-rooting laticiferous plants such as this Euphorbia, are grown, should always be on the dry rather than the moist side. One frequently notices peat soil used for this plant, but a far greater degree of vigour may be secured by the use of a rather strong loam, freely inter- spersed with finely-pulverised old plaster. When such has not been available I have used with much success burnt clay finely broken up, add- ing sand freely and a little leaf-mould. Firm potting is necessary, and so is ample provision for drainage. So impatient are these shrubby Euphorbias of much root moisture that applica- tions twice weekly during the growing season will often suffice. The best cuttings for propa- gation are obtained from planted-out specimens that have had no moisture at the roots for a month or six weeks at least. Where pot-grown plants have to be relied upon for cuttings, a simi- lar period of rest in a dry, warm house should be afforded, the plants being cut back in each case below the region of flowering. Much the best cuttings are those taken from the leaf axils, cutting them out with a heel attached, by means of a sharp knife, plunging the bleeding base into dry silver sand, and inserting them forth, with. Cuttings produced from the tops of branches, or young shoots, and, in particular, such as are produced in great heat and moisture, often damp off quickly. Sand, loam, and finely- powdered brick-rubble in equal parts is a suit- able mixture for the cuttings which, if inserted under a bell-glass and placed in a bottom heat of 75°, will form roots within a month. E. H. J. March 0, 1909.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 157 Apple Scab (see p. 123) — Our trees have been sprayed for several years, and people remark how clean they appear. The amount of " scab " on the fruits is reduced the first year after spray- ing, and this pest can eventually be got rid of altogether if the treatment is continued. I ad- vise the spraying to be done in November or December, a?d again in February, using an alkali wash. The spray should be fine and thoroughly applied ; a fine sprayer attached to a length of hose is the best means of securing an even distribution of the fluid. It will need one man or a boy to work the pump whilst an- other man manipulates the hose. In this manner a large number of trees can be treated in a few days. W. A. Cook, Leonardslee Gardens. A Warning to Rose Buyers. — On the 24th ult. at Twyford, Berkshire, there were three men hawking pot plants and Rose trees. Being a rosarian, I looked at the trees, all named, tied, and the roots nicely packed. Seeing so many labels, I wondered what varieties they had ; amongst the many names I saw John Hopper, Crimson Rambler, Dorothy Perkins, Gloire de Dijon, Marechal Niel, and many other well-known Rose names. On examination they were, without a doubt, all " Rosa arven- sis," one of the many Dog Roses. Surely a stop should be put to such dishonest hawking ! Eli ilia J . Hicks. POLYSTICHUM ACULEATUM GRACILLIMUM Drueryi. — In the note accompanying the figure of this Fern (see p. 98*, we are vouchsafed the interesting information that another plant, from the same sowing and the same parent, is also possessed of no fewer than four names, i.e., Polystichurn aculeatum pulcherrimum Drueryi, three being the same as in the sister plant. The fact that both plants received a First-class Cer- tificate from the Royal Horticultural Society brings ns to the pertinent question what the Floral Committee was thinking of when it al- lowed this violation of Article 29 of the Vienna Code of International Rules of Botanical No- menclature. We are further informed that a third plant, distinct from its two sisters, re- mains to be exhibited, and it is not without some curiosity that we look forward to its appella- tion. We might also ask by what process of reasoning a sport can be said to revert to an allied species, a feat performed — we are assured — by several plants from the same batch? Tyro. LAW NOTES. ACTION FOR WAGES. John Lock, gardener, recently sued Mrs. W. H. Bright, in the Bath County Court, for £4 8s. wages, alleged to be due to him. Defendant paid the sum of £2 4s. into Court, but denied lia- bility. Plaintiff declared that he was employed by Mrs. Bright as a gardener He stayed there for about 16 months, when his employer dis- missed him, paying him a week's wages in lieu of notice. In the absence of any agreement he claimed he was entitled to a month's notice or a month's salary in lieu of notice. Lock admitted that in addition to his gardening work he looked after a couple of cows and did a little work in the house. He was engaged as a gardener, however, and was always called " Gardener." His Hon- our held that a gardener was entitled to a month's notice, and gave judgment for plaintiff. Mr. Long applied for leave to appeal, but his Honour refused, remarking that he did not think a poor man ought to be put try the expense of providing litigation in the House of Lords. TRADE NAME DISPUTE. The action brought by Messrs. Alexander Dickson & Sons, Ltd., Royal Irish Nurseries, Newtownards, County Down, seedsmen, nur- serymen, and florists, claiming an injunction to restrain the defendants, Alexander Dickson, Joseph Dickson, and Alexander Dickson, jun., from selling any Roses or seeds not grown or propagated by the plaintiffs as " Dickson's," or from carrying on the business 'of nurserymen or seedsmen under the name of " Alexander Dick- son & Sons" or ''Alex. Dickson & Sons," has been finally settled by the Court of Appeal. The Lord Chancellor, in giving judgment, said that the plaintiffs for over half a century traded under the name of Alex. Dickson & Sons. They carried on business as horticulturists, princi- pally in Newtownards, but also at Ledbury, in Herefordshire, and they had a seed business in Royal Avenue, Belfast. On December 5, 1900, they were incorporated under the name of Alex. Dickson & Sons, Ltd. In 1901 they opened a shop in Dawson Street, Dublin, and in 1906 they bought a tract of 17 acres at Blackrock and established a nursery there. They had a valuable trade name. The defendant came to Dub- lin about 1875, and he opened a shop in Capel Street some 12 years ago under the name of the Ashbourne Agricultural Company, and he also put the name " Alex. Dickson " on the sign- board. He carried on the seed business, and did not raise or grow Roses or carry on horticultural business. After the plaintiffs opened the shop in Dawson Street it occurred to the defendant that! it would be desirable to go into the nursery business in order to com- pete with his new Dublin rivals, and accordingly in 1905 he bought for £1,000 the site of a nur- sery at Woodlawn, Dundrum, which he subse- quently called " The Home of the Rose." All this was perfectly legitimate ; but in February, 1907, there was a tender for seeds advertised by the Department of Agriculture, and plaintiffs and defendant both competed for it. The plain- tiffs got the contract, and immediately the de- fendant advertised himself as Alex. Dickson & Sons, Woodlawn Nurseries, Dundrum. Thus the defendant literally adopted the old and valued trade name of the plaintiffs expressly for the same business which had made the name famous, and the question which the Court had to consider was whether this act was lawful. The Master of the Rolls had granted an in- junction against its use. Upon the whole case, he was of opinion that the judgment of the Master of the Rolls was right, and that the appeal must be dismissed, the costs to be paid by the appellants. Lord Justice FitzGibbon and Lord Justice Holmes concurred. Accordingly the appeal was dismissed with costs, but the form of the injunction was altered restraining the defendant from carrying on the business of nurseryman or seedsman either in the name of Alexander Dickson & Sons or Alex. Dickson & Sons, or in any name or any manner so as to mislead or deceive the public. SOCIETIES. NEW INVENTIONS. A POTATO PLANTER. This contrivance is used for making holes in the ground when planting Potatos and bulbs. At one end is a pair of steel jaws, and each jaw is connected with a separate handle. When they are closed and the handles apart, a wedge is formed that is pressed into the. soil by the foot. By closing the handles, the two sides form- ing the wedge are parted, displacing the soil. The tool is claimed to be a saver of labour and a useful implement at bedding-out time. It is made by the " Veriquic " Planter Co., 51, Week Street, Maidstone. TOOL FOR LAYERING CARNATIONS This appliance has a formidable appearance, having butt, nozzle and trigger as in a revolver. But it is intended for increasing not destroying. The trigger, when released, sends forward a knife or knives, which partly severs the shoot as in layering. In course of time roots are emitted from the region of the cut without any further trouble, and when they have developed sufficiently, the layer is potted in the ordinary way. A great deal of ingenuity has been ex- pended in producing an article to do work that the more clumsy pocket-knife might accom- plish. The makers are Messrs. Cumming and Sanders, 118, Camden Road, London. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. February 23.— Present : Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A., F.L.S., F.E.S. (in the Chair) ; Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Dr. A. B. Rendle, Rev. W. Wilks, Messrs. J. L. Arkwright, J. W. Odell, W. Hales, R. Hooper Pearson, A. Worsley, E. M. Holmes, W. Fawcett, F. J. Baker, A. W. Sutton, R. A. Rolfe, G. S. Saunders, J. T. Bennett-Poe, W. Cuthbertson, G. Massee, end F. J. Chittenden (hon. secretary). Diseased Parsnips. — A report was received from Mr. Gussow concerning the Parsnips with scabby spots shown at the last meeting, from Mr. Gregory. They were attacked by the fun- gus Plasmopara nivea, which appears first on the leaves. This fungus also attacks Carr..ts and Parsley. Malformations in Orchid..— Mr. GuRNKf Wilson, F.L.S., sent the apical portion of a pseudo-bulb of Dendrobium nobiie bearing a shoot from which roots had grown as in a vegetative shoot, and a flower, the lateral petals of which were coloured like the labellum. He also sent a dimerous flower of D. nobiie, with the lip suppressed and the two lateral sepals coherent. A Cypripedium from Sir Jeremiah Colman having two dorsal sepals was also shown. Mcndelism in Orchids. — Mr. R. A. Rolfe showed flowers the result of crossing Epiden- drum evectum and E. xanthinum. The former of these is purplish in colour, the latter yellow. The first cross gives E. x kewense, and flowers of this hybrid were shown. Seedlings had been raised from E. x kewense after self-fertilisation, and of these, one which flowered earlier was practically a repro- duction of E. x kewense, while of two others (flowers of which were shown) one showed partial reversion towards the purple E. evectum, the other toward the yellow E. xanthinum. He also showed the result of re- crossing E. X kewense with the original parent E. evectum, the resulting plant having a purple flower not quite so dark as the parent. Mr. Rolfe said that E. x kewense re-crossed with E. xanthinum gave a yellow flower. Other plants of the crosses were yet to flower. Colour changes in Carrots. — Dr. C. B. Plow- bight sent the following note concerning the colour changes occurring in Carrots, together with illustrative specimens. The portion of a Carrot sent is interesting as showing the con- dition common last year, viz., the longitudinal splitting of the root from the crown downwards, exposing the medullary portion, which shows no tendency to cleave. The exposed portion shows a tendency to development of chlorophyll. On the edges of the cortical portion no chloro- phyll is seen, but minute specks, tending to be- come confluent, of a red colouring matter (caro- tin) have been freely developed. The speci- men sent is of an ordinary garden Carrot, the fissuing of the out portion is thought to be due to dryness at the time of growth. In the smaller specimen different colour changes have taken place. The exterior has freely developed a green tint mottled with patches of purple. The roots have been exposed on the surface of the ground all the winter. The purple is quite superficial. It is interesting to note that this bril- liant change has taken place in the least col- oured variety, for these small ones are, as a section shows, of the pale variety grown for cattle, and popularly known as " stock Car- rots." Incipient colours are often shown in the exposed roots of other plants, for example, blue discoloration, as wood root-stocks are frequently mottled with blue stains when they are pullel and left exposed to the light and air. Potato tuber diseased. — Mr. G. Massee showed a Potato tuber having a black patch (dry scabi about 2 inches square, the result of (he attack of the fungus Stemphylium (Phellomyces) atro- virens. This disease has been very prevalent in Scotland this season, and considerable damage has been done to the crop The present example came from Oxford. The spores are known to remain alive in the soil, and capable of infecting Potatos for several years. Diseased tubers should, therefore, not be used for "seed," nor should Potatos be grown or. the 15S THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [March 6, 1909, same land as that on which the diseased crop was grown. Apple containing germinating sad. — Mr. F. J. Bakes showed an Apple containing germinat- ing seed, and made some remarks upon the re- sult of allowing seed to dry thoroughly before sowing. He considered that seed of many plants which had been allowed to lemain as long as possible within the fruit gave better results than seed removed early and kept for some time before sowing. Variation in Primula sinensis. — Mr. A. \V. Sitton showed a number of plants of Primula sinensis having leaves of a shape approaching those of Ivy. He said that occasionally such plants were observed, but they had not until last year set any seed. Seeds had, however, been obtained from three plants last year, and this had given a considerable number of plants with leaves of the form of the parents, and with petals of a very similar form, the form of the latter being apparently correlated with that of the former. Cinerarias dying. — Mr. W. J. James sent a p'ant of Cineraria, one of about 150 which had died out of some 3,000. It was found that the Base of the plant had been attacked by the bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus echinopus, in greit numbers, and that these had caused the death of the plant. DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY HORTICULTURAL. February 20. --The annual general meeting of this society was held in the committee room of the Dumfries Town Hall on this date. There was a moderate attendance, presided over by Provost Nicholson, Maxwelltown, chairman of tha directors. The secretary and treasurer, Mr. Robert G. Mann, submitted the annual report, which showed that the income for the past year, including a balance of about £22 from the pre- vious year, had amounted to £2 32 5s. The ex- penditure had been £246 6s. 4d., leaving a credit balance of £5 18s. 8d. The Chairman intimated that he <'id not de- sire re-election, and suggested Provost Lennox, of Dumfries, to succeed himself. This was agreed to, and the following other directors were appointed : — Messrs. las. Henderson, F. W. Mal- loch, Jas. M'Leod, J. M. Haining, J. M. Stewart, C. Murray, K. A. Giigor, and Taylor. Mr. R. G. Mann, " Herald " Offices, Dumfries, was re- appointed secretary and treasurer. ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL. February 17. — On this date Mr. E. Mawley read his " Report on the Phenological Observa- tions for 1908." The most noteworthy features of the weather of the Phenological year ' ending November, 1908, were the severe frosts early in January, the exceptionally heavy fall of snow and remarkably low temperatures in the latter part of April, and the marked periods of un- usually wet aYid dry weather during the sum- mer. In February and March wild plants came into blossom in advance of their usual time, but throughout the rest of the flowering season were more or less behind their average dates. Such earlj' spring migrants as the swallow, cuckoo and nightingale made their appearance very late. The only deficient farm crop was fiat of Barley. The yield of Wheat, Oats and lieans was rather above the average, that of 1'eas and Hay very good, while the crops of Turnips, Mangolds and Potatos, taken to- other, were the most abundant for many years. The yield of Apples was under average, and Fiat of Pears and Plums much under average. On the other' hand, the crops of Currants, Goose- berries, and Strawberries were almost every- where unusually good. As regards the farm crops, this was the third good year in succes- sion, although, compared with 1906 and 1907, the yields in 1908, except in the case of Turnips, Mangolds and Potatos, were very inferior to those of either of those years. Mr. W. Marriott read a paper on " The Cold Spell at the End of December, 1908." The weather during December was generally mild until Christmas Day, when a considerable change took place in the distribution of baro- metric pressure, and the weather assumed a wintry character. Gales occurred in many places, and snow fell more or less over the British Isles during the following week. The most remarkable feature, however, was the in- tense cold which prevailed over the central and south-eastern portion of England from the 28th to the 31st. The temperature on the 28th did not rise above 25° over a considerable portion of the Midlands, while on the 29th it remained below 25° over practically the whole of England (ex- cept the south-western counties) up to within about 20 miles of the coast. On the 28th, 29th and 30th, over the greater part of the country, the minimum thermometer fell below 20°, while over a considerable area it fell below 10° on the 29th and 30th. At several places the lowest temperature recorded was about zero. At Berk- hamsted the thermograph showed that the tem- perature remained below 25° for a period of 58 hours — a most unusual occurrence. Mr. Marriott stated that the isobaric charts indicated that during this period there was a ridge or wedge of high pressure between two cyclonic systems, and that the conditions were thus favourable for the production of great cold. For the month of December the cold was very ex- ceptional, as the only instances in the neigh- bourhood of London or at Greenwich, in which the maximum temperature was below 25.5° for the dav, were the following : 1796, 25th, 19.5° ; 1798, 28th, 19.5°; 1816, 22nd, 24.0°; 1830, 24th, 22.0° ; 1855, 21st, 23.2° ; 1874, 31st, 24.5° ; 1890, 22nd, 23.7° ; and 1908, 29th, 25.4°, and 30th, 23.3°. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. James Cocker & Sons, 130, Union Street, Aberdeen. Mr. John A. McCulloch, Castletown, Isle of Man. H. N. Ellison, 5 & 7, Bull Street, West Bromwich. William Watt, Cupar, Fife. John Burkitt & I o., I. UnderbanJc, Stockport. >ns, Lid., Wan ington. Dobbie and Mason, 22, Oak Street, Mancbester. Sutton & Sons, Reading (Farm seeds). Wm. Baylor Hartland & Sons, 33, Patrick Street, Cork. Warner, Wright & Sons, 69, Market Place, Leicester. Yarde & Co., Northampton. MISCELLANEOUS. W. J. Robertson, Cowleigb Road, Malvern— Manures. John Forbes, Royal Nurseries, Hawick, N.B.— Hardy plants. William Cooper, Ltd., 751, Old Kent Road, London, S.E. — Greenhouses and garden requisites. Flora, Egginton Vicarage, near Leighton Buzzard— Plants. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C. — Bulbous and tuberous garden plants. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea -Per- petual-flowering Carnations. Liverpool Orchid and Nursery Co., Gateacre, near Liverpool —Orchids ; also trees, shrubs, Roses, &c. Ransomes, Sims & Jefferiks, Ltd., Orwell Works, Ipswich — Lawn mowers. W. H. Hudson & Co., 218, Goldhawk Road, London, W. — Japanese Liliums and other bulbous plants. H. J. Jones', Ltd., Ryecroft, Hither Green, Lewisbam — Chrysanthemums, Asters, Begonias, Dahlias ; also flower and vegetable seeds. W. Drummond & Sons, Ltd., Stirling and Dublin— Farm seeds. J. Nichols, Whitehall, Bideford, Devon— Trays for pro- pagating purposes. R. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Gardens, Colchester— Bulbous and other garden plants. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Floral Farms, Wisbech — Plants and seeds. J. W. Cross, Old Grammar School, Wisbech— Seeds and *' Seed " Potatos. Wm. Watson & Sons, Ltd., Clontarf Nurseries, Dublin- Garden plants. Messenger & Co., Ltd., Engineers, Loughborough, Leicestershire— Garden seats and wood lath blinds. Kent & Brydon, Darlington— Farm seeds. Wm. Thompson & Co., Ltd., Londonderry — Farm seeds. Cooper, Taber & Co., 90 & 92, Southwark Street, London, S,E.— Farm seeds (wholesale). James Carter & Co., '237/8 and 97, High Holborn, London — Farm seeds, Thos. S. Ware i'0'2), Ltd., Ware's Nurseries, Feltliam, Middlesex— Herbaceous, alpine, water and bog plants. COLONIAL. Dupuy & Ferguson, 38, Jacques-Cartier Square, Montreal —Seeds, plants, bulbs, &c. FOREIGN. Ant. Roozen & Son, Overveen, near Haarlem, Holland (Agents: Mertens & Co., 3, Cross Lane, St. Mary-at- Hill, London, E.C.)— Bulbs and seeds. H. Correvon, Floraire, Chene-Bourg, Geneva — Seeds. R. & J. Farquhar & Co., 6 & 7, South Market Street, Boston, Mass. — Seeds. Vilmorin-Andrieux et Cie, 4, Quai de la Megisserie, Paris —Chrysanthemums. B. Mullerklein, Karlstadt a Main, Bayern, Germany- Fruit trees, ornamental shrubs and trees, hardy flowering plants, &c. Francois Gfrbeaux, 21, Rue de Cronstadt, Nancy, France — Novelties in plants. F. Henkel, Darmstadt, Germany — Aquatic and Bog Plants. C L. Klissing Sohn, Barth, Pommern, Germany— Caladiums. Wilhelm Pfitzer, Stuttgart, Militarstrasse 74— Seeds and plants. Paul Lecolier, Celle-Saint-Cloud, Paris— Trees, shrubs, fruit trees, Roses, &c. THE WEATHER. Tiie Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending February 27, is furnished from the Meteorological Office: — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather.— During the early days of the week the sky was nearly cloudless over a large part of England and Scot- land, but subsequently there was a good deal of cloud, and later in the period nearly all districts in Britain experienced snow or sleet, and Ireland sleet or rain. The tempciature was a little above the average in Ireland and Scotland, and below it in England, the deficit being1 greatest (more than 5°) in England S.E. The highest of the maxima occurred on the 21st or 22nd at nearly all station?, and ranged from 57° in England N W. and 56^' in Scotland E. to 52° in England S.E. Late in the week the maxima were generally low, no higher than 36° in many English localities and below it at some stations. The lowest of the minima, which were recorded on irregular dates, varied from 14" in England S.E. and S.W., and 15° in the Midland, Counties to 26° in Ireland N. and to 31v in the English Channel. The 1 west grass readings reported were 2"? af Llangammarch Wells, 9W at Birmingham, 11° at Oxford; Greenwich, and Kew, 12" at Hereford, and between 14' and 20° in most other places. The mean temperature of the sea.— On many parts of the coast the water had a very similar temperature to that dur- ing the corresponding week in 1908, but at Kirkwall it w.i. more than 4" in excess, and at Eastbourne more than 4° colder. The actual values ranged from 47 3° at Plymouth, and nearly 47" on the south-west coast of Ireland, to about 40° or below on the east and north-east coasts of England, and at Eastbourne. The rainfall was much below the average generally ; at £ few places in England and Wales and also at Douglas (Isle of Man) there was no measurable quantity. At Armagh on Wednesday morning the rain in the gauge and in pools on the ground was observed to be very black. " The bright sunshine exceeded the normal in England and, also in Scotland N., but was below it in Ireland and the west and east of Scotland. The percentage of the'possib i duration ranged from 52 in the English Channel, and 43 i'n England S.W. and S.E , to 20 in the east and west of Scot- land, and to only 10 in the north of Ireland. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending March 3. The fourth week in succession of cold weather.— The present cold spell has now lasted nearly a month, and the past w eek has been the coldest of that period. At no time during tlie week did the temperature in the thermometer screen rise above 37°, and on the coldest night the exposed thermometer registered 15* of frost. The ground is at the present time 4° colder at 2 feet deep, and 5° colder at 1 foot deep, than is seasonable. Snow fell on 3 days, and on 1 day the ground was covered for a short time to the average depth of 2 inches. There has now been no measurable percolation through either of the soil gauges for nearly 6 weeks. The sun shone on an average for U hours a day, which is only half the average duration for the end of February. Calms and light airs have alone prevailed during the week. The mean amount ot moisture in the air at 3 p.m. exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by 5 per cent. February. Exceptionally cold, dry, sunny, and calm.— This was an exceptionally cold February, but the mean temperature was not nearly as low as in the same month in 1895. when it was as much as 8° lower. There occurred a few days of warm weather at the beginning of the month, but during the rest of it there was only 1 day when the mean temperature rose above the average. On the warmest day the highest temperature in the thermometer screen was 55", which is a high extreme maximum for the month. On the coldest night the exposed thermometer indicated 20° of frost, which is rather a low extreme minimum for February. Taking the month as a whole the nights were much more unseasonably cold than the days. Rain or snow fell on only 8 days, and to the total depth of less than half an inch, the average for the month being 2 inches. It is now 13 years since there has been here such a dry February. On one day the snow lay for a short time to the depth of 2 inches. Throughout the month there was no measurable percola- tion through either of the percolation soil gauges. The sun shone on an average for 3 hours a day, or for 40 minutes a day in excess of the average— making this the sunniest February for 10 years. It was the calmest February for 7 years. During the windiest hour the mean velocity reached 20 miles— direction W.N.W. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon was 5 per cent, less than a seasonable quantity for that hour. In only two previous Februaries in the last 24 years has the air been as dry at that hour as it was on 2 days towards the end of the month. The Winter. Rather cold and sunny ami remarkably dry.— Taking the winter as a whole, it was rather a cold one. December proved of about average temperature, while January was rather warm, and February exceptionally cold. On the warmest day the temperature in the thermometer screen rose to 55", and on the coldest night the exposed thermometer registered a temperature only 1° above zero, which is, with three exceptions, the lowest extreme mini- mum for any winter during the past 24 years. The total rainfall amounted to only about half the average quantity for the season, which was principally due to the excep- tional dryness of January and February. The heaviest fall of snow occurred on December 29, when the snow lay to the average depth of 5J inches. The sun shone on an average for 1 hour 56 minutes a day, or for a quarter of an hour a day longer than is seasonable. Our Undfrground Water Supply. Since the winter half of the drainage year began in October, the total rainfall has been 6J inches, which is just half the average quantity for the same 5 months in the pre- vious 53 years— equivalent to a loss in rainfall on each acre in this district of 145,000 gallons. At the same time last year there were 26,790 gallons per acre in excess of the average amount. E. M., Kerkhamsted, March 3, 1909. March 6, 1909.] THE GA RDENERS' CHRONICLE. 159 MARKETS. CO VENT GARDEN, March 3. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. '1 hey are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal sa.esmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent the prices on any particular day, but only the general averages for the week preceding the date of out report. The prices depend upon the quality of the samples, the way in which they are packed, the supply in the market, and the demand, and ihey may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but occasionally several times in one day. — h,u.j Cut Flowers, Ac: Average Wholesale Prices. Acacia (Mimosa), s.d. s.d. p.doz. bunches 9 0-12 0 Anemone fulgens, p. dz. bunches 16-26 — double pink, p. dozen bunches 16-26 Azalea, per dozuii bunches 4 0-50 Bouvardia, per dz. bunches G 0- 8 0 Calla aethiopica, p. dozen 3 0-40 Camel lias, per dozen 2 0-26 (ai nations, per dozen blooms, best American various 2 6-36 — second size ... 10-20 — smaller, per doz. bunches 9 0 12 0 Laiileyas, per doz. blooms 12 0-15 0 Cypripediums, per dozen blooms.. 16-26 Daffodils, per doz. bunches 2 6 5 0 Dendrobiurn nobile, per dozen 2 6-30 Kuciians gran di- ll ora, per doz. blooms 2 0-36 1 i - esias (white), p. doz. bunches .. 2 6-30 Gardenias, per doz. blooms 3 0-50 Hyacinths (Roman) per doz. bchs. 9 0-12 0 — Dutch 6 0-10 0 Lilac (English), white, p. bunch :t 0- 5 n — mauve... 3 0-50 — (French), mauve 4 0-50 1. ilium au fat inn, per bunch 2 0-30 — longillorum ... 4 0-50 — 1 a uc i folium, rubruai 2 0-30 — album ... ■j 6 9 U J.iU of the Val ey, p. tlz. bunches 9 0-10 u — extra quality ... 12 0 15 0 Marguerites, p. d*. bunches white and yellow ... Mignonette, per dozen bunches Myosotis, per doz. bunches Narcissus, Paper- white, per dz. bunches — Gloriosa — ornatus — Soleil d'Or ... O d on toglosstim cri spurn, per dozen blooms Pel argon i n ni s, show, per doz. bunches — Zonal, double scarlet Ranunculus, perdz. bunches Roses, 12 blooms, Niphelos — Bridesmaid ... — C. Testout ... — Kai serin A. Victoria — C. Mermet — Liberty — Mme.Chatenay — Richmond — The Bride — Ulrich Brunner Snowdrops, per dz. bunches Spiraea, per dozen bunches Stocks, double white, per doz. bunches Tuberoses, per dz. blooms on stems, per bunch Tulips, per dozen bunches, single — best double varieties Violets, per dozen bunches Parmas.p. bch. 16-30 4 0-50 Cut Foliage, Adiuutum cunea- lum, dz. bchs. »tis, per duz. bunches A s par ag us plu- inosus, long trails, per duz. — — niedm.,l.cl'. — Spiengeii Herberts, per doz. bunches Croton leaves, per bunch (yeas leaves, each I 'all idil foliage, p. doz. bunches... I ft us, per dozen bchs. (Knglish) — (French) &c: s.d. 4 0- 1 6- Aver s.d. 6 0 2 0 12 0 2 U 1 6 3 0 1 3 2 0 2 6 3 0 0 9 age Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Galax leaves, per dozen bunches 2 0-26 Hardy foliage (various), per dozen bunches 3 0-90 Honesty (Lunari-i) per bunch ... 10-16 Ivy-leaves, bronze 2 0- 2 tj — long trails per bundle 0 9-16 — short green, perdz. bunches 16-26 Moss, per gross ... 5 0-60 Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English) small-leaved... 4 0- G 0 — French ... 10-16 Ruscus racemosus, p. dz. bunches 18 0 — Smilax.p.dz. trails 4 0-60 Plants in Pots. Ac. Average Wholesale Prices. Ampelopsis Veit- chii, per dozen Aralia SieboUn, p. dozen — 1 ai ger speci- mens Mnseri Araucaria excelsa, per dozen — 1 a rge plants, each Aspidistras, p. dz., green — variegated Asparagus, plumo- sns nanus, per dozen — Sprengeri — t en n i s si inns Azaleas (Indian), p. dozen Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, p. dz. Cinerarias, per dz. Clematis, per doz. Cocos Weddelli- ana, per dozen s.d. s.d. 6 0-80 4 0-60 9 0-12 0 4 0-60 12 0-30 0 3 6-50 15 0-24 0 30 0-42 0 12 0-18 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 24 0-36 0 12 0-1* 0 8 0-1*2 0 8 0-90 s.d. s.d. Crotons, per dozen 18 0-30 u C>clamen, pr. doz. 9 0-15 0 Cyperus alterni- folius, dozen ... 4 0-50 — laxus, per doz. 4 0-50 Daffodils, per doz. 5 0-80 Dracaenas, perdoz. 9 0-24 0 Erica meianthera... per dozen .. 12 0-18 0 — persolata alba, 12 0-24 0 — W ilmoreana ... 12 0 18 0 Euonymus, perdz., in pots. . .. 4 0-90 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 8 0-12 0 — in small and large 60's ... 12 0-20 0 — in 48's, per dz. 4 0-10 0 — in 32's, per dz. 10 0-18 0 Ficus elastica, per dozen 8 0-10 0 — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 Genista fragrans, perdoz. ... 8 0-10 0 Grevillcas, per dz. 4 0-60 Plants in Pots, 8tc: Average Wholesale Prices \Cunt,i.). s.d. s.d. Hardy flower roots, per dozen Hjacinths, per dz. pots Isolepis, per dozen Kentia Bel more- ana, per dozen — Fosteriana, per dozen Latania borbonica, per dozen Li Hum 1 o ngi- florum, per dz. — lancifolium, p. dozen... s.d. s.d 10-20 8 0-10 I! 4 0-60 15 0-24 0 18 0-30 0 12 0-18 0 18 0-24 0 12 0-24 0 Lily of the Valley, per do?en Marguerites, white, per dozen Mignonette, perdz. Primulas, per doz. Selaginelia, p. doz. Solanuins, per doz. Spiraea japonica, p. dozen ... Stocks (intermed- iate),white, p. dz. Tulips in boxes, per doz. bulbs — .in pots, per dz. 18 0-30 0 6 0-10 0 8 0-90 5D-80 4 0- G 0 8 0-10 0 8 0-12 0 8 0-10 0 0 6-09 9 0-12 0 s.d. s.d. 2 0-30 2 0-30 3 0-40 16-20 16-26 ■1 i; ;i i; 2 0-26 6 0-80 — 6 0-90 — 8 0-10 0 2 6-36 2 6-40 5 0 8 0 2 0-40 3 0-40 4 0-00 4 0-60 5 0-90 3 0-40 6 0-80 16-20 5 0-80 2 6-36 0 3-04 0 9-13 6 0-10 0 12 0-24 0 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. Apples Foreign — California Newtown Pip- pin, per case, 4 tiers — 4J tiers — (American), per barrel : — Baldwin — Greening — Newtown Pip- pin — Oregon New- town Pippin, per case (150l... — Do. 1 12151 .. 96 Do. (88) — (NovaScotian), per barrel : — Russet — Baldwin — Ben Davis ... — Fallawater ... — French Kusset, per case liananas, bunch: — Doubles — No. 1 „ ... — Extra ,, ... — Giant „ ... — (Claret) ,, ... — Jamaica ,, ... — Loose, pet dz. i .i," fruit, p. ca i — Peaches — Apricots — Plums (ectarines ... Cranberries, per case ird Ipples ... I 'atus (Tunis), per Fiijs (Eleme), p. dz. — pull- d,-p s.d. s d. 8 0-10 0 7 0- 8 C 52 0-25 0 25 0 — 25 0-27 0 13 0 — 14 6 — 13 6 17 0 21 0 21) 0 22 0 17 0 — 21 0 24 0 9 0-90 9 0-10 0 6 6-80 8 0- 9 0 10 0- 12 0 5 0- 7 6 5 0- 5 6 0 6- 1 0 6 0-10 0 a t;- 6 0 2 8- li 0 10 0-18 0 16 0 3 0-12 0 4 3- 4 6 i ;i — 5 0 7 6 Grape Fruit, case Grapes, Gros Col- mar — Alicante — (Guernsey) ... — (Almeria), per barrel Lemons box : — Messina, 300 .. — Do. 360... Limes, per case ... Lychees, pel box Mandarines (25's), per box — (96's), per box — (Jamaica), case Nuts, Almonds, per bag — Brazils, new, per cut. — Barcelona, bag — Cocoa nuts. 100 — Cob, per dozen lbs Oranges (Deri. ■ ' — Californian seedless, per case — (Valencia) per case (4l0) — per case (714). .. — Jaffas — Palermo Blood — Palermo Bitter — Murcia Blood, per case (200)... Pears, Easter Beurre, p. box — Glou Morcean, per case Pineapples, each ... — (Natal), perdz. Tangerines (Cali- fornian), per case (180 200 — (Floi i' la : case U2u-200i. . s.d ■ '. 9 0-12 0 12-30 13-26 0 10- 1 2 14 0-16 0 s e is o 8 0 14 0 5 0- 10-15 0 8-0 10 2 9-30 11 0-12 0 50 0-55 0 ;\± o :ir. o 11 0-14 0 16-19 8 6-16 0 10 0-12 0 8 0-16 0 8 0-14 0 9 6-10 6 8 6-96 4 9-60 7 6-86 11 0 - 2 0-36 4 0-60 10 0-12 0 18 0-2U 0 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. WtichokestGlobe), per dozen — white, p. bushel — per cwt. Asparagus, per bundle: — Sprue — Paris Green ... Beans, per lb. — (French), p. lb. — (Guernse >), per lb — (Madeira), per basket — Niggers Ueetroot, per bushel lirussel Sprouts, J bushel — bags Cabbages, per tally — per mat . — Greens, per bushel Cardoon (Frencli), per dozen Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bat,' ... — unwashed — (French), p. pad Cauliflowers, per dozen — St. Malo, crates (12 heads) — Italian Heads, per basket Celery, per dozen rolls 1 e'.ei uc, per doz. Chicory, per lb. ... Cucumbers, per dz. Endive, per dozen Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles - d. s ,l. 3 6-40 10-16 3 0-46 6 0-60 s.d. s.d. Kale, per bushel ... 2 6-30 Leeks, 12 bundles 2 0 — Lettuce (French), 3 6 — per crate Mint, per dozen bunches 0 7-08 Mushrooms.perlb. 0 10- 1 0 3 6-46 — broilers ... 0 10 — 2 0-2 6 — buttons, per lb. 0 10- 1 0 0 10- 1 0 Mustardand Cress, per dozen pun. 1 0 — 2 0-26 Onions, per bag ... 10 6-11 0 — (Valencia).case 11 6-12 0 3 0 — — Dutch, pr. bag 7 0-80 3 6-70 — pickling, per 10-16 bushel Parsley,12bunches 3 0-40 — A sieve 4 0-50 Parsnips, perbag... 5 6-70 Peas (French), pkt. 40- 46, Potato s, Sweet, per case 4 0- 4 0 | — (Algerian), p.lb. I — (French), p. lb. 8 0-10 0 j Radishes (French), per doz. bundles 16-26 ;{ li- 4 it Rlnbarb (English), 3 0-30' forced, per dz. 2 0-2(j| bundles 2 6-36. Salsafy, per dozen bundles 4 0-50 Savoys, per tally... Seakale, per dozen 3 0-36 punnets Spinach, per crate 3 0-36 Stachys tuberosa, per lb 12 0 15 0 Turnips, per dozen 16-26 bunches 0 3J- 0 4 — washed, p. bag 4 0-70) Tomatos (Teuer- 13-19 iffe), per bun- dle of 4 boxes 10 0-18 0 — p. 12 lb. basket 4 0-46 10 0-12 0 I Watercress.per dz. 0 6-08 4 6 — 2 0-26 2 0- 3 n 3 0- 4 0 0 8 — 4 0 0 3 — 0 3-0 3j 0 9-0 11 4 li- 4 6 9 0-10 0 12 0-14 0 4 0-46 0 3 2 6-30 3 6 — Kencs— s.d. s.d Snowdrop 4 0- 4 I Sharpe's Express ... 3 6-39 Epicure Up-to-Date 3 0- 3 0- Lincolns— s.d. s.d. Sharpe's Express ... 3 0-3 3 Evergood 2 6-30 King Edward ... 3 0-33 Bedfords Up-to-Date ... Blacklancls . Dunbars— Langworthy, red soil 4 9-50 Up-to-Date, red soil 3 9-40 grey soil 2 6-80 ... 2 6 3 0 ... 2 0-26 Remarks.— Californian Apples are dearer, but Oranges from the saine country are selling slowly. Supplies of French Apples are shorter, but their prices are about the same as those of last week. Bitter Oranges are cheaper. Lemons have slightly advanced in value. English forced Rhubarb has a poor demand, accounted for by the cold weather. Foreign Tomatos are arriving in a better condition, and are cheaper. Trade generally is quiet. E. II. R , Covmt Garden, Wednesday, March 3, 19 9. Lincolns — Royal Kidney ... 2 3-29 British Queen ... S 0- ;i 3 Up-to-Date 3 0-36 Maincrop 3 6-39 Remarks.— Trade is moderate: there is an increased demand for best samples of Up-to-Date variety. The wintry weather has checked supplies, and there isa prospect of the large stocks in London becoming considerably reduced. I /. Newborn, Covent Gaiden and St. Pancras. March 3, 1909. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. It is stated that the floral decorations used in connection '"""j-™1 functions last week represented a value of i.1,000; but the market was not greatly affected, save in the cases of Roses and Carnations of special quality. The average price for good Roses is 5s. to 9s. per dozen blooms. Some extra flne blooms have sold for 15s. per dozen. Carnations need to be very choice to sell for more than 2s. 6d. per dozen blooms. All kinds of Nar- cissi are abundant, and prices are lower than they may be a week or more later Those from the Scilly Islands arrive in large quantities and are sold very cheaply. Best blooms of Golden Spur, Horsfieldii and F.mperor are worth not more lhan 5s. per dozen bunch es. Eucharis has been more plentiful, but Gardenias are scarce. Liliums vary ; flowers of the best quality have a tendency to increase in value. Blooms of L. auratum are rather small. Some of L. longiflorum are goo4, but others are of indifferent merit. L. lancifolium blooms are also smaller than usual. Callas are exceedingly plentiful. Violets from English growers have been down to the lowest prices, owing to the large supplies received from France. Acacia dealbata (Mimosa) is very good. Several varieties of Acacia are imported during the season ; just now it is the true A. dealbata that is seen. Pot Plants. The cold weather has caused trade to be dull, yet some things have sold fairly well. Azaleas are still plentiful ; also Daffodils in various sorts. Tulips and Hyacinths: are well supplied in pots and in boxes. Ericas are good, especially E. persoluta alba and E. Wilmoreana. Marguerites have a better demand, but some of the forced Spiraeas are rather '"thin"; others are very good. Rhododendrons are well flowered. Cyclamen and Primulas are both of better quality than is usual at this season. All foliage plants are plentiful, but the demand is poor. A buyer complained to me that Ferns bought in the market soon faded : this is not surprising, for though they do not show any damage whilst they are exposed to the cold, the fronds turn black as soon as the plants are put into warmth. Trade in hardy plant roots has been very slow; also in nee*, shrubs, climbers, &c. A. II., Covent Garden, Wed- nesday, March j, I9U9. DEBATING SOCIETIES. BATH AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. meet ing ot the above society was held in the Foresters' Hall on February 8, Mr. T. Parrott presiding Mr. Garnish, of the Bristol Association, read a paper on " Bulbs for Pots." The culture of bulbs in pots, especially those for spring-flowering, was ably dealt with by the lecturer. A meeting of this society was held on February 22, under the presidency of Mr. T. I\.rrolt. Mr. Mowbray A. Green gave a lecture, illustrated with limelight views, on "Garden Cities." The lecturer dealt at length with tuch noted garden cities as Bournville, Port Sunlight, and Letcbworth. BRISTOL AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. A meeting of this association was held on Thursday, February 25. Mr. A. O. Shelton presided over a good attendance of the members. A lecture upon ' ' Barren Soils " was given by Mr. Arnold, gardener to Earl Bathurst, Cirencester House. The lecturer described the best methods of successfully working various soils. Shallow soils resting on a stony or brashy subsoii should have a layer of manure placed at the bottom when trenching ; they should also be liberally top-dressed and mulched with manure. Deep soil with a subsoil of gravel is generally deficient in potash and lime. Stable manure and wood ashes were recommended in this case. A deep loam, with a clay subsoil, often requires draining. In the case of a heavy soil with a sandy subsoil, deep cultivation is necessary. Heavy clay lands should be thoroughly drained and the surface burned to a depth of 12 inches. Such lands are improved by the addition c f sand, grit, builders' rubbish, and lime. CHESTER PAXTON.— The third of a series of lec- tures by Mr. N. F. Barnes, Eaton Hall Gardens, was given at the meeting held on February 20. The subject on this occasion was "A Visit to the Centenary Exhibition at Ghent, with notes by the way." Mr. Barnes' remarks were illustrated by a number of lantern slides. The lecturer gave an account of the town of Ghent, and a description of the exhibition. Special reference was made to the col- lections of Hippeastrums shown by Major Holford, and by Messrs, Ker & Sons, of Liverpool. The collection of Orchids staged by Major Holford was the finest and most representative display of Orchids in the show. The meeting held on Saturday, February 27, wis the last of the session. The Curator of the Grosvenor Museum, Mr. Alfred Newstead, contributed a paper, illus- trated by lantern slides, on " Familiar Wild Birds in relation to Gardens and Orchards." The lecturer not only described the habits and life history of these birds, but also dealt with the economic aspect of the subject. He. explained minutely the nature of their food, and showed which birds are beneficial to the horticulturist and agricul- turist, mentioning that some species are wholly insec- tivorous, whilst others feed partly on insects and partly on fruits, grain, &C, He instanced the results of Prof. N'ewstead s post-mortem analysis of the stomach contents of some birds in his report recently published by the Board of Agriculture. 1G0 THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE. [March 6, 1909. CROYDON & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL.- The ninth annual dinner of this association was lield on Wednesday, February 10. Some eighty members and friends were present. Mr. J. J. Reid (Presideni) was in the cbair, and Mr. E. H. Jenkins (President of the Kingston Gar- deners' Association) occupied the vice-chair. A meeting of this society was held on Tuesdaj* ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. February 16. The evening was devoted to a lecture and demonstration on "Table Decorations." The lecturer was Mr. R. Edwards, Beechey Lees Gardens, Sevenoaks. The lecturer stated that harmony of colour was essential in a table decorated with flowers, for whatever flowers be brought into requisition they must be of shades unopposed to each other. The decoration should be appropriate to the season. When Iceland or Shirley Poppies are used it is a good plan to put the cut stems in boiling water or just burn the ends with a lighted candle or match. Where flowers are required to be preserved for several days the water should be changed daily, and a little sugar may be added with beneficial results. Flowers for travelling are best cut over- night when dry and the stems immersed in water. DORCHESTER GARDENERS1. — An address on "Lawns and Lawn Grasses" was delivered on Monday, February 22, to the members of this association by Mr. Shipway, of Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading. The lecturer dealt with the formation and upkeep of lawns, bowling greens, tennis grounds, &c. The lecture was illustrated with lantern slides. Mr. Shipway stated that beautiful lawns, in the great majority of cases, are much more easily and cheaply obtained from seeds than from turves. READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'.— A lecture was given before the members of this association by Dr. Keeble, of the University College, Reading, in the Abbey Hall, on Monday, February 22, the subject being " Applied Mendelism." The president, Mr. Alderman F. B. Parfitt, occupied the chair. Dr. Keeble stated that compara- tively little was yet known regarding Mendelism or the abstruse laws governing heredity, which had puzzled scientists for many ages. The fact that like produces like was correct only in a degree, for in the course of experiment under Mendelian Laws it was frequently found that the hybridisation of two flowers would result in blooms of quite a different shade and character to those of either parent. For example: two white Sweet Peas crossed produced a purple ; this was due to latent characters which could only manifest themselves when in conjunction with other com- plementary characters which came together as a result of hybridisation. Hybrids always embodied the colour, habit, and constitution of both parents, though one only might be evident, but the influence of the recessive qualities came out in the second generation. Thus if tall Peas were crossed with dwarf Peas the result would be tall Peas only ; but the second generation produced by self-fertilising these hybrid plants would give 25 per cent, dwarf and 75 per cent, tall, proving that the characters of the dwarf parent had been carried through a generation without visibly showing. At the close of his lecture Dr. Keeble answered many questions. REDHILL, REIGATE AND DISTRICT GAR- DENERS'.—Mr. W. P. Bound presided over the fort- nightly meeting of this association, held at the Penrhyn Hall, on Monday, February 22. A lecture was given by Mr. Cooper, of St. Albans, on the " Culture of Orchids." The next meeting of the society will be on March 8, when Mr. Daisley, of Worth, will lecture on " Vegetables for Exhibition," WARGRAVE AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. At the usual fortnightly meeting of this association, Mr. T. Haskett, of Hennerton Gardens, read a paper on " The Cultivation of the Florists' Cyclamen." The lecturer gave details for seed sowing, and the best compost to use. He recommended the sowing of freshly-gathered seed in preference to that which was a few months old. An equable temperature was necessary for the young plants, because sudden changes were detrimental to their well- being. The method of potting the young plants was carefully described, as well as watering, ventilation, shading. &c. Insect pests were referred to, and the best methods of destroying them were given. SCHEDULES RECEIVED. Perpetual-Flowering Carnation Society's sixth exhibi- tion, to be held in the Royal Horticultural Hall, West- minster, on Wednesday, March 24. Show superintendent, Mr. E. F. Hawes, Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, London. Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society's spring flower f how, to be held on April 7 and 8, and centenary exhibition en September 8 and 9. Both shows will be held in the Waverley Market, Edinburgh. Secretary, Donald Mackenzie, 23, Rutland Square, Edinburgh. Durham, Northumberland, and Newcastle-on-Tyne Botanical and Horticultural Society's summer show, to be held in the Recreation Ground, North Road, Newcastle- on-Tyne, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, July 28. 29, 30. Secretary, Mr. J. Wilfrid Pace, Emerson Chamber, Blackett Street, Newcastle, Foyal Ulster Agricultural Society's horticultural show, to be held on the society's premises, Balmoral, Belfast, on Thursday and Friday, July 22, 23. Secretary, Mr. Kenneth MacRae, Balmoral, Belfast. Clevedon Horticultural Society's 33rd annual flower show, to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 3 and 4, in the Clevedon Hall Paddock ; also Clevedon Chry- santhemum show, to be held in the Public Hall, Clevedon, on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 9 and 10. Hon. secretary, Mr. Frank Leckington, Branch Hill, Clevedon. Huntingdonshire Daffodil and Spring Flower Society's show, to be held en Tuesday, April 27. Hon. secretary, Miss L. L. Linton, Stirtloe House, Buckden, Huntingdon. Sandiway and District Horticultural Society's fourth annual exhibition, to be held at Sandiway, on Monday, August 2; Hon. secretary, Mr. W. May, Sandiway Lodge Gardens, near Norlbwich. Alpine Plants from Italy or Naples : F. S. It is not advisable to send them by rail, be- cause, the freight is considerable, and much damage is done to plants at the various depots on the frontiers, where they may be overhauled. The journey by rail occupies about 46 hours. Your better plan is to consign them from Naples by steamer. As- certain from the London agents the date of call, and have them ready for shipment direct to England. Packed tightly in boxes, with plenty of soil and moss about their roots, they should travel safely, but the safest way to send them is in Wardian cases. Bottling Peas : C. C. To bottle green Peas, shell the Peas, put them into dry, wide- mouthed bottles and shake them together so that they may lie in as little space as pos- sible. Cork the bottles closely and seal the corks. Bury the bottles in the dryest part of the garden and take them up as they are wanted. They ought to keep good for some months. Or, try this recipe. Choose Peas which are large and fully grown, though not old. Put them into perfectly dry, wide-mouthed bottles; shake them down, cork securely, and cover the cork with bladder. Tie a wisp of hay round the lower part of the bottles to prevent their knocking against each other in the pan, put them side by side in a large saucepan, and pour into it as much cold water as will reach the necks of the bottles. Put the saucepan on the fire, and let the bottles remain standing for two hours after it has reached boiling point, then take the saucepan off, but do not remove the bottles until the water is cold. Seal the corks and stoie in a cool, dry place. Carnations: //. W., Sussex. The plants are infested with rust disease — Puccinia Arenarise. Spray them with a rose-red solution of per- manganate of potash. Cyclamen : W. L. The plants are attacked by a mite similar to that which infests Begonias and Gloxinias. Dip the foliage in tobacco- water, repeating the operation at intervals. Flowering Shrubs in Winter : D. M. You will find all the information you require in the article by Mr. Osborne, on " Hardy Trees and Shrubs Suitable for Forcing," published in the Gardeners' Chronicle. December 12, 19, and 26, 1903. Hyacinth 'Bulb Rotten : H. &• S. The in- terior of the bulb is full of a bacterial rot. The bacteria may have been present in the bulb from last season, or may have entered from the soil when planted last autumn, through some bruised spot. Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums: /. /?. and H. S. There is no disease present in the shoots. The injury has been caused by some insect-pest such as green-fly or red-spider. Manure for Potatos : Sussex. You may use the manures you mention, but it would be ad- visable to supplement them with a manure containing potash. A good stimulant for Potatos is composed of superphosphate two parts, and one part each of sulphate of am- monia and sulphate of potash. The compound should be applied at the rate of about 10 cwt. per acre. Names of Flowers, Fruits and Plants. — We ate anxious to oblige correspondents as far as we consistently can, but they must bear in mind that it is no part of our duty to our subscribers to name either flowers or fruits. Such work entails considerable outlay, both of time and money, and cannot be allowed to dis- organise the preparations for the weekly issue, or to encroach upon time requited for the conduct of the paper. Correspondents should never send more than six plants or fruits at one time : they should be very careful to pack and label them properly, to give every infoi mation as to the county the fruits are grown in, and to send ripe, or nearly ripe, specimens which show the character of the variety. By neglecting these precautions correspondents add greatly to our labour, and run the risk of delay and incorrect determinations. Correspondents not answered in eve issve are requested to be so good os to consult the following numbers. Fruits: C, Piterloro. The Apple you have sent us is a \ery fine specimen. We have compared it with the variety Annie Elizabeth and fail to find the least difference between them. The description of this variety in the Fruit Manual exactly fits your fruit. Plants: F. K. 1, Ccelia Baueriana.; 2, Epi- dendrum vitellinum ; 3, Laelia harpophylla; 4, Pleurothallis Barbcriana. — F. C. P. 1, Bulbophyllum cupreum ; 2 and 3, B. Pechei. — Filices. 1, Pleris umbrosa; 2, P. cretica ; 3, P. serrulata cristata; 4, P. serrulata ; 5, Adiantum Capillus-veneris. — A.J. W. Saccolabium gigan- teum. — Anxious. Schaueria calicotricha. — J. M. S. Schaueria calicotricha (syn. Justicia flavicoma). Nectarine Lord Napier: Anxi.ms. The failure of the trees to produce flowers cannot be at- tributed to early forcing, as the flower buds are formed in the autumn of the previous year. The trouble may be due to the wood being insufficiently ripened last autumn. The damaging of the foliage by soot in August may have been the cause, as this would en- tail a check to the tree at the time the foliage Was about to put into the stem and buds much reserve food. Other reasons for non- flowering may be advanced, such as a too vigorous development of wood growth, indi- cating the need for root pruning, or an un- satisfactory rooting medium. Plants for a Window-box in London : B. S. In addition to the plants you mention, you can use Marguerites, Fuchsias, Begonias — both the semperflorens and the tuberous-rooting kinds ; Nasturtiums, Campanulas (especi- ally the varieties of C. isophylla), Petunias, Heliotropium, Mimulus (Musk), Ericas and Sedums. The small polyantha Roses of the Mme. N. Levavasseur type are very pleasing for this kind of gardening. The front of the box should be draped with Lobelia, Zebrina, Lysimachia Num-nrularia (Creeping Jenny) or similar plants. We have also noticed Aspara- gus Sprengeri doing well in London window- boxes. Potatos with Scabbed Skins : S. cV Co. There is no disease present in the tubers. The injury is due to some mechanical irritant in the soil, such as would be caused by ashes in the manure, or sand. Recreation Ground : //. A\ G. To keep the recreation ground in first-class order would take five men. If the paths are made of gravel they will require frequent and constant atten- tion. The area of the ground does not allow of much being devoted to sports, therefore all the Grass plots will require frequent mow- ings, and the verges to the paths and beds will need to be kept in a neat condition. The beds and borders will require considerable work to maintain them in a proper condition, and, if the district is a populous one and there are many children, some time of each day will be taken up in keeping order and clearing up waste paper and other refuse. Recreation grounds are usually open seven days in each week, and they are allowed to remain open each day from early morning until sunset, which far exceeds an ordinary working day. In calculating the strength required therefore, all such details are taken in con- sideration. Tulips Failing to Flower : Gardener. The failure of your bulbs to flower is ■ probably due to one of two causes ; either the bulbs were not sufficiently matured last autumn, or they were started in too much warmth. Violets : T. V. The plants are attacked by a fungus — Cercospora viola;. Burn the affected plants and spray the others with dilute Bor- deaux mixture. Do not plant Violets in the same soil for several seasons. Winter-dressing for Vines : E. G. The loose bark should be first removed from the rods, and especially about the neighbourhood of the spurs. Afterwards coat the vines with the following mixture : Coal tar one part and clay six parts ; dry the clay so that it will readily pass through a fine sieve. Work the clay and tar thoroughly together, adding sufficient boil- ing water to make the mixture of the con- sistency of paint. In applying the prepara- tion avoid coating the buds. Keep the mixture well stirred during the process of application. Communications Received.— C. C (thanks for six stamps^ which have been placed in the R.G.O.F. box.) — H. I. W. — W. E. B.-H. R. G— G. H.— F. C.— S. M. C— F. W.— P. A.— L. F.— T. S.— W. B.-J. D. G.— T. L.— E. W. B.— H. M. V.— J. R. J.— A. H.-A. D.— F. W. S.— W. W.-K. — H., Darmstadt-F. W. C.-C. F.-Miss M, R.— J. C.— Linnean Soc— S. S.— C. H. S.— J. G. (photograph)— Nemo — P. Aquatias— G. T. e 0 e o a) e ai £ a a 3 (n ►j CT; o > O r* £ o K o u O w . 0) « o § -. >■ CO PQ « W a £ o o H J W h _^ c/3 t/) <: CO S o o « < > s ^ c/) O V a a. i/) ( _ ) <. D s ~Z_ s y d j i- hi V z ■i March 13, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 161 THE #itrbcncrs'CbronicIc No. 1,759.— SATURDAY, March 73, 7909. Alpine garden, the— Saxifraga Dr. Ramsay Tenormin pyrenaicum American notes — Antirrhinums Carnations Orchid show at Boston Berry, a new hybrid ... Books, notices of — Botanical Magazine Darwin-Wallace Cele- bration Lawns Nature Study „ Plants and their Ways Publications received Budd, Mr. W.( retire- ment of Cabbages and the frost Daffodil classification, the new... Dahlia trials, forth- coming Dynevor Castle... Forcing by cloches Frost at Monmouth Fruit growing for mar ket, notes on Fruit register — Lain dessert Apples Fruit trees, the training of Horse Guards' Parade, suggested improve- ment of the Imperial training in hor- ticulture Ljelio - Cattleya Lustre gigantea CONTENTS Law notes — Repair of nurseries ... Mushroom disease Nitro-Bacterine, inocula- tion with Orchid hybrids, the naming of multi- generic Orchid notes and glean- ings— Cattleya Trianae Cour- tauldiana Plants, new or note- worthy— A new genus of Cacta- ceae ... Lomatia obliqua Rosary, the— Notes on pruning Snow, glasshouses de- stroyed by Societies — French Horticultural Traders' Kingston Gardeners' Royal Horticultural ... Scottish Horticultural United Horticultural Benefit & Provident Week's work, the — Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden ... 169 Kitchen garden, the Orchid houses, the 108 Plants under glass Public parks and gar 163 dens 166 166 168 it,, i 163 172 169 161 L69 HI 161 169 169 171 170 169 165 164 171 161 163 172 ILLUSTRATIONS. Bottle for preserving Grapes, an improved Cerens giganteus growing in Arizona Cloches, arrangement of, in forcing Lettuces Dynevor Castle, Carmarthenshire Laelio-Cattleya Lustre gigantea (Supplementary Illus- tration) Nursery glasshouses destroyed by snowstorm Odoutioda Bradshawias, Cookson's variety 170 176 172 171 16.1 162 162 163 171 175 175 172 175 166 167 166 166 167 167 175 162 164 165 171 174 A MARKET FRUIT GROWER'S YEAR. FEBRUARY of the present year has been remarkable alike for dryness, extraor- dinary abundance of bright sunshine, and the occurrence of frost nearly every night. At my own station less than a quarter of an inch of rain has been registered. The frosts, for the most part, have been slight or moderate, but approaching the severe type in the last week. Even the slight frosts, however, have sufficed to render the ground • hard nearly every morning, until thawed by the sun's rays. The persistence of night frosts must be re- garded as highly propitious to the outlook for the fruit crops, as they, probably as- sisted by the dryness of the soil, have su effectually checked the development of buds on all kinds of fruit trees and bushes that these, being much more backward than usual, are the less likely to suffer damage from late frosts. With respect to Gooseberries and Plums, this backwardness is also a safe- guard against bud-eating by birds, as, when the buds are late in swelling, there is more food of other kinds available for these feathered destroyers. Long before this stage last season, nearly all the buds of choice varieties of Plums in my home orchard had been picked off, and Gooseberry buds, also near the homestead, had been at- tacked, necessitating spraying to protect them. At present not a bud has been taken off a Gooseberry bush, so far as has been noticed in many inspections, and only a few- Plum buds from two trees close to the sleep- ing quarters of a great number of sparrows. A year ago the pruning of Gooseberry bushes, always deferred until the buds are on the point of bursting, was in full swing, but this season it has not yet commenced. Apart from the fact that birds cannot disbud the bushes so easily before pruning as after that operation is done, the work can be car- ried out best when any damage of this kind has been completed, as then, and not before, disbudded portions of shoots can be trimmed off. With respect to one Gooseberry plantation, there is a special reason this season for late pruning. Last year a great many of the bushes were badly attacked by the fungus Botrvtis, which caused the leaves to turn while at the tips and die prematurely, result- ing in the berries developing merely to half size. Some of these diseased bushes are now dead, and portions of others. What to cut away, therefore, cannot be seen easily until the healthy buds have swollen almost to the point of btirsting. The bushes in this field had borne great crops since they were planted in the autumn of 1902, or, at least, from 1904 onwards, and, in spite of artificial manuring two or three limes, some "I them have apparently been injured by the strain by cropping. They were heavily manured in January with kainit and basic slay, and will be given two dressings of nitrate of soda later in the season in the hope that their vigour may be restored. It is worth notice that on the experimental plots at Hadlow, Kent, man- aged bv Dr. Dyer and Mr. Shrivell, Goose- berrv bushes that have never had any potash supplied to them, like those on adjoining plots which had received potassic manures, were found last summer to be badly affected with Botrvtis. The principal kinds of work carried on in February have been the forking over of fruit and nursery stock plantations, the planting of fruit stocks for grafting or budding, the pruning of Apples and Plums, and the winter spraying of Apples and a few choice Plums. With respect to the first-named operation, it may be said that, in consequence of repeated • hoeings having been rendered almost useless by the frequent rainfall of last spring and summer, the plantations were more thickly covered with weeds, chiefly Grass, than in any previous year. The oldest Apple plantation, indeed, resembled a meadow by the end of the autumn, and does so still, for, as the Black Currants have been dug out of it, and the trees are sufficiently mature, it is to be left in • ir.iss, which will be cut twice in the season, and left to rot and form a mulch on the ground. As the trees have grown out too much for horse cultivation, and it would cost at least £$ an acre to have the land dug and hoed sufficiently to keep it free from weeds, a trial of the effect of leaving it in Grass, to save expense, is to be made. The soil of this field, it may be explained, is of so fine a texture that -even a slight shower after hoeing is sufficient to set weeds chopped up growing afresh. This accounts for the great expense necessary to keep it clean, which, indeed, is almost impossible in a showery season. Possibly White Clover will be sown on the land, and at any rate, manures calculated to cause indigenous Clovers to grow have been, and will hereafter be, sown, while farmyard manure will be placed around the trees in some seasons. The most distressing work of the month has been the necessary treatment oi King >>f tin- Pippins and Potts 's Seedling Apples, both badly cankered, in spite of their having had cankered spots cut out and tarred from the first appearance of the disease, and badly- affected branches cut off and burned later. B} persistent treatment Potts's Seedling has been greatly improved, but King of the Pip- pins is hopeless, as the canker breaks out at intervals right up the branches, and on young shoots and fruit spurs. Some of the trees have been cut nearly to the ground for graft- ing, and III .-i' least affected have had Plums planted between them, so that they ma\ be ting ,up in a season or two. Neither oi these two varieties should ever be recommended to market growers, although they are to be seen in most selected lists of varieties. There are 90 of one variel v and 120 of the other, very fine trees apart from the pestilent malady from which they suffer. The winter wash US< d emis'ists of 20 lbs. of freshly-burned quicklime, 20 His., if flowers of sulphur, and [2 lbs. of caustic p CATTLEYA TRIAN^E COURTAULDIANA. In the report of the Ghent Quinquennial Show in the Gardeners' Chronicle, April 21, 1388, is the following passage: "Perhaps the greatest in- terest centred in any one object was created by a cut three-flowered spike of a grand form of Cat- tleya Trianse, superb in form and size, and with the additional attraction of a bright crimson marbling on the sepals, and a similar broad feather of crimson spots .up the wide and con- spicuous petals. All agreed that such had never arrived before, or anything like it, and it was suggested to call it C. Triana? var. Court.uildiana, as it was brought from that gentleman's collec- tion by Mr. O' Brien." The plant which flowered in the collection of the late Sydney Courtauld, Booking Place, Brain- tree, for the first time on the occasion cited, gave flowers perfectly normal in every respect, and yet it seems to have failed to produce the ornate crimson spotting afterwards, or, at least, there is no record of it. At the present time it is in flower in the Orchid nurseries of Mr. H. A. Tracy, Amyand Park Road, Twickenham, who obtained a very small plant of the variety at the dispersal of the Courtauld collection. The flower is of fine form and shape, and the sepals and petals of a light" rose-pink, the petals show mg a disposition to produce a coloured band, but in a very slight degree. The lip is of good shape, the front being purplish-crimson, with a pale lilac, crimped margin, and some broad gold lines from the base. It would be interesting to know whether anyone has flowered it in its original form. AMERICAN NOTES. ORCHID SHOW AT BOSTUX. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society ex- pects to have a good Orchid show at Boston in May, 1910. 'Hie Society hopes to attract some, at least, of the European growers, and offers in one class a gold medal and 1,000 dol- lars in cash as a fiist prize. Many other large money prizes and medals are offered. Special attention will be given to plants of rarity and value, as well as trees and herbaceous subjects likely to prove hardy in the Bay State. CARNATIONS. Yellow Carnations are not as popular in the United States as in England, ana although this may be in part due to the fact that there are few really good kinds that are profitable to grow commercially as cut flowers, yet the fact remains that growers generally are shy of them. The new variety, J. \\ hitcomb Riley, was well shown both at Chicago and at the Indianapolis Convention of the American Car- nation Society, and is a very beautiful flower, as well as a fine grower and free flowerer. The raisers are said to have received an offer from a British firm for the whole of the stock, in which case it would not, of course, be sent out here. More than one piominent grower has told the writer that no yellow variety will ever be taken up with any spirit in America. It is singular that the gold medal of the above .Society should have been awarded to a " varie- gated " variety, as the flaked kinds are called here, for such sorts are not really popular. Bay State, the variety so honoured, is a bold flower, and will doubtless be largely grown. Pink Carnations, although their name is legion, are not in many cases satisfactory. There is a dullness about the tints that is not pleasing, and many that came out with a flourish will be discarded. Rose Pink Enchantress is being thrown out in one, at least, of the very largest of the Chicago establishments, and, strange as it may seem, the old Mrs. T. W. Lawson is being more largely planted on account of its fine shipping qualities and its excellence as a mid-winter bloomer. Winona is very highly spoken of, the colour being clear and good. It has probably come to stay. In red flowers, Victory seems to have slightly the advantage over Beacon. Robt. Craig has probably seen its best days, while growers are buying the new O. P. Bassett in enormous quantities. ANTIRRHINUM.- are among the most pleasing of the spring flowers offered here other than Roses, Carna- tions, and bulbous stock. Some of the soft yellow or light chrome tints of pure self colour are very beautiful now among the earliest ones, while later in the season the deep reds are popular. The plants are raised from seed or cuttings in summer and autumn, the earliest being benched in September or thereabouts, and, as these frequently come in at a time when Roses are scarce, they prove a paying crop, as they need but little heat. H. R. R. THE ROSARY. NOTES ON PRUNING ROSES. As the month of March comes round one of the most important operations, namely, the pro- per pruning of Roses, has to he undertaken. Never be in too great a hurry to commence the work, especially in the case of newly-planted Roses. By pruning too early the result is thin, sickly growths, which never give satisfaction. Whereas, if patience is exercised, the work de- ferred till the sap is running freely, and the shoots pruned to plump, healthy eyes, the result is blooms nearly as early, and, given other pro- per attentions, stout, healthy growths, with cor- respondingly fine flowers. Where unable to make a clean cut with a sharp knife, use secateurs — those with a drawing action of the blades are the best for the purpose. When using a knife always hold the plant firmly with the hand, otherwise there is a danger of loosening the roots, and this is easily done in the case of newly-planted Roses. Year an old glove on the hand that is not used for the knife. Look over the plants daily, planning where the knife shall go, and at the same time rub off any pushing buds that will not be wanted. Scratch these oft neatly with the thumb-nail. Whenever on cut- ting the pith appears brown, cut lower if pos- sible to where the pith is white. Remove alto- gether dead, weak and overcrowded shoot> to the base from where they start. Speaking gen- erally, three or four growths are quite suffi- cient to retain. It is always best to do any necessary thmning-out in October, as the wood left for the following season is then better able to ripen. Each year one can generally cut away old shoots from most varieties ; try and discard all wood more than two years old, thereby mak- ing room for younger shoots from the base, as by this means the youthfulness of the plant is maintained. Always cut to an outward bud, having in mind at the same time the future shape of the plant. Standards may be pruned in the same manner as dwarfs, excepting only that, if of weak growth, they may, in some cases, be cut a little less severely. With climb- ing and rambling Roses it is best to get rid of as much old wood as possible in October, so that now, speaking generally, there will be only a little dead wood to remove here and there. In their first season of planting, these Roses should be cut back to about 2 feet from the ground. Newly-planted dwarf and standard varieties are better if they are cut back to within three or four eyes from the base their first season. Any that are planted in the spring instead of autumn should be pruned before being planted. March is the best month for spring planting of Roses. In dealing with established plants, shoots must still be cut back severely, if exhibition blooms are required. For ordinary garden decoration the shoots may be left longer ; for forming bushes or hedges, still longer ; whilst for furnishing pergolas. Dillars. &c,, thinning 164 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [March 13 1909. and removing the dead wood, also old wood where it can be spared, is all that is necessary. Then also the idiosyncrasies of ■ the various sorts have to be considered, and as it would require too much space to deal fully with this question, I must refer readers to the excellent work published by the National Rose Society entitled Handbook on Pruning Roses. Vigorous, medium, and moderate growers of the different hybrids and species all need differ- ent treatment. For example, Pom-poms only re- quire their old flower-stems removing and a little thinning. Tea Roses, which should be pruned the last of all— the second week in April being quite early enough— are often damaged by frost. Any injured wood must be cut away to where the shoot is sound and the pith white, the more vigorous sorts, except where the wood is damaged, being very sparingly pruned. In ninety-nine out of every hundred gardens where Roses are grown the plants are pruned igno- rantly. It is nearly always a case of "spare the knife and spoil the' Rose," though in some cases many sorts are spoiled by cutting' away the flowering wood. It is essential that the growth and character of the individual Rose be studied, remembering, though, that all, by being pruned severely the first season after planting, have thereby the foundation laid of a sound and healtSv plant. Finally, when all the Roses are pruned and the prunings cleared away, remove gradually the so:! heaped up around those which have been protected from frost in this manner. Next fork in a very light top-dressing of well-rotted cow- dung : a small handful of soot may be dusted around each plant, or a dressing of some arti- ficial manure. But in all cases use stimulants sparingly, and do not apply any artificial ferti- lisers to newly-planted Ro=es. After the pruning is done, when buds are breaking in places where they are not wanted, i.e., where the shoots would crowd too much, grow in- wards, or cross one another, scratch them off neatly with the thumb-nail. Leonard Pctric, Cavton, Cheltenham. NOTICES OF BOOKS. * Plants and Their Ways. The subject-matter in this book is arranged in the form of short lessons, describing the struc- ture and functions of plant organs. Each lesson is accompanied by practical work of an experi- mental kind to be carried out by the class — a feature specially to be commended. A few errors, such as " syneigida; " for " synergidas," have been left uncorrected, but they are not numerous. f Nature Study. Professor Davis describes his book on nature study as a " reader for the higher classes The range of the book is remarkable, includ- ing, as it does, both botanical and zoological sections, and, although the information is neces- saiily much condensed, it is always clear, and the wider point of view, so often absent from books intended for use in schools, is not lost sight of. The illustrations, from original photographs, are well selected and reproduced. The Memorial Volume of the Darwin- Wallace Celebration. This volume issued by the Linnean Society is a memento of a memorable occasion. On July 1, 1858, the Society held the most important meeting recorded in its long and FORGING BY CLOCHES. The cloche is, perhaps, better known in gar- dens in this country by the name of bell-glass, and although its use is not so extensive as in France, most gardeners are more or less ac- quainted with "its value for forcing purposes. Those who have read the weekly articles by Mr. P. Aquatias on the "French" garden in these columns, will recognise the great part the cloche plays in this system of intensive culture. Such a garden is necessarily restricted to a relatively small area, mainly because of the great cost of the manure ; therefore everything must be done to make the fullest possible use of the cloches and frames, and to have another crop ready to occupy the hot-beds directly one has been harvested. The diagrams shown in fig. 70 represent the methods of arranging the cloches so as to obtain the best results in forc- ing Lettuces The top portion of the diagram shows the cloches placed over four Lettuces, the central one being of the large Cos type, whilst the three around it are Cabbage Lettuces. In the angles between the bell-glasses and outside the latter, Cos Lettuces are also planted. The three Cabbage Lettuces are removed after about a fortnight, and the Cos variety occupies the whole of the cloche, where it develops into a large specimen. As soon as this is cut, at the end of April, the cloches are rearranged so that half those previously growing outside are now covered. This will be readily understood by noticing the direction of the arrows. There is still a batch uncovered, and this re- mains so until about the middle of May, when the second batch is harvested. The third figure of the diagram shows the final stage, with the Cloches placed over the third batch. iJotUAg ,J Cos UttUCO- tSti-CLoMynHCjlL fW»).l-'?«6iJ» i)U- llnd/ruiencrvt ;/flu- CUfw>.,;jl- ^WtUoj)'' N FlG. 70. — ARRANGEMENT OF CLOCHES IN FRENCH GARDEN. of schools," and it should prove extremely use- ful to teachers, not only as an aid to class work, but also for reference out of school. The needs of the teacher in town schools — often dependent, to some extent at least, on museums and natural history collections — have evidently been considered, and much useful and accurate information concerning members of both plant and animal kingdoms has been brought together. • By Ernest Evans. (Dent & Co.) t By J. R. Ainsworlh Davis, M.A., F.C.P. (Dent & Co.) distinguished career, for it was on that date- that the joint paper by Darwin and Wallace " On the Tendency of Species to form Varieties ; and on the Perpetuation of Varieties and Species by Means of Selection " was communicated to the Society by Sir Charles Lyell and Sir Joseph Hooker. On July 1, 1908, the fiftieth anniversary of that event was celebrated in a manner worthy of the event and of the Society. The memorial volume, giving a full record of the proceedings is not only a valuable souvenir March 13, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 165 to the members of the Lirmean Society who were present at the celebration, but also a docu- ment of importance to the historian of biology. As our readers will remember, the Society, in •order to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the reading of the paper, presented Darwin-Wallace medals, struck in honour of the occasion, to men eminent in biology both in this country and abroad : to Dr. Wallace, Sir Joseph Hooker, Dr. Francis Galton, and Sir E. Ray Lankester as representing British biologists who have con- tributed, by their advocacy and by their inves- tigations, to the wider acceptance of Darwin's work ; to Profesors Haeckel, Weismann and Strasburger as representatives of the great band of -foreign naturalists who count themselves among Darwin's followers. A full report of the admirable series of speeches made by the president of the Linnean Society, Dr. D. H. Scott, by the recipients of the medals and by representatives of the univer- sities and other learned bodies, is given in the portraits, with which the volume is adorned. The place of honour, at the beginning of the volume, is occupied by a reproduction of Flamung's well-known engraving of Darwin ; whilst at the end are a series of portraits of Wallace, Hooker, Haeckel, Weismann, Stras- burger, Galton, and Lankester. On the cover, which is not attractive, are figures of the Darwin-Wallace medal, bearing on the one side an effigy of Darwin and on the other one of Wallace. The Linnean Society is to be congratulated on the dignified and adequate way in which it has recorded the jubilee of a great event. DYNEVOR CASTLE. Dynevor Castle, the residence of Lord Dynevor, is situated near to the picturesque town of Llandilo, on an eminence from which the upper reaches of the Towy Valley and, be- notable trees. An Ash, in particular, is of an immense size ; its old branches are carefully braced, and the decayed parts filled in to pre- vent further rotting. The old castle of Dynevor, now in ruins, was originally erected as a Royal palace by Roderic the Great, Sovereign of all Wales, and for cen- turies was the seat of the government for South Wales. Overlooking the fertile Vale of Towy, and the meandering river of the same name which washes the foot of the wooded hills hun- dreds of feet below, and on one side standing on the verge of a sheer and deep precipice, its position in the days of primitive warfare, all but impregnable, would be of great strategic importance. The walls of the old quadrangle are in good preservation, and, after centuries of opening and closing, an oaken door remains still solid and apparently fit for further cen- turies of service. I noticed a Rose garden, the ground of the beds being clothed with common Musk. This Cardchra, flshisortk ZlfereJith. Fig. 71 -DYNEVOR CASTLE, CARMARTHENSHIRE. volume. A perusal of these speeches, particu- larly those of Sir Joseph Hooker, Francis Gal- ton, Sir William Thiselton Dyer and Francis Darwin, will convince the younger school of biologists — if conviction be needed — of the high scientific worth and of the fine character of the naturalists of the past generation. It is unfortunate that by some error of bind- ing pp. 17 to 32 appear twice in the volume : though these pages are indeed fit to survive, it scarcely enhances their value to survive twice. In addition to the record of the meeting at which the Darwin-Wallace medals were pre- sented, the memorial volume contains the pro- gramme of the proceedings at the reception by the President and Council in the evening of July 1 ; a reprint of the papers by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, rond before the Linnean Society on July 1, 1858 ; and selec- tions from Malthus's "Essay on Population," which suggested the idea of natural selection. No less valuable than the letterpress are the yond, the Carmarthenshire beacons offer a landscape of great extent and beauty. The castle is a somewhat modern, quadrangular structure (see fig. 71), crowned at each of the angles with a cupola. The family of Dynevor has a most interesting genealogy, and the mem- bers of this ancient Welsh house still sacredly maintain many of the old customs and tiadi- tions of Gwalia. The family name is " Rice," a corruption of " Rhys," from the famous knight, Sir Rhys Ab Thomas, who supported King Henry VIL, and whose prowess long con- tinued to be sung by the bards of Wales. There is a herd of old Welsh white and black cattle in the park, and the tinkling of tiny bells from the necks of these animals is reminiscent of Swiss pastures. In all parts of the grounds are stately trees. On the north :side of the castle is a group of Oak; Beech, and Spanish Chestnut of great age, forming a dense canopy ; and in the direc- tion of the old castle ruins are many other Rose garden is composed of a series of circles, with Grass intersections. Camellias do well out-of-doors at Dynevor, so do the Himalayan species of Rhododendron, as, indeed, they do in many parts of Wales. The same remark applies to Kalmias, which deserve to be more generally cultivated. I noticed a plant of Kalmia latifolia 20 feet broad and 12 feet high. The flower garden is most informal in design, and appears to have been evolved from what at one time were vege- table, fruit, and, possibly, flower gardens com- bined ; some of the old fruit trees still remain. A tree of the Golden Hedgehog Holly, of con- siderable dimensions, a deciduous Cypress, and a tree of Cryptomeria japonica, 60 feet high, were all of interest. I noticed several fine trees of Scotch Fir, and a notable specimen of Liriodendron, the Tulip Tree. Overlooking the deer park on the north side of the mansion is a formal flower garden, the design being worked out in Box. The colour oi 166 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 13, 1609. the flowers used in this garden is almost exclu- sively scarlet. The kitchen" garden and greenhouses are situ- ated nearly a mile from the castle. There is an old vinery, heated with a flue. The green- houses accommodate plants that are useful for decorative purposes in the mansion, and there are fruit houses planted with Peach, Nectarine, and other fruit trees. It is not an easy matter in this locality to grow good fruits out-of-doors, as there is so much moisture in the atmosphere. A fine plant of Taxus adpressa occupies a position at the end of a long, broad walk in the kitchen garden. The tree is 16 feet high, and 30 feet across. Intersecting the kitchen garden, in addition to a good wall for the culture of fruits, are several large Box hedges. In the park is an interesting church, which has been built on the site of an ancient Roman temple, the foundations of which were dis- covered some years ago. There is a well, too, in the neighbourhood, which ebbs and flow.-. the stream issuing therefiom being called Nant-y-Rheibio, "the bewitched well." Giraldus Cambrensis supposed it to have sorne depend- ence on the fluctuation of the tides, but the sea at the nearest point is about 20 miles distant. The gardener at Dynevor is Mr. A. Richard- son, who has occupied the post for several years and has carried out many improvements. A . P. Howler. THE ALPINE GARDEN. SAXIFRAGA DR. RAMSAY. We owe to Mr. Robert Lindsay, of Kaimes Lodge, Midlothian, the beautiful silvery Saxi- frage which bears the name of the late Dr. Ramsay, himself an ardent horticulturist. The plant was raised by hybridising the two silvery Saxifrages, called S. Macnabiana and S. lantoscana superba, and in its habit it largely partakes of the latter parent. The rosettes of silvery-grey are very handsome, and the plume- like spikes of flowers are arched over after the fashion of S. lantoscana superba, in itself one of the most charming of this class of Rockfoils. The individual flowers are beautiful, the purity of the white ground being the more effec- tive on account of the presence on the petals of a few red spots. Saxifraga Dr. Ramsay is both a good grower and a free-flowerer, but those who wish plants to increase do not care to have too many flowering rosettes at one time, since those which bloom die. However, this variety pro- duces rosettes freely enough, and, by taking the young ones off and repeating the process year by year for a time, a good stock of plants may be obtained. At the same time, this and other Silvery Saxifiages are more beautiful when they are in good-sized plants. Like others of its class, S. Dr. Ramsay succeeds best in a soil containing a little lime, and those who have not this in their soils can easily supply it by the addition of old mortar rubbish or pieces of limestone in chips. TEUCRIUM PYRENAICUM. The Pyrenean Germander (Teucrium pyrenai- cumi is a beautiful little Alpine plant of value, although in many gardens it is not one of great permanence. In light and dry soils I have seen it as dwarf as 3 inches, although it is sometimes as much as 7 or 8 inches in height. The plant is prostrate in its growth, and forms a little mat of roundish, downy leaves, notched at the margins, and bearing in summer a number of small clus- ters of pretty little creamy-white and purple flowers. It is a plant which appeals rather to the specialist in such flowers than to the cultivator of Alpine flowers with more showy blossoms. The Pyrenean Germander does not, however, seem to be perfectly hardy, and this appears to result largely from the fact that the leaves are so woolly that the rain lodging about them causes them to decay in very wet seasons. Slugs are serious enemies to the plant, and in gardens where these pests are numerous, it is necessary to entrap them. In wet districts the plants should be sheltered in winter and spring from heavy rains. The stock is increased by division, and the divisions should be grown on in pots until they attain a fair size, the pots being filled with loam, sand, and grit, and placed in a frame or an Alpine house. A similar compost may be used on the rockery, where the plant should occupy a position well ex- posed to view and on a level terrace or gentle slope. S. Arnott. The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Black Currant gall-mite or tig bud. — Before the bushes burst into leaf, carefully examine them to see if they are infested with this pest, picking off any of the big buds and burning them without delay. Should the bushes be badly infested, grub them up and burn them, and plant any fresh bushes as far from the old site as circumstances will allow. A remedy strongly recommended by various growers is to spray during March, April, and May with ordin- ary soft soap and Quassia mixture, the quanti- ties being 2 ounces of the former to 4 ounces of the latter, dissolved in 1 gallon of water. Vines out-of-doors. — It would seem that vines in the open are not so common nowadays as formerly. This is to be regretted, for, apart from the question of the fruit ripening, the foliage is extremely attractive. Even where the fruit does not ripen sufficiently for dessert purposes, it can always be utilised for the making of wine. A south or south-west wall is the best position in which to plant out-door vines. They will thrive in any good soil ; but when preparing the ground for planting, on no account use rank farmyard manure. The use of too much of this commodity is probably the main cause of mildew, which is the greatest pest of outdoor vines in this country. Defer the planting of young vines till about the month of May, when the ground will be warm, and root action will soon commence, Suitable varieties are Royal Muscadine, Sweetwater, and Strawberry Grape. The work of pruning established vines (if these have not already been attended to) should be commenced at once, after which they should be washed with an insecticide such as Gishurst Compound to clear the rods of red spider and other insect pests. General remarks. — The extremely severe weather recently experienced has acted bene- ficially in retarding the fruit-buds, thus affording them a better chance of escaping the ill effects of spring frosts. Whenever the weather is too bad to allow of work in the open, anything that can be done under cover should receive atten- tion. The fruit in the fruit room will require examining for the- purpose of removing any that are decayed. Exercise care in ventilating the fruit room, and admit no more fresh air than is absolutely essential, as an excess at this time of the year causes the fruits to shrivel. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Forwarding crops under glass.- — Everything possible should be done to raise under glass many kinds of vegetables which would have been sown in the open ground had the weather been more favourable. By adopting this course, little time will be lost, as, the seed germinating under much more favourable conditions, the subsequent growth will be more satisfactory. The seedlings must be pricked off when quite small, either into boxes, unheated frames, or, in southern localities, merely improvised shelters. Under no circumstances should they be " coddled," but, on the contrary, air must be admitted whenever possible. Cauliflowers. — Plants of early-forcing varieties that were potted up into 8 and 10-inch pots and are now growing in a cool temperature may, if the pots are well filled with roots, be intro- duced to a temperature from 50° to 60u and exposed to as much light as possible. Give them a surface dressing of well-decayed cow manure and fibrous loam and let the roots be at all times well supplied with water. For a suc- cessional crop, another batch may be potted up either from seedlings raised last November or from plants which have been wintered in an unheated frame. Select the strongest plants, lift them with as large a ball of earth as possible, and pot them very firmly. Some of the same batch should also be planted out in unheated frames, or, failing these, hand-lights or cloches may be used, care being taken to select a sheltered, sunny position. Prick off young seedlings im- mediately before the third leaf is made, and sow small quantities of suitable varieties once a fortnight. Kohl Fabi. — Seeds should be sown thinly in boxes about the middle of the present month in a gentle heat. Prick off the young plants as soon as they are large enough, and plant them out in an open position in well-prepared ground at the middle, or towards the end of April. French Beans. — If these plants are not over- crowded, but are kept clean and in only a moderately warm atmosphere, they will now give abundant crops. Alternate waterings of diluted manure water should be afforded. The foliage should be thoroughly sprayed with tepid water twice daily on bright days, and the atmosphere must be kept moist. The most suitable place at this season for these plants is on shelves in the intermediate house. Make further sowings once a fortnight. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Susses. Seed sowing. — The details connected with seed sowing will now claim attention. Prepare a suf- ficient quantity of rich soil, which should be composed of rotted loam, leaf-mould, and silver sand. Next get some shallow seed trays, boxes, or pots, and prepare these. If boxes are used, a layer of coarse soil, or the sittings from the soil will be all that is required in the matter of drainage for such as will contain annuals, as these will not remain in the boxes for any leng.h of time. The boxes intended for seeds of Coni- fer, Rhododendron, Erica, or similar plants will need to be clocked. No time should be lost be- fore sowing seeds of Begonia, Lobelia, Marigold, Dianthus, Stock, Aster, Campanula, Salpig'os- sis, Phlox, and any other, tender or half-hardy annual that may be desired. The boxes may be placed on a half-spent hot-bed ; one that was re. cently used for Asparagus will answer well. Sow the seeds thinly and prick off the seedlings into boxes or pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Sweet Peas. — An endeavour should be made to have Sweet Pea flowers over as long a period as possible. Those that were sown in the autumn will now require thinning-out and stak- ing. First place some short brushwood stakes on either side of the plants ; these will afford a little shelter from winds and will also serve to support the Peas. The larger stakes, 7 to 8 feet in height, should be placed outside the smaller ones. When this has been done, rake the ground level, and apply a sprinkling of ashes and soot on each side of the row. Sow another batch of seeds in 4J~inch pots, placing three or five seeds in each pot. These may be thinned out after- wards if all the seeds should germinate. Place the pots in a frame, or, if in a greenhouse, on shelves near to the glass. Sow also a batch of seeds out-of-doors, selecting well-tilled and liberally-manured soil. A good effect is ob- tained by sowing in clumps. If this method be- adopted, a hole should be taken out, and half a barrowful of manure put at the base. Then fill in the soil and mix with it some soot and bone- meal, afterwards applying a few inches deep of rich soil on the surface. The seeds should be sown in the rich soil. Sweet Peas raised in pots may eventually be planted out in similar posi- tions prepared in like manner. If long rows of Peas are desired, then dig out the trench as one would do for Celery. Among some of the best varieties and colours are Helen Lewis, King Edward VII., Queen Alex?ndra, America, John Ingman, Countess Spencer, Frank Dolby, St. George, Sutton's Queen, Flora Norton, S. J. Castle, Dorothy Eckford, Henry Eckford, and White Spencer. March 13, 1909] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 167 FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Pineapples. — Pot-plants which are ripening their fruits will mature more satisfactorily if they can be removed to a light, dry house. Water them sparingly with clear tepid water. The earliest plants of The Queen, now developing their fruits, require to be treated more liberally in regard to heat and moisture than hitherto ;the walls and other surfaces should therefore be damped frequently to create a humid atmo- sphere. Growth must be aided by liberally feed- ing the plants with diluted farmyard manure and guano, applying these alternately. In the after- noon the water may sometimes be weakly diluted with guano water and syiinged about the base of the pots. While the plants are in flower syringing must be discontinued and the atmo- sphere kept moderately dry, but when the flower- in- stage is past growth must be again encour- aged. Maintain a minimum temperature of not less than 70°, which, during the day, may be allowed to rise to 85° or 90u from the heat of the sun, but a little air should be admitted at the top of the pit. Close the lights early in the afternoon before the sun loses its power. Plants which were potted last month will now be rooting freely into the new soil, and it will therefore be safe to water them well with clear tepid water. Maintain the atmosphere in a humid condition, admitting air only on favourable occasions, and closing again early in the afternoon directly after syringing. Pot up the suckers from plants which have fruited, and place them in a warm and moist atmosphere, where they can be shaded from bright sunshine till rooted. ( 'ucumbers. — As soon as the roots of the earliest plants which are now fruiting appear on the surface, apply a top-dressing of loam mixed with a little decomposed horse manure It is better to add a moderate top-dressing at frequent intervals than to give a large quantity at one time. Maintain a moist atmosphere, and s\ the plants in the morning and again at closing time in the afternoon. See that the roots art- kept well supplied with water, using liquid manure and some approved fertiliser two or three times a week. Regulate the growths on the trellis, and stop the shoots at the second or third leaf. Do not allow the plants to carry more fruits than they can properly bear or they will soon become exhausted. To prevent red spider, syringe the foliage occasionally with a weak mixture of soft-soap and sulphur. Obstruction of daylight. — Should the roof glass on any of the fruit houses have been affei ted by fogs, have it thoroughly washed, otherwise plants will become drawn. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. 1 y A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Stove Aquatics. — The most successful method of cultivating these plants is to devote a house to them containing a central tank, but in cases where this cannot be done a few species may- be grown in tubs. Aquatics add greatly to the interest of the collection of stove plants. All water should now be run out of the Water-Lily tank. The tubers should be removed from the old soil and placed separately in pots either of damp moss or wet sand, taking care to label each sort. The evergreen floating species should be placed in tubs or pans of warm water. Thoroughly cleanse the tank and see that there is no fault in the hot-water pipes which heat the water. Some authorities recommend planting the tubers of Nymphaea in tubs or large flower-pots and sinking these in the tank, but I find it more satisfactory to grow them in mounds of soil placed in position in the tank itself. The soil should consist of good heavy loam broken coarsely, and to which has been added a fourth part consisting of dried cow manure. If the loam is light, some clay should be mixed with it. After having allowed the soil to remain a couple of days in the house to warm, it should be made as firm as possible, remembering that the plants grow naturally in soil which is under considerable pressure from the water above. Plant the tubers about 3 inches deep, and place over Ihe soil a good layer of gravel or coarse sand The water should be warmed to a tem- pcalare of about 70°, and allowed to rise to not more than 80° as the season advances. Such tall-growing aquatic plants as Nelumbiums, Cyperus Papyrus, Sagittaria montevidensis, &i , may be planted between the Nymphasas and around the sides of the tank. Hedychiums, well rooted in pots, may be partially submerged in the water. Primulas. — A pinch of seed of the single varie- ties may now be sown to provide a batch of plants for early flowering. Preparations should be made for rooting the growths of the old double-white variety. Lighth pri< 1. ovei the sur- face soil and cut away, with a pair of scissors, some of the lower leaves. Afterwards heap around the root-stock a top-dressing of sifted loam and leaf-soil, with plenty of silver sand. The soil may be easily kept in place if the pots are either sunk into empty pots a size larger, or a collar of cardboard is placed inside the rim of the pot. If the plants are given an inter- mediate temperature and the soil kept moist, the shoots will have rooted in about two months, when they should be removed and potted singly. Hard-u>o?did plants. — For the next few weeks great care must be taken as regards ventilating the house in which these plants are grown. They need an abundance of air, but at the same time are most susceptible to draughts. Watering also requires judgment, and this is especially the case with Boronias and Leschenaultias. As the flowers of the Epacris fade, the plants should be rather severely pruned and placed, for a short time, in a warmer house. When the new shoots are about an inch long, repot the plants firmly in peat and sand, paying proper attention to the drainage. Ericas passing out of flower require similar treatment, although they should not be pruned quite so severely ; merely requiring to have the weakly growths thinned out. The late- flowering Heaths must be kept in a well-ven- tilated house and as cool as possible without frost. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Blinds and other shadings. — At this time of the year there are frequent periods of excep- tionally bright weather, and unless precautions are taken the foliage of Orchids is liable to be- come scorched by the sun's rays, especially if there are any flaws in the glass. The danger is greater at this season than at any other time of the year. Presuming that all the blinds and other shading materials are fixed in their pro- per places, it will be necessary to use them with discretion, for, although recommending caution in this respect, I do not advise shading the plants more than is necessary. It is better to err in giving too much shading than too little, as far more injury is likely to accrue to tender plants from too much sunshine than from too much shade. In cool houses where Odontoglos- sums, Masdevallias, &c, are housed, the tem- perature, when the sun is shining brightly, will quickly rise above 60°, especially on clear, bright, cold mornings, when the air outside is perhaps much colder than 40- and too cold to admit through the ventilators. In order to regulate the temperature of the greenhouse at such times it is advisable to lower the blinds. The Cattleya and intermediate houses should be shaded when the sun is bright and continuous, but only on that side which is fully exposed to the sun's rays. The Mexican division which contains such plants as Laelia anceps, Vanda teres, Odontoglossum citrosmum, &c, unless facing direct sunshine, will need no shading for the present, but so soon as the leaves begin to feel warm to the touch shading should be afforded. The East Indian or warmest house contains a number of distinct species of Orchids, and many require very great caie in the matter of shading, therefore, immediately the sun has sufficient power to raise the temperature 6° or 7°, the blinds should be used. With regard to providing suitable positions for the many dis- tinct species which occupy the East Indian house, it is advisable to arrange such species as Catasetum, Cycnoches, Mormodes, Thunia, Dendrobium, Cyrtopodium, &c, on the lighter side, and Cypripedium, Aerides, Angraecum, Mystacidium, Vanda Lowii, Phalasnopsis, Cirr- hopetalum, Bulbophyllum, the warm-growing Ccelogynes, &c, on the shady side, where they may at all times be easily protected from direct sunshine. Intermediate and cool houses. — The blinds on the Cattleya, Mexican, intermediate and cool houses should, when drawn down, be 5 or 6 inches above the glass. This may be easily ar- ranged by fixing neat wooden rafters or iron rods from top to bottom of the roof, When the blinds are arranged in this manner abundance of light and air passes between th> id the blinds, the benefit of which cannot be over- estimated. The blinds on the East Indian house need not be elevated above the roof glass, and the material of which the blind is made also tor the intermediate and cool houses should be of a closer texture than that used for the Cattleya and Mexican divisions, in order to keep the houses as warm as possible. Many cultivators are obliged to grow such species as CatjJeya; Laelia, Epidendrum, Ccelogyne, Cypripedium, Cymbidium, Miltonia vexillafia, Vanda suavis, Trichopilea, and numerous other Orchids in a house having an intermediate temperature, ami it is found inconvenient or impracticable to sepa- rate them for ihe purpose of placing some s| ei i on the light and others on the shady side of the house ; in this case it is best to shade all. Some growers use blinds made of wooden laths and these are useful and convenient for covering the roofs at night-time when the weather is very cold. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J. W. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Park, London. Spring-flowering bulbous plants. — The various bulbs planted during autumn, including Hya- cinths, Tulips, and Narcissus, are pushing through the soil, and as soon as the snow has completely disappeared, the surface soil of the beds will require to be carefully stirred with a small hoe. The Crocuses are pushing through the turf, and will soon make rapid growth. The blooms will require to be protected from the sparrows. Black cotton, supported on small sticks and twined about the plants in a kind of web, is the best form of protection. The birds are startled when they come in contact with the cotton. At one time it seemed that the varieties with yellow flowers were the only ones attacked by sparrows ; but in recent years they have destroyed the flowers irrespective of colour. Pits and cold frames. — Rooted cuttings of Antirrhinums, Pentstemons, Calceolarias, and Violas that have been wintered in cold frames require the soil to be loosened between the rows, and on sunny days several copious soakings of water should be given. These plants will soon be well rooted and ready for transplanting direct from the frame to where they are required to flower. Antirrhinums are easily raised from seeds, which should be sown at once. They are best massed in beds of dis- tinct colours, such as crimson, yellow, and white. The Pentstemon is also easily propa- gated from seeds. This plant has few equals for massing in beds or borders. The great variety of colours and the beautiful pencilling in the throats of the flowers always evoke admira- tion. Innumerable are the bedding arrange- ments of other plants that associate well with the Viola. These flowers are almost indis- pensable ; their value as edging plants on long herbaceous borders, or for planting in beds by themselves or as a groundwork to other subje. ts is very great. Coxcombs and Celosias are much used in the London parks for furnishing flower- beds during the summer months. Their plumes of purple, crimson, golden, yellow, and lemon- coloured flowers are especially attractive. A sowing of both Celosias and Coxcombs should now be made. When the seedlings are well above the seed-pan, place them near to the glass in a considerable heat, but guard against damp- ing, which is a source of great danger to these plants in their early stages. Lajuns and edgings.^M\zc\\\Qr\. should now be given to the rolling and mowing of lawns that are kept closely cut by mowing machines. The edges and verges on the side of paths should have the turf cut neatly and evenly, for nothing appears so untidy as a badly-kept edging, either by walks or around flower-beds. All mowing machines should have been repaired and set in proper order before this date. After the cl >j each season they require overhauling and readjusting, whether triev be hand, horse, or motor mowers. 168 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [March 13s 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of 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 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 responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.- The Editor will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, Jlowers, trees, &c, but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending tn 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 carejulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17- Roy. Meteorological Soc. meet. THURSDAY, MARCH 18— Linnean Soc. meet. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich — 4L7°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, March 10 (6 p.m.): Max. 43°; Min. 36°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden London — Thursday, March U (10 A.M.) : Bar.' 29'7 ; Temp. 36^' ; Weather— Overcast. Provinces.— Wednesday, March JO (6 p.m.): Mas. 42° Ely; Min. 341- Durham. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY— Perennials, Bulbs, Liliums, &c, at 12 ; Roses and Fruit trees at 1.30, by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 & 63, Cheap- side, E.C. WEDNESDAY— Hardy Border plants and bulbs, Liliums, &c, at 12; Roses and Fruit trees, at 1.30; Azaleas, Palms, &c, at 5, by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 & 63, Cheapside, E.C. FRIDAY— Choice Established Orchids in large variety, by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C. I The task of cultivating the Imperial , , . , _ . , Training 'ar>d of the Empire is becom- in Hor- ing more and more one for ticulture. tra-med horticulturists. The increasing complexity of modern life causes an increase in the number of commodities in- dispensable to that life. The natural or agri- cultural rate of production being too slow to meet the demand, it has to give place to in- tensive methods which are essentially he rti- cultural in their character. Our point of view is strikingly illustrated by the custom which is growing up in various tropical regions of holding what are called " agri-horticultural shows " in the place of the purely agricultural and purely horticultural shows common in our own country. Though the word agri-horti- culture is ungainly enough, it is expressive of the modern trend of development of the science of the cultivation of the earth. In treating of the training of horticul- turists for the Empire, we have not primarily in mind the training of men for service in the Government Botanical Gardens at home or abroad. Kew provides, in a manner not to 'be rivalled elsewhere, the technical education and practical experience necessary for the men who are to fill official posts of this kind, and in the present, as in the past, Kew men are giving an excellent account of themselves in all parts of the civilised world. But even with respect to such posts as these more might be done than is at present attempted. For botanical gardens are be- coming also experimi ntal stations. Now, the director of an experimental station requires special training of a kind not yet available at Kew. In such a man practical skill in the science of horticulture should be combined with a knowledge of the methods of experimentation. We are concerned for the moment with the need for training young men who possess some small available capital, or, in default of capital, a fair endowment of energy, and who are willing to emigrate to one or other part of the Empire in order to till the soil. It would be well for the Empire if the home country were engaged in preparing and sending out year by year colonists who had a knowledge of the methods of horticulture already implanted within them. The reader may ask : Is it likely that any system of training at home will be of real value in the novel conditions which the emi- grants are likely to encounter? Will it not be better to send them as boys to the new coun- tries, there to learn their work by experience? When the diverse conditions under which horticulture is carried on are considered : when the climate of Canada, severely conti- nental in type, is contrasted with the insular climates of our tropical, island possessions: when regard is paid to the varied produce of the Empire, it may well seem as though the experience to be gained at home could be of but little service to the emigrant in his new- surroundings. Nevertheless, we believe that to draw such a conclusion would be to make a profound mistake. The successful horticulturist learns by experience to control, in as large a mea- sure as is humanly possible, the conditions under which his plants are growing. He knows, consciously or unconsciously, the ideal conditions for certain plants, and proceeds sagaciously to provide the closest approxi- mation to those conditions. His plants, like all plants, have simple wants — water and air, sunlight and warmth, together with small quantities of soluble compounds such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Some plants, it is true, need more water or light than others. But the peculiarities of the plants which grow at home are as wide as those that grow any- where. Therefore, the knowledge he has gained here will stand him in good stead abroad. He will make mistakes ; but so he does at home. He will be confronted with special difficulties; but so he will be wherever he may practise his craft. The training which he had at home would, moreover, unless it were of an inadequate kind, teach him caution ; for it is >nly the half-trained who think they have nothing to learn. It would be a good thing if the men going out from these shores to grow fruit in British Columbia, rubber in Malaya, or tea in Ceylon were men trained in the general, universal principles of horticulture, and not men, trained or untrained, selected haphazard by the careless hand ol chance. For this purpose no small horticultural college, with its good intentions and neces- sary limitations, would suffice. Such a hor- ticultural station as that contemplated by the Innes bequest might, without detriment to the home interests which should be its first care, form a centre for such Imperial training. What is wanted is an Imperial Institute of Horticulture ; an institution amply endowed and supported by the constituent members of the Empire. Such an institution would not, of course, be a teaching body only; it would in- vestigate as well as instruct. Nor would it exist solely for the service of the colonies and dominions of the Empire; it would benefit also the home country. An institution of the kind would not only train men to go abroad and train men for home horticulture, but it would attract men from the colonies them- selves. To it would come men from the east and from the west in order that they might learn the latest word of horticultural wisdom. This is no place to discuss detail : as, for instance, whether anyone should be admitted to study at the Imperial Institute of Hi rti- culture before he had worked for a term at the practice of horticulture, or whether the manual and mental parts of the work should be carried on simultaneously — we refrain from using such words as " practical " and " scientific " in antithesis. To do so is ridiculous; for, if science is not practical and if practice is not scientific, then both are nonsense. The proposal thus outlined in briefest fashion may seem, even to those who sym- pathise with the aspirations suggesting it, too bold to be likely of realisation. It is true that such a scheme would require the expenditure of a large sum of money. But when the importance and the magnitude of the work which such an institution would perform are considered, it cannot be doubted that the money would be well expended. Other industries, great and im- posing, it is true, but, nevertheless, of lesser magnitude than those of agriculture and horticulture, have their " Charlottenburgs." In this country we are still without a Chair of Horticulture at any of the universities, and it is not long since the first Chair of Forestry was established. Why, at the next Imperial Conference, should not such a proposal as that outlined here be given consideration? Our Supplementary Illustration.— At the Royal Horticultural Society on October 27 last year Colonel G. L Holford, C.I.E., C.V.O., Westonbirt (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), staged one of those magnificent groups of Orchids for which his gardens have become famous. One of the most admired plants in the group was Laelio- Cattleya Lustre gigantea (C. Luddemanniana X L.-C. callistoglossa), which was accorded an Award of Merit. The beauties of the flower con- sisted not only in its fine colouring, but more particularly in the remarkable arrangement of its segments. The plant is of dwarf and com- pact habit, and the flowers, therefore, appear unusually large in comparison to the size of the growths. The sepals are white, tinged with rose ; the petals crimped and decurved, white, tinged and mottled with rose, the mid-ribs being white. The lip is deep claret-purple, lighter to- wards the front, which has a light violet shade, the base having deep, golden-yellow lines, and the front a branched reticulation of a yellowish tint. It is interesting to note the features of Cattleya Warscewiczii, which, with La^lia pur- purata, were the parents of L -C. callistoglossa, appearing so marked in the flower of L.-C. Lustre, whose fine substance is also derived from that parent. March 13, 1909 ] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 1G9 The " Botanical Magazine." — In the issue of this publication for March, there are illus- trations and descriptions of the following plants : Cycas Micholitzu, tab. 8242. — This species was discovered in Annam by Mr. W. Michulitz when collecting on behalf of Messrs. Sander & Sons. A plant sent home by him in 190-1 and a complete series of herbarium specimens were placed at the disposal of Sir W. T. Thiselton- Dyee, whose formal description of the species was published in Gardeners' Chronicle, 1905, vol. xxxviii., p. 142, figs. 48 and 49. Saxifraga scardica, tab. 8243. — A form of S. scardica was figured in the Botanical Magazine, 1905, tab. 8058. That form is most usually met with in Alpine gardens, but Mr. Spkacue pointed out at the time that it was not the typical state of the species. The typical S. scardica now figured is a rare plant, and it is stated to have been in- troduced to cultivation in this country by Mr. R. Farrer, of Ingleborough. A living plant was presented to Kew in 1908 by Mr. E. II Jenkins. The differences exhibited by the two forms are described as follow: — In S. scardica proper the lower leaves are acute with 9-15 intramarginal pits, the 3-11 flowered stems are reddish, and the reddish subacute calyx lobes are distinctly glandular-pilose. In the form figured at t. 8058, for which Mr. Sprague proposes the name S. scardica variety obtusa, the lower leaves are subacute, with 5-11 intramarginal pits : the 1-3 flowered stems are green, and the green, obtuse calyx lobes are relatively free from pubescence. PSEVDERANTHEMVM SETICALYX, tab. 8244. This is the species that was described by C. B. Clarke in the Flora of Tropic'.'. A jrica as Eranthemum seticalyx. The specific name has reference to the attenuate calyx-lobes, not to the presence of setas, for the calyx is glabrous or nearly so. There are several species of Pseuder- anthemum which may be grown so as to get them to flower in winter. These include P. albi- florum, P. Andersonii, P. cinnabarinuni, P. igneum, and the species now figured, which last may also be grown so as to flower in late sum- mer. These Acanthaceous plants require the temperature of an intermediate house. Nigella integrifolia, tab. 8245. — For illus- tration and description of this species see Gardeners' Chronicle, 1908, xliv., p 226. Rubus KoEHNEANts, tab. 8246. — The figure of this plant was prepared from a plant pur- chased from Mr. Spath, of Berlin, in 1890, under the garden name of R. moriifolius. It differs, however, from Siebolp's species so named, and Dr. Focke [Engl. Prantl. Pflanzenfam, vol. iii., pars iii., page 28) found it necessarv to treat it as a distinct species referable to a small East Asian group, the Corchorifolii of the section Batothamnus. At Kew this plant forms a rounded bush 3 feet high. It blossoms towards the end of May, and its fruit ripens in July. The plant thrives vigorously in a border of loamy soil, and can easily be increased by means of suckers. Its attractions as a shrub for the garden lie in its fine, lobate leaves and in its abundant and distinct white flowers. Linnean Society.— At a meeting to be held on March 18, at 8 p.m, the following papers will be read: — 1, Miss Sibyl Longman, "The Dry Rot of Potatos " : 2, Mr. A. Horne, "The Structure and Affinities of Davidia involu- crata." Baill. Mr. W. Budd is retiring after 47 years' service as head gardener to Mr. Dalgety and Captain Dalgety his son, at Lockerby Hall, Romsey, Hants. He will be succeeded by Mr. W. Baxter. from Melchet Court Gardens, Romsey, where he has served as foreman for the past ten years under Mr. G. Hall, who is so well known as a leadiug exhibitor of Japanese Chrysanthemums. Royal Gardeners Orphan Fund. — From February 26 last the address of the office of this fund will be Milton House, Surrey Street, Lon- don, W.C. The secretary is Mr. Brian Wynne. Mr J. F. Bailey. -At the annual meeting of the Royal Society of Queensland, held at the Technical College, Brisbane, on January 29, Mr. J. F. Bailey, Director of the Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, was elected to the presidency, in suc- cession to Mr. J. C. Brunxtch, F.I.C. The late president took for the sjibject of his retiring address, " The Land we Live On." Speaking of the economic position of Queensland, he showed that whilst Queensland could grow practically all the food stuff she requires, she still depends largely on outside markets. If only a narrow strip of 6 per cent, of the whole of Queensland were cultivated, Queensland couid produce a wheat crop equal to about that of the United States. Trials of Dahlias.— The National Dahlia Society, in addition to holding two exhibitions in September next, has arranged for three trials of Dahlias for the purpose of determining the varieties best adapted for garden decoration. These trials will be as follow : — Garden Dahlias, in association with the Royal Horticultural So. ciety, at Wisley Gardens ; Cactus Dahlias, in conjunction with Mr. J. T. West, at Shenfield ; and Pompon Dahlias at Slough, under the care of Mr. Charles Turner. The garden Dahlias at Wisley will be grown under a distinctive name, and two plants of each variety intended f ir trial should be sent to the superintendent in April, addressed, if by rail, R.H.S. Gardens, Horsley Station, L. and S.W.R. ; or, if by post, R.H.S. Gardens, Wisley, Ripley, Surrey. A post- card should, in either case, be sent announcing the despatch of plants. In connection with the other trials, new varieties of Cactus and Pompon Dahlias are alone invited, and these will be grown under numbers, in conjunction with com- prehensive collections of varieties in commerce. Two plants of each variety should be sent not than the end of May. Those desirous of including their novelties in the trials should notify their intention to Mr, E. F. Hawes, Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, N.W., and send with the notification the names of the varieties intended for trial. These names will be regis- tered in numerical order, and the corresponding number with address label will be returned ready for despatch to the trial ground. All packages should be sent carriage paid. On arrival they will be carefully planted, be supported with a single stake, and grown without disbudding. The plants will be inspected on convenient dates by a special committee of the National Dahlia Society. The Horse Guards Parade: aSuggested Improvement. — London, which is always to its citizens a fascinating place, may yet become a splendid city. It has unrivalled parks, and no lack of stately buildings, but, by reason of its haphazard growth, it lacks the ordered majesty which should belong to the metropolis of a great empire. Statues, some of great beauty, some un- worthy of their subjects or of any city, have been dumped down in obscure corners, or in crowded thoroughfares. Fine buildings rub shoulders with mean houses, and great avenues of adequate proportions ate but few. Recent improvements, however, prove that these disabilities are be- coming widely recognised, and that artistic ability is available to remedy some at least of these defects. Kingsway is a noble thoroughfare in the making. The Marble Arch improvement is a notable success. Mr. J. W. Speaight, to whom London is indebted for the idea of this latter improvement, has now turned his attention to the amelioration of that dreary stretch of deso- lation—the Horse Guards' Parade. Mr. Speaigh i' would transform this into a great Place of parade ground, broad walks, and avenues, wherein the statues of British military heroes should be gathered together— a British Valhalla. The plans, which Mr. Speaight, with the col- laboration of Mr. C. E. Mallows, F.R.I.B.A., has now prepared, represent a good idea finely developed. The cost— some £60,000— is not con. siderable, and the work would provide emplov- ment both for skilled and unskilled labour. It is to be hoped that all who are eager for the beautification of London will lend their active support to the scheme. Mr. W. J. Simpson, late gardener at The Grange, Sutton, Surrey, and one of the most expert cultivators of Sweet Peas, has removed to Stoke Rochford, Grantham, as gardener to H. YV. Jefferson, Esq. * Lawns. — We have received a pamphlet on this subject by W. J. Stevens. The author rightly insists on the necessity there is for providing a good foundation for the lawn at the commencement. It is impossible to ob- tain good results if the ground is likely to fall afterwards here and there and thus show depres. sions wheii the Grass should be level or have an even slope. The details of lawn-making with turf and with seeds are carefully explained, it being advised that one or the other method should be adopted, according to local circum- stances. As a rule, however, the best sward can be obtained by sowing seeds, it being next to impossible to get turf free from weeds. Short descriptions of the principal kinds of Grasses are given, and information with respect to the renovating and manuring of lawns, as well as methods of destroying worms and Moss. The pamphlet concludes with an article by Mr. Hearxe, of Lord's Cricket Ground, on the for- ■mation and management of cricket and tennis grounds. Publications Received. — One and All Garden Books: Stocks. By R. P. Brotherston. (London : Agricultural and Horticultural Associa- tion, Ltd ) Price Id —Bulletin de la Societe Nationale d'Acclimatation de France. (Paris: 33, Rue de Buffon).— Bullettino delta Societa Botanica Italiana. No. 1 — List of Herba- ceous Perennials Tested in the Arboretum and Botanic Garden Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Canada, with Descriptions of Flowers, and Other Notes. By W. T Macoun. (Bulletin No. 5, Second Series). (Ottawa : Gov- ernment Printing Bureau). — U. S. Department of Agriculture : Bureau of Plant Industry. Cir- cular No. 23. Potato Diseases in San Joaquin County, California. By W. A. Orton. Bureau of Entomology. Bulletin No. 66, Part IV. : Some Insects injurious to Truck Crops. The Leaf- hoppers of the Sugar Beet and their relation to the "Curly-Leaf" condition. By E. D. Ball, Ph D. Bulletin No. 75, Part VI. : Miscellaneous Papers on Apiculture. The Status of Apiculture in the United States. By E. F. Phillips, Ph.D. Circular No. 104 : The Common Red Spider. By F. H. Chittenden, Sc.D. Farmers' Bulletin No. 344: The Boll Weevil Problem, with special reference to means of reducing damage. By W. D. Hunter. (Washington : Government Printing Office). — Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States. I Feb- ruary). (Singapore : The Methodist Publishing House). — Johnston on Small Holdings and Allotments. Second and Revised Edition. (Lon- don : Effingham Wilson, 54, Threadneedle Street, EC.) Price 16s net. — The Estate Magazine. (March). Price 6d. Agricultural and Horticultural Association, Ltd. Price Id. 170 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 13, 1S09. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH'' GARDEN. The recent snowy weather has been very- harmful in the French garden. Work had to be entirely suspended, and the numerous sowings which in ordinary conditions would have been made were inevitably delayed. This weather has emphasised the importance of having every- thing in readiness for the making of the hot- beds, and the ground prepared before Christmas for the crops in the open. Although the weather has caused much de- lay, it would be unwise to make the hot-beds thicker than usual with a view to making up for lost time, as plants, especially seedlings, suffer from excess of heat as well as from cold. The snow has cooled the beds that were made in January and February, and the paths be- tween the frames will have to be filled up again with hot and strawy manure. In many places the mats have been kept con- tinually on the lights, and this has been preju- dicial to the crop of Radishes. As soon as the weather permits the plants will be pulled out. The Lettuces also will require attention, as they have many decayed leaves. The first Lettuces planted in January will be ready for harvesting shoitly. We generally cut the Lettuces early in the morning, and put them in hampers, head downwards. This is to pre- vent dirt from getting between the leaves : they are carried to the shed to be packed. If Cauliflowers sown in September have not grown satisfactorily, they should be planted now, but if the plants are strong and healthy, it is preferable to wait till the Lettuces arc cleared before planting them among the Carrots. We are now sowing another batch of Cauli- flower " Lenormand," to be planted in the open amongst the Cabbage and Cos Lettuces at the beginning of May. Endive sown in the middle of February will be ready for transplanting on a hot-bed 9 inches in height when trodden down. We shall allow 140 to 150 plants per light. The lights are kept closed until the plants are well estab- lished, after which they receive a little ven- tilation. For a succession we generally sow some seeds' in the hot-beds, on which are reared the young Melons. The plants are pricked off a month after sowing. We are sowing Celery, and, as the snow has delayed this work, a hot-bed will be requisi- tioned. One batch is of the variety Chemin ; this is employed for early cropping. The variety Long Winter Green is used for the main batch. A few seeds of Celeriac Improved Parisian will also be inserted. Melons sown in the middle of February will now require to be potted into 3-inch pots filled with rich, loamy soil. The soil is not made firm at the roots, and the pots are well filled so as to avoid them holding too much water. The plants aie plunged in a hot-bed which has been prepared a few days earlier. We insert from 90 to 100 plants in each light, which are kept closed for eight or ten days, after which they can be opened a little in the middle of the day, to assist in hardening the plants. The main batch of Melons should be sown in the middle of March to have them ready at the beginning of May to utilise the frames and lights until then occupied by the Carrots and Tin nips. We sow two lots of seeds at an in- terval of a few days, in case the first batch fails. In some of our frames we have planted a crop of Lettuces without sowing Carrots amongst them. As soon as the Lettuces are cleared, we shall remove the frames and the lights, put the soil in a convenient place, and then turn the manure over and well tread it. After this operation the frames and the soil will be re- placed in their original positions. These beds will then be ready for the sowing of Turnip Early White. To sow Turnips in the frame we have a special appliance a little shorter than a light, viz., 4 feet 3 inches by 4 feet 4 inches. It is made of 11 pieces of wood nailed at equal distance across 10 similar pieces. At the place where the slips of wood cross is fixed a small peg 1 inch in length. Y\ hen this tool is pressed on the soil it makes 110 holes, into each of which are placed three seeds of Turnip. The lights are kept closed till the young plants come up, when a little ventila- tion is permitted and the quantity increased gradually, some being allowed even at night- time. When the cotyledons are well developed, all save one plant are removed from each hole. Tomatos that were raised from seeds sown on February '20 will be pricked off in beds which have previously carried a crop of Lettuces. The beds will be prepared as for the sowing of Turnips. We are planting early Potato Ffenot in a well-sheltered bed. The tubers are very even in size, and the haulm is small. We plant them in rows made 2 feet apart and allow IS inches between the plants in the rows. By the middle of May they will be fully earthed up, when we shall plant Tomatos between the rows, and this crop will occupy the ground when the Potatos are lifted. P. A qua Has. LAW NOTES. REPAIR OF NURSERIES. An action of considerable interest to nursery- men was recently tried before Mr. Justice Jelf, at Nottingham Assizes, in connection with a dispute which had arisen between Messrs. J. R. Pearson & Sons, of Nottingham, and their late landlord. The land which formed the subject-matter of the action had formerly been occupied by Messrs. Pearson as nursery ground, but it was afterwards sublet by them. When the lease ran out, the landlord of the premises, Mr. Charlton, brought an action for damages, mainly on the ground that the land had not been left in proper condition. Putting the matter briefly, the dispute princi- pally turned on the construction of a clause in Messrs. Pearson's lease, which provided that the land should be given up at the expiration of the tenancy " in good state, plight and condi- tion." In addition to this, the landlord con- tended that the land had not been used "in a husbandlike manner, according to the custom of the country." Messrs. Pearson, as defendants, thus had to defend the manner in which the land had been left by their under-tenants, and they raised a variety of interesting objections to" the land- lord's claim. They pointed out that the lease contained no restrictive conditions as to crop- ping, and that a nurseryman could not claim for compensation or tenant-right on his leaving the land, and ought, consequently, to have a free hand as regards cultivation and manuring. In summing-up the case to the jury, the learned judge declined to regard the points put forward by the defence as relevant to the issue, and stated that, in his opinion, the case turned entirely on the wording of the covenant in the lease to the effect that the land should be given up ''in good state, plight and condition." So far so good, and if the matter had been left to the jury at this point, they would have had merely to determine the simple question as to whether the tenants had or had not left the land in this state. But the learned judge went fur- ther than this, and expressed the opinion that the tenants would not be leaving the land in good state, plight and condition unless they actually left it in just such a state as they would yield it up to a son or a brother, or as it was during the middle of their tenancy, i.e., in the height of condition as regards cultivation and manuring. If the learned judge was correct in adopting this point of view, it will be seen that a nurseryman who holds under a lease in these terms is in a position of extreme hardship, inasmuch as he, like the market-gar- dener, can be called upon to leave the land at the end of his tenancy in first-class condition (and not merely in fair condition), although, un. like the market-gardener, he can claim no com- pensation from his landlord for improvements or special manuring. Fortunately for Messrs. Pearson, the < ase came before a jury composed of men familiar with agricultural conditions from the practical point of view, and, somewhat to the surprise of those present in court, they entirely disregarded the summing-up, and gave a verdict foi Messrs Pearson on all points. Had the case come before a jury of another type, the result might have been disastrous for Messrs. Pearson. It is a practical instance of the unsatisfactory position of the nurseryman, which has more than once been described in these columns. The case also furnishes an ad- ditional argument in favour of the remedy which has been urged many times in these pages, that, in disputes between nurserymen and their landlords, all matters of fact should be compulsorily referred to the arbitration of a single practical man, as is already the rule in the case of market-gardeners. The simplest way to achieve this object would be to extend to nurserymen the same easy machinery for ar- bitration which is granted to market-gardeners by the provisions of the Agricultural Holdings Act. H. HI. V. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) The R.H.S. Daffodil Classification.— I desire to say that I was wrong in attribut- ing to the R.H.S. Council the want of mature consideration in issuing this new scheme. It appears that the Council did exactly as re- quested by the Narcissus Committee, i.e., authorised first the appointment of the Special Committee and then its recommendations when received. The blame must rest with the Nar- cissus Committee, of which I am myself a mem- ber. It should have appointed its own sub- committee and fully considered its report before passing it to the Council for its imprimatur. Mr. Jacob gives an erroneous impression by his account of the omission of Mr. P. R. Barr's name from the Special Committee. Mr. Barr was the original mover for a revision of the classification, and his name was necessarily one of the very first chosen by the Narcissus Com- mittee. Its subsequent omission was owing to a pure but most unfortunate misconception. I need hardly explain that in making this correc- tion I am not in any way depreciating the work of Mr. W. Barr. I will not occupy space by answering Mr. Jacob on the general question of this classification. He apparently stands alone in his advocacy. The experts in the sub- ject seem to be united in their strong disap- proval, which will probably have been effectu- ally expressed elsewhere before this is ;n print. G. H. Engleheart. 1 fully recognise the great service conferred by the Daffodil Committee in com- piling and issuing this List. They are the most competent, and, indeed, the only body who could do so with the necessary experience and authority, and, moreover, since a new classi- fication was urgently needed, it was certainly wiser to issue it now, though necessarily im- perfect, than wait, perhaps indefinitely, for a more complete or perfect scheme. But the List was admittedly tentative, and, hence, invited the expression of opinions of those interested. Anyone who has thought about the matter at all will have realised how difficult the task is and how impossible it would be to make a perfect scheme that would satisfy all interests. But Mr. Jacob says : " It does not profess to be in any way natural or botanical. . . It is for garden and show purposes. Personally, I re- gard it as one-seventh garden and six-sevenths show." It seems to me that this fully justi- fies Mr. Engleheart's criticism, and, without going into any question of degree, I plead that regard might be paid to other points of view. Mr. Engleheart's letter is, I think, evidence that it would be possible to do so with advan- tage, and that, so far from its value for show purposes being diminished, the classification would be improved, would gain in general use- fulness and authority, and, what is especialK- desirable, it would appeal to a far wider circle than those who are only, or primarily, interested March 13, 1909] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 171 as exhibitors. Referring to doubtful cases, Mr. Jacob asks whether certain varieties should be classed in one division or another, and adds that, whatever view might be taken, he is ready to argue the case for the other side. The opinion of an individual, even if he is an ex- pert, has only a limited value. It varies with the degree of his experience and is influenced by his special interest in the flower — as exhibitor or grower, gardener, breeder or botanist. It is just such debatable cases, where there seems to be as much to be said for one side as the other, that illustrate the necessity for the widest pos- sible expression of opinions, and it is in such cases especially that considerations from the point of view of the breeder and botanist would be helpful in making a satisfactory decision. A. J. Bliss. Damage by Snow. — I am sending you a photo- graph (see fig. 72) of the wreck made by the heavy fall of snow last week on Mr. W. Wood's place at Dartford Heath, when seven houses, 300 feet long by 12 feet wide, completely col- lapsed, although fires were going. As there were 23° of frost, scarcely any of the contents of the houses were saved. Amongst the plants lost were over 20,000 young Tomatos, be- sides Carnation and Chrysanthemum cut- tings, so that practically the whole of the season's crops are ruined. Having known Broccoli, and Brussels Sprouts on highly- manured or loose soil. Under such conditions, nearly all the Winter Broccoli has collapsed, and many of the Brussels Sprouts are of little value, because there are no compact buttons, only loose leafage that is scorched in the open field on hard, poor soil. Green vegetables in general are in a much better condition, although not by any means entirely undamaged. The Broccoli crop, even in fields, has suffered severely in a few instances. Kales, more especially the old cottager's type and scotch, show their superiority over other green vegetables during such winters as this, and are valuable in any household or market. Such seasons as the present teach us that it is unwise to rely upon one sowing of any of the winter and spring green vegetables, and that smaller, less succulent plants are superior to larger, sappy specimens for withstanding severe frosts. The Spring Cabbage crop is looking any- thing but promising. The 26° of frost experienced just after Christmas, in spite of its suddenness, did our plants no harm. Fortunately they were securely covered with snow, and they looked very fresh after the thaw. Now they look un- healthy, for the many frosts during February — both wind frosts and rime — without any covering or rains to help them, have caused the plants to dwindle to veiy small proportions. The best course to take is to commence forming a gentle Fig. 72. — plant houses destroyed by snow in a market nursery. Mr. Wood for a great many years as a worthy man and good grower, I am making an appeal on his behalf, and shall be glad if you will find room to publish the photograph in your next issue, with my letter, as I feel sure that many will contribute to help a man over such a disaster. I shall be glad to acknowledge- direct, and through your columns each week, any subscriptions given, if you will kindly allow space for that purpose. The following dona- tions have been promised: — H. O. Larsen, £10 10s.; James Sweet, £10; Toseph Rochford, £10; Geo. Monro, Ltd., £10; J. Nielsen, £3 3s. ; A. J. Monro, £2 2s. ; R. Cobley, £2 2s. ; A. W. Pollard, £2 2s. ; H. B. May, £1 Is. ; Robert Piper, £1 Is. ; James Walker, £1 Is. ; Mrs. Monro, £1 ; F. Home, £1 ; R. Seymour Cobley, £1. Geo. Monro, March it. Cabbages and the Frost. — Most of ihe life of the winter vegetables has been squeezed out by alternate freezing and thawing. They are looking very flabby and dejected. There was a prolonged growing period last autumn, and such is scarcely the best weather for preparing green crops for withstanding a severe winter. If there is one cultural point emphasised more than another during the present winter, it is the folly of growing such crops as Winter Broccoli, Spring hot-bed, and to raise a few thousand young] healthy plants of the smaller early-hearting i . .ii H ties, such as Sutton's April, or any selected type of Ellam's Early. Plants raised at this sea- son grow away very quickly. Everything must be done to prevent a shortage in the supply. It is usually possible to find suitable spots for prick- ing-off frame-raised plants a few inches apart, to be moved during April, with a small ball of earth, to their final positions. When they are established there, light applications of nitrate of soda will assist in the early formation of dark, tender, succulent leaves. Soluble fertilisers are never more economically employed than for add- ing colour and succulence to such produce. It renders them so tender that the supply rarely equals the demand, which is always a healthy sign to the purely market man. Perhaps the quickest hearting of all the Cabbages suited to spring sowing is " Earliest," which has received t» ' awards, and ought to be grown in every pri- vate garden. Charles Foster, Ridding. Frosts at Monmouth.— On the morning of March 4 we registered 25 degrees of frost, and on the 5th inst. 32 degrees. Fortunately, for some subjects, the ground was co\ ered with about 8 inches of snow. T. Coomber, The llcndre Gardens, Monmouth, March S. Naming of Multigeneric Orchid Hybrids. — Having carefully studied the circular issued by the sub-committee of the Orchid Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, it appears to me that a much simpler and more intelligible plan might be adopted than any of the half- dozen described. Plan No. 1, as at present adopted, involving the combination of parts of the names of the different genera combined in the hybrid, is, to my mind, open to a practicable modification as follows, which considerably shortens the compound names without, however, sacrificing, for the Orchid expert, their signifi- cance. By the present system, several syllables of each genus are used ; thus, in the examples given, we have Anguloa X Lycaste = Angulo- caste, Anaectochilus X Haemaria = Anaecto- maria, and so on ; a trigeneric hybrid Sophro- nitis X Cattleya X I.aelia thus becoming Sophro- laeliocattleya. So that it is quite obvious that, as the circular states, for multigeneric hybrids of very complex character, the names would be- come ridiculously long and unmanageable. A careful study of the generic names shows, how- ever, that each genus in its name has a single syllable or dissyllable, sometimes more than one, which could be adopted as its symbol, and used in conjunction with others in such a way that there would hardly be more syllables than genera. This, at any rate, is a great step in the right direction, while those acquainted with Orchids could at a glance read off the symbolic syllables, and see at once the composition of the plants, so far as the genera involved were concerned. It is absolutely hopeless to attempt to do more than this ; that is, to indicate the varietal parentage in addition. Having thus in- dicated the nature of my suggestion, I will illus- trate it by comparing the list of bigeneric and trigeneric hybrids already named and cited in the circular under consideration, with the com- pound names on my system : — Group Genera. Hybrid as Named. New System. 1. Anguloa-Lycaste Angulocaste Angcaste a. Anaechtochilus - Hae- Anaectomaria Haemaecta or maria Anaeria Dossinia-Haemaria Dossinimaria Dossaria Macodes-Haemaria M acorn aria Macoria or Macria B. Chondrorhynca-Zygo- Chondropeta- Chonalum petalum lum* Batemannia-Zygo- Zygobateman- Zygannia or petalum nia Batalum Colax-Zygopetalum Zygocolax Zygolax Aganisia - Zygopeta- luin Zygonisia Aganalum or Zygisia 4 Cochlioda-Odonto- Odontioda Cochlossum or glossum Odontoda Miltonia-Odonto- Odontonia Miltossum or glossum as Intherto These last two, it will be noted, are named approximately or quite on the briefer system 1 advocate, and it is useless for me to go through the entire list, as the above are sufficient to show how compound names can be built up in a short compass, and yet indicate all the genera involved. I have, indeed, gone through them all, and found no difficulty whatever in applying the system. For Cattleya and Laelia some objection might be raised to the use of such similar-sound- ing terminals as " leya " and " lia " for these genera ; but, to my mind, the first essential is a clear label, or written or printed record, rather than a pronounced name, which, in prac- tice, is little used. Turning now to the tri- generic hybrids cited, we have Brassavola-Cat- tleya-Laelia = Brassocattlselia reduced to Brass- attlia, and Sophronitis-Cattleya-Laelia = So- phrolaeliocattleya reduced to Sophrattlia, which is surely a step in the right direction, since, from the very outset, the orchidist who gripped the principle and knew the generic names could read them off instanter, quite as well from the abbreviated forms as he could from the long and cumbrous ones, which, moreover, are ren- dered impracticable where many genera may be involved. I take, for instance, by way of test, eight genera as they stand seriatim on the list, viz. : 1, Anguloa ; 2, Lyi .i^te ; 3, Anaectochilus ; i Haemaria ; 5, Dossinia ; 6, Chondrorhym ha ; 7, Zygopetalum ; and 8, Aganisia ; and, with a little ingenuity, arrive at this : Chondoszygan- gochaemagaluin, i.e., nine syllables, as repre- senting all the eight genera. This is bad enough, I admit, but it is only about half as long as the seven generic names combined in the cir- cular as an example of unwieldiness. In m7 172 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Makch 13, K09. humble opinion, it is a practical impossibility to invent a system of nomenclature which can embrace an unlimited number of genera in one name. The one I suggest will certainly deal with a fair number, embracing the great ma- jority of likely combinations, and that, at least, is something. It would, however, be essential that the naming be done or approved by the Orchid Committee of the R.H.S., so far as British productions are concerned, since it is obvious that different combinations of the same symbolic elements are not desirable, though they would none the less indicate the composition of the hybrid to the expert, and it is practically onlv the expert who is concerned. Chas. T. Dr'uery, V.M.H., F.L.S. Another Hybrid Fruit from Luther Burbank.— In the current number of the Revue de I'Horticulture Beige, published on March 1, the " Wonderberry " is described by a corres- pondent named Albert Dervaes as the latest product raised by Mr. Burbank. This most curious hybrid fruit has the alternative names of Sunberry and Sugarberry. It is described as the results of a cross between two species of Wild Solanum (S. guianense and S. villosum). The first of these species is a native of the western side of South Africa, and the second of the western side of Eastern America. While neither of these species produces edible fruit, this bispecific hybrid produces a profusion of de- licious berries, which are both sound and whole- some. There is also the additional advantage that they come quite true from seed like a natural species. The plant is not more than IS inches high by a little more in diameter ; the flowers show themselves about the end of May and succeed one another without interruption till very late in the autumn. The fruit or berry is of a blackish-blue colour of the size of a large Black Currant, and is produced in clusters of six in such abundance as to entirely cover the plant. The first fruits ripen early in July, and the same plant continues to yield fruits until late in autumn or until the first frosts. The fruit is either eaten raw or cooked or made into jam. The culture is easy and requires less care than either that of Haricot Beans or Tomatos ; any soil suits it provided that it be not too highly manured, the result of which is only to produce a more luxuriant vegetation without in- creasing the amount of fruit. Seed may be sown under glass in April, and in the open ground in May. The seedlings may be planted out when danger of frost is over at a distance of three- quarters of a yard apart, after which they re- quire no further care than hoeing between the rows and keeping free from weeds. They re- quire no artificial manures. At the end of the season, when the plants go to rest, if the crowns are protected with dead leaves, they will shoot vigorously the following spring. W. E. Giimblcton. Nitro-Bacterine Trials.— As Mr. Hutchin- son stated in your issue of February 27 that I made " several statements liable to mislead the general reader," will you kindly permit me to reply to these charges under three headings? (1) Concentrated fertilisers. — The continuation of Mr. Hutchinson's quotation from the U.S.A. Farmers' Bulletin, 240, reads as follows : — " Floors used for drying inoculated seeds should be thoroughly scrubbed and rinsed, especially if the same floor space has served for mixing fertilisers." And the last clause reads : "Fertilisers should be spread and mixed with the soil, or drilled, previous to sowing the seed, and if the drill has been used for this purpose all parts with which the seeds may come in contact should be cleaned." I leave it to the reader to judge which is the more misleading, to state, as Mr. Hutchinson does, that the reference " con- cerns the method of sowing the seed " only, or to state as I did that " the action of the'se con- centrated fertilisers on inoculated seed is in- jurious." (2) Action of lime. — Mr. Hutchinson states that when speaking of the growth of the nitrogen-assimilating organisms in a culture solution I "consider it politic not to mention that potash and phosphates are equally indis- pensable." Mr. Hutchinson might as fairly complain that I do not mention water and some form of sugar as being indispensable. Mr. Hutchinson is wrong when he states that I in- clude a number of different bacteria under the term nitrogen-assimilating organisms. All through the article I was speaking only of the nodule-forming organism (Pseudomonas radici- cola). Prof. Chester, of Delaware, one of the greatest authorities on soil organisms, definitely states that the presence of carbonate of lime is necessary to fixation in laboratory cultures. What, then, becomes of the charge of writing "a dissertation on the requisite conditions for the culture of organisms not at present con- cerned " ? (3) Comparative tables. — The alteration of Mr. Chittenden's figures in the table I gave was made at the suggestion of Dr. Keeble (vide Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 36) as being a more scientific method of comparing the yields. Had I quoted the figures as given by Mr. Chittenden in his report, they would have shown a still greater advantage for inoculation — an increase of 17.4 per cent, for seed inoculation, and an in- crease of 20.7 per cent, for seed and soil inocu- lation. My comparison of the yields from the plots on the fallowed land is said to be " in- accurate and useless" because taken "from plots in absolutely different series." I was under the impression that the experiments on the cultivated land formed one series, and those on the fallowed land another series. That Mr. Chittenden also thought this is shown by the three comparative tables G, O and P, given in his report. I am glad that Mr. Hutchinson has given the table comparing the yield of inocu- lated seed only with yields from other manures on the cultivated land. Certainly the lowest yield is from the inoculated seed, but then the addition of 10 tons of manure to this soil also decreased the yield ! Can a garden soil, which gives a decreased yield when manured with dung, be truthfully called either a poor or an ordinary garden soil? W. B. Bottomlcy, King's College, London. Inoculation with Nitro-Bacterine.— In a leaflet that is being circulated by the Nitro- Bacterine Distributing Agency, Prof. Bottomley criticises the results of experiments with Nitro- Bacterine carried out this summer. Referring to the experiments at WTye College, a brief account of which appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle for January 23, he states that in this case " evi- dently there were already present in the soil sufficient bacteria to produce a supply of nodules," and goes on to say that, "In Seed and Soil Inoculation (p 10) it is pointed out that under these conditions inoculation is useless." All this is very true, but I should like to point out that in making these statements Prof. Bot- tomley seems to be reducing to a very small minimum the number of cases in which inocula- tion is likely to result in an increased crop in this country. One of the soils on which the Wye experiment was carried out was very poor indeed and low in organic matter, and had not borne a leguminous crop for many years — just the type of soil on which, according to Seed and Soil Inoculation, inoculation is necessary. If, in such a soil as this, " there were already present . . . sufficient bacteria to produce a supply of nodules," it, at least, seems unlikely that there are many cultivated soils in this country which do not already possess a sufficient supply of nodule-bacteria. The advantage of inoculation, when a leguminous plant new to a district is introduced or on reclaimed land, as proved in Germany and America, is indisput- able ; but in this country, where most of the land has been under cultivation so long, its value has not yet been demonstrated. C. T. Gimingliam, Bacteriologist to the S.E. AgricuU tural College, W ye, Kent. The Training of Fruit Trees. — I was pleased to see the remarks of B., p. 149, on this subject. Speaking generally, it is a fact that fruit trees upon walls are less carefully trained than was the case even a few years ago. Men who have been educated in gardening routine in what are looked upon as good schools are some of the greatest sinners in this phase of fruit culture. I venture to say that if the trees weTe subjects for a horticultural exhibition, and prizes offered for them, we should quickly see a change in wall-tree training. It is quite as easy to train a Peach tree correctly as it is to cross the branches with young shoots or tie or nail others in just as they grow, with an almost semi-circular bend. Any ordinary labourer is put to train the trees, and often without any in- struction, except to get them done quickly. As a rule, fruit trees are allowed to retain too many shoots. The crops would be much better if less bearing wood were retained. E. M. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. March 9. — A large and successful meeting was held in the Society's Hall, Vincent Square, on Tuesday last. The building was filled with exhibits, some of them overflowing into the annexes. This was partly in consequence of the competitive classes for forced bulbs. In addi- tion many trade growers showed large groups of bulbous plants, so that the exhibition was composed largely of Hyacinths, Tulips and Nar- cissi. Orchids made a fine display, the chief honour for these flowers going to Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart. Awards were also given for groups of Alpine plants, Begonias, Camellias, Carnations, forced shrubs in flower, and other spring-flowering plants. The Narcissus Com- mittee assembled for the first time this, season. Not much was brought to the notice of the Fruit and Vegetable Committee, and this body made no award to a novelty, neither did the Floral nor Narcissus Committees, but the Orchid Committee granted five First-class Certificates and two Awards of Merit. At the three o'clock meeting in the lecture room an address on " Tulips, and the Tulip Mania " was given by Mr. W. S. Murray. Floral Committee. Present : XV. A. Bilney, Esq. (in the Chair) ; and Messrs. Chas. T. Druery, E. A. Bowles, Jno. Green, T. W. Turner, J. W. Barr, R. Hooper Pearson, C. R. Fielder, W. Howe, J. Jennings, Herbert J. Cutbush, Chas. Blick, J. F. McLeod, Jas. Douglas, W. J. Bean, E. T. Cook, Arthur Turner, Chas. Dixon, Chas. E. Shea, Chas. E. Pearson, W. Cuthbertson, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James, and George Paul. Mr. L. R. Russell, The Nurseries, Richmond, Surrey, exhibited about 50 plants of Rhododen- dron (Azalea) indica trained in a semi-globular shape and finely flowered. These were good examples of Madame Van der Cruyssen, Pro- fessor Walters, Comts de Chambord, President Oswald de Kerchove, Phcebus, &c. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, con- tributed a showy floor group consisting of a number of choice Camellias, flowering Peaches, Almonds, Pyrus, &c. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Royal Nurseries, Bush Hill Park, Enfield, showed a miscellaneous collection of greenhouse and hardy subjects, and among them Daphne indica rubra, Erica codo- nodes Veitchiii, Acacia cordata, A. acinacea, Grevillea alpina, and a collection of perpetual- flowering Carnations. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. W. Cuibush & Son, Highgate and Barnet, showed forced plants, including Rhodo- dendron Jacksonii, R. canadensis, hardy Azaleas, Pyrus Malus Scheideckeri, Magnolias, &c. The same firm exhibited seasonable hardy flowers. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, showed Lachenalia Coston Gem, a variety of L. pendula having yellow flowers of small size and furnished with a red calyx ; two new Hybrid Tea Roses named Mrs. Sophia Neate and Rhea Reid ; Clematis montana rubens and seedlings of Azalea sinensis. Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, Lon- don, exhibited on the floor of the Hall growing examples of lawn Grasses in trays, forming a piece of sward about 20 feet by 8 feet. This plot was surrounded by a serpentine border of flowering and evergieen plants. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Mr. H. Burne t i , Carnation specialist.. Guern- sey, exhibited perpetual-flowering or tree Carna- tions as at recent meetings. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. W. H. Page, Hampton, Middlesex, again made a beautiful display with Carnations, Daffodils, and Liliums. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, showed an interesting collection of Begonias in about 50 species and varieties. Some of the inflorescences, such as in B. manicata and B. Verschaffeltii, were developed on tall stems, 2 feet or thereabouts in height. Several of the semperflorens type were especially floriferous ; B. s. gigantea rosea has finely-coloured blooms. B. Saturne of the manicata type has very strong flower-spikes and numerous blossoms. Others of interest were B. ascotiensis, B fnchsioides, and B. Wellsiana. (Silver flora Medal.) March 13, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 173 Messrs Bees Ltd., Mill Street, Liverpool, showed a batch of the new Primula malacoides. The plants were extremely floriferous, some of them, in 4-inch pots, having 20 or more in- florescences. The plant is a splendid acquisi- tion amongst greenhouse subjects for winter blooming. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nurseries, Edmonton, staged miscellaneous flowering and foliage plants of a decorative character, includ- ing many handsome Ferns. Small pot-plants of Clematis in batches of white, mauve, lavender, and other shades were set in groups of Cinerarias, Primula X kewensis, Rhododendron (Azalea) indicum, and Primula obconica of an improved strain, with Ferns as a groundwork. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea, exhibited 250 Hyacinths in about 60 varieties. All were shown in large massive spikes of blooms in almost all colours. Messrs. Veitch also showed Boronia megastigma and its golden-flowered variety, Crowea angustifolia, small plants of Orange in flower, and a grand display of Rhododendron (Azalea) indicum. (Silver Banksian Medal.) A batch of Lachenalias, some as pot and others as basket plants, was shown by the Mar- quis of Salisbury, Hatfield (gr. Mr. Prime). Those in baskets were especially fine ; the cul- ture throughout was good. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Sir Everard Hamdro, Hayes, Kent (gr. Mr. Grandfield), showed a very large number of hardy flowering plants, including masses of Primula cortusoides, P. floribunda, P. Forbesii, Crocus King of the Whites, Kalmia glauca, hardy Heaths, Saxifrages in ^reat variety, and many other Alpine plants, all well cultivated and excellently displayed. (Cold Medal.) Messrs. Barr & Sons, 11-13, King Street, Covent Garden, London, exhibited bulbous flowers, mainly choice varieties of Narcissi. Notable flowers were- Admiral Togo (a sturdy Ajax variety). White Lady (of the I.eedsii sec- tion), Bridesmaid (whitel, Fairy Queen (white), arid Constellation. Messrs. Bark also exhibited a collection of Alpine and hardy garden plants, Crocuses 1 eing a feature; one with lavender- blue flowers, named Bleu Celeste, was especially pleasing, the pans in which this was shown be- ing masses of flowers. Harlequin is a striped pale mauve variety with a deep violet base. There were also Tulips, Lachenalias, Scillas, and Anemones in variety. • Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, Kent, again showed Rhododendrons, rare and choice flowering shrubs, and an assortment of seasonable hardy flowers. Iris histrioides major and Saxifraga Burseriana were prominent in this exhibit. Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield, Col- chester, showed on a table a rockery planted with a number of dwarf, hardy subjects. The design was boldly laid out, and on a large scale would afford a pleasing feature in a villa garden. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Thomas S. Ware, Ltd., The Nur- series, Feltham, also showed a rockery ; also plants of Veltheimia viridiflora, Iris reticulata, Dicentra (Dielytraj spectabilis, &c. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. John Peed & Son, Mitcham Lane, Streatham, S.W., showed a rockery planted with Alpine species of low growth, and succulents. This firm also exhibited a batch of Lachenalia aurea, L. luteola, and L. Nelsonii. (Silver Bank- sian Medal.) M issrs. G. & A. Clark, nurserymen, Dover, showed a small rockery planted with hardy Pri- mulas, &c. Mr. P. Horton, Cravenhurst, Seafcrd, Sussex, exhibited a small collection of Hyacinths, Nar- cissus in variety, Veltheimia, Crocus, Iris his- trioides, &c. Messrs. Joseph Cheal & Sons, Crawley, Sussex, showed Alpine plants arranged amongst rockwork and with a row of dwarf Conifers and small shrubs such as are suitable for planting on a rockery. COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS OF FORCED BULBOUS PLANTS. The competitive classes arranged for forced bulbous plants were generally well contested. The prizes in most instances vere offered by the Dutch Bulb Growers' Association. Hyacinths ■were especially well shown, and it is doubt- ful if finer spikes of these flowers have ever before been staged at this eaily date. The Tulip and Narcissus grown in moss-fibre, in bowls or ornamental pots without drainage material, served to demonstrate the value and utility of this material for growing bulbous plants. In the class for 18 Hyacinths of distinct varieties open to amateurs, the premier prize of six guineas was awarded to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham, Elstree (gr. Mr. E. Beckett), for a superbly-grown collection, which in- cluded LTnnocence (white), Klectra (blue), City of Haarlem (yellow), Jacques (pink), Schotel (pale blue or porcelain), La Grandesse (white), Lady Derby (pink), and Menelik (purple-violet or dark plum colour). The ex- amples throughout showed great cultural skill. The second prize of five guineas was won by L. Noblett, Esq., Monkswell, Wavertree, Liverpool. The varieties King of Yellows, King of Blues, Morendo and Isabella (pink) were particularly fine. The remaining prizes were won by the Duke of Portland, Welbeck (gr. Mr. J. Gibson) ; H. S. Bartlett, Esq., Shooter's Hill ; the Marquis of Salisbury (gr. Mr. Prime), and Mr. A. G. Gentle, Little Gaddes- don, in this order. In the class for 12 Hyacinths, open to ama- teurs, there was good competition. The 1st prize was won by A. Earle, Esq., Childwell Lodge, Wavertree, Liverpool (gr. Mr. Hutchin- son I, with excellent examples of King of Blues, Goliath (blue), Mont Blanc, Morendo and others ; 2nd, F. Stewart Jesmond, Green Lane, Wavertree, Liverpool ; this exhibitor showed King of Blues, Schotel and City of Haarlem exceptionally well ; 3rd, Lord Howard de Walden, Audley End, Saffron Walden (gr. Mr. J. Vert). The 4th and 5th prizes were won respectively by E. G. Mocatta, Woburn Place, Addlestone, Surrey (gr. Mr. F. Stevenson), and Mr. G. Dyke, The Gardens, Garston Manor, Watford. Four fans of Hyacinths.— The schedule re- quired 10_ bulbs of one variety in each pan, and this class made a particularly fine display. Those shown by the Duke of Portland, Welbeck Abbey (gr. Mr. J. Gibson), were much superior to all others and won the 1st prize : the varieties were King of Blues, City of Haarlem (yellow). La Grandesse ( white i, and Morendo (pink) ; 2nd, the Hon. Vn.m Gibbs, who showed Ki Blues, LTnnocence, City of Haarlem and Lord Balfour (rose and crimson! ; 3rd, Lord Howard de Walden. There were six entries in this class. The class for trade growers brought three competitors, the 1st prize being the Gold Medal of the Dutch Bulb Growers" Society, Haarlem. It was won by Messrs. R. & G. Cuthbert, Southgate, N., with a fine collection arranged in groups at the western end of the hall. The plants were staged in semi-circular groups of one variety and in a setting of small Adiantum Ferns. Among the finer examples were Sim- plicity (white), Lord Derby (pink), City of Haar- lem (yellow), LTnnocence and Linnaeus (red), Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, also staged a very fine collection of 250 pots of Hyacinths in some 50 of the leading varieties, the plants being particularly well grown. Messrs. Gleeson & Co., Watford, was the other exhibitor. Bulbs grown in moss-fibre or similar material. — The prizes in these classes were presented by Mr. Robert Sydenham. There were classes for six Hyacinths, six Narcissi and six Tulips re- spectively. The best Hyacinths were shown by Hon. Mrs. Guv Baring, 116, Cadogan Square, S.W. ; 2nd, Miss C. A. Mitchell. Mrs. Baring also won the 1st prize for Tulips ; 2nd, Lady Tate, Streatham (gr. Mr. \V. Howei, who was 1st for six vases of Narcissi; followed by R. Holmes, Esq., Tuckwood, Norwich. Narcissus Committee. Present: H. B. May, Esq. (in the Chair); and Messrs. W. Poupart, Joseph Jacob, Henry Backhouse, W. F. M. Copeland, Arthur R. Goodwin, E. M. Crossfield, P. Rudolph Barr, Walter T. Ware, Geo. H. Engleheart, Alex. M. Wilson, G. W. Leak, G. Reuthe, H. Denison, J. T. Bennett-Poe, A. Kingsmill, Robt. Syden- ham, J. Duncan Pearson, W. Wilks, E. A. Bowles, F. Herbert Chapman, Christopher Bourne, Henry B. Young, and James Walker. Lady Tate, Park Hi_i, Streatham (gr. Mr. W. Howe) filled a large table with bulbous and other flowers, including Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Lachenalias, Hippeastrums, Aza- leas, Richardia, Dicentra (Dielytra), arranged with Ferns, Retinospora picifera, Helxine, Pilea muscosa, and having a row of Bamboos at the back. The group made a bright display of colour and was much admired. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., Tenby Street, Birmingham, exhibited Lily of the Valley, Narcissi, and Hyacinths growing in moss-fibre and all finely flowered. Messrs. Cartwright & Goodwin, Blake- brook, Kidderminster, showed Narcissi in variety. The exhibit was characterised by the extreme refinement of the blooms and their ex- cellent colouring, especially in the flowers of the Pceticus and Leedsii sections. Notable examples were Circlet, Sunset, Aspasia, Victoria, Water- witch, Blakewell, Lucifer, Beauty, Fairy Queen, Scarlet Eye and Chaucer. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. W. Cuteush & Son, Highgate, staged a collection of Hyacinths in pots, even as to height and length of flower spike. We noted the following fine specimens : Grand Maitre, Lord Balfour, Schotel, Ornamente Rose, General Havelock, Lady Derby, La Grandesse, City of Haarlem (one of the finest of the yellow varie- ties!, and General von Heyden. 'A collection of Narcissus shown by this firm was also a comprehensive one. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wisbech, showed a great assortment of bulbous plants in pots and bowls, having Hyacinths, Tulips and Nar- cissi in all the best early-flowering varieties. Those in bowls grown in moss-fibre without material for drainage were especially useful for indoor decoration. (Silver Flora Medal.) The Rev. JOSEPH Jacobs, Whitewell Rectory, Whitchurch, Salop, showed Narcissi, including the trumpet varieties Sarah Bernhardt and Hobo- ken Fairy, a refined variety with a soft yellow coronet and lemon-coloured ( lalyx. There were also varieies of N. Poeticus and'X. Tazetta. Narcissus Queen of the West and N. Circlet, shown by Mr. Walter T. Ware, Bath, and Messrs. Cartwright and Goodwin respec- tively, were awarded Certificates of Commen- dation for their value as forcing varieties. Orchid Committee. Present : J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair) ; and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec.i, Harry J. Veitch, de B. Crawshay, R. Brooman- White, J. Wilson Potter, W. Bolton, Gurney Wilson, W. Waters Butler, H. Ballantine, H. A. Tracy, H. G. Alexander, A. Dye, W. H. White, W. H. Hatcher, J. Cypher, J. Charlesworth, W. Cobb, A. A. McBean, F. J. Hanbury, R. G. Thwaites, II. J. Chapman, G. F. Moore, F. Menteith Ogilvie, J. Forster Alcock, W. Boxall, H. Little, F. Sander, Stuart Low, and Sir Jere- miah Colman, Bart. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park, Reigate (gr. Mr. Colliei), was awarded the Society's Gold Medal for a grand group com- posed largely of Gatton hybrid Dendrobiums, Spathoglottis, Phaio-Calanthes, &c, together with an interesting selection of rare and pretty species. The new hybrid Dendrobiums included D. Duchess of Albany (a pretty pearly white), D. sulphureum (yellow), D. Purity (white, with purple disc), D. Chessingtonense Gatton Park variety, D. Goldfinch and many others, but none of them was equal to the handsome D. Lady Colman, which gained an Award of Merit at the last meeting, and which was again well shown. The centre of the group was of scarlet, yellow and crimson Epidendrum O'Brienianum and E. Boundii, the Dendrobiums being arranged in sections throughout the group. Cymbidium Lady Colman was very fine ; the selection of yellow Dendrobiums, the patch of the white variety of D. nobile, and the fine D. Cybele Gatton Park variety were very attractive. At one end was a selection of pretty and curious species, including Dendrobium tetragonum, Bul- bophyllum comosum, with five heads of white blooms ; the yellow form of Sophronitis grandi- flora, Epidendrum polybulbon, &c. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co , Hay-wards Heath, staged a bright and effective group, the plants in which were all of very high quality, 174 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 13, 1809. and for which a Silver-gilt Flora Medal was awarded. Among the hybrid Odontoglossums were several superb forms of O. ardentissimum, one especially being very large and finely blotched with dark purple. Other hybrids noted were good scarlet-red Odontioda Cravenia? and O. Bradshawiae, the white Brasso-Cattleya Queen Alexandra, Laelio-Cattleya Empress Frederick, L.-C. Sheila, a pretty white flower, L.-C. Katie, of a clear yellow, and others. (See Awards.) Col. G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O., Weston- birt (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), showed Laelio- Cattleya Arbaces (C. labiata X L.-C. Cassiope), a perfectly-formed flower of fine substance of a bright rosy-lilac colour with a deep purple front to the finely-crimped labellum. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a group in which new hybrid Odontoglossums were well re- presented. These included O. Thalia (Ander- sonianum x excellens), a pretty canary-yellow flower uniformly spotted with red -brown ; O. Verona (Adrianae X Vuylstekei), cream-white, spotted with chestnut-red and tinged with red on the petals ; O. Hebe (Lindlevanum X Kolfeas) ; O. Solon (Adrianae X ardentissimum), of fine shape, white, heavily marked with ruby-red colour, a thin irregular cream-white line running round the central portion and a similar transverse line partly across the middle, the crest of the lip being yellow with red blotches on each side and in front. Its parent, age is uncertain, but it might be Cochlioda Xoez- liana X Odontoglossum ardentissimum album. Mr. Goodson also showed Cattleya Schroderae The Prince, a very fine flower with crimped petals and lip, the latter having a velvety-purple front. J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebelands, South Woodford (gr. Mr. J. Davis), sent Odontoglos- sum crispum Carmania, a finely-blotched variety, and the new O. Wyonianum. (See Awards.) Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr. Mr. H. J. Chapman), showed Odontioda Bradshawiae Oakwood variety (O. crispum Graireanum x C. Noezliana), a fine flower ot an uniform reddish-scarlet colour and yellow crest ; Odontoglossum percultum Oakwood variety, white, beautifully blotched with purple ; and the handsome new Odontioda Bradshawiae Cookson's variety. (See fig. 73.) Messrs. Huch Low & Co., Enfield, staged an effective group of Dendrobiums, fine varie- ties of Cattleva Trianae, Cymbidium Wigania- FlG. 73. — ODONTIODA X BRADSHAWIAE COOKSON'S VARIETY: AWARDED A FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE AT THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S MEETING ON TUESDAY LAST. purple ; O. Helenus (harvengtense X Coradinei), quite a new form with primrose-yellow flowers closely speckled with cinnamon-brown. Among other Odontoglossums was a very remarkable and beautiful imported form with the sepals and petals of a good O. triumphans and a broad sul- phur-co'.oured lip, much fringed, and bearing one large blotch in the middle. Also in the group was a fine selection of Cattleya Trianas, together with the very large pure white C. Trianae Queen Alexandra. Zygonisia Sanderi (Aganisia lepida x Zygopetalum) is an interest- ing novelty with cream-white flowers heavily blotched with violet. For others, see Awards. Messrs. Jas. Vf.itch & Sons, King's Road, Chelsea, staged a group of good Odontoglossum crispum, O. Pescatorei, Cattleya Trianae, I.aelio-Cattleva Callistoglossa and a number of their Cypripedium Countess of Carnarvon, which varies very much in form and colour, but is always good and lasts a long time in bloom. H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, West Hill, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), showed Odontioda Goodsoniae, a charming hybrid and probably the finest in shape and richest in colour of any yet raised. The flower is large, the petals and sepals equally broad and of a glowing mm!, C. Holfurdianum, Aerides Vandarum, &c. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Armstrong & Brown, Tunbridge Wells, staged an effective group of good Cypri- pediums, Cymbidium Woodhamsianum, C. eborneum, C. Ballianum, Odontoglossums, &c. Messrs. Jas. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group in which were good Cattleya Trianae, well- flowered Odontoglossums, including O. Cervan- tesii, Cypripedium Milo Westonbirt variety, Sophronitis grandiflora, F.piphronitis Veitchii, Aerides Vandarum, &c. Monsieur Maurice Mertens, Mont St. Amand, Ghent, was awarded a Silver Banksia.. Medal for a very interesting group of pretty hybrid Odontoglossums. J. Forster Alcock, Esq., Exhims, North- church, sent Cypripedium W. Hopkins, a dis- tinct flower of fine shape. II. A. In'nes, Esq., Croft Spa, Yorks., sent two light varieties of Cattleya Trianae, a very large and good Lycaste Skinneri alba, and a fine dark Masdevallia chimasra. Mr. W. P. Horton, Cravenhurst, Seaford, staged a group of Odontoglossums, Cypripe- diums, and Dendrobiums. AWARDS. First-Class Certificate. Cattleya Schroderce "Mrs. F. Sander," from Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans. — A prre white variety, large and of fine shape, the broad labellum finely crimped at the margin. Odontioda Bradshau>if the roof. It makes an excellent subject for planting in baskets. Bulbs : B. Hodgson. The bulbs were infested by the grubs of a small fly, and by the bulb mite (Rhizoglyphus echinopus). The little beetles are members of the family Brachely- tra, and they were probably feeding on the de- cayed vegetable matter. In the bottle there were, besides these beetles and bulb mites, a number of small worms belonging to the family En- chytraeidae, and nearly allied to the earth- worms. They are decidedly injurious to the roots of plants. Vaporite or apterite would be likely to kill them if mixed with the soil. The bulb mites might probably be killed by the same means, but no liquid insecticide ap- pears to be of any use against this pest. Ccelogyne cristata : T. H. This Orchid does not require a high temperature ; a cool inter- mediate house is suitable. The cause of failure to flower is usually due to an insuffi- ciency of water at the roots duiing the plant's season of active growth, when too much rain-water can scarcely be given. Coelogyne cristata should be shaded from the sun in summer and never be thoroughly dried off at the roots. Insert cuttings of Hydrangeas of mature growth when available. The plants may also be propagated readily by division. Fiiire from China : /. /. F. The fibre appeals to be Hemp (Cannabis sativa), or an allied species. Forcing Seakale : /. R. B. Very good samples of Seakale may be grown in the cellar you mention during winter and early spring, seeing that a temperature of from 54° to 58° is maintained. The quickest and best way to establish a plantation of Seakale that will provide plants for forcing purposes as re- quired, is by utilising the extremities of the roots taken up each year for forcing. These are cut into lengths of 4 or 5 inches, and kept in a box containing dry sand until the follow- ing March, when, the condition of the ground permitting, these root-cuttings or "thongs," as they are commonly called, are dibbled in rows formed at about 15 inches apart, putting the sets at distances of 9 inches in the rows, and covering them with about 1 inch of soil. After this has been done, apply a surface dressing of short manure between the rows and plants to the depth of 1 or 2 inches. It is only neces- sary afterwards to keep them free from weeds and remove the flower-stems as they appear, until November or December, when they may be lifted for forcing. A deep, light, loamy soil enriched with short manure is the best rooting medium for Seakale. Root-cuttings treated as described will furnish strong plants for forc- ing next winter and following spring. In raising plants from seed, the seeds should be sown thinly in March or April in prepared ground in drills drawn 2 inches deep and 12 inches apart, closing in the soil over the seed with the feet, heading and raking the ground level afterwards. Thin the seedlings to 6 inches from plant to plant in the rows, and apply a mulching of short manure. Plants thus raised will be ready for transplanting in March, 1910, after the crown buds have been removed so as to prevent the plants running to seed during the summer. If you have any established plants of Seakale in your garden, you might take up a score or two, cut the roots into lengths as lecommended, and plant the root-cuttins's forthwith in the manner indi- cated to furnish plants for lifting to force in December next and onwards. If you plant in this month or April, one-year-old, two-vear- old, and three-year-old seedlings, the three- year-old seedlings should furnish vou with good plants for forcing next December, the two-year and one-year-old seedlings supplying respectively good forcing roots in the two fol- lowing years. For Rhubarb, see next week's issue. Grub in Garden Soil : Ashtoniar.. One of the specimens you sent as wireworms is the grub of a ground beetle. These insects and their grubs are carnivorous, feeding on other insects, &c, and not on vegetable food, so that they are in no way garden pests, but the reverse. They may be easily distinguished from the wireworms by the quickness of their movements. They run fast, while the wire- worms are slow in their actions. They are the grubs of the skipjack or click beetles, but we cannot tell you to which species thev be- long, as the grubs resemble one another very closely. Mushrooms Diseased : H . K. The Mushrooms are affected by a minute parasitic fungus, Hypomyces perniciosus, which, when once in- troduced, spreads very quickly under the con- ditions of temperature and moisture essential for the rapid growth of Mushrooms. Accord- ing to a leaflet on this disease, issued by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, numerous Toadstools and other fungi suffering from the parasitism of different kinds cf Hypomyces are common in woods and pastures every season, and spoies are probably introduced into the Mushroom bed along with the manure or road sweepings commonly used. Tri some instances it is certain that "the spawn is in- fected before it is placed in the Mushroom bed. When infection occurs through the in- troduction of spores into the house by wind or other causes, the disease may be confined to certain portions of the bed, and the prompt removal of infected Mushrooms as soon as the slightest symptoms are observed may check the disease from assuming the proportions of an epidemic. When a house or other structure in which Mushrooms are grown has become infected, it should be completely emptied cind thoroughly sprayed, both roof, walls, a. id floor, three times at intervals of 10 days with a solution of sulphate of copper 1 lb. of sulphate to 15 gallons of water. During this period of spraying, the house should be kept warm and moist, for the purpose of favouring germination of the spores of the parasite, which are destroyed with greater cer- tainty when growing than when in a resting condition. After removing the soil and manure of an infected bed, great care should be taken in cleansing the tools, boots, and even clothing ; otherwise there is great risk of infecting other beds. Names of Fruits : G. T. 0. We do not recognise the Apple. It is probably a local variety. — C. Luke. Darling Pippin. Names of Plants: H.J.W. Thuya Lobbii var. zebrina. T. Lobbii is known also as T. plicata and T. gigantea.— Nemo. 1, Satureia montana (Winler Savory) ; 2, Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat) ; 3, Aloe socotrana; 4, Cotyledon, send when in flower. — C. 0. 1, Pteris hastata ; 2, Adiantum formosum ; 3, Cyperus alterni- folius; 4, Oncidium barbatum — H. y. 11'. Brunfelsia calycina, known in some gardens as Franciscea calycina. — T. T. 1, Pleurothallis lateritea ; 2. Stelis ophioglossoides ; 3, Bulbo- phyllum auricomum. — S.A. You should number the specimens. The Fern is Asplenium luci- dum; the tall, grass-like plant Panicumplicatum ; the flower Polygala Dalmaisiana ; the plant with prickles Euphorbia splendens; Eupatorium Weinmannianum is the specimen having white flowers; that with thick leaves, having a red mid-rib, is Elaeodendron orientale (syn. Aralia Chabrieri).— R. E. J. 1, Sprekelia formo- sissima ; 2, Begonia Ingramii ; 3, B. metallica; 4. B. hydrocotylaefolia ; 5, Eranthemum pul- chellum. — II', B. M. We cannot recognise (he plant either from the drawing or the description. Palms with Dead Foliage . W. T . C. The plants have suffered from the unsuitable atmo- sphere of the dwelling-house during the pro- tracted cold weather. Propagating Pelargonium Raspail for Flowering in Winter: F. R. D. Plants propagated any time during March or April will flower well the following winter. They should be potted firmly in good loam, with some manure added. Place them in the open in a position fully exposed to the sun during the summer. About the first week in Septem- ber they should be transferred to the green- house. All the flower-stems should be re- moved until about one month before they are required to be in flower. The house in which they are grown should be light and airy, as they will not succeed in a close, stagnant atmosphere. Do not use manurial stimulants too freely until late in the spring, whan growth will be especially active, and the plants can make use of much food. The Loquat : Nemo. This plant— Eriobotrya japonica — is easily cultivated in any ordinary greenhouse. It thrives also in the open garden in sheltered positions in warm districts. If grown in pots, the roots need plenty of room. Worms in Stable Manure : C. W . These are worms belonging to the family Enchytraeidae, and nearly related to the earth-worms. They are injurious to the roots of plants, but they may be killed by soaking the soil throughlv with lime water. Vaporite or apterite would probably kill them ; the latter proved fatal to them in a laboratory experiment, but that is no proof that it would succeed under other circumstances. Communications Receivfd.— A. J. — W. T. C. (Thanks for Is. which has been placed in the R.G.O.F. boxl.— J. C. & Co.— M. B., lava— T. W. C.-W. C— W. S.— W. P. R. — H. M.— S. R.— J. G. W.-Reading Gard. Assoc— W. A. C.-An Old Reader— A. J. H.-Linnean Soc— C. P. R.— W. W. P.— T. H.— \V. G. F.-G. H. -Onlooker — R. B.— H. E.-Rev. D. R. W.— T. H. S.-YV. M.— L. T. D.— J. O'B.-J. R. J.— H. W. YV\- Royal Insiilu- lion— W. W. N.-E. S. F. M.-G. M.— W. H. Fot -V. irksi Reports sec page ivi. March 20, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 177 THE ^aibcncrs'Cbronirle No. J, 760.— SATURDAY, March 20, 1909. CONTENTS. Alpine garden — Plant notes — I pigsea repent 179 Adonis amurensis ... 179 Erodium chrysan- Daphne collina 179 thum 179 Schizanthus 179 Geranium Traversii... 179 Triteleia uniflora 179 Apple scab 188 Polystichum aculeatum Apples, late dessert gracillimum Drueryi., 188 varieties of 187 Rhubarb 192 Asparagus, varieties uf 192 Snow, the fertilising Berlin International Ex- value of 186 hibition 185 Societies — Books, notices of — Gloucester Rose and The Orchid Stud-Book 184 Sweet Pea 189 Publications received 166 Horticultural Club ... 189 Boronia megastigma, Linnean 188 the propagation of ... 192 Manchester and North Calvat, M. Ernest, hon- of England Orchid 190 our for .. 185 Royal Horticultural ... 185 Carnations, show of per- (Scientific Committee) 188 petual-flowering 185 Sweet Pea Show at Cattleya Trian;e Cour- Saltaire, forthcoming 186 tauldiana 187 Sweet Peas, notes on Chicory, the culture of 192 the newer varieties of 177 Clay soil, burning 191 Versailles and Petit Conifers, tall, at Knepp Trianon, the gardens Castle 188 at 177 Forest trees, cost of Weeds and hoeing 178 planting 187 Week's work, the— "French" Garden, notes Apiary, the 183 from a 186 Flower garden, the ... 182 Fritillaria askabadensis 185 Fruits under glass ... 183 Kew notes — Hardy fruit garden ... 182 Ardisia crenata 181 Kitchen garden, the... 183 Lignum Nephriticuni ... 187 Orchid houses, the ... 182 Lilac, the forcing of ... 192 Plants under glass ... 182 Market nursery, land Public parks and gar- for a 192 dens ... 183 Naartje Oranges 180 Wolverhampton Floral Finus rtgida 178 Fete 185 ILLUSTRATIONS. ich " garden exhibit at the R.H.S. meeting ... 190 1 ' mllaria askabadensis flowering in the Royal Gardens, Kew. (Supplementary Illustration) Inflorescence of Fritillaria askabadensis 185 Killarney House, co. Kerry, 180; views in tiit- gard and grounds at 181,187,169 Pinus rigida, cone-bearing branch c f 178 VERSAILLES AND PETIT TRIANON. THE gardens of Versailles have so often been described in detail that it is not necessary to attempt the task again. For many years now it lias been the fashion to hold them up to scorn. But, however much one may contemn them and tin- school of land- scape gardening of which they are the must famous example, Versailles is, nevertheless, not lacking in attraction. The splendour of the design is unequalled among- the gardens of the world. Then, the associations of the place and the emotions they inspire in the foreigner's mind lend to the gardens a cer- tain charm. The thoughts of the English visitor are strongly coloured not onlv bv memories of Louis XIV. and Le Notre, who laid the foundations of the scenes around, but by memories also of those events, so full of menace, that occurred here in the earlv years of the French Revolution. In the present condition of the gardens there is a strong contrast between the scheme itself and the mode in which its details are carried out. A certain air of neglect and de- cayed grandeur overhangs the place. The flower-beds are filled with the most ordinarv of bedding plants, and are edged with the ugly and old-fashioned Box-edging. The walks are rough, and the famous tail's vert is a very ordinary piece of lawn by no means well kept (see Supplementary Illustration in Gardeners' Chronicle, November 14, 1903). Perhaps the strongest emotion Versailles in- spires is that of melancholy. The most astonishing feature of Versailles is the Orangery (see Supplementary Illustra- tion in Gardeners' Chronicle, December 26, 1903). On a deeply-sunk area on one side of the Chateau are congregated some hundreds of Orange trees in tubs. The labour and expense of attending to these plants and housing them every winter are certainly not justified by their appearance. The greater proportion of them should be burnt right away. One hundred or one hun- dred and fifty years ago the cultivation of Orange tree, in tubs was very general. The fact that the plant produced one of the most precious of all fruits, as well as the frag- rance and associations of its blossom, gave it an interest in the gardens of northern Europe which it scarcely possesses to-day. And an Orange tree in a tub is scarcely 'Mi- an object of beauty. These specimens at Versailles are very much the opposite. The French as a nation have a deserved repu- tation for a strong artistic feeling and a deeply-rooted sense of economy. It is diffi- cult to understand how they continue to tolerate this Orangery at Versailles, which outrages bi ith. Petit Trianon (see Supplementary Illustra- tion in Gardeners' Chronicle. November 21, 1903). \ very different scene awaits him who enters tin- grounds of Petit Tria- non, close by. Here is an " English Garden" of the Continental type, and de- cidedly one of the lust ,il its kind. In the firs! place, it is not too large. In the intrica- cies "I somi oi the larger "English Gar- d< ns " of the Continent like that at Munich, Ini- instance- the stranger is speedily bewildered. But here, at Petit Trianon, the area is small enough to bo complete!} traversed in a comparative!) shorl time, .ml the gentli curves and windings of its walks give a pleasanl diversity of prospe I without obliterating the visitor's sense of locality. This garden was made by Marie Antoinette in her early and happier days in France. The ideas of Le Notre had dominated the garden- making o! Europe for a century or more; this and other gardens of the same type ex- pressed a feeling of revolt against them. There is but little flower gardening at Petit Trianon. It owes its charms to its noble trees and shrubs, to its pleasant dis- position of water, path and lawn, and, per- haps not least, to its contrast with the more fami us garden close b) . There are mam fini trei s of particular in- terest at Petit Trianon — especiallv those of American origin. The deciduous Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is repre- sented by six specimens growing on the edge of the lake and averaging So feet in height. A Tulip-tree (Lirioden dron tulipifera) is about as high. Weymouth Pines (P. Strobus) are here in some quan- tity, and one of them is 10 feet in girth of trunk and nearly, or quite, 100 feet high. The American White Ash (Fraxinus ameri- tana) is of a similar stature. A white Oak, probably Ouercus bicolor, is 50 feet high. Populus deltoidea has a trunk 12 feet in girth, and there are several very striking examples of the Poplar with hairy young wood which we know as P. nigra betulaefolia, the character- istic rough burrs on the trunk being remark- ably developed. Populus canescens is about 100 feet high and 14 feet in girth of trunk. Pinus Laricio var. Pallasiana— the variety with erect-growing branches — is So feet high and its trunk 9 feet in girth. Other species represented by fine specimens are Cedar of Lebanon, Carpinus caroliniana, Fraxinus pubescens, an old tree of Morus rubra (un- common in Britain), a large Sophora japonica (near the villa), and the true red Spruce (Picea rubra). The little hamlet of picturesque cottages which Marie Antoinette built to give diver- sity to the scene still remains, hut the build- ings are not kept in good repair. Here, as in the gardens of Versailles, the effects of time are very evident, and the management lacks either the means or the will to combat them. B. ]. IP. SOME OF THE NEWER SWEET PEAS. A SWEET Pea of great beauty, though somewhat too susceptible to atmo- spheric influences, commemorates the name of Henry Eckford, who did so much to develop this flower. Several years have elapsed since the variety was introduced, but it has not yet been entirely superseded. As much, perhaps, may be said of the success of my own namesake, also raised by Mr. Eck- ford, which now stands alone in the Eckfor- dian catalogue under the head of " Indigo Blue." The finest varieties raised by the In. Mr. Eckford were Dorothy Eckford and Queen Alexandra. Whether in dimensions, in faultless form, or in perfection of colour, those ideal representatives of purest white end richest scarlet will not easily be sur- passed. At present, however, the predomi- nating forms are the Spencer hybrids, with their fantastically " waved " or " cre- nulated "standards, to whose excessive multi- plication some prominent horticulturists are beginning to object, on the ground that older and— as they deem them— more valuable '. ariolies are in danger of being forgotten. \.mong the most prominent of the latest Spencerian hybrids is a notable one entitled " The King," by Messrs. Dobbie & Co., and " King Edward Spencer," by Mr. Atlee Bur- pee. It is probably the largest, and one of the most brilliant in colour, of all Sweet Peas of its own peculiar hue, but requires a fertile soil and a warm summer to develop its possibilities. In the coolness of autumn it perceptibly declines. Etta Dyke, whose synonym in America is the White Countess Spencer, is, perhaps, the most eulogised of all pure white Sweet Peas of this special de- scription. Very beautiful are also the Prim- rose, Ramona, and Apple Blossom Spencers ; likewise the beautiful lavender-coloured Asta Ohn, raised and named after his daughter by Mr. Henry Ohn, the Chinese head- hybridist of Mr. Lister Morse, of the Santa Clara Nurseries, in California. Mr. Morse recently sent to me several unnamed Spen- cerian hybrids, whose appearance during next summer I await with interest. Among named varieties that I have not yet seen in flower are Mrs. Walter Carter and Dobbie's Mid Blue, the former of which is said to resemble the variety Mrs. Charles Foster, while the latter is unquestionably an exquisite pro- duction. The Marquis and Mrs. A. Ireland 178 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 20, 1909. are, in their way, equally charming intro- ductions. Two of the loveliest of recent Spencer hybrids are Mrs. Routzahn and Mrs. Henry Bell. Their most formidable rival in delicate beauty and refinement is Evelyn Hemus which, notwithstanding the present keen competition in form and colour, seems likely to endure. David R. Williamson. WEEDS AND HOEING. ALTHOUGH the deleterious action of weeds upon crops is well known to all practical cultivators of the soil, very few accurate determinations have been made of the amount of reduction in yield of a crop ■which is produced when weeds are alloweJ Comparing plots 4 and 5 with plot 1, we see that in the wet season of 1907, allowing the weeds to grow reduced the crop about 60 per cent., the loss in the drier year 1908 being about 50 per cent. The serious character of these figures is obvious. An interesting and unexpected result is re- corded on plots 4 and 5. The yield on No. 5, from which the weeds were removed by hand only, is practically the same as that on No. 4, which was kept clean by hoeing. Stirring the ground and leaving a natural mulch upon it is usually supposed to be conservative of soil moisture, leading indirectly to an increase in crop. This, however, has not been the case in these experiments, neither in the wet nor the drier season; it would appear from PINUS RIGIOA. Whilst Pinus rigida, Miller, cannot be de- scribed as one of the most ornamental of Pines in English parks and gardens, it is an interest- ing species, and fills an important place in the sylva of Eastern North America. The species is found in a wild state as far north as New Brunswick, and reaches southwards to Georgia and the western slopes of the Alleghany Moun- tains. It is abundant in the central portions of this area, where it covers thousands of acres of dry, sterile land, in which scarcely any other tree would thrive. Pinus rigida bears its leaves in groups of three, each leaf being usually from 2i to 4 inches long. The shoot is yellowish-brown and gla- brous, and the winter bud is about -J inch long. The cones are remarkably variable in size, shape and arrangement. The branch shown in fig. 75 was taken from a tree growing in the Queen's Cottage Grounds at Kew Gardens. The tree, a bushy specimen not much more than 20 feet in height, was blown down during a recent gale, when the upper branches were seen to be covered with clusters of small cones interspersed with oldeT and somewhat larger cones, as seen in the illustration. The smaller, clustered cones are 1 to 1J inches long, and both in size and arrangement resemble those figured by A. B. Lambert in his Pinetum, t. 19, and described as P. rigida, small-coned variety. Lambert's tree was growing in 1803 at Tain's Hill. The shape of the cones is more or less ovate, but, as sta'ted above, this is a variable character, forms of Pinus rigida being known with almost orbicular cones. The cone-scales are furnished each with a short, stiff, recurved spine. The tree FlG. 75. — CONE-BEARING BRANCH OF PINUS RIGIDA. ithotogruph by E. J. Wallis. •to compete with it. During the last two seasons experiments have been carried on at the University College Farm, Reading, to •test the influence of weeds in this respect. and incidentally to determine the value of hoeing. Mangels were grown on half an acre of ground, which was divided into live plots ar- ranged as indicated in the table below : the yields are given for both seasons : — IPIot 1. Not weeutel after setting out the plants Hoed once after setting out the plants Hoed twice after setting out the plants Kept quite clean by hoeing Kept quite clean by hand weeding only, no hoeing being done after the plants were set out YioJd l<-r acre. 1907. 1908. Tons. Tons. 15J 163 S3* 30J- 37| 36} 3D* 38 40 3SJ the results of these experiments that the bene- fit of hoeing is almost entirely due to the destruction of the weeds which otherwise would have competed with the crop. Reviewing the returns on plots t to 4, we see that : — 1907. 1903. Tons. Tons. Hoeing once added 17} 13* Hoeing again gave a further increase of 4} G* Several hoeings later only added ... if 1J In the early part of the summer the seeds ot weeds were found to germinate freely, and the plants grew at a rapid rate, and very soon almost smothered the young mangels. The first hoeing, however, in June got rid of these weeds, and the comparatively few which came up later were easily kept in check. Joint Percival. retains its cones for about 10 or 12 years. It has also another peculiarity common to but few species, i.e., the production of adventitious shoots on the trunk and primary branches. So numerous are these at times that parts of the trunk are almost covered with short twigs. Pinus rigida does not form so large a tree as some other Pines. Sargent gives its maxi- mum height in a wild state as 80ft, but it is more usually 50 to 60 feet high. The largest trees known to me in the British Isles are in the fine arboretum at Alley Castle, near Bewd- ley, where there are three notable speci- mens, the tallest of which, according to Mr. Robt. Woodward's Hortus Arleyensis, was 79 feet high and 5 feet 11 inches in girth five years ago. The other two are both 7 feet 2 inches in girth, and respectively 69 feet and 66 feet in height. These trees were planted about 1820 by March 20, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 179 Lord Moimtnorris, who was then the proprietor of Arley. A larger specimen is recorded as hav- ing existed at Woburn in 1840 : it was 75 feet high and 11 feet in girth, but it is improbable that it still survives. This species is one of the Pines known as " Pitch Pine." It is not, however, the most valu- able of that name, for that distinction belongs to the more southern and tender P. palustris. The timber contains large quantities of resin, but is little used now except for fuel and charcoal-making. Some years ago large num- bers of this tree were planted in Germany on the supposition that it was the tree which pro- duces the real "Pitch Pine" timber. But neither in that country nor in our own is it likely to rival our native P. sylvestris as a forest tree, whatever the soil or position may be. W. J. Bean. PLANT NOTES. SCHIZANTHUS. To have a good batch of Schizanthus in bloom during May, the seeds should be sown about the latter end of August. The soil used should be a light-textured compost, and the seed- boxes should be placed in a cold frame during the germination of the seed. The seedlings should be transplanted when large enough to handle, placing four in a 3-inch pot. Stand the pots on a shelf in a green- house in which a temperature of from 50° to 55° is maintained. They will also succeed in a cold frame if kept well up to the glass, other- wise they will become drawn. As soon as they are well rooted they should be potted into 6-inch pots, using a compost consisting of two parts loam and one part leaf-soil, with the addition of a little silver sand and crushed charcoal. When growth is well established pinch out the points o: the principal shoots to induce a bushy habit. The Schizanthus requires plenty of fresh air, which promotes a sturdy, vigorous growth. Guard against mildew, and, should it appear, dust the plants lightly with flowers of sulphur. By the middle of January the plants will be ready for their final potting, which should be in 10-inch pots, using the compost recom- mended above, to which may be added some concentrated plant manure. Do not make the soil too firm in potting, as this will impede the free growth of the roots. Care in watering is very necessary when the plants are newly potted ; it is advisable to keep them on the dry side until they are well rooted. At this stage it will be necessary to stake the plants, using tall bamboo canes for the purpose. Fasten the growths neatly to the stakes with green raffia, taking care not to tie them too tightly. It is beneficial to syringe the spaces between the pots on bright days, and a light spray over- head is desirable in the afternoon. When the pots are filled with roots, the plants are benefited by a small quantity of an approved fertiliser. Soot-water and farmyard liquid manure are also suitable fertilisers for the Schizanthus. Schizanthus retusus is very useful for fur- nishing blooms for cutting, the flower-stems being stiff. It forms an elegant basket plant. /. Gardner, Eaton Hall Gardens, Chester. TRITELEIA UNIFLORA. This plant is valuable for the embellishment of the greenhouse at this season of the year. It has star-shaped flowers that vary from white to porcelain-blue. The period of flowering lasts about three months. The cultivation of Triteleia unifl^-i is simple. The best receptacles a'.'e pots C hanging baskets, and it thrives best in a compost of loam, leaf-mould and sand. When baskets are ised the pendulous habit of the flowers are seen to advantage. The bulbs should be started into growth before being placed in the receptacles in which thej' are to flower. Place them in damp moss or partially-decayed leaf-soil about the middle of September in a cool, shady position, and in three or four weeks the new growths will be sufficiently developed for the plants to be potted. If pots are used, seven or eight bulbs should be planted in a 6-inch pot. After potting, they should be placed in a cold frame and watered as required; frost must not be allowed to reach the plants, and at the end of November they should, be afforded an atmo- spheric temperature of about 55u, when they will commence to throw up their dainty little flowers. After the season of flowering is over, the root-stocks may be planted out permanently in a warm, sheltered aspect on a rockery, or they may be dried off, have the old soil shaken from their roots, and be stored until the follow- ing season. /. 0. Edwards, Fids Isdf, near Ruthin. DAPHNE COLLI X A. Although a native of the south of Italy and introduced to British gardens so long ago as 1752, this plant is but rarely met with in culti- vation. It is an erect, evergreen shrub from 2 to 3 feet high, with obovate, deep-green leaves, glabrous and shiny above and some- what hairy beneath. The deep pink flowers are produced in terminal heads and are deli- riously fragTant. The period of flowering is from January to March. Here, in the north of London, a plant has been in flower during the past month, and in spite of the vagaries of the weather, it has produced its flowers abundantly, without any prot< beyond that afforded by a small quantity of straw shaken between its branches. I find it is by no means fastidious in regard to soil, as any good garden mould suffices for its needs. This fact, coupled with its complete hardiness and free-flowering qualities, should commend it as a desirable subject for planting in gardens, especi- ally as the blooms are produced at a season when flowers are most appreciated. ADONIS AMURENSIS. This is an extremely useful plant at this season of the year, and noteworthy on account of its complete hardiness and early-flowering charac- ter. Its tufts of graceful Fern-like foliage and glistening golden-yellow flowers are produced toward the latter part of January and through- out February. The flowers are about 2 inches across, and, when well established, are greatly appreciated by everyone. This winter-blooming plant delights in a ruh soil, and should on no account be disturbed when once planted. It is a native of Manchuria and Siberia. Adonis Kiknasaki is quite distinct from A. amurensis, although it may probably prove to be a geographical form of the older species. It is a native of Japan, and is dis- tinguished by its extreme earliness. The lemon- yellow-coloured flowers are more cup-shaped than those of A. amurensis, and the foliage is much more finely divided. Here, on a London clay soil, this plant has been in flower during the last few weeks in the open border, though not protected in any way. E. /. S., Finchley. THE ALPINE GARDEN. GERANIUM TRAVERSII. There are many truly exquisite things among the dwarfer Geraniums, or Cranesbills, and pro- bably none is more appreciated by rock gar- deners than G. argenteum, with its silvery leaves and delicate flowers. Yet it is excelled by its allied flower from the Antipodes, for Geranium Traversii, from New Zealand, is even more beautiful. The silvery leaves, resembling to some extent, those of G. argenteum, are not so finely shaped, yet they are prettier, the sil- very colouring being more satin-like in its ap- pearance, and the delicate carving of the mar- gins as fine. The foliage is larger, and the plant as a whole is taller, although equally suit- able for the rock-garden. The flowers, also, are larger, and those of the type are of a very beau- tiful colour, best described as very light purple, streaked with carmine. There is, however, a- rarer, white-flowered variety, called elegans, which, in the front of a border, is very beautiful. EPIG/EA REPENS. One of the most exquisite trailing shrubs of moderate growth is Epigasa repens, variously known as the Mayflower and Trailing Arbutus. It is far from common, and there are many who find it difficult to cultivate. In its native land, irth America, where it extends from New- foundland for a considerable distance into what was long known as the North-West Territory, and southward into Michigan, Kentucky, and Florida, it loves sandy and rocky woods, and delights particularly in the shade of evergreen trees. In practice, we find that, in some parts of Britain and Ireland, it requires special care. Our winters and the late frosts which too fre- quently follow them do not appear to be favour, able to the Epigaea, and frequently it is killed by a severe frost following a mild and open win- ter. I am anxious to impress this upon those who seek to cultivate this shrub successfully, as it will be found that it is generally necessary to afford it some protection against the inclemen- cies of late spring. It also needs a sandy or stony soil, and the shade of evergreen trees. The shade should not be too great ; low ever- shrubs are sometimes too dwarf to give the Epigsea the necessary amount of light as well as the Irish garden. The path leads to an avenue, where the choicest and rarest of flowering shrubs are planted, including many not regarded as hardy. The plants are in robust health and grow luxu- KEW NOTES. ARDISIA CRENATA. Ardisia CRENATA is also known in nurseries as A. crenulata and A. crispa. For some weeks past, a batch of plants of this species has been a conspicuous object in the greenhouse. It forms a small, erect shrub, with dark green, leathery foliage. The inconspicuous, white flowers are produced in panicles, and are succeeded by bright red berries about the size of Holly berries. The berries hang for a long time so that the plants bear often crops of two seasons at the same time. Ardisia crenata is readily increased from either seeds or cuttings, but the best plants are ob- FlG. 77. — THE LAKES AS SEEN FROM KILLARNEY HOUSE GARDENS. •choice plants arranged in groups of various sizes and in harmony of colour. It was new to me to see Agapanthus umbellatus, both the white and the blue varieties quite acclimatised and re- maining out-of-doors all the winter ; the plants are sheltered by one of the finest hedges of 'Cupressus macrocarpa in the United Kingdom. There is an enclosed tennis-court at the top end of these borders. At one side of the court is an arched pergola, which is much the best example I know of this kind of work. Through an open- ing in this hedge is a garden devoted to Lilies. Near this is a part known as the Daisy terrace. It is encircled by a pergola furnished with a wealth of climbers all growing in the greatest luxuriance; many were of species not hardv in the midlands of England. The plants included Carpenteria californica, Berberidopsis corallina, riantly. Amongst them I noticed Escallonia montevidensis, E. Philippiana, E. langleyensis, Berberidopsis corallina, Desfontainia spinosa, Pittosporum in variety, Olemas, Xanthoceras, and Solanum jasminoides. A splendid specimen of Daphniphyllum glaucescens, the Azorean Laurel, Quercus glabra, Eupatorium Wein- mannianum, immense clumps of both the green and variegated varieties of Phormium, the Now Zealand Flax ; also Bamboos in variety, one of which, Arundinaria nobilis, was flowering in different parts of the garden. This account of Killarney House is very im- perfect, but it may convey some idea of the beauty of Earl Kenmare's home in this picturesque spot. Mr. A. J. Elgar is the capable and enthusiastic head gardener. W . Crump, V.M.H. tained from seeds. They should be sown in pots, filled with sandy soil, in spring. The re- ceptacles should be plunged to the rim in a propagating frame till germination commences. I he young plants should be potted singly into small pots and stood on a damp surface in the propagating house. During the summer months hot-house treatment should be afforded, but care must be taken not to allow the roots to become dry or the plants will shed their leaves. When well rooted in the small pots, they should be transferred to others 4 inches in diameter, in which they should be wintered. A suitable pot- ting soil consists of equal parts peat, fibrous loam, and leaf-mould, to which is added plenty of coarse sand. The following spring the largest plants should be potted into 6-inch pots, and the remainder into pots a size smaller. The plants 182 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [March 20, 1909. •should be given a light position in an inter- mediate house, where, during the summer, they •will flower. An increased amount of ventilation at this stage will assist fertilisation and help to harden the plants. There is a white-berried form named alba. As young plants produce the best results, a few seedlings should be raised each year and grown on without stopping the lead- ing shoots. A. 0. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Chrysanthemums. — The earlier batches should .now be transferred into 6-inch pots, using a heavier compost than that employed for the first potting, and making the soil rather firmer than on the previous occasion. For a few days alter the plants are repotted keep them in a somewhat close atmosphere and lightly 9yringe them when the weather is fine in order to prevent the foli- age from flagging. Afterwards gradually inure them to fresh air, and do not employ fire heat except in circumstances when frost cannot be excluded by means of the outside coverings. Flowering shrubs. — These plants require but gentle forcing to bring them into flower at this season. As soon as the flowers show colour re- move the plants to the show house. Hydrangeas in growth require more manure water than the generality of forced shrubs, and it is only by liberal feeding that larger flower-heads can be obtained. Valloia purpurea. — These beautiful bulbous plants which frequently thrive luxuriantly and flower abundantly in cottage windows are, curi- ously enough, often the despair of the gar- dener. Healthy plants, not too pot-bound, should be given merely a top-dressing. Repot the others in a mixture of fibrous loam, leaf- mould and sand. Use comparatively small-sized pots, and do not press the soil too firmly. All the plants should be placed to make their growth in a light position on a moist base in an inter- mediate house. Plenty of moisture, both in the atmosphere and at the roots, will now be bene- ficial. When the plants have completed their growth, remove them to a cooler house or frame. Clivia (Imantophyllum) miniata. — If the plants in flower are removed to the coolest part of the house, their flowering season will be greatly prolonged. Copious waterings and fre- quent applications of manure are essential dur- ing the period of growth. Clivias growing in large pots do not often require repotting, although they must not be permitted to become excessively pot-bound, or the quantity and quality of the blooms will deteriorate. Large plants requiring attention may be divided, and thus furnish a quantity of useful plants of smaller size. Plants potted firmly in good soil in 5 and 6-inch pots flower freely, and are most serviceable for house decoration. After divid- ing and potting, place the plants in a warmer house until they have completed their growth. Besides Clivia miniata and its varieties, the more uncommon species, C. Gardenii, and the reputed hybrid, C. cyrtanthiflora, are both de- serving of more extended culture. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Filberts and Cobnuts. — The pruning of these trees should be left till late in the season, allowing the young growths to remain until there is a plentiful supply of catkins to polli- nate the female blooms. The female blooms usually open in March or April, but they may be somewhat later this year. The stem of the tree should be kept clear of all suckers, unless the latter are required for purposes of propagation. Young trees are generally planted with a short leg, but, in any case, it is advisable to keep the stem clear of branches for at least 2 feet up from the ground. The method of pruning generally practised in this country is to prune the trees to the shape of a goblet or basin, this having been proved the most remunerative form of culture by ■market growers. Young trees should on no ac- .count be planted in rirh or recently-manured ground. Cobs and Filberts do exceedingly well in poor, stony soil, or on sloping banks where it is often difficult to cultivate other fruit trees ; but owing to Nut trees being so accommodating in the matter of soil and situation, it frequently happens that they are much neglected. These Nuts are a very profitable crop, and well repay a reasonable amount of care and attention. When the pruning is completed, fork the ground over and dig in all leaves and rubbish, at the same time working in a little lime. Young trees are best transplanted in the autumn ; but if it should be found necessary to plant them now, this can be safely done provided reasonable care is taken. Some suitable varieties are Kentish Cob, Early Prolific Filbert, Cosford Cob, and Merveille de Bollwyller. There is also a purple- leaved variety which, apart from its fruit, is well worthy of a place in the shrubbery for its ornamental foliage. Bush fruits. — It is usual in gardens where birds are very destructive to the fruit-buds of Gooseberries and Red Currants to defer pruning till the trees have started into growth ; but these trees must not now be delayed any longer, as, owing to the sun's increasing power, the buds will advance rapidly. It is better to prune at the proper time, -and either net the fruit bushes or dress them with one of the many compositions on the market for warding off birds. A second application should be given if repeated heavy rains render the first ineffectual. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By Wi H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Thunias. — Thunia Marshallii, T. Bensoniae, T. alba, T. candidissima, T. pulchra, T. Bry- meriana and T. Veitchii are now commencing to develop new growths from the old stems, and it is therefore time to repot them. Turn the plants out of their pots, shake away all the old soil, shorten the dead roots to about 1 inch and clean them thoroughly of all scale insects. The usual mode, and a convenient one, of culti- vating Thunias is in clumps of six or eight stems, as the effect, when each stem produces its drooping raceme of flowers, is much better than when the plants are cultivated singly in small pots. The flower pots should be of various dimensions according to the size of the stems. My practice is to place about eight of the strongest stems in pots of 7 or 8 inches in diameter. These should be half-filled with clean crocks, using good- sized pieces, and placing them in an upright position so that the water can readily pass away. Over the drainage place a thin turf of fibrous loam with the grass-side downwards. The new roots will penetrate this before the appearance of the flower-spikes, and the plants will derive gieat benefit. For the compost, use one-half good fibrous yellow loam, one-quarter peat, and for the remainder chopped Sphagnum- moss and small crocks. Plant the stems about 2 or 3 inches apart, and use neat sticks for holding them firmly in their places. Keep the surface of the compost about half-an-inch below the rim of the pot to facilitate watering. When repotted, place the plants in the lightest posi- tion in the East Indian house, or the warm plant stove, and elevate them so that the tips of the old stems will almost touch the roof glass. When these are extra long, bend them over and tie them down, so that the young shoots may be brought nearer to the light. For the first few weeks after the potting afford water sparingly, but as soon as the roots are seen to be pushing freely through the compost and the new shoots are progressing satisfactorily, the quantity of water may be increased, and when fully established, an occasional application of weak liquid cow manure will be beneficial. Thunias produce their flower-spikes at the apex of the new growths, and as these spikes gener- ally appear about the middle ol May, it is ad- visable to grow the plants on as rapidly as possible. Chysis. — In the Cattleya house, plants of Chysis bractescens, C. aurea, C. Sedenii, C. Chelsonii and C. Eimminghii produce their flower-buds in conjunction with the young growths. These plants are now commencing to grow, but only sufficient water to keep the roots moist should be applied, for if kept too wet they may fail to bloom. Suspend them near the roof glass, where they will obtain plenty of light, heat and air. The plants should not be repotted till after the flowers have faded. Lcelia anceps. — The present is a good time to repot this species and its varieties. Unless the compost is worn out, there is no need to disturb well-rooted plants which have sufficient space for growing. When repotting established plants, the old roots may be left untouched, and if the old compost is firm and in good condition, place the whole mass into a larger pot. Make the drainage perfect, and add fresh material consisting of Osmunda fibre and Polypodium in equal parts. A little chopped Sphagnum-moss should be given in addition, and plenty of small crocks. Mix these materials well together and pot rather firmly. In dividing up worn-out specimens, cut away the dead roots and useless pseudo-bulbs, leaving about two bulbs to each leading growth. After repotting, some judgment is needed in affording water to the plants so as to prevent decay and the loss of old roots. It is a good plan to give only a slight watering around the edge of the pot till the plants are re-established. After this stage the amount oi water, heat, atmospheric moisture and ventila- tion may be gradually increased. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Chrysanthemums. — Young plants that are to be bedded out, being well rooted, should be potted up singly and placed again in the frames. When a week has elapsed pinch the points from the shoots. The plants will be fit to put out into their permanent positions in the first week in May, according to the locality. Dahlia. — Remove some of the sturdy shoots that are now growing from the started tubers, and insert them in small pots containing sandy soil, placing them in a warm propagating frame. When the cuttings have become nicely rooted they should be shifted into pots one size larger, and, as soon as they have recommenced to grow, they may be removed to cooler quarters. Gladiolus. — The ground intended for Gladioli having been deeply dug in the autumn should now be forked over. The soil may then be ex- pected to be in good condition at the end of the present month, when the corms should be planted. Gladioli succeed best in moderately light soil. In districts where the natural soil is heavy it is necessary to add a liberal quantity of leaf-mould and sand, mixing these materials with the staple. Nicotiana. — Seeds should now be sown in boxes containing fine soil. As soon as the seed- lings are large enough to be handled, prick them out into small pots. N. Sanders, being richly coloured, contrasts well with the white flowers of N. afftnis. N. sylvestris is a fine plant for larger borders. Under good cultivation it grows 6 to 8 feet in height, and produces huge inflorescences of white flowers. Plants of N. Sanderae now flowering in the conservatory, if taken good care of, may be planted out early in June ; they will produce a good effect earlier than plants raised this season. Salpiglossis. — Seeds should be sown thinly in shallow boxes. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough into other boxes, keep- ing them near to the roof glass. Mignonette. — Sow a pinch of seed on a warm border after the surface of the ground has been raked very fine, selecting Machet, Golden Queen, or any of the large-growing varieties. Mignon- ette, being pretty hardy, often succeeds well from an early sowing, provided such thinning is done as is necessary to provide each plant with sufficient space. Herbaceous plants. — In the event of fine weather, a commencement should be made to fork over the surface of the ground in the bor- ders. It is assumed that all the spots where bulbs are growing are sufficiently indicated by means of labels. If it were otherwise, forking could scarcely be done without causing serious injury. If it is thought desirable, some cow manure or bonemeal may be added as the wou proceeds, also some soot and lime around the bulbs and tender plants" now pushing through the soil. On frosty mornings manure may be wheeled on to the ground for pro'dding a mulch for the shrubs at the back of the borders. Be careful to renew any labels that are likely to fail during the season. Zinc labels are the best March 20, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 1S3 for this purpose. Let them be all written in one styls, and placed in the ground at the same angle. Narcissus and Polyanthus. — Clean the sites where Narcissus will presently flower in the Grass, and apply a dressing of soot and bone- meal. Polyanthus and Primroses should be cleaned and the surface of the soil around them pricked over and given a dressing of manure, such as decomposed cow manure or a mixture of soot and bonemeal. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Early Peaches and Nectarines in pots. — It will be necessary to pay more attention to cultural details directly the fruits have passed their stoning stage. During bright sunny weather the pots must be examined two or three times a day, so that water may be applied to the roots before the soil becomes too dry. Manure water may be given at shorter intervals than hitherto. As soon as it is seen that the fruits have commenced to swell for the second time, apply a surface-dress- ing of rich compost. It is advisable to plunge the pots in litter, or some other suitable material, to prevent the soil becoming dry quickly, and provide an equable medium for the roots. The final thinning of the fruits may now be carried out. Let each tree cairy such a crop as will be proportionate to its size and strength ; on no account allow any trees to be overtaxed, otherwise the quality of the fruit will be poor. From 12 to 18 fruits may be considered a fair crop for most trees. Stop the leading shoots when they have made three or four leaves, and cut back any fruitless wood to the growth nearest the base. The temperature may now be safely increased, if it is necessary to hurry the crop; but it will be better to take advantage of sunny weather by closing early in the afternoon than to use much fire heat. Early Peach trees in borders. — Before commenc- ing to tie in the young growths, remove those shoots not required for fruiting next year, leav- ing only one shoot at the base, and another at the point, of the current bearing wood, unless it is intended to remove some of the old branches at next season's pruning. Now is the time to note those branches it is intended to cut out, so that sufficient young wood may be laid in to re- place them. The young growths should be brought to the under-side of the trellis, for if this is left till pruning time there is danger of their being damaged. As soon as the fruits have "stoned," they may be safely thinned to the number necessary to furnish the crop. Rennve •first those less exposed to the sun. then thin out the others, leaving them evenly distri- buted over the trees. About one fruit to each square foot of space is generally sufficient, but young trees which show signs of making gross wood will be the better for bearing a larger crop. Syringe the trees with rain-water in the morning and at closing time, and should red spider appear on the leaves, syringe them with a solution of soft soap and sulphur. An occa- sional light fumigating with a nicotine com- pound will keep aphis in check. Mid-season trees. — Do not neglect disbudding, but carry out the operation at intervals. Where fruits have set very thickly, it is advisable to pull off all those on the under-side of the trellis at once. Apply root waterings when necessary, and stimulants to established trees carrying full crops of fruit. Syringe the trees twice daily, and frequently damp all the surfaces in the house. Late trees. — Trees which are being retarded for the latest supply must not be subjected to cold draughts, these being injurious. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Tomatos. — Although the winter-fruiting plants are now more or less exhausted, any that are still healthy and appear to be capable of pro- ducing fruit for six weeks or two months longer should be encouraged to do so. Remove all sur- plus growths, and apply a good top-dressing of rich material, also manuie water when water is needed. The pollination of the flowers should be attended to daily. Winter Beauty and Sunrise iiave again proved invaluable varieties for winter-fruiting. It is assumed that successional plants have now filled their final pots with roots ; therefore, place them in the position in which it is intended they should ripen their fruits, choosing the lightest place possible. These are best trained up the roof of a warm house, keeping the growths at a distance of about 8 inches from the glass. No manure water should be given the plants until a good set of fruit is obtained. Maintain the atmosphere dry and buoyant, especially during dull weather and when the plants are commencing to flower. Ad- mit air daily, if only sufficient to cause a slight circulation, for stagnant conditions favour disease. Another sowing of seeds should be made. Vegetable Marrows. — The seedlings raised at the time previously advised should now be suffi- ciently advanced to be put under frames on mild hot-beds. Care should be taken to select a warm day for transferring the plants. Two plants may be put under an ordinary light. Plant them on ridges, but do not cover up the whole of the fermenting material with soil until the plants have made a good start. Maintain a tempera- ture of from 50° to 5u°, allowing this to rise with sun heat. Syringe the plants on fine days, and close the frames early in the afternoon. Add fresh linings to the frames when necessary, and thoroughly cover the glass with protective ma- terial every night. Spare plants may be potted into larger pots or boxes, and, if placed in avail- able spaces in fruit or intermediate houses, they will be useful. Sow more seeds in 2{-inch pots. Sorrel. — By careful tieatment a small bed of Sorrel will produce abundant supplies. Care should be taken to select only the best varieties for cultivation. Sow seed thinly during the pre- sent month in shallow drills about 9 inches apart, and thin the seedlings when large enough to handle until th?y are 3 or 4 inc'-e; a art. They may be transplanted either the following autumn or spring. Old plants can also be transplanted satisfactorily, and, if given a thorough top-dress- ing of well-decayed manure every year, a bed will continue in good condition for a long time. Sorrel succeeds well in a western aspect. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J. W. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Hark, London. Animals and birds in public parks. — In many public parks birds and even animals are kept in a state of domestication. In the parks belonging to the London County Council there are large aviaries, also enclosures for animals. They have proved of interest to large numbers of visitors. At every enclosed park containing a stream or sheet of water there are collections of waterfowl. These include both white and black swans, many varieties of geese, and a large quantity and variety of both fancy and common ducks. Some of the aviaries are constructed to hold small birds of the type of finches, redpoles, and yellow hammers ; others are made for larger birds, such as ravens, owls, jackdaws, jays, and magpies. The golden, silver, and common pheasants all have attractive and striking plumage that is comparable in beauty with that of the peacock or turkey, which may be seen in the enclosures in company with deer and goats. The pouter, tumbler, and other fancy types of pigeons are also to be seen in many parks, in company with the common wood pigeon, which has become plentiful, and is increasing in num- bers in our town pleasure grounds. Squirrels have been introduced, but these have not proved a great success. Guinea pigs are housed and fed at several parks, where they find plenty cf admirers, particularly amongst juveniles, whose love of Nature is now stimulated largely in the schools. It would astonish many if thev could see on a fine Sunday morning, principally in the East of London, the numbers of persons who frequent the parks carrying cages wrapped in a dark cloth kerchief. Each of these cages con- tains a bird, which is brought to the park for the purpose of teaching it the notes from other songsters. Formerly these men were mistaken for bird trappers. I have counted, soon after 6 a.m., fully 50 men lingering about the small bird aviaries for this purpose. These leave their homes in the congested streets thus early from their desire to obtain the best songster. Prizes, I am informed, are offered at competi- tions for the best songsters thus trained. Special attendants. — The birds and animals are, in most of the London parks, cared for by a special officer, who is appointed to feed and to attend to their requirements, including the bleeding and rearing of the young. Wild birds. — The restful nature of public parks, the protection afforded birds and their eggs by the Wild Hirds' Protection Act, and the provision for their further guarding in tie parks' by-laws encourage wild birds to remain and increase. Though I have no actual record of all the birds to be met with, I may enumerate some of them. The house sparrow is a] plentiful, and is constantly fed by visitors. This bird becomes so tame as to almost take food from the hand. Stailings are at times numerous; the robin can always be found, while the black- bird and song thrush are plentiful even in Vic- toria Park. The carrion crow will, at times, build its nest in lofty trees ; but these are destroyed, because this crow is an enemy of the duck, destroying its eggs as well as the young birds. Chaffinches and greenfinches are to be met with, also the white throat, wren, tit, and wagtail. A few years ago I saw two king- fishers in a wooded portion of the middle lake in Victoria Park. The moorhen is always with us, it breeds plentifully. There may be several other birds of a migratory nature, including the seagull, which visit the parks in London in winter. During winter and very cold weather, small birds are supplied with pieces of fat and other food, these being suspended in some of the shrubberies. The aviaries can be made any size, and they are best partitioned into divisions. The height should permit of the attendant being able to cleanse them regularly and easily. They can be made either square, octagonal, or circular in shape, and in an artistic and ornamental design. Temporary glass sides to shelter the inmates from cold winds are an advantage. Small birds are most interesting ; they will live in captivity a long time, but they rarely breed. THE APIARY. Bv Chloris. The weather until nearly Christmas was very warm for the season of the year, and thus the bees, being active, made severe inroads into their stock of sealed stores. As soon as wanner weather is again experienced, any hives that had not a good stock of food when last examined in autumn should be inspected. If the store be low, a cake of candv should be placed over the cluster. Disturb the bees as little as possible when examining the hives. One of the best foods will consist of a little warmed honey well mixed with very fine, powdery loaf sugar until it is of the consistency of soft putty. When the weather becomes still warmer and more settled, then liquid food may be given with advantage. There is no doubt that success in apiculture depends upon having a strong stock of bees when the honey flow commences, and this time varies according to the locality and source of honey. In some districts fruit trees are the main source from which the nectar is gathered ; in others, Clover ; and yet again the apiary may be situated in a seed-producing district. It wall be necessary to commence feeding the bees about six weeks before the expected honey flow commences, to enable the colonies to be ready to store in the supers at the right time. After bees have commenced carry- ing honey and pollen in spring the queen com- mences egg-laying. Often the supply of one or both is interrupted by a spell of bad weather, but the brood requires feeding, or it will perish if the supply in the hive has been consumed. One may frequently see in the spring the signs of starvation in the hives, without opening a single brood chamber. Whenever larvae, which look like white grubs, are discovered upon the alighting boards, the inmates of the hive are not in a flourishing state. There have been too many mouths to feed, and the " workers " have dragged some of them out of the comb ; under these circumstances a bottle t syrup should be given. In instances where Hie hives have a good supply of sealed stores, take a knife and remove the cappings over the honey, or it may suffice if the cappings are bruised. A comb bruised about every nine or ten days will be ample, beginning with the centre comb. 184 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 20, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of 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 THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, MARCH 23- Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. K. Lloyd- Praeger, on "Rock Gardens"). WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24— Perpetual-flowering Carnation Soc. Sh. at Hort. Hall, Westminster. Annual dinner in the evening. THURSDAY, MARCH 25-Torquay Spring Fl. Sh. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 42-3°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, March 17 (6 p.m.): Max. 44°; Min. 26". Gardeners' Chronicle Office. 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London — Thursday, March 18 (10 a.m.): Bar. 292; Temp. 47°; Weather— Sunshine. Provinces.— W ednesday, March 17 (6 p.m.): Max. 45° Ireland, S.E. ; Min. 37° Durham. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY— Hardy Border Plants, Bulbs and Tubers, Azaleas, Ferns, 4c, at 12 ; Roses and Fruit Trees at 1.30, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, and THURSDAY— Unreserved clearance sale of the Orchids, Stove and Greenhouse Plants, at the Deepdene Gardens, Dorking, by order of the exors. of Lily, Duchess of Marlborough, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30. WEDNESDAY— Herbaceous Plants, Lilies, and other Bulbs and Tubers, at 12; Miscellaneous Plants and Bulbs, Japanese Liliums, &c, at 1; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30; Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Palms and Plants, at 6, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, EX., by Protheroe & Morris. FRIDAY— Duplicates from the " Rosslyn " collection of Orchids, also imported Odontoglossum crispum, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 1. The issue of this work is an im- *The portant event in the history of Stud- Book tne hybridisation of Orchids. Orchid hybrids — specific, generic And multigeneric — have increased in numbers during recent years at so great a rate that an authoritative catalogue such as is here pro- vided has become a pressing need. The art of the hybridist has so outstripped that of the systematist that, as Buffon said of botany in general we may say of Orchid hybrids in particular, " it is easier to learn the subject than its nomenclature." Therefore any con- sidered contribution to the problem of naming Orchid hybrids is to be welcomed. Though not all experts will agree with cer- tain of the proposals put forward by Messrs. Rolfe and Hurst, none will dispute the high qualifications which they bring to their task nor deny them a tribute of admiration for the determination and industry with which they have grappled with the difficulties that had to be faced. Some idea of the magnitude of these difficulties may be gathered from the fact that the supplements, which contain additions only up to the end of 1907, occupy 73 pages, or almost one-third of the entire work ! The authors propose to issue from time to time further supplements in the Orchid Review, and therefore invite raisers to send particulars of hybrids flowering for the first time to the Editor of that journal. The scope of the book is outlined in the » The Orchid Stud-Boot, by Robert Allen Rolfe and Charles Chamberlain Hurst. (Kew : Frank Leslie & Co., 12, Lawn Crescent.) preface, which is followed by a brief but valuable history of Orchid-hybridisation. The historical account opens with an extract from our pages in which the late Dr. Lindley described in 1858 Calanthe Dominii, the first hybrid Orchid raised in Europe. It was in connection with the introduction of this hybrid that Dr. Lindley remarked to Mr. James Veitch, "Why, you will drive botanists mad!" It would be interesting to know whether, when using these words, there flashed before Dr. Lindley's mind the recog- nition of the fact that the production of Orchid hybrids would overthrow the then current view of the sterility of species and their hybrids, inter se, or whether he saw with prophetic insight the bewildering diffi- culties of classification and nomenclature which the advent of such hybrids was to cause. In any case, Messrs. Veitch cheerfully took the risks and continued to raise hybrids. Dqminy, their expert, achieving one success after another, made for himself a name which will last as long as Orchids continue to fascinate. Following Dominy's example, an ever-increasing number of hybridists turned their attention to Orchids, crossing species with species, genus with genus, introducing fresh " blood," either specific or generic or both, into hybrids already formed till it has become impossible for any but a specialist to trace the derivation of the more complex of these extraordinary cross-breeds. The next part of the Stud-book gives a useful account of the methods of hybridising Orchids and of raising seed- lings. Then follow the two essential parts of the book, each of which contains an enumeration of Orchid hybrids. The first of the two lists (Part I.) consists of an enumeration of the species and hybrids which have served as parents in the production of hybrids. '1 he names of the parent plants are arranged alphabetically, and after each pair of parents is given the name of the resulting hybrid. Part. II. includes an alphabetical list of existing hybrids, each accompanied by parental names, references to descriptions and figures, name of the raiser or exhibitor, date of first flowering, synonym and notes. References to original records are given wherever possible. The references to hybrids exhibited at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society are taken from the Gardeners' Chronicle, which has published unbroken records since the time of the epoch- making Calanthe Dominii. Among other sources of information to which recourse is made are the Journal de la Socie'te' National? d'Horlicullitre de France and the Orchid Review. The work concludes with an in- dex of synonyms. There can be no doubt that it will not be always easy to look up references — and the work of course is a work of reference, but this defect is due to the intricacy of the subject rather than to any short- comings on the part of the authors. Lack of system of nomenclature has led to this con- fusion : one raiser adopts a Latinised specific name, another prefers a name in the vernacu- lar, often the Christian and surname of an individual. The attempt of the authors to introduce order where disorder reigns has led them to propose many new names in place of old names ; but whether the new will replace the old in general usage remains to be seen. In framing their system the authors have adopted the following rules :— The sign of hybridity x between generic and specific name serves to distinguish a hybrid from a natural species. Hybrids between species receive specific names. Such specific names are Latin, Greek, or Graeco-Latin, and consist of one word or of two short words connected by a hyphen. Words of more than six syllables are excluded. Reciprocal specific hybrids bear the same name, but when sufficiently distinct receive an additional varietal name. Hybrids between forms belonging to different genera receive generic names t. impounded of those of the parent genera or of convenient parts of such generic names. Secondary hybrids — hybrids of hybrids — are dealt with in a similar manner. For our part we are inclined to think that this method will be found impracticable. The end of inter-crossing genera is not yet in sight, and a reform adopted now ought to have regard once and for all to future con- tingencies. If this view is accepted we are of opinion that one of the yet more arbitrary, but in the long run more logical proposals now before the Scientific and Orchid Com- mittees of the Royal Horticultural Society will have to be adopted. But to return to the Stud-book; existing names not in conformity with the rules laid down have been modified. Thus the hybrid between Cattleya Dowiana and C. Eldorado appears in the book as C. X Ingramiai and not under its usual appellation of C. X Lady Ingram. C. X Suzannae, a name given five years later to the result of the same cross, and which is in accord with the rules, is left as a synonym. Brasso-Cattleya x Veitchii is preferred to the earlier Brasso- Cattleya x Digbyano-Mossiae on the ground that the latter prior name has seven syllables. For the same reason Brasso-Cattleya Maroniae replaces Brasso-Cattleya x Madame Charles Maron, because the latter consists of three distinct words. Brasso-Laelia Digbyano- purpurata appears as Brasso-Laelia Veitchii. Names formed by joining the specific appella- tions of the two parents without abbreviation have generally been avoided as too long, though this is not always the case. Odonto- glossum X crispum Hallii, and O. X Hallio- crispum, the latter being the reversed cross, are both included under O. X Cooksonii. In a similar way O. X spectabile includes both O. X crispo-Harryanum, and O. X Harry- ano-crispum. It appears to us that such alterations will cause no small amount of un- necessary confusion. Who, for instance, would recognise the well-known Cypripedium Baron Schroder under the name given in this list, viz., Paphiopedilum X Schroderi? This hybrid from Cypripedium Fairrieanum and C. ornanthum has always been known in gardens under the former name. C. Ger- maine Opoix and C. Gaston Bultell are given merely as synonyms of this hybrid, yet all three plants are totally distinct. It is a matter for discussion whether it would not be better to treat the secondary hybrids as florists' flowers and to name them always in the vernacular. A better case could certainly be made out for treating first hybrids as the authors have done in this work March 20, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 185 than for applying the Latin system in respect to merely cross-bred varieties that have little more specific value than a collection of Pelar- goniums or Roses. Faphiopedilum Schroderi, if the sign of hybriditv is omitted, might to all appearance be a true series, and, if the sign of hybridity is always to be used in literature, the frequent repetition will become exceedingly troublesome. It has to be remembered also that there is another serious objection to the changing of existing names. When old plants are given new names the amateur is in danger of purchas- ing plants he already possesses in the belief that he is acquiring novelties. The authors' rules indeed are opposed to the spirit of one of the Vienna recommendations, viz., Article 50, which states that : " No one is authorised to reject, change or modify a name because it is badly chosen, or disagree- able, or because another is preferable or better known, or because of the existence of an larlier homonym, which is universally re- garded as non-valid, or for any other motive < kher contestable or of little import ! " We fear that the insistence on original records will also lead to mistakes. Take for an example Laelio-Cattleya Berthe Fournier. 'I his hybrid was originally raised on the Con- tinent, and it was recorded as a cross between L.-C. elegans and Cattleya Dowiana, but it afterwards turned out that one of the parents was Lalio-Cattleva Schilleriana, which, al- though a totally different plant, is known in some gardens as L.-C. elegans. More re- cently Mr. Alexander raised for Colonel Holford a hybrid between the true L.-C. elegans and Cattleya Dowiana. Following the first re- cord it was named L.-C. Berthe Fournier, although there was not the slightest resemblance between it and the original Berthe Fournier, which, as we have shown, was ob- tained from a different parentage. In conclusion we would add that though our criticisms, if well founded, indicate that Messrs. Rolfe and Hurst have not effected a final solution of a most intricate set of pro- blems, we have, as we stated at the outset, a very deep feeling of gratitude for their work. This feeling we are convinced will be shared by all who are aware of the n< table contributions made by the authors, both in the present Stud-book and in their former works. No system of classification and nomenclature of Orchids can, by the nature of the case, be perfect. The Stud- book makes a definite step toward the evolu- tion of order out of chaos. Royal Horticultural Society. — The next meeting of the Society's Committees will take place on March 23. In the afternoon a lecture on " Natural and Artificial Rock Gardens " will be delivered by Mr. R. Lloyd Peaeger. The Surveyors' Institution. — The next ordinary general meeting will be held on Mon- day, March 22, at 8 o'clock, when a discussion will take place on the paper read at the last meeting by Mr. George Head on " Giant Lon- don." The Council have accepted an invitation from the South Wales and Monmouthshire Com- mittee of the Institution to hold the next coun- try meeting at Cardiff on May 20 and 21. The Perpetual - flowering Carnation Society will hold its sixth show on Wtdnesd ly next, 24th inst., at the Royal Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster. The exhibition arrangements will be undertaken hf Mr. E. F. the Holland House show will be held on July 6 and 9, and Wolverhampton show on July 13, 14, and 15. A silver vase, value £50 (or its equivalent in cash), is offered for the most meri- torious and effective display in the show, the competition being open to all exhibitors. A 1 st prize of £40 is offered for a display of miscel- laneous plants, in or out of bloom, arranged with cut flowers and foliage for effect, with £30, £20, and £10 as 2nd, 3rd, and 4th prizes respectively. For a group of ornamental foliage plants arranged for effect, £25, £20, and £12 10s. are offered as prizes. There are numerous classes for Sweet Peas. In a class for 72 Roses of distinct varieties, prizes of £20, £12, £7, and £3 are offered. There are numerous classes for fruit and vegetables. M. Ernest Calvat.— This well known French Chrysanthemum raiser has received further re- cognition of his services in connection with hor- CAfsc-M**^: — , FtG. 7S. — FRITILLARIA ASKABADENSIS : FLOWERS YELLOW, TINGED WITH GREEN. (See also Supplementary Illustration.) Our Supplementary Illustration portrays a plant of Fritillaria askabadensis flowering in the Royal Gardens, Kew. The species is com- paratively new to cultivation. It was first ex- hibited in this country by Miss Willmott, V.M.H., who received an Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society for a specimen shown on March 25, 1907. The species was origi- nally discovered by Sintensis. near the village of Kasakala, close to the town of Askhabad, grow- ing in chalky soil, at an elevation of 1,000 metres above sea-level. These places are in the Trans- Caspian province of Russia. The plant resem- bles in stature the well-known Crown Imperial, F. imperialis, but the flowers are smaller and pale yellow tinged with green. A description of the plant by Mr. J. G. Baker is given in our issue for April 12, 1902, p. 238. Hawes, Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park. The secretary is Mr. Hayward Mathias, Lucerne, Stubbington, Fareham, Hants. The honorary treasurer, Mr. Laurence J. Cook, writes us as follows. — " I would remind readers of the Gardeners'1 Chronicle that the exhibition will probably be the finest show of Carna- tions ever seen in Europe, and, from an artis- tic point of view, perhaps, in the world. There are two fine cups and gold and silver medals and many prizes for competition." The Coming of Age of the Wolver- hampton Fete. — The committee of this flourish- ing fete is this year celebrating the 21st exhibi- tion. At the annual show, on July 13, 14 and 15, substantial prizes are to be offered in most of the classes, and those interested should write to the secretary, Mr. W. E. Barnett, Snow Hill, Wolverhampton, for a copy of the schedule. Both the Holland House and Wolverhampton shows have, unfortunately, of late years been held on the same date as this floral fete. This year, ticulture. The French Government has ap- pointed him Ofncier d'Academie. The " palmes academiques" are usually bestowed upon pro- fessors, journalists, and literary workers in France who contribute to the public instruction. M. Calvat has certainly done much to popu- larise the culture of Chrysanthemums in a special way. Berlin Horticultural Show.— This inter- national horticultural show, which will be held from April 2 to 13 next, will probably attract many visitors from all parts of Europe. An excursion is being organised by the National Horticultural Society of France, which offers to its members an eleven days' trip for £16. Besides visiting the Berlin show, the party will be pro- vided with hotel and travelling expenses to Cologne, Hamburg, Dresden, Leipsic, and Frankfort. The members of the jury will com- mence their sittings on April 1 Several English horticulturists have accepted invitations to offi- ciate as members of this body. 180 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Makch 20, 1P09. A French National Carnation Society.— A new special society has iecently been formed at Antibes (Alpes-Maritimes) having for its special care the culture of the Carnation. Its title is La Societe Nationale des CEillettistes. The officers include Dr. Poirault, president ; and several vice-presidents. The general secre- tary is M. Jules Gkec, of Antibes. The National Sweet Pea Society's Provincial Show. — This takes place on July 13, at Saltaire, a village which derives its name from Sir Titus Salt and the river Aire, which runs close by. The village was built in the 'sixties to accommodate the workpeople em- ployed in the Saltaire Mills, then newly erected, and it was considered a model village, with a beautifully-situated and well-designed park. The show will be held in the park, as have been the exhibitions of the Saltaire, Shipley and Dis- trict Rose Society since it was formed in 1903. The association has been remarkably successful ; the amount of money taken at the gate at the first show in 1902 was only £18, but last year it amounted to £214. With the exception of a band, no attractions are offered but those of the floral displays. In 1907 the National Rose Society held its provincial show at Saltaire. Paris Spring Show.— Our readers may be reminded that the spring exhibition of the National Horticultural Society of France will be open from May 17 to 23. Mr. J. Coutts, who was recently appointed a departmental foreman at Kew, has been head gardener at Killerton Park, Exeter, for several years, where he has carried out many improve- ments. Naartjes.— At some of the Colonial fruit shows of the Royal Horticultural Society during the last few years, visitors have come across the word Naartje applied to certain kinds of South African Oranges. It appeared as if Naartje was merely a South African name for all varie- ties of Oranges. Further inquiry showed that this was not the case : for example, at the Natal exhibit of some two years ago at Vincent Square, "Oranges" and "Naartjes" were shown side by side. The former term included St. Michael and Navel Oranges, the latter various varieties which might all be classed as Mandarins or Tan- gerines. Mr. R. A. Davis, Government Horti- culturist to the Transvaal, has published a paper on the subject in the Transvaal Agricultural Journal for January of this year. The term Naartje, he says, " stands, in South Africa at least, for all possible sorts of Mandarins and Tangerines." Mr. Davis suggests that some agreement should be come to amongst the South African colonies, either to drop the name Naartje, and ship fruits as either Mandarins or Tangerines (a matter of difficulty when the dif- ference between some classes is almost imper- ceptible), or to class all as Naartjes, and quote the particular variety to which the fruit may belong. Publications Received.— The Journal of the Board of Agriculture of British Guiana. (January). (Demerara : The Argosy Co., Ltd., Georgetown); Price Id.— Government of the Gold Coast's Report upon the Botanical and Agricultural Department for the year 1907. (Gold Coast: Government Printer).— U.S. De- partment of Agriculture. Farmers' Bulletin 343 : The Cultivation of Tobacco in Kentucky and Tennessee, by W. H. Scherffius, Collaborator, and H. Woosley and C. A. Mahan, Special Agents, Tobacco Investigations, Bureau of Plant Industry. (Washington : Government Printing Office).— The Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales. (January). (Sydney: Government Printer). Price 6d. — 77ie Philippine Agricultural Review. (November, 1908). (Manila: Bureau of Printing). — Claremont Pomological Club. Bulletin No. 1 : "Mealy Bug and Fumigation." (California: Claremont, Los Angeles County). — Beautiful Flowers and How to Grow Them, edited by Horace J. and Walter P. Wright. Part X. (London: T. C and E. C. Jack). Price Is. net. — Lawes Agricultural Trust. Rothamsted Experi- mental Station, Harpenden. Annual Report for 1908, with the supplement to the "Guide to the Experimental Plots," containing the yields per acre, &c. — Two Essays on Sweet Peas and How to Grow Them, (a) For Amateurs and Exhibi- tion, by Walter A. Voss, F.C.A. ; (b) For Marktt Growers, by W. F. Emptage, A.A.E.B. (London : W. Speaight & Sons, 98 and 99, Fetter Lane, E.C.) Price Id. — Annual Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Show- ing the operations, expenditures and condition of the institution for the year ending June 30, 1907. (Washington : Government Printing Office). — Kew Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information (No. 2), containing Diagnoses Afiicanae; XXVII. New Orchids ; 33 Varieties of the Oil Palm in West Africa ; the Section Microcos of Grewia in Africa, &c. (London : Wyman & Sons, Ltd., Fetter Lane, E.C.) Price 4d. THE FERTILISING VALUE OF SNOW. So far as we are aware, Professor Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.I.C., chemist, Dominion Experi- mental Farms, Ottawa, has furnished us with the first complete analysis of snow. The author thought that a chemical examina- tion of snow might furnish results that would prove interesting, especially from the agricul- tural standpoint, since the greater part of such nitrogen compounds as the snow contains must eventually serve to fertilise' the soil. The col- lection of the snow samples examined was made in the arboretum of the Central Experimental Farm, an area of 65 acres devoted to the growth of trees and shrubs. The atmosphere of this locality, while natur- ally not free from smoke, is stated to be fairly pure — for Ottawa is not a city characterised by tall chimneys, and, besides the few residences on the farm, there is only a single line of a little-used railroad in rhe immediate vicinity. Snow has lain since November, but the ex- amination did not commence till nearly the end of February. With the exception of the first collection, which represents the surface 1J inches of the accumulated snow, the samples submitted to analysis were all freshly-fallen snow, care being exercised to collect either dur- ing the snowfall or within a few hours of its cessation. Not one of the samples appeared in the slightest degree dirty or soiled, but were of the purest whiteness ; nevertheless, on melting, there was on the surface of the resulting water or clinging to the sides of the vessel a certain amount of sooty material, and frequently also there was a slight deposit. The tabulated data are as follow: — Date of Collection. Nitrogen, parts per million. 1307. As As Ti tal Ammonia. Nitrates. Nitrogen. February 21 •288 •136 •424 25 •354 •300 •654 March 4 ■203 ■170 •375 ,, 4 (12hoi.rsafter preceding) •218 ■170 •388 „ 15 •457 •390 •847 „ 20 •312 ■128 •470 „ 25 •144 •111 •255 April 8 •198 024 •222 ,, 10 ■313 •107 •420 „ 17 •655 •317 •972 „ 25 •401 •033 •434 May 4 •115 •065 •180 Average ... 308 •163 ■471 the snow-flakes and the temperature of the atmo- sphere during the fall exert an influence on the filtering and solvent powers of the snow. The author thought it quite probable that when the period since the preceding snowfall had been a brief one, say a day, there would be a smaller nitrogen content than when a longer period, several days or a week, ensued, but the data do not show that this was always the case. Nor were there found any marked differences in purity between samples collected at the begin- ning and towards the close of the same snow- storm, though in this matter data from one fall only, viz., that of March 4, is presented. From the above data it is estimated that one pound of nitrogen per acre is furnished to the soil from an average winter's snow at Ottawa. It is not supposed that the whole of the fer- tilising, or, to speak more correctly, the agricul- tural value of snow, lies in the nitrogen it pos- sesses ; nevertheless, we have in these data some support for the widely-accepted belief that snow is a direct fertiliser. It is very evident, however, that the value of snow in this respect has been greatly over-estimated by agriculturists. From the Rothamsted investigations we find that 69 samples of rain gave an average of 0.70 parts of nitrogen in one million of rain ; while in seven samples of dew and hoar-frost were found 2.79 of nitrogen in parts per million. That is to say, the Rothamsted rainfall is It times as rich in nitrogen, and the dew and hoar-frost is 5J times as rich as the Ottawa snow. /. /. Willis, Harpenden. From the wide fluctuations noticeable in the nitrogen content of these samples, it is evident that the condition of the atmosphere of a locality may change both frequently and considerably, though it may also be supposed that the size of NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. It has been necessary to water some of the hot-beds to stimulate the growth of the Carrots and to force the Lettuces to form hearts. Two circumstances have tended to cause this dry- ness: (1) our beds were made up of long and strawy material ; (2) they were built on the level ground, and this method allows of the moisture draining away. But the same circumstances pre- vented a lot of damping off which would other- wise have taken place amongst the plants during bad weather, and, therefore, the advantages of this method deserve to be widely known. Manure is now being prepared by passing it through a fine sieve for spreading among the Carrots after all the Lettuces have been taken away. This manure will be made to thoroughly cover the roots of the Carrots, thus preserving their fine colour. Watering will be necessary to level the soil and clean the leaves. The Cauliflowers of the variety Driancourt, raised in the autumn in the open ground, have been given abundant ventilation in order to get them sufficiently hard to transplant them at the end of the present month. The ground having been heavily manured, is now ready for their re- ception. They will be planted 2 feet apart each way, and Spina:h "Monstrous of Viroflay " and Lettuce All the Year Round, which were raised early in January, will form the intercrop. The Ox Heart Cabbages planted last November, being somewhat backward, have not suffered much from inclement weather. Late frosts in April are more prejudicial to this crop. The ground about them is now being hoed deeply, and the drills in which they were^planted are being levelled, in order that the soil may be brought around the stems of the plants. The only further attention they will need will be ample watering. The Passion Lettuces planted late in January were somewhat loosened in the ground by the thawing of the snow. We have had to tread the beds in order to make the ground firm again. This may have damaged the intercrop of Radishes. We are now planting another batch of this variety, which was saved in case the first plantation failed. Passion Lettuces under lights must be well ventilated day and night, as it will be necessary soon to remove the frames and lights, and place them over the Melons. March 20, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 187 A batch of Globe Artichokes (Cynara Scoly- mus| are now being planted in the open at dis- tances of 2i feet. The ground has been deeply dug and heavily manured. These plants were wintered in frames in pots. A batch of young shoots is being inserted in 2|-inch pots. The shoots were taken from the old stools. The cut- tings will be placed on a hot-bed. It was for- merly our custom to insert them directly into their permanent quarters, but the young plants, being later, failed to pioduce any flower-heads in the summer and were too tender to pass through the winter. Seeds of Cardoon de Tours are being sown. Though this variety is very thorny, it is by far the best, on account of its eating — and keeping qualities. Three seeds are inserted in a 2J-inch pot, and the pots are placed on a hot-bed. The seedlings are thinned out to one in each pot, and the single plants retained are gradually hardened for planting out at the end of the day. The manure around young Me'ons is changed Cost of Planting Forest Trees.— In the Cardiff papers for March 6 mention was made of a proposal by the City Corporation to plant some 40 acres of land near their reservoirs in Breconshire with forest trees. Scotch Fir was suggested, and the waterworks engineer is re- ported to have stated that about £8 per acre would be the cost of planting. I am aware that this price can be supported by the figures at which nurserymen undertake forest planting ; but such '' contract-planting " is unsatisfactory, because the price paid is inadequate, second- rate trees are often used, .and the work is hur- riedly and badly done by men who are paid piecework at a rate so low that they must needs cover the maximum of ground in the minimum of time. There are two very strong reasons why all forest-planting in this country should be well done at the present time, firstly, because the industry is in an experimental staje, and we are only feeling our way, and, secondly, because the public are sympathetically watching the indus- try, and it will be unfortunate if their ardour is damped by failure due to bad work and mis- management. The Cardiff City Corporation will show ; therefore D. need not be surprised at this variety taking a high position. As to Baumann's Red Reinette, its flavour is so poor that I con- sider land wasted that is devoted to this variety. The flesh is much too hard and dry. King of the Tippins I place in the same category, or nearly so. Stunner Pippin is a dry and tasteless thing. King of Tompkins County is a good- flavoured Apple in April when properly stored. Any Apple kr.own to an experienced judge can easily be awarded its proper prize without cut- ting. E. M. Lignum Nephriticum. — A reference to Lig- num nephriticum in the issue for February 6, p. 96, induces me to add a few words to the answer there given as to the botanical source of this wood, which, I was under the impression, had never been satisfactorily determined. So far back as 1839, a list of products, about which information was wanted as to their botanical origin, was drawn up by Sir William Hooker, assisted by the great pharmacologist, Daniel Hanbury, and printed in the 3rd edition of the Admiralty Manual of Scientific Inquiry, under Fig. 79.— view from the terrace at killarney house, showing the lakes and the mountains in the background. (See page 180.) every week, in order to maintain the necessary heat. The Melons raised in the middle of Febru- ary are having their shoots stopped at the second leaf. P. Aquatias. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Woods Grape Bottle. — When this bottle was submitted to the Fruit and Vegetable Com- mittee of the R.H.S. on the 9th inst., the criti- cism passed upon it generally was with respect to the form of the r.cck. As was shown in ■fig. 74, p. 175, the neck is curved. As a result, it was found that only 6 inches of the stem below the bunch could be inserted into the bottle. That was held to be an objection. It was suggested the neck should be slanting and rather longer in order that as much as 10 inches of the wood may be inserted. D. be well advised if they assure themselves that their work is well done, even if the increase in cost compels them to curtail the acreage that they plant. S. W. Cattleya Trian>e Courtauldiana. — In response to the enquiry which I notice in your issue of the 13th inst.,' p. 163, I may state that C. Trianae Courtauldiana flowered in my col- lection a few years since. Its feature was a very dark lip, but there was nothing in the flower of extraordinary beauty. Jeremiah Colman, Gatton Park, Surrey. Late Dessert Apples. — I agree with the judges awarding prizes to Cox's Orange Pippin even in March, if the fruits are preserved in proper condition, for none can equal this favourite variety when not in the least shrivelled. Such fruits do not need tasting, for it is known that Cox's Orange Pippin retains its high flavour so long as it remains plump. A judge knowing this Apple would not think of cutting the fruits at a the title of " Botanical and Pharmacological In- quiries and Desiderata." In this list the follow- ing paragraph occurs: — ''Lignum nephriticum. — This rare wood was sent to the Paris Exhibi- tion of 1855 from Mexico. To what tree is it to be referred?" Again, in another edition of the Admiralty Manual, published in 1871, Professor Daniel Oliver was associated with Hanbury in drawing up a new list, entitled, " Inquiries Re- lating to Pharmacology and Economic Botany," and, in this, information is again asked for in the following words : " This rare wood, noticed by some of the earliest explorers of America, is a production of Mexico. To what tree k it to be referred? Its infusion is remarkable for hav- ing the blue tint seen in a solution of quinine." The fact of its being a native of Mexico would put it out of the running as being the produce of Moringa pterygosperma, which is a soft- wooded tree of India, where it is known as the Horseradish tree. Perhaps this note may be the means of bringing out some further information on this interesting wood, which is sometimes known as Bois de nephritique. John R. Jackson. 188 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [March 20, 1909. Tall Conifers at Ktjepp Castle. — At Knepp Castle, Sussex, the seat of Sir Merrick Burrell, Bart., there is a specimen of Taxodium sempervirens 97 feet in height and 18 feet 6 inches in girth at the base. It would be in- teresting to know the height of the tallest tree of the species in Britain. In the Royal Hor- ticultural Society's Journal, October, 1892, on the occasion of the Conifer Conference, the heights are given of some of the best-known Conifers in Great Britain. The tallest Taxodium was 75 feet. How much has that tree grown in the 17 years that have since elapsed? There is also a very fine specimen of Ficea cephalonica at Knepp : it is 79 feet high and has a girth of 13 feet 3 inches. In the report of the Conifer Con- ference there are only five trees mentioned that were more than 100 feet high. These were Abies Douglasii, 120 feet ; Abies excelsa, 103 feet ; Abies Menziesii, 110 feet; Abies pectinata, 111 feet ; and Larix europaea, 100 feet. W. A. Cook, Leonard:lcc Gardens, Sussex. Apple Scab.— A. D. (pp. 123 and 157) opens up a subject of great importance to fruit growers, viz., the placing of clean samples of Apples upon the market. I have about half an acre of land planted for about 15 years with Duchess of Oldenburg Apple. These trees gave splendid crops of fruit, both in size and colour for the first eight or ten vears. Since then the crops have hardly paid for the gathering, owing to so much of the fruit being affected by stab. The trees are half standards, on the free stock, with clean, healthy bark and plenty of fruit spurs. They were planted rather closely together, but owing tojheir upright habit of growth, assisted by careful pruning, they do not shade each other to any great extent. Little spraying has so far been done, hut we are thinning the trees and shall then spray them with a solution of copper sulphate. We had four long rcws of Apple trees, two of Ribston Pippin and two of Cox's Orange Pippin. The trees of Ribston Pippin were badly cankered and were cut down. On pruning the trees of Cox's Orange Pippin re- cently, I was surprised to find endless signs of canker on them, and especially on the row nearest the Ribston Pippins. This indicated that the spores of the fungus are dangerous to healthy trees, as we have other trees of Cox's Orange Pippin in another orchard and on similar soil which are quite free of canker. H. C. Some varieties of Apples are more subject to scab than others. \\ hy should not these varieties be double-grafted upon poorer kinds which produce healthy shoots and are free from scab? One source of encouragement to the fungus is deep planting. Trees should not be planted deeper than the ground line mark appearing on their stems when received from the nurseries. Apple grafts require to be kept as high and as dry as possible, but dressing and spraying the trees are the best, and, indeed, the only" means of getting rid of this fungal pest. John Smith, Horticultural Instructor, St. Helen, Ipswich. 1 have sprayed the trees annually now for nearly 20 years with at first my own mixture of caustic soda (Greenbank's 98%) and pearl ash, but more recently with an alkali mixture which entails less trouble in prepa- ration, but I regret to say we get much more scab than is pleasant to look upon. I have come to the conclusion that there are other causes answerable for the yearly attack of this pest, worse in some seasons than others, than the want of spraying, which, according to some writers, is a safe and sure remedy. Combined with a cold subsoil of heavy and retentive ma- terial, which is too common here, we get, I might almost say annually, a spell of cold, sunless weather, lasting often a fortnight, just after the fruit is set. That is the period when the foundation for "scab" is laid; the leaves, too, are affected with a fungal growth, which is against proper progress. Some varie- ties feel the effect of this disagreeable weather more than others, notably Warner's King : this is partly owing to the various times at which varieties open their blossoms. Some writers would say, spray again with other antidotes, such as Paris Green, &c. That is all right when the result of such treat- ment turns out as one could wish, but, having been once seriously deceived by results of such spraying, I am decidedly cautious of attempting these summer sprayi igs. Some years ago the greatest so-called expert in spraying advised me to use Paris Green, and gave me full instructions as to quantity. I used the wash at half the strength recommended, with the result that the trees were singed in their leaves, many losing them. Stirling Castle, Lane's Prince Albert, and Cox's Orange Tippin were affected most. Never shall I forget the sight of some hundreds of trees in this state of defoliation. The worst of it was that the damage did not end with that year. Where the subsoil is heavy and retentive of mois- ture it is naturally more cold and ill- adapted for the growth of fruit than that of a more porous nature like a pure loam. Extra deep trenching is much the best remedy under such circumstances, but not the bringing of the bottom soil to the top. E. Molyneux. POLYSTICHUM ACULEATUM GRACILLIMUM Drueryi. — With reference to Tyro's remarks (see page 157) under the above heading, I may say that, in other quarters, I was complimented by those who saw the plant on the appropriate- ness of the name. Two out of the four names, or, rather, parts of the one name, are specific ones ; the next in order is descriptive, and distinguishes the Fern clearly from the one of the same sec- tion previously certificated; while the last, as indicating the raiser, who is the same in both cases, cannot lead to any confusion. I may, however, say that I intended that my name should appear in this case in parenthesis (Druery), as indicating the authority for the name, but by some slip it was entered and certificated as per heading, and I have not considered it worth while to alter it. As regards Tyro's reference to the Vienna Congress, I think the K.1I.S. would experience difficulty if it attempted to enforce these regulations upon the varieties of plants submitted to its committees for awards. I have myself studied the voluminous Vienna reports, and confess myself utterly baffled in my attempts to comprehend its rules and regulations, and the recommendations, exceptions, reservations, and so on which qualify nearly every one of them, owing to the im- possibility of abolishing the basis of established nomenclature on other and less systematic lines. It is imperative to give fancy names to the in- numerable varieties of florists' flowers, &c, which present comparatively slight differences of form and colour ; but it is a different thing altogether when we deal with what may be termed pedigree plants, like most of our Fern varieties, where it is possible to divide them into sections and give them descriptive names by which their special character is indicated, without the need of referring in every case to a descriptive catalogue. Inside Fern circles the names are no trouble at all ; it is only outsiders who make a " bogey " of them. My own plumose Lady Fern, for instance, Athyrium felix-fcemina plumosum Drueryi, becomes simply P.D., and Polvstii hum angulare divisilobum plumosum densum is simply Jones's densum to those who are in the cult, and I say again that it is they who are chiefly concerned, while those outside the cult who desire to take up the study, can, by the aid of these names in print in recog- nised standard books, see how useful they are when properly arranged and classified. As re- gards Tyro's reference to the reverted seedlings, it is not stated that they reverted to another allied species, but that they had a strong resem- blance to it, which, considering the great simi- larity between the two species concerned, is not very wonderful. All three British species of Poly- stichum are very close allies. P. lonchitis, the Holly Fern, for instance, is only distinguished fiom P. aculeatum by its being pinnate instead of bipinnate, and if it sported in that direction, could not be discriminated from the latter. In point of fact, it has occurred several times that P. aculeatum has appeared mysteriously among P. lonchitis seedlings, very probably as merely bipinnate sports of P. lonchitis itself. C. T. D. SOCIETIE SCHEDULES RECEIVED. Brighton and Sussex Horticultural Society's eighteenth annual Rose and Sweet Pea exhibition, to be held in the Dome and Corn Exchange, Royal Pavilion, Brighton, on June 29 and 30; also Chrysanthemum show, to be held in the same buildings on November 2 and 3. Secretary, Mr. J. Thorpe, 53, Ship Street, Brighton. Penarth Rose Society's show, to be held in the Penrirth Cricket and Football Field, on Wednesday, July 7. Hon. secretary, Mr. H. A. Gerhold, Windsor Road, Penarth. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. March 9. — Present: Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A., F.L.S., F.E.S. (in the Chair) ; Rev. W. Wilks, Dr. F. Kceble, Messrs. C. T. Druery, A. \Yor~- ley, W. Hales, J. Arkwright, de B. Crawshay, J. Douglas, H. J. Chapman, G. Massee, A. W. Hill, H. T. Giissow, G. S. Saunders, A. W. Sutton, E. M. Holmes, J. T. Bennett-Poe, J. Fraser, R. Hooper Pearson, H. J. Veitch, and F. J. Chittenden (hon. secretary). Beetle in stem of Var.da teres. — Mr. G. S. Saunders reported that he had examined the stem of Vanda teres sent to a recent meeting of the committee, and found that the beetle boring into it was a species of Xyleborus, not a native, nor, so far as could be ascertained, recorded as occurring in Europe up to this time. The plants attacked were sent by Mr. Rogers from a green- house at Bury, Lanes. Spots on leaves of Lapageria. — Mr. Massee reported that he had examined the leaves of Lapageria shown at the last meeting and found that the roundish brown spots upon them had been caused, not by a fungus, but by drip. Orchid hybrids. — Mr. H. J. Chapman showed Odontioda Bradshawiae Oakwood var., raised by crossing Odontoglossum crispum var. Graire- anum (white) with Cochlioda Noezliana. The flowers showed no trace of blotching, but were almost of one shade of colour throughout. An- other form, Odontioda Bradshawiae Cookson's var., raised from Odontoglossum crispum X Cochlioda Noezliana, had a deep mauve mar- gin to the brick-red segments, and showed dis- tinctly the deeper coloured blotches upon the lighter ground colour. The difference in colour and markings in these two varieties forms an interesting problem in heredity. " Vegetable " asbestos. — Mr. Holmes reported that he had examined this material, sent to the last meeting, and could find no trace of vege- table structure in it. The substance was creamy white in colour, and was lamellated, fairly soft to the touch, and resisted fire. Chemical analysis showed it to contain alumina in large quantities, magnesium, calcium, and smaller quantities of sodium and silica. Mr. Holmes considered that the analysis pointed to this be- ing of mineral origin, and not of having been derived from "a Cactus from China," as the sender had suggested. It appeared to be nearly allied to the substance known as " mountain leather." Bulb on inflorescence. — Mr. Worsley showed an inflorescence of Lachenalia tricolor having a small bulb occupying the position of a terminal bud on the inflorescence. Aberrant Orchid —Worn Mr. G. W. Miller, of Wisbech, came a specimen of Cypripedium Pitcherianum Williams' var., with a well-formed double lip. Fasciation in Euonymus japonicus. — Mr. J. Fraser showed fasciated branches of Euonymus japonicus. The fasciation had followed after severe cutting back ot the stem. Numerous buds had started in growth from near where the cut had been made, and among them some had pro- duced fasciated shoots. Malformation tn Tulip. — Rev. J. Jacob sent a flower of Tulip having on the mid-rib of one of the perianth pieces on the outer side two small horn-like growths. The structure was similar in character to those seen in crested flowers, and was apparently the commencement of a crested growth. LINNEAN SOCIETY. March 4. — A meeting was held on this date, Dr. D. H. Scott, F.R.S., president, in the chair. Miss L. S. Gibbs read a paper entitled " A Contribution to the Montane Flora of Fiji, including Cryptogams, with Ecological Notes." The Fiji group consists of 200 islands, only 80 of which are inhabited ; Viti Levu is about 4,100 square miles in area, with forest-clad mountain ranges, the highest point being Mount Victoria, 4,000 feet in height. The botanical history of March 20, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 189 the group begins with the visit of H.M.S. " Sul- phur " in 1840, and in the same year the Wilkes Expedition touched at the islands. The " Herald " called in 1856, and Dr. Seemann visited the group in 1860-61, and embodied his results in his Flora Vitiensis. Mr. Home, Direc- tor of the Botanic Gardens at Mauritius, spent a year collecting, in the late '70's. Thanks to these investigators, the flora of the lower parts of the chief islands are. fairly well known. The author, therefore, decided to con- fine her investigations to the region lying 2,900 feet or more above sea-level, and the three spring months of August, September, and Octo- ber were spent at Nadarivatu, the highest in- habited point. from the collections, the flora may be de- scribed as Indo-Malayan. They contain about 40 new species and many new records. Thus, of the eight species of Piper, Mr. C. de Candolle siding. The balance-sheet showed that the an- nual income of the society during the past year had amounted to £191 13s. 6d. The surplus in hand from the show was £8 6s. 4d., and it was stated that the society was in a very fair finan- cial position. Lady Bathurst was elected presi- dent of the society for the coming year. It was resolved that the name of the society be the Gloucestershire Rose and Sweet Pea Society, and that steps should be taken to become affiliated with the National Sweet Pea Society. Mr. M. LI. Baker was re-elected chairman of the society, Mr. J. Manners treasurer, and Mr. S. Gibbons hon. secretary. The committee was re-elected, with the addition of Major Organ, and Mr. Conway Jones was reappointed chairman of the committee. The rules were revised to meet the inclusion of Sweet Peas in the society's schedule, and the schedule committee was re-elected as last year. known to be unfavourable to inoculation. Light pilots were treated with nitrogenous manures, and four with superphosphate. Was it fair to sum up the total yields of crops grown under both unfavourable and favourable conditions and draw a general conclusion therefrom? By so doing Mr. Chittenden showed a decrease of 65 lbs. or 14 per cent, (since corrected to 20 lbs. or 4 per cent.) from inoculated seed. If the comparison were made of the totals grown un- der conditions favourable to inoculation, there was a decrease of 7 per cent, on the cultivated land, but the large increase of 18 per cent, on the fallowed land. No comparison was made in the report of the yield from inoculated seed alone with the yield from the other manures alone. On the cultivated land inoculated seed gave the lowest yield, but dung also gave a lower yield than the yield from the untreated (control) plot. On the Fig. So. — scholl bedding in the gardens of killarney house. (See p. 181.) found five to be new, and of Peperomia, all seven proved novelties. The introduction con- cludes with some observations as to the origin of the flora, and is followed by a systematic enumeration of the whole collection. An animated discussion followed, in which the following engaged: — Dr. A. B. Rendle, Mr. R. A. Rolfe, Prof. P. Groom, Dr. O. Stapf, Mr. J. Hopkinson, Mr. A. P. Young, Mr. T. A. Sprague, Mr. A. Groves, and Mr. Clement Reid. The author replied to the various questions put, and concluded by a display of lantern-slides from her own photographs. GLOUCESTERSHIRE ROSE AND SWEET PEA. March 5. — The annual meeting of the mem- bers of this society was held at the Guildhall, Gloucester, on this date, Mr. Conway Jones pre- HORTICULTURAL CLUB. March 9. — At a meeting of the members of this club on the above date, Professor Bottomley spoke on soil-inoculation, and replied to criti- cisms >vhich Mr. Chittenden had published in the Royal Horticultural Society's Journal. Professor Bottomley prefaced his remarks by complimenting Mr. Chittenden on the care and thoroughness of his experiments, which were the most comprehensive of any yet made on Peas in this country. The results, however, did not ap- pear to justify the conclusion arrived at by Mr. Chittenden. It was stated that " the experiment was planned to ascertain whether any benefit was to be derived from the inoculation of legu- minous crops under any conditions in such a naturally poor soil as that of the Wisley gar- den." Twelve out of the 24 plots were treated so as to produce conditions which are already- fallowed ground inoculated seed gave the highest yield, an increase over the control plot of 17 per cent., if the report figures are taken, or 10 per cent., if correction is made for the variation in number of plants in the two plots. Table J. was unfair; because in two plots (15 and 16) there is a difference in number of plants of Maincrop. The yield of Maincrop, which gives the largest increase on plots 13 and 14, is omitted, although there is no mention made of any varia- tion in the number of plants. The scientific method would have been to make a correction for this fact. This would have given an in- crease of 1 per cent , 10 per cent., and 1"> per cent, for soil inoculation, seed inoculation, and soil and seed inoculation respectively. Again, there was a difference in the action of lime alone and the action of a mixture of lime superphosphate and potash on the nitrogen fixing organisms. The U.S.A. Department of Agricul- 190 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 20, 1909. ture had shown the beneficial effect of lime on inoculation. At Wisley, on the limed plots, inoculated seed gave an increased vield of weight of Peas on both cultivated and fallowed land — an increase of 4 per cent, and 29 per cent, re- spectively. The mixture of lime, superphosphate and potash gave a decreased yield in both cases — a decrease of 16 per cent, and 27 per cent, re- spectively. On the fallowed land Mr. Chit- tenden ignored the beneficial effect of lime alone, because lime was added to the super and potash mixture which gave a decrease. As the American instructions for using inoculating ma- terial state that concentrated fertilisers should be spread and mixed with the soil previous to sowing the inoculated seed, it would be inter- esting t<\ know the date when Mr. Chittenden appliea ihe superphosphate mixture. Mr. Chittenden's Reply. The following is a summary of Mr. Chitten- den's reply : An attempt was made in the Wis- ley experiments with nitro-bacterme to compare the yield of 12 pairs of similarly-treated plots, assuming that if equal weights of seed were sown on each of the plots, other conditions be- ing equal, the crop from the two plots would be the same. But, on the fallowed land, for instance, there was sometimes great varia- tion in the number of plants of one or two varieties on the two plots to be compared, owing to factors which were not commensurable. In such cases the yield from the* variety most vari- able in this respect was entirely ignored, or (and ill any case) from these plots no general con- clusions were drawn. was drawn), as was stated in the report, was 3.61 per cent. Yet Prof. Bottomley inferred that the reason of the failure of inoculation to pro- duce any benefit on this soil was that it was so rich in organic matter that the nodule-form- ing organisms were unable to do their normal work. As Prof. Bottomley was aware, ordinary field soils usually contain at least 5 per cent, of organic matter, and garden soils contain as a rule very much more, 10 per cent, being not un- usual. If his strictures were accurate, then practically no cultivated soil in the country was likely to benefit by inoculation, because it con- tained too much organic matter. What evidence had Prof. Bottomley that the soil was too rich in organic matter for the bac- teria to do their work? On every plot, as stated in the report, the Pea roots were well supplied ivith r.odulcs. The trial was really a contest between the bacteria already in the soil and those added in the nitro-bacterine, and the former showed to the better advantage. It re- mained for Prof. Bottomley to show why this was the case. It had been assumed that the bacteria in four of the plots were killed or injured by the appli- cation of potassic and phosphatic manures. These manures were applied and mixed with the soil (which had been limed) long before the seed was sown. The lime was present in suffi- cient quantity to prevent any acidity in the soil. That the manures had no injurious effect was evident from the presence of nodules on all the roots. Professor Bottomley also assumed that the manures had been sown in such a way as to injure the bacteria of the seeds, i.e., bacteria sown with the seeds. This was not the case. MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. March 4. — Committee present : Messrs. E. Ash- worth (Chairman!, Thorp, Cowan, Ward, Keeling, Warburton, Holmes, Upjohn, Ashton, Parker, Low, and P. Weathers (hon. sec). Z. A. Ward, Xorthenden (gr. Mr. Weatherley),. was voted a Silver-gilt Medal for a showy group of plants, mainly of Odontoglossums, one of which, O. X Beaute Celeste, or O. X eximium " Ward's variety," received an Award of Merit. Mr. J. RODSON, Altrincham, was voted an Award of Merit for Odontoglossum crispum " Supreme,'' and a similar Award for Cypripe- dium X Actaeus " Robson's variety." Messrs. A. J. Keeling & Sons, Westgate Hill, Bradford, were awarded a Bronze Medal for a small miscellaneous group. Messrs. Moore & Co., Lqf ds, staged a group for which a Silver-gilt Medal was awarded. Odontoglossum x Lawrenceanum var. " Dis- tinction " received an Award of Merit. J. McCartney, Esq., Bolton (gr. Mr. Holmes), was awarded a Silver Medal for a group of C'attleyas and Laslias. Cattleya Trianaa var. Lowiae was given an Award of Merit. A. Warburton, Esq., Haslingden (gr. Mr. Dalgleishl, staged a group of Odontoglossums (Bronze Medal), another of Cypripediums (Sil- ver Medal), also a miscellaneous group (Silver Medal). Cypripedium x Euryades var. King Edward VII. was voted a First-class Certificate. R. Ashworth, Esq., Newchurch (gr. Mr. Fletcher), obtained two Silver Medals, one for Fig. 8i. — view of messks. sutton and sons' "French" garden exhibit staged at the royal horticultural society's meeting on the o/th inst. (See report published in last week's issue, p. 174.) Professor Bottomley had drawn up tables showing what ho considered the figures ought to have been if the number of plants on the two plots had been the same. This he had done by an unscientific method of calculation, for (1) there was no evidence that the plants on the respective plots were of the same strength to start with ; (2) the plants were not growing (since the space was the same on each of the plots and the number of plants varied) under equal conditions of space ; and (3) the number of plants (owing to an accident already ex- plained) of two varieties is unknown. Prof. Bottomley had attempted to rectify the tables, knowing, as a rule, the number of plants of only one of the four varieties, and sometimes not even that. No one could say from the data available what the total yields would have been if the number of plants had been equal in the pair of plots. Prof. Bottomley made a comparison between the yields obtained from half an area which re- ceived a light dressing of dung, with a like por- tion that was not manured, apparently to show that the soil of the Wisley garde.i was so rich in organic matter that it would not respond to an extra amount of manure. Why did he not compare the yields from ike whole of the areas which received these different treatments respec- tively ? This would have shown that even such a light dressing of dung had the effect of in- Teasing the yield of Peas. • What were the facts with regard to the amount of organic matter in the soil? The loss, on ignition, of the cultivated soil (from ■which the only general conclusion in the report He also failed to give weight to the evidence adducible from the report regarding the need for lime in this experiment ; if he had carefully considered it he would have found that lime made no difference whatever to the results of the trial. In conclusion, Mr. Chittenden considered that more investigation was necessary before any hope could be entertained of getting much, if any, benefit from inoculation of leguminous plants on cultivated soil, since it was first neces- sary to prove that the bacteria were not only alive tut were of greater virulence than those already in the soil. In the discussion which followed, the follow- ing gentlemen took part: — Dr. Keeble, Messrs. J. Walker, C. E. Pearson, Arthur W. Sutton, and W. A. Voss. Mr. Arthur Sutton suggested that Mr. Harry J. Veitch, the chair- man, should put an acre or so of land at the disposal of Prof. Bottomley for the purpose of further experimenting with nitro- bacterine. Mr. Veitch, in closing the discus- sion, expressed himself as willing to adopt Mr. Sutton's suggestion so far as his own nur- series were concerned, but advanced the opinion that it would be more satisfactory if the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society were to set apart a piece of ground at Wisley for use by Prof. Bottomley. In acknowledging a vote of thanks, Prof. Bottomley accepted the proposal, with the proviso that Mr. Chittenden should help him in the recording of the experiments, since Mr. Chittenden would be on the spot, and Wisley is not too accessible for a busy man whose work is in London. Odontoglossums and the other for a general dis- play. Mr. J. Stott, Radcliffe, was awarded a Bronze Medal for a small group of Cypripediums. Mr. W. Shackleton, Gt. Horton, near Brad- ford, was also awarded a Bronze Medal for a group, principally of Cypripediums. February 18. — There was a good display of plants at the meeting held on this date. Z. A. Ward, Esq., Northenden, showed a group of Odontoglossums, including many choice hybrids. (Silver-gilt Medal.) R. Ashworth, Esq., Newchurch, exhibited a group of Odontoglossums in competition for the "Ward" Cup. (Silver-gilt Medal.) J. McCartney, Esq., Bolton, was granted a similar award for a general display, chiefly of Cattleyas and Cypripediums. G. Siiorland Ball, Esq., Burton, Westmore- land, was awarded a Silver-gilt Medal for a beau- tiful display of miscellaneous Orchids, in which- were two fine specimens of Dendrobium gluma- ceum and several choice forms of Lycaste. H. J. Bromilow, Esq., Rainhill, Liverpool, exhibited Cypripediums. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Messrs. A. J. Keeling & Sons, Westgate Hill, Bradford, showed a miscellaneous exhibit, in- which were numerous plants of great interest. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Silver Medals were awarded A. Warburton, Esq., Haslingden, for Odontoglossums, and another for Cypripediums ; Messrs. Jas. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, for a general display of Orchids ; Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Enfield, for Cattleyas ; Messrs. Heath & Sons, Chelten- March 20, 1S09.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 191 ham, for a miscellaneous exhibit ; and J. McCartney, Esq., Bolton, fur Cattleyas and Latlias. First-class Certificates were awarded to the following plants: — Cypripedium x Lady Ur- sula, a fine hybrid between C. X Mrs. Tantz X C. insigne Harefield Hall variety, shown by S. Gratrix, Esq., Whalley Range ; Cymbidium X Holfordianum, shown by R. ASHWORTH, Esq. Awards of Merit were granted to Odontoglos- sum x Lambeauianum Ashworth's variety, shown by R. Ashworth, Esq. ; Cypripedium villosum Keeling's variety, Spathoglottis x aureo-Viellardii, and Sophronitis grandiflora var. maxima ; these three were shown by Messrs. A. J. Keeling & Sons; Cypripedium x Prospero Oakdene variety, C. aureum var. vertumne, and Odontoglossum x " W. C. Price," these three exhibited by E. Rogerson, Esq. ; Cattleya Trianae var. "Sir Lees Knowles," shown by J. McCartney, Esq.; Cypripedium X Iris var. magnificum, shown by Mr. W. Bolton ; Odon- toglossum x crispo-Harryanum Ward's variety, O. X amabile var. Georgius, O. X amabile var. AVi'.lie, and O. x loochristiense Ward's variety, these shown by Z. A. Ward, Esq. ; Cypripedium X Euryades var. Rossendalensis. Odontoglos- sum x venustulus, and O. x Primus, these three shown by A. Warburton, Esq. P. W. THE WEATHER. BRITISH GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. (LONDON BRANCH). March 6. — The first social evening held by this branch took place at Carr's Restaurant, 264, Strand, on the above date. The meeting was in aid of the Branch funds. Mr. E. F. Hawes pre- sided. Notwithstanding the inclement weather, more than 70 members anH friends assembled. During an interval in the proceedings, the Chairman, in a brief speech, set forth the objects of the association, and invited any gardeners who were not members to join the association. DEBATING SOCIETIES. BATH AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. — A largely-attended meeting of this society was held on Monday, March 8. Mr. T. Parrott presided. A paper on " Pelargoniums " was read by Mr. Edwards. He said that about 700 varieties were awarded certificates by the Royal Horticultural Society in the period between 1860 and 1890, and of the 170 species of Pelargonium which were known nearly all were natives of South Africa. The four sections of Pelargoniums were all distinct from each other, and except in one instance they had refused to be interbred. The instance was that of a Zonal and Ivy- leaf, of which an accidental cross between the two had been secured by M. Lemoine about 30 years ago. Pelargoniums were readily raised from seed, while they could also be increased by cuttings and pieces of the root. The best tim* to sow the seed was in March or April, in a temperature of6(K BICKLEYANO DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL. — A meeting of the above societv was held on March 4, under the chairmanship of Mr. J. Hunter. A paper was read by Mr. Legg, of Hamilton Lodge Gardens, Bickley, on "The Cineraria and its Culture." The paper gave full details for the culture of this popular greenhouse flower. BRISTOL AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. At the meeting held on Thursday, March 11, Mr. Scott, of Downside Gardens, gave a paper on '• Border Carna- tions." The lecturer said July is the best month for layer- ing, and autumn the best time for planting. Wood ashes mixed with the soil proved very beneficial for Carnations, which should be planted firmly. PCRTISHEADi— Under the auspices of the Somerset County Council, the second lecture on "Gardening" was given on March 9 in the Parish Room, Portishead, by Mr. J. Ettle. The lecturer speke on vegetable culture, giving practical hints on thinning crops, hoeing, weeding, watering, and feeding the different sections of vegetables, namely, those grown for their roots, leaves, fruits, seeds, and pods. READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. A lecture was given in connection with the above society on Monday, March 8, in the Abbey Hall, Reading, by Mr. W. F. Giles, of Messrs. Sutton & Sons, the subject being "Vegetables, Old and New." The lecture was illustrated by a collection of about 100 lantern slides. Mr. A. F. Bailey (chairman) presided, and there was a large attendance of members. Mr. Giles opened bis remarks by tracing the history of some of the common vegetables. Mr. Giles showed pictures taken from Gerarde's Herbal, published in 1597, showing the type of vegetables of that time, and also, by way of contrast, varieties of the present day. Thomas Andrew Knight, afterwards President of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, made the first recorded cross with culinary Peas in 1787. TORQUAY GARDENERS'. — At the fortnightly meeting of this association, held on Friday, March 6, Mr. G. Wilson read a paper entitled "Some Notes on Vine Culture." Mr. W. A. Masterman, vice-president, presided. Mr. Wilson gave a detailed account of vine culture under glass dealing with the raising of the vines, making of bon'ers, planting and general treatment, pruning (summer and winter), thinning, ripening, and the general manage- ment of the vinery. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending March 13, is furnished from the Meteorological Office: — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather. — The general condition continued wintry and unsettled. The sky was mostly very cloudy or quite overcast, and falls of sleet or snow occurred in nearly all parts of Great Britain, while rain, sleet, or bail was ex- perienced in Ireland. Precipitation was less frequent in the north-west of England and west of Scotland than else- where. Thunder was heard at Gordon Castle on the 10th. The temperature was again below the average, the great- est divergence being about i5° in the Midland Counties and England S.W., and the least 1-7° in Scotland N. The highest of the maxima occurred on the 7th or 8th in most parts of England, and on the 12th or 13th elsewhere. They ranged from 53° in Ireland S. to 47° in Scotland E. and England N.E. The lowest of the minima, which were registered on the 7th or 8th over the greater part of the kingdom, but on the 12th in several Scottish localities, ranged from 8° in Scotland E. (at Nairn on the 7th), 20" in Scotland N., and 22° in England N.E. and Ireland N., to 31° in England E., and to 35° in the English Channel. The lowest grass readings reported were 16° at Buxton and Markree Castle, 17° at Llangammarch Wells, 18° at Bal- moral, Huddersfield, Sheffield, and Newton Riyg, and 19" at Cockle Park (Morpeth) and Dublin. The rain/all exceeded the average in the north-east of Great Britain and also in the English Channel, just about equalled it in England E., S.E., and S.W , .ml was less in Ireland, Scotland N. and W., England N.W. and the Midland Counties. At Crathes and Balmoral the quantity of melted snow measured on the morning of the 7th yielded 1'49 inch, and I 1)6 inch in the two respective gauges. The bright sunshine was less than the average in all dis- tricts. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 29 in the English I h ami el, 25 in Ireland S.. and 23 in England S.E. to 1:1 in Scotland W., 11 in Ln^laiid N.E., and s m Scotland E. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week cu./pig March 17. The sixth week in succession of cold u. ■ait her.— The present cold period has now lasted nearly six weeks, duriug which time there have occurred only four unseasonably warm days, and only one warm night. Throughout the past week the days have been, as a rule, much more unseasonably cold than the nights, the highest reading in the thermometer screen on four days ranging only between 95 and 38°, or from 18° to 10° below the average for the middle of March. On the two coldest nights, however, the exp sed thermo- meter indicated 18c of frost. The ground is now 4W colder at 2 feet deep, and 6- colder at 1 foot deep, than is seasonable. Some snow or hail fell on five days, but the total measurement amounted to less than half-an-inch. On one day the ground was covered with snow to the average depth of 2 inches. About one and a half gallons of rain-water has passed through both percolation gauges during the week. The sun shone on an average for one and three-quarter hours a day, which is less than half the usual duration for this period of the year. Two days proved altogether sunless, while on two other davs the record of bright sunshine amounted to less than half-an-hour. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by 7 per cent. E. M., Berkhamsted, March 17, 1909. (Dbftuarjj. Caleb Fenner.- We regret to record the death, on the 8th inst., at Reading, of this well-known cultivator of Roses and Dahlias. Deceased was manager in the late Charles Noble's nurseries at Bagshot for 16 years, and for 23 years he was gardener to the late T. W. Girdlestone at Sun- ningdale, Berks. During the time he was with Mr. Girdlestone he raised many single Dahlias, including the Tom Thumb varieties. He was also successful in winning many of the princi- pal prizes for Roses throughout the country. De- ceased was in his 81st year. He leaves a widow, eight sons and four daughters. The remains were interred in Reading Cemetery on the 15th inst. ENQUIRIES AND REPLIES. The Burning of Ci ay Soil (see p. 176). — The most important item in the burning of clay soil is to secure a strong, body of heat before apply- ing too much clay to the heap. The fact that L. F. had much slack coal left unburnt is proof that the body of fire was at the start insuffi- cient. In starting the fire or laying its foundation some root stumps grubbed a }'ear previously should form a centre around which to build. If the burning is a large one, several stumps should be employed and freely interspersed with logs of wood and lumpy coal, or coke and coal, the whole being moderately saturated with tar or some old tar barrels used in the burning. A plentiful supply of cleft Cak, Pine, or Apple logs should then be built up, freely mixing lump coal with the first few layers, after which a thin layer of clay with small coal should be applied, gradually adding more clay till the heap is well covered in. Success in such matters depends upon securing a great heat at the start and main- taining such a heat for some time. Air passages are not essential, though such might prove help- ful in certain instances, but the fire could easily be smothered in its early stages by the applica- tion of too much clay. The subsequent feeding of the fire should, therefo.e, be gradual. E. J. — ; Two great difficulties attend the burning of stiff soils, the one arising from the heat engendered being so great as to bake in- stead of to disintegrate the materials composing them, the other, that the heat may not be raised sufficiently high to alter the inorganic constitu- ents contained therein from a passive to an active or available form. The first difficulty arises from permitting too great a draught of air, and, consequently, causing a rapid and often through draught, a partial but excessive com- bustion. The second difficulty arises from either the heap being made up too closely or too open. In the former case, the too free access of air occasions the fires to burn languid, and conse- quently deficient heat through absence of suffi- cient draught ; whilst if the clay or sod is packed too closely, the absence of air retards combus- tion, and thus necessarily the amount of heat required for the due perfection of the process, and combustion will not infrequently be stopped altogether by the interstices becoming filled with ashes, and by that means almost wholly excluding the atmosphere. As soils van- so much with respect to their capacity for burn- ing for manure, no hard and fast rule can be laid down to suit every case. On soils which are tiff and that do not contain much vegetable matter, great care is required in order to form clamps that will burn thoroughly, without too great a degree of heat or too little. One of the principal rules to be observed is to commence by having a rough log of wood, and build up around this a few upright pieces of tree loppings or the like, then surround these by some root- chunks, upon which to erect the sods on end (never commence by building the sods on the groundi. Only the three or four first sods which are placed in the middle should have their grassy sides presented to each other, each succeeding row being placed with the grassy side next to the earthy side of the preceding row, the whole to be set up as compactly as possible. When the heap is thus erected of a dome shape fire should be applied at the bottom, in the flues left for draught. Any clay with a moderate degree of sward will thus, if carefully attended to, pro- duce a quantity of ashes suitable to the wants of the gardener. It may be mentioned that, in calm weather, heaps should be made as open as is consistent with arrangements necessary for a due draught by means of flues left at intervals ; in windy weather the heaps should be formed as close and as large as possible, labourers being continually employed to stop up every crevice, particularly those on the leeward side, for which purpose the whole of the sods should not be heaped up at first, but a few left scattered about in order to apply in the manner named. Soils burned in this way which contain only a small amount of vegetable matter will frequently re- quire the aid of Furze, underwood, hedge clip- pings, small coal, or other inflammable materials to assist the operation. All inexperienced hands use too much fuel, get their fires too fierce, lay their stuff too hollow, make a great deal of smoke — whereas the less they make the better — get their heaps to a red heat, and burn through in a . week or ten days. The consequence is . that, when these heaps are opened, instead of ashes, or lumps that will turn to ashes by ex- posure to the air, out roll knobs as hard and as useless as brick-ends. /. /. Willis. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Alberta magna : Franciscus. The plant forms a shrub or small tree, and is a native of Natal, : at elevations of 3--5,000 feet above the- sea- level. In this country it should be treated as a greenhouse plant. The soil best suited for it is a compost of loam and peat. It forms a fairly large Laurel-like plant, and is best cultivated in a border. The species has flowered in the Temperate House at Kew. 192 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 20, 1909. Asparagus : Head Gardener. There are several varieties or selections of Asparagus. If you are desirous of cultivating the largest, nothing can surpass that known as the Giant French, but as an all-round variety, few, if any, are superior to a true type of Connover's Colossal, l'erfection is also an admirable variety. It produces heads of the highest quality. Pal- metto, an American variety, may also be re- commended. Where large quantities are grown these might all be included in the col- lection. Asparagus generally does verv well on the fiat, providing the land is well drained, especially so on light soil, but. generally speaking, in cold, wet dis- tricts and where the land is very heavy, the crop does better when the beds are slightly elevated above the ordinary level. The roots are then naturally drier owing to the alleys between the beds acting as drains. There are many excellent patent manures specially pre- pared for this crop. In addition to these fer- tilisers, common salt may be applied once a year. The lighter the soil the more salt is necessary. BEECH-coccrs : W. A. An account of this pest, with measures to adopt for its eradication, was given in the issue for October 10, 1908, p. 257. Book of Carpet Bedding Designs • M. H. D. We know of no work on this subject other than those that are out of print. Boronta megastigma: A. H. If you take cut- tings now and insert them in pots and place them on a greenhouse shelf, covering them with a bell-glass, some will be likely to make roots. In order to make success more certain place an old plant in a warmer hou.-e than that in which it has been growing, and, after two or three weeks take cuttings from this plant and insert them in pots filled with sandy peat. Place these in a propagating case or under a liand-light. The pots to receive the cuttings should be made up some days before using. If the soil is thoroughly watered when the pots are made up, no water will be required again for a week or 10 days after the cuttings are put in. •Chicory : /. R. B. This vegetable may very well be forced in such a cellar as you describe. It is easily grown and forced, and the produce commands a fair price. Seed should be sown thinly in April in drills 2 inches deep and 15 inches apart, and the seedlings thinned out to about 9 inches in the row. We assume your cellar is quite dark now, as shown by the dia- gram. The proposed admission of light through thick ground glass fixed in a portion of the domed roof, as shown i:i the second diagram, would be an ad- vantage to the crops in some stages of growth. When the subdued light is not required, the glass could be covered with mats or other light-obstructing material. We would not recommend you to try Asparagus, as the produce obtained in the conditions afforded by your cellar would probably lack sufficient size and quality. My Gardener will furnish you with useful information regarding the subjects you mention This book can be obtained from our publishing department. Daffodil with Three Flowers: E. A. H. The abnormality is not uncommon. It is the result of fasciation or fusion of growth. Daffodils Failixg to Flower : W. G. &* Co. This may be usually attributed to one of two causes. The bulbs may have been unduly forced into growth soon after they were potted, or they were imperfectly ripened in the previous autumn. DorRLE-SPATHED Richardia : G. C. W. This abnormal development is not uncommon. The second spathe is merely a leaf which has as- sumed the character of the floral bract. There are no extra organs of reproduction present, nor even a rudimentary spadix. Fungus in Soil : E. P. P. The soil is infested with a slime fungus, probably Fuligo varians. Water the ground with a weak solution of per- manganate of potash. Land for a Market Nursery : S. S. There are so many circumstances to be taken into ac- count, it is essential that the site should be visited by an expert. It is an advantage for the land to slope from south to north, pro- vided the slope is moderate. The land ap- pears too light for fruit culture. With regard to the water supply, if the pond does not furnish a sufficient quantity, a well could be sunk, and a small motor pump utilised to convey the water to a tank at the highest level. We repeat, however, that a satis, factory report can only be made after inspec- tion. You do not even state how the pond is to be kept filled with water. Lilac : /. R. B. You could force Lilac during the winter and early spring months. The plants cou'd be grown out-of-doors for forcing purposes. They only require simple cultural treatment to induce them to form bushy- plants, well furnished with flower-buds, and capable of being taken up (at intervals of a fortnight or so) with balls of soil adhering to the roots. Stand the plants closely together on the floor of the cellar on a little garden soil, and cover the roots with similar mould. Afterwards water through a rose to settle the soil about the roots. The atmosphere of the cellar should be maintained in a moist rather than a dry state. Lilac trees for forcing may be obtained at a very moderate price per dozen or per hundred from any nurseryman doing a wholesal and retail trade in shrubs. It might be worth your while to buy a few dozen Lilacs now, purple and white varieties, although the purple variety will yield white flowers when forced in the dark. For " Etherisation of Lilacs " see Gardeners' Chronicle, March 9, 1904, p. 187, and April 2, 1904, p. 228. Names of Flowers, Fruits and Plants. — We are anxious to oblige correspondents as far as we consistently can, but they must bear in mind that it is no part of our duty to our subscribers to name either flowers or fruits. Such work entails considerable outlay, both ot time and money, and cannot be allowed to dis- organise the preparations for the weekly issue, or to encroach upon time required for the conduct of the paper. Correspondents should never send more than six plants or fruits at one time : they should be very careful to pack and label them properly, togive every information as to the county the fruits are grown in, and to send ripe, or nearly ripe, specimens which show the character of the variety. By neglecting these precautions correspondents add greatly to our labour, and run the risk of delay and incorrect determinations. Correspondents not answered in one issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following numbers. Plants: A. IF. G. Daphne Laureola (Spurge Laurel). — R. L. 1, Cupressus species (cone required for more comple'e identification) ; 2, Cupressus Lawsoniana aurea : 3, Abies mag- nifica ; 4, Cedrus Libani ; 5, Thuya dolabrata ; 6, Cupressus Lawsoniana filiformis.— A Reader. 1, Asplenium nidus (Bird's Nest Fern); 2, A. bulbiferum ; 3, Gymnogramme ochracea ; 4, Begonia metallica; 5, B. semperfloreus rosea; 6, 13. manicata ; 7, Cotyledon intermedium; 8, Eurya latifolia variegata . — A. H. 1, Cyrto- mium falcatum ; 2, Blechnum brasiliense ; 3, Adiantum hispidulum ; 4, A. formosum ; 5, Abutilon megapotamicum variegatum, syn. A. vexillarium variegatum ; 6, Sedum Sieboldii. — J. Clark. The Orchids are Cattleya Trianae and Ccelogyne graminifolia — T. B Clerodendron Thomsoniae, the correct name of the plant known in gardens under the name of C. Balfouri. — F.G. 1, Epidendrtim glumaceum ; 2, Oncidium cheirophorum ; 3, O. pubes ; 4, Eria bicolor. — H.H. 1, Phaius grandifolius ; 2, Masdevallia Simula ; 3, Spiranthes colorata— /. IV. C. Ardisia crenulata. — F. H. 1, Selaginella viticu- losa ; 2, S. Wildenovii ; 3, Pteris tremula. — Hibernica. 1, Cordyline (Dracaena) Regina ; 2, D. fragrans ; 3, D. ornata ; 4, D. amabilis ; 5, Codiaeum (Croton) volutum ; C. Evansia- num. — R S., Surrey. Magnolia fuscata, native of China ; first bloomed in England in 1S02. It is very fragrant in the afternoon. — C. E. F. Bryophyllum calycinum. Pansies and "French" Gardening: An Old Reader There are plenty of ways of disposing of stocks of Pansies and Violas. That there is a good market for early vegetables and salads can be determined by making enquiries in almost any provincial town at the present time, for it will probably be found such produce is unobtainable there. We cannot, however, de- scribe your plan as "wise" or "silly," because we have no knowledge of your experience and business ability. There is a demand for such things, and you must determine for yourself whether or not you can produce them and sell them at a profit at the prices they are likely to realise. Rhubarb : J.R. B Rhubarb may be forced suc- cessfully in your cellar. Plants may be raised from seed sown in the manner recommended in last week's issue (p. 176) for Seakale ; but it would take some time to obtain by this method plants fit for forcing. The better way would be to obtain a sufficient number of old stools of Rhubarb. These may be divided into pieces, each having one or more buds. The divisions should be planted in ground which has been trenched from 2 to 3 feet deep, and two or three good layers of manure incor- porated with the soil in the process of trench- ing. A space of 2 to 2^ feet should be allowed between the rows, and the same distance from plant to plant in the rows. Rhubarb is a gross-feeding plant, and therefore requires generous treatment. Royal Albert, Dancer's Early Scarlet, and Myatt's Victoria are excel- lent varieties. The last-mentioned variety is not so early as the others, but, if liberal sup- plies of manure are worked into the soil, it produces stalks of great length and thickness, and of first-rate quality. In planting, keep the crowns of the individual plants level with the surface of the soil, and make the latter firm about the roots. Afterwards apply a surface- dressing of half-rotted manure to the depth of 3 inches. No Rhubarb should be taken from the plants the same year that they are plaited, but the lower stalks should be removed from the plants as soon as they appear. The plants will be ready for forcing in two or three years. Soil and Manure for Analysis: S. C. A. If you are a Fellow of the R.H.S., you can have soils and manures analysed for a small fee by the Society's Consulting Chemist, Dr. A. J.' Voelcker M.A., 22, Tudor Street, E.C. If you suspect eelworm to be present in the- manure, on no account use it for Cucumber culture. Stachys tuberifera : R. B. The tubers may be purchased of the nurserymen and seeds- men. They should be planted at the end of the present month or in April, and in succes- sional batches till the buds can no longer be kept in a dormant state. Choose a warm, open site for the beds or rows, and a fairly good, not over-rich soil. If it be clayey, mix leaf-soil and sand with it to the depth of 8 inches, incorporating these materials with the staple. The soil should then be consolidated by trampling it all over, and made roughly level. With a small draw-hoe make drills 2 to 3 inches deep and 8 to 10 inches apart, and in these lay the tubers lengthwise, cover them, tread over the lines lightly, and make the surface level. In- stead of planting in drills, the tubers may be dropped into holes made with a dibber. Weak manure water may be afforded when the plants are in active growth, and plain water in very hot weather. The stems may be allowed to lay on the soil, or they may be supported with Pea-stick spray. The crop may be lifted and stored in sand in a cellar, or left in the ground with a covering of Fern or litter, so that they may be get-at-able in frosty weather. We think that this is the better way. the plant being quite hardy in this country. The common names of the plant are Crosnes (French) and Chinese Artichoke. Prepare and cook the tubers like Potatos or Jerusalem Artichokes. Violi: is Diseased : T. B. The plants num- bered (2) are affected with a fungal disease. Spray them with a -weak solution of the Bor- deaux mixture, or, better, burn the stock and start with fresh plants in another quarter of the garden. The other leaves are infested with spider. Spray the foliage with tobacco water, Quassia extract, or one of the other common insecticides. Wood Ashes: W . A. If the quantity of wood burned in the house is considerable, the ashes should be saved for garden purposes. They form a useful source of potash manure and are useful for top-dressing lawns and vegetable crops, mixing with potting mould, dressing Rose-beds, lightening heavy land, and other purposes. Communications Received. — G. K. (Australia) - W. G. S. — ]. O'B.— W. J. B.-G. Monro— P. A.-F. M. — B. D. J.- C. T. D.-T. H.— W. W. P.— I. Watkins-W. B.— X. Y. Z.— H. N.— G. R— T. W. C— W. C— W. S.— E. C. P.— F. W. P., California— E. B —Anxious— S. & Sons— A. I. B.-W. A. C.-J. G. W.— A. D. H.-YV. Anton— J. D. G.— R. P. B.— E. H. J.— H. W. YV.— YV. R. -1. R. P.-T. D.— L. R. R.-YV. D.-H. G.— E. L.— II. A. R.— J. Mc H.-C. D.-YV. H.-H. T. H. c 0 u A U a c 'J ■a i< a C £ "o. a 3 ft; a,' u « id z w Q Id K H O Z Id O c/5 Z Id Q < < ►J March 27, 1009.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 193 THE CVarbcncrs'CbronicIc AT0. 7,757.— SATURDAY. March 27, 7909. CONTENTS. Acanthus montanu? ... 200 Asparagus, the forcing of 208 Berlin Internationa] Ex- hibition, English visi- tors to ... 201 Books, notices of — American Apple Or- chard 19fi Artificial Manures ... 197 Les Fleurs de Pleine Terre 2)1 Publications received 202 Chrysanthemum buds, "taking" 208 Cucumbers, the culture of... 193 Euphorbia pulcherrima 204 Fern nomenclature ... 203 Florists' flowers — Sweet Peas, Henry Eckford, and others 202 Sweet Peas in tubs 202 Forestry — Declining woodland industries 195 Finn competitions, the R.H.S 203 Fruit trees on walls, the training of ... ... 203 Grape bottle, Wood's new ... 204 Kniphofia multiflora ... 196 Market-gardening in France 201 Narcissi for forcing ... 203 & Co., Nursery notes- James Carter Forest Hill ... Obituary — Fidler, John ... Stocking, C Orchid notes and glean- ings— Bulbophyllum Day- anum Odontioda Goodsonias Yanda coerulea Respiring plants, tem- perature of School gardening in Surrey Societies — Perpetual - flowering Carnation Royal Horticultural ... Trees and shrubs — Cupressus macrocarpa 190 Griselinia littoralis .. 196 Trenching ... 201,203 Turf-cutting machine, a 202 ibles — Broccoli and frost ... Chicory Week's work, the — Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden Kitchen garden, the.. Orchid houses, the ... Plants under glass ... Public parks and gar dens ... Wonderberrv, the 197 208 208 I'M 194 194 200 200 200 204 L95 l'.il 198 199 199 199 198 His L99 204 ILLUSTRATIONS. Acanthus montanus .. Bulbophyllum Dayanum Kniphi ifia uuiltiflora Odontioda ooodsonias Primula Princess May Turf-cutting machine, a 201 m I9fi 195 l'.iT 202 CULTURE OF CUCUMBERS. BEFORE the Cucumber disease (Cercospora melonis) became so prevalent, it was pos- sible to maintain a continuous supply of fresh Cucumbers from May to September inclusive; in fact, I have cut, from plants raised in April, superb young fruits in October, the plants at that date being as fresh and green as one could expect. Unfortunately, this cannot be done to-day, and in those instances where the plants early fall a prey to the leaf-spot, they may cease to be profitable in less than half the time I have instanced. In some cases, indeed, the young plants are attacked be- fore they are 2 feet high. In two instances known to the writer, and where new glass- houses were erected on a fresh site, the first- planted crop was completely destroyed by disease before bearing at all. A second batch of plants was so badly attacked that it was cleared out, but a third planting gave a fairly good, though, of course, late, and, therefore, much less profitable, ciop. During the last two seasons there have been fewer complaints concerning early outbreaks of the disease, and in the majority of instances the first fruits have been cut before any very serious loss of foliage has resulted. The disease spreads rapidly : a spot or two may ap- pear to-day, and a week hence probably not a sound or unaffected leaf can be found in the house. It is difficult to find an effective remedy. Carbolic acid diluted with water and applied to the floors of the houses has been found very destructive of leafage, and in some instances the " cure " was as bad as the disease. Greater dryness, too, has been tried within the house, also in the hottest weather the top ventilators have been left open at night-time, with the re- sult that the former practice has promoted a rapid increase of red spider, while the latter plan has hindered the development of the fruits. It is to be regretted that heat and mois- ture, the conditions essential to success in the case of a tropical subject like the Cucumber, are the conditions also best suited to the rapid increase and spread of the disease. The only remedy or safeguard against the disease would appear to be that of cultivating two crops of plants where one sufficed before. But in con- junction with this there must be a complete clearance of the houses, sulphuring the structure two or three times, a bountiful application of whitewash to all possible parts of the house, and a general wash down before making a fresh start, the young plants being prepared else- where. But, disastrous as the results of this fungal disease are, cultural errors are responsible for a loss equal, if not, indeed, greater, than that caused by the fungus, and this is all the more to be regretted because it is preventable. It is by no means clear why so many ( alendar writers recommend the almost identical practice either of " stopping the plants at 3 feet high," or when they have reached " the second or third wire," the latter recommendation implying that all Cucumber houses are built on the same plan. The practice of stopping is said to promote early fruiting, but I have never experienced this. ■ver, I consider it to be wi in principle, as well as in practice, to take the ig shoot out of a climber or twiner such as the Cucumber while the plant is really in its infancy. Whilst doing this does not appre- ciably hasten the production of laterals, it does, by enforcing an early fruiting of the lower parts of an immature plant, diminish and hinder the fruit-bearing character of the plant as a whole. For special purposes it may be desirable to . 1 i . a limit to fruit production, or to promote the earliest possible fruiting, so that the croj be cleared to give place to a second one. It is another matter altogether when the plant is expected to produce a profitable market crop, and which it can only be made to do by per- mitting it to cover its allotted space with laterals in the shortest possible time. To effect this the main stem should be permitted to grow un- checked until it has reached to within 1 foot of the ridge in a house 10 feet or 11 feet wide and 7 feet or 8 feet to the ridge. In a house 20 feet wide, with rafters, say, 12 feet in length, the stopping may be done at about 6 feet up the roof, by which time the plants will have attained to a certain stability and be showing abundantly for the first crop of fruits. During this growth of the main stem, a large number of laterals will have formed lower down, and will be already set with fruits — usually one at each joint, or two, and even more fruits in certain varieties. The Cucumber plant is capable of producing a limited number of fine fruits on the main stem. Indeed, the handsomest and best-proportioned fruits are mostly produced thereon. It is not prudent, however, to permit an early fruiting on the main vine, as by so doing the bearing capabilities of the first laterals are impaired. All laterals developed within 1 foot of the soil are best removed, as the fruits must not touch the soil. Above this height all fruit-bearing laterals should be stopped at the second fruit- ing joint, the subsequently-formed sub-laterals, which appear very quickly, being stopped at the first joint. A new "break" is usually trained in from the first joint on the lateral. In this manner the fruiting is continued up the plant. In the worst instances of Cucumber training I have seen, the main stem had grown to a height of 4 feet or 5 feet, as is done with the Tomato, and with the whole of the laterals sup- pressed from the start. The roots were deeply buried in rich soils, with the result that the leaves were nearly of the size of Rhubarb leaves, but not a fruit was to be seen. As a matter of fact, all the fruiting laterals had been cut away. Incredible as this may appear, I have seen at least two instances of the kind, and in each case promptly advised the grower to pull up the plants and burn them. In the raising of the Cucumber plant from seeds a single seed should be placed in a 3-mch pot filled with light, rich soil. An endeavour should be made to promote a quick growth, so that the stem below the cotyledon is not more than 6 or 6 ir.ches in length, as the ground level of the plant at that time is practically its level to the end. I never earth up the cotyledonous stem at all, the plant being sup- ported by its first-formed or main roots and the innumerable fibres that develop thereon. In not a few instances known to me this portion of the stem has been buried deeply, the result being undue grossness of growth and a la fruitfulness. A point of importance is that the house should be ready for the plant, and that the latter has not to wait for the former. V cl at this stage will result in the lmver laterals proving With a bottom heat of 75° F. the seedlings appear in a couple of days, and four or six days later the young plants should be rai.-ed a few inches and finally removed from the seed-frame. 'When the second or third rough leaf has been made the seedlings mav be planted out, the house and soil being warmed in readiness. The planting-out will depend on the season of the year and the way the young plants are produced, though, as a rule, from 14 to 21 days must elap after the appear- ance of the seedling before it is ready for trans- e to its permanent quarters. In certain instances the plants may require a week longer than this*. question of bottom heat for Cucui has been debated many times, and while it is I :al to the production of good winter fruits, it is by no means necessary, or even desirable, for the summer crop. It is best that the rooting area should be of a restricted character, so that the roots may be under the direct control of the cultivator. The mounds cf earth in which the plants are placed should be only moderately firm — not so firm as to be practically impervious to the sup- plies of moisture afforded, nor yet so loose as to permit the water to pass away without benefit- ing the plant. The subsequent treatment re- solves itself into thinning, tying, watering and top-dressing. The Cucumber delights in mois- ture and very rich soils. Formerly the plants were grown on freshly-made beds of dung with- in the house, but beds or mounds cf soil pro- duce far better results. Much moisture is needed when the fruits are developing, »md, if the weather is hot, watering cannot easily be overdone. Unless heavy supplies of root mois- ture are applied when a full crop of fruits is hanging, there will be a big percentage of long- pointed and undeveloped fruits. Atmospheric moisture is of importance at all times ; though when the plants are in flower the afternoon syringing or damping should be dis- pensed with for a day or two. An excess of mois. ture settling on the blossoms at that time causes decay in the young fruits. In connection with 194 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, 1909. the fruiting of these plants the much-debated point of pollinating the flowers arises : this, whilst absolutely essential when seeds are re- quired, is neither necessary nor desirable in the production of Cucumbers for the table ; more- over, it destroys some of the symmetry of the fruits. E. H. Jenkins. VEGETABLES. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. BULBOPHYLLUM DAYANUM. The genus Bulbophyllum, including Cirrho- petalum, is very remarkable, the different species displaying the greatest diversity of structure. Many of them have the labellum, petals, and sepals decorated with hair-like appendages, which, in some cases, as, for example, in Bulbo- phyllum barbigerum, seem to be almost con- stantly moving. Bulbophyllum Dayanum, illus- trated in fig. 82, is a native of Burma, and was originally described in the Gardeners' Chronicle, 1865, p. 434, from a plant which flowered with the late Mr. John Day, at Tottenham. For a long time afterwards the species seems to have been lost, but in late years it has appeared occa- sionally, the specimen now illustrated being sup- plied by Mr. James O'Brien, of Harrow-on-the- Hill. The plant is of compact growth. The pseudo- bulbs are of a dark shade of chocolate-purple, and the under-sides of the leaves are suffused with the same colour. The flowers are borne close to the pseudo-bulb, and rest on the surface of the Sphagnum-moss around the plant. The sepals are of a greenish Citron yellow, speckled with claret-purple spots, and furnished at the margin with orange-yellow coloured hairs. The petals are claret coloured, with a narrow, white border ; they are fringed like the sepals. The labellum is yellowish, tinged with rose, and marked with projecting, deep crimson spots ; it is four-ridged. The column is yellowish and speckled with crimson below. ODONTIODA GOODSONI.E. This beautiful hybrid (see fig. 83) was ex- hibited by H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, West Hill, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), at the Royal Horticultural Society's meet- ing on March 9. It was flowering for the first time on a very small plant, but, owing to the deep ruby-red colour of the flowers, and the attractive cream-white markings on the seg- ments, it was considered one of the most beauti- ful and remarkable of the Odontiodas. The parentage of the plant is not definitely known, but it was suggested that the parents were Cochlioda Noezliana and a white or sparsely- spotted form of Odontoglossum ardentissimum. The crest of the lip is yellow, with red markings. VANDA CCERULEA. This lovely Vanda is seldom seen at its best condition when under cultivation. It is found on the dry, grassy slopes of the Khasia Moun- tains in Eastern India in the neighbourhood of the Brahmapootra, at an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level. The plants are found in great numbers on Oak trees, which are small, gnarled, and sparingly leafy, so that the Vandas are fully exposed to the sun, air, and wind. The atmo- sphere is humid, especially during the rainy season, but at no time is it fully saturated with moisture. The plants cling, by their roots, tenaciously to the rough, dry bark, and often completely cover the boughs. In the flowering season the temperature averages 70°, and the at- mosphere during the daytime is dry ; but in July and August, when rains are frequent, the temperature is a little higher, whilst in winter it falls much lower. Under these conditions of summer heat, autumn drought, and dry, cool air of winter, the most beautiful of Indian Orchids flourish, such as Dendrobium Devoni- anum, D. Dalhousianum, D. Farmeri, also species of Coelogyne, Bulbophyllum, Cymbidium, and a few species of Cypripedium. F. Newman. CHICORY. I was pleased to read A. D.'s note (p. 116) on " Chicory as a Forced Vegetable." Good and regular supplies of Chicory (barbe de capucin) during the winter and spring months are a sine qua non where French cooks are in care The sailj having been dressed previously with well-decomposed manure, and afterwards deeply dug, should be trodden over and raked level preparatory to drawing drills between 1 and 2 inches deep and from 12 to 15 inches apart. The rows should run north and south, and into the drills should be sown the seed of the Witloof or white-leafed Chicory at any FlG. 82. — BULBOPHYLLUM DAYANUM, WITH STRUCTURAL DETAILS OF FLOWER. of the kitchen. I have cultivated Chicory ex- tensively in years gone by, not only as a salad ingredient, but more especially as a vege- table. The heads resulting from well-grown roots resemble Seakale, and when stewed and served with melted butter form a choice second- course vegetable. A deep, light and moderately rich soil is suitable to the growth of Chicory. time from the middle to the end of April' for producing large, well-developed roots for forcing during November and the five following months. Draw the soil over the seed in the ordinary way, tread the surface, and rake it well. The roots will, if well grown, attain the size of moderately large Parsnips. When the seedings have attained to a height of! March 27 , 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 195 about 1 inch thin them out to 9 inches from plant to plant in the row. The only after- treatment necessary between thinning the crop and the covering of the roots for forcing is a vigorous weeding and stirring of the soil between the rows three or four times during the months of June, July, August and Septem- ber. When the large leaves of the plants have decayed and have been removed towards the end of October or eaily in November, according to the season or locality, place a little sifted wood or coal ashes around the crowns of the indi- vidual plants preparatory to covering those re- quired for forcing with wooden troughs. These are made of two boards 9 inches deep and ends of the same width, the trough being 8 feet long. The ends are made 1 inch higher than the sides to keep the lids in position when placed thereon. Cover the troughs when they are in position over the Chicory with fermenting tree leaves to the thickness of between 2 and 3 feet. The heat thus imparted to the interior of the troughs and the ground in which the Chicory roots are growing will result in the production of good, solid, well- blanched heads. Fresh troughs should be brought into use at intervals of a week or 10 days, in order to maintain a succession. Three BROCCOLI AND FROST. Snow's Winter White and Christmas varie- ties were planted in this garden for the purpose of furnishing a supply of Broccoli throughout January. We had a good supply from those plants that had formed heads and had been lifted and planted in a cold Peach-house before the frost set in ; but many were left in the gar- den, as they were not ready for lifting, with the result that all these have been destroyed by the frost, Purple Sprouting Broccoli has also been ruined by the cold weather. The result is dis- appointing, as if the kinds mentioned had been hardy, like the later sorts, we could have main- tained a supply of this vegetable in winter. Among the later kinds grown here are Standwell, Late Queen, Safeguard, and Eastertide, all of which have escaped injury by frost. The variety last mentioned appears most damaged. If they had been planted on rich soil, I do not suppose they would have done so well. I certainly do not agree with those who recommend plenty of manure for Broccoli, but deeply-dug ground is essential and also a very firm soil when planting. There are many who plant Broccoli after Peas or Potatos without even stirring the soil. On rich, loose ground Broccoli make luxuriant growth, and produce very fine heads if no frost Fig. 83. — odontioda goodsoni.e: flower ruby-red WITH WHITE MARKINGS. (See p. 194.) or four dozen troughs will be necessary. When the produce has been cleared from the first batch of troughs, place the latter over the rows of roots in continuation of the third and fourth lot of troughs. As the season advances from winter to spring, only sufficient covering of leaves to exclude light and air will be neces- sary. Where very early supplies of Chicory are required, roots may be taken up and placed in a warm house in deep boxes, with the crowns about half an inch above the surface of the soil, in which they are placed perpendicularly. Other boxes of similar dimensions are placed over them to exclude the air and light. After the first cutting is made, the same roots, if allowed to remain in the boxes, will produce a- second, though less abundant, crop of blanched leaves. The finest example? of Chicory are obtained by forcing undisturbed roots. Moreover, a saving of labour is also effected. I have forced Seakale in the same manner with most satisfactory results. The troughs, if stored in a dry place when not in use, will last sound for several Year?. H. II". Ward. appears, but on firm ground the plants grow very sturdy, and can, therefore, better with- stand severe weather. High moulding of the soil about the plants is also to be recommended. I find the first week, or thereabouts, in April a suitable time for sowing early Broccoli, the third week best for the main crop, while the first week in May is suitable for very late kinds. A. J. Long, Wyfold Court Gardens, near Heading. FORESTRY. DECLIXING WOODLAND INDUSTRIES. Whether owing to preferential carriage rates, foreign importation, or cheaper Continental labour, many time-honoured woodland indus- tries have either become crippled or almost ex- tinguished in this country. As instances, I may quote the stripping and harvesting of Oak bark, the cultivation of Osiers for basket-making, the manufacture of charcoal, faggot-making, lath- rending, and the once highly-remunerative growth of coppice wood for Hop poles. Even plant-stakes and labels are now sent us from abroad ; while the little bundles of split wood that we see exhibited for sale at many shop doors are slowly but surely ousting our Kentish " pimp " from the market. Three-quarters of a century ago Oak bark sold in the London mar- ket at 14 guineas per ton ; while that of the Sweet or Spanish Chestnut brought 11 guineas, and Birch and Larch 7 guineas per ton. To-day, however, matters are different and lucky indeed does the wood-manager consider himself who can sell his carefully-stripped and well-harvested Oak bark at one-fifth of the above-named price ; while, incident- ally, it may be mentioned that the cost of labour is now about one-fourth higher than formerly. At no very remote date, throughout the length and breadth of the land bark-strip- ping or " flawing " was an event of the year in Oak woodlands, and was considered as an in- dustry of purely British origin. Now, however, except in a few isolated instances, the pic- turesque hut of the bark-stripper, the suppressed thud of the wooden mallet, and the far-reaching trestles of creamy white bark (the latter the pride of the woodman, as indicating first quality), are things of the past. Foreign competition and the substitution of chemicals and foreign barks for tanning leather have dealt a deathblow to this industry. But this is not all, for, apart from the great fall in price of the bark, the loss in the way of labour to both young and old is very consider- able. Thus it has been estimated that no less than 1,200 persons used to find employment dur- ing the " barking " season for, at least, two months of each year. Whether the industry will ever be revived is very doubtful, though it is generally admitted that the results obtained by substituting chemicals for the Oak bark in tanning leather are anything but satisfactory. Charcoal-making has proved no more enduring than bark-stripping and is now rarely engaged in. Yet not a century ago the hut of the charcoal burner was a prominent feature of our woodlands, and the finest charcoal was considered to be that produced in some of the old forest-remains of southern and eastern England. The Kentish forests at one time supported many of the fami- liar charcoal burners, and very brawny and thrifty were these denizens of the woodland, with their rustic-wooden huts and piles of rifted firewood. But times are changed. Foreign im- ports have hushed for ever the ring of the axe and the merry laugh of the quaintly-clad charcoal burner. Not so very long ago the cultivation of Osiers for basket-making formed an important occupa- tion in many parts of England and Ireland ; but here again preferential carriage rates, combined with greatly increased labour expenses, over which we have little or no control, have caused this highly-remunerative industry of our fore- fathers to become almost a thing of the past in many parts of the country. The result is that the Osier beds of the Thames and Ouse valleys have almost ceased to exist. French and other Con- tinental Willows have all but ousted the British trade from the market, and, strange as it may seem, it is nevertheless a fact that two brothers engaged in Willow culture, one in the Channel Islands and the other only a short distance from the metropolis, are, by the action of the railway companies, placed on almost the same footing as regards delivery of their produce to the London market. I know of many instances where Osier beds, once well-kept and highly- remunerative, are at the present time mere jungles of almost useless underwood. Faggot-making, too, is no longer a paying in- dustry in this country, for the little bundles of cleft wood and "fire-lighters" of foreign im- portation have, as already stated, all but re- placed our " pimps." The reason for the fast- dying-out of this industry is not far t:> seek when it is explained that, in order to compete with latter-day substitutes, the fire-lighting faggot has to be delivered in the London market at the 196 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, 1909. ruinously low figure of from 2s. 3d. to 2s. 6d. per 100. But this is not all, for, with the decline of the small faggot, the larger or oven faggot, from which the others were made, has sadly decreased in value, and faggots which, even in our own days, brought from 18s. to fully 20s. per 100, are now almost a drug on the market. With the decline of Hop-growing, a blow has been given to the cultivation of Hop- poles which, up to late years, were greatly in demand at almost extravagant prices. Now many of the coppice woods which produced these poles have v>ith the Hop-gardens been grubbed out. Plant-stakes and labels, which once were made from oit home-grown wood, are now sent in neat bundles from abroad, and at such low with a bold front the changes which time has brought about in the way of preferential carriage rates, keen foreign competition, or cheaper Con- tinental labour. A. D. Webster. TREES AND SHRUBS. CUPRESSUS MACROCARPA. I receive so many inquiries from all parts of Britain from enthusiasts respecting this tree, that a few remarks in respect to its adaptability as a hedge-forming plant may be of interest to readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle. I am sure, also, that it would be very helpful if others in different parts of England would give their ex- perience of this tree as a subject for forming a Fig. -KNIPKOFIA MULTIFLORA AS IT FLOWERED IS NOVEMBER LAST IN MR. SMITH'S NURSERY AT NEWRY. rates as to defy competition in this country. Lath-rending, too, which in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and many other English counties was, a few years ago, a thriving and paying home-work, is now almost unknown, owing to the com- paratively small cost at which the foreign ma- terial is placed on our market. This, too, has decreased the sale and consumption of Scotch Fir timber, from which the best class of builders' laths were made. These, however, are only a few of the many industries of British woodlands which have been crippled or quite lost sight of from one or several causes over which we have little or no control ; but it behoves us to meet hedge. My own experience goes to show that there is no other shrub to compare with it, for at all seasons it is of a delightfully refreshing green colour, very close-growing and neat. It has, I believe, an unfortunate habit of dying off after a certain number of years (perhaps someone can state the cause), but if a plant dies the gap can be easily filled up by planting a small tree and at the same time tying down some branches of the adjoining trees. The magnifi- cent hedges in these gardens have been planted about 26 years, and in that time only two or three plants have died. I have not noticed any ill effects from the extraordinary wind storms which are often experienced here. Cupressus macrocarpa would probably suffer from drought if planted in light soil. There is a variety named Lambertiana very like macrocarpa, but somewhat darker in colour and not nearly so close-growing. It is classed as synonymous with C. macrocarpus, but I think there is considerable difference between them. A. J. El gar, Killarney House Gardens, Co. Kerry. GRISELINIA LITTORALIS. To many gardeners this hardy evergreen shrub- may be unknown. Yet it is very handsome. Pro- pagation with cuttings of mature wood can be carried out in the month of August or, with. better results, in December. G. macrophylla is a fine species, with larger and more shining leaves. As this species cannot be rooted from cuttings, it should be grafted on G. littoralis. F. M. KNIPHOFIA MULTIFLORA. This species has several points of interest ; it blooms very late in the season, and it is one of the few species of Kniphofia in which the indi- vidual flowers are elect. It was discovered by Mr. J. M. W. March, growing on the mountains of Natal, at an elevation of 5,000 to 6,000 feet above the sea-level. A plant flowered in the Royal Gardens, Kew, in the Cape House, in November, 1900, and this is the same month as the plants shown in fig. 84 flowered in Mr. T. Smith's nursery at Daisy Hill, Newry, in the open. Kniphofia multiflora is still rare in culti- vation. At the time the plant flowered at Kew we also received a specimen from Mr. W. E. Gumbleton, which had flowered in his garden at Belgrove, Co. Cork. The plant is figured in the Botanical Magazine, tab. 7832. NOTICES OF BOOKS. •The American Apple Orchard. This highly-instructive handbook is intended primarily for the American cultivator of Apples for home and export purposes. The Apple is the most widely-known and prized tree fruit of the temperate zone. The extreme northern and southern agricultural regions are practically out- side the Apple-growing sections ; and even within the Apple-growing country there are great differences in distiibution. The leading States, as shown by the number of Apple trees reported in 1900, were as follow: — Missouri, 20,040,399; New York, 15,054,832; Illinois, 13,430,006; Ohio, 12,952,625; Kansas, 11,848,070; Pennsylvania, 11,774,211; Michigan, 10,927,899; Kentucky, 8,757,238; Indiana, 8,624,593; Virginia, 8,190,025. Some of these States rank above others because of their size. There are several well-recognised Apple-grow- ing sections — the Lake Ontario, the Mississippi Valley, the Allegheny, the Nova Scotia, and the Pacific coast sections. The author insists on porosity in the soil so as to enable the roots to extend downwards to a considerable depth, and, unless this condition be natural, or it can be brought about by the cultivator, the trees suffer from the exigencies of the weather, or are liable to be uprooted by the wind. Moreover, a hard pan at a short depth below the surface prevents the escape of mois- ture, and Apple trees are impatient of a water, logged state of the land, becoming unhealthy and dying out early. As a preventive measure, no- thing is better than deep drainage. Hence a gravelly subsoil is better suited to the Apple than a clayey, impervious soil, if rich plant food be » The American Apple Orchard, by F. A. Waugh. Pub- lished by Orange Judd Company, New York. Crown 8yo. A sketch of the Practice of Apple Growing in North America at the beginning of the 20th Century. Illustrated. Kegam Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., Ltd., London. 5s. net. March 27, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 197 provided. In these matters the author is in agreement with orchardists in our own country. On the eastern slope of the Allegheny Moun- tains, a soil known as Peter's black loam is well adapted for Apple culture. In Western New York, the Miami strong loam is another suitable soil. It is found in great abundance in Wayne county, N.Y., one of the best Apple-growing counties. The Miami silt loam is the chief basis of the Apple-growing district in Clinton county ; whilst, in the famous Clay county, the Marion silt loam is the principal soil developed ; and Norfolk loam and Norfolk silt loam on the Delaware peninsula form the chief soils of the Apple-growing land. In this district Apple cul- ture is coming to be a big and profitable in- dustry. The same kind of soil is good for growing Potatos. Windbreaks are much needed in the United States for protection from cold winds, and in summer for the protection of the maturing fruits. But, although it is doubtful if windbreaks miti- gate low temperatures directly, they offer re- sistance to the wind, and, in that way, reduce the evaporation from the twigs, which is the chief cause of injury in winter. The wind- break does good by holding the snow on the ground, also fallen leaves and litter of all sorts, and it thus prevents severe freezing of the soil. In some parts the windbreaks are of greater use- fulness in the summer than in the winter, as wind waving and unsymmetrical growth of the crown are averted by their use. Some persons object to them on the score of their taking up space which might otherwise be utilised for fruit trees and such windbreaks are apt to harbour insects, predatory birds, and weeds. The author considers that the only situ- ations where they are useful are bare sides of hills, where the land is not protected from the quarter whence the wind mostly comes. A windbreak may consist of coniferous trees or de- ciduous trees which are more rapid in growth, and easier to establish. Advice is given on many subjects, including the starting of an orchard, the raising of a stock of trees, interplanting, and evils of wide planting. Annual plants afford the soil protection against the summer heat. For these crops, Broad Beans, Vetches, Cow Peas, and Clover are in common use, and they are sometimes ploughed in to serve as green manure. * Artificial Manures. There are still some gardeners who are apt to look askance at artificial or mineral manures. When enquiry is made of them why they avoid the use of such fertilisers, it is usually found that they have given them a trial and that the trial has proved the reverse of satisfactory. If the enquiry is pushed still further, it is dis- covered that the trial has been made Without the adequate knowledge of the properties of the sub- stances used or of the dangers attaching to the use of improper quantities. Since, however, there is no room for doubt as to the value of " artificials " when properly em- ployed, either alone or in conjunction with natural manures, it is to be hoped that this little book may fall into the hands of cultivators who desire guidance on the subject of the use of artificials. It is written in an extremely simple and direct manner, under such headings as Artificial Manures and How to Use Them — The Kinds of Artificial Manures : What They Do and When to Apply Them — Artificial Manures for Garden Vegetables, for Fruit Trees and Bushes, and for Flowers. With this useful guide, the gar- dener, if he will follow carefully the advice given, will discover, as, of course, most of his colleagues have already discovered, that artifi- cial manures are indispensable to successful cultivation. * Artificial Manures and How to Use Them in the Garden, Orchard and Allotment, by Professor John Percival, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, Univer- sity College, Reading. Is. Published by tha Author, Northcourt Avenue, Reading. NURSERY NOTES. JAMES CARTER & CO., FOREST HILL. Many who visit this nursery during the winter months might imagine that it was wholly de- voted to the cultivation of Primula sinensis. At this time of the year the majority of the glass, houses are occupied by this greenhouse plant, and, for the time being, at any rate, Primulas are the chief concern of the establishment. This year the stock embraces some 16-17,000 plants grown almost wholly for seed pro- duction. We cannot estimate the number of varieties this large collection represents, but it embraces almost all the best kinds in commerce, including many fine productions raised at Forest Hill. The chief thing that impresses us when inspect- ing such a varied collection is the great and rapid improvement thai !u- t ken place in this tion of " bouquet." The bouquet Primula origi- nated in these nurseries about 10 years ago. It is probably the result of extraordinary vigour. The main axis is short, but the leaf and flower- stalks are stout and the foliage dense and robust. Then there are those known as the " Giant " type, with flowers of relatively enormous size. They are distinct in ap- pearance from any of the others, but are nearest to those known as the ordinary single Primulas, amongst which many of the gems of the race are found. Amidst so much variety in single plants it is not surprising that there are some with double flowers, and these, especially in the stellata breed, are extremely pleasing. In all the semi-double flowers we examined, complete anthers were present and i was plentiful. We were informed that it was not difficult to obtain seeds from any of these double kinds, and it is perhaps remarkable that the varieties breed so true to type, although Fig. 85. — PRIMUL\ "!■::, tss may" from MESSRS. carter's collection. Primula. It is, indeed, a triumph for the florist. As a wildling, Primula sinensis is a plant of no remarkable beauty, but it is little short of marvellous what our cultivators have done with it since the time of its introduction, early in the nineteenth century. Many florists' flowers have been in cultivation for so long that their origin is lost in obscurity, but with the greenhouse Primula we can traee its progress step by step, and almost foresee in what direc- tion further advance is trending. There seems to be no finality in the plant's capability for change, and even in the leaves great diversity exists. But it is in the inflorescence that the most marked differences occur ; in one instance we meet with a lax flower-spike, bearing its blos- soms in tiers, graceful and plume-like, whilst another type buries its flower-spike so low amongst the foliage as to warrant the appella- one house may contain many kinds. Nc inter-crossing appears to obtain in these plants under cultivation, except by the set purpose of the hvbridiser. Each flower is artificially pol- linated by means of a little brush, and this work is one of great importance in a nursery where plants are especially cultivated for seed produc- tion. It is well known that pollen is more readily disseminated when the weather is fine and dry, and, although early plants are the finest, those that open their flowers later always give the largest amount of seed. The first batch is sown about the end of June, but others raised a month later, although they make smaller plants, give much the best results in seed pro- duction. Flowers that are opening now find brighter and drier conditions than those that are in bloom, say, about Christmas time. It is curious in this matter of seed production ]V.S THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, 1909. how the varieties differ. The beautiful Princess May variety (see fig. 85), with its enormous blooms of exquisite pink shade, is an example of a poor seeder. Very large batches of this plant are needed to ensure even a moderate supply of seeds, and so we find large quantities of this choice Primula at Forest Hill. From half the number of plants of such a variety as Holborn Queen, a choice white kind, a larger quantity of seed can be gathered. The capsules remain on the plants until June, when they are gathered, placed in boxes, and thoroughly dried in a warm greenhouse. It is afterwards a simple matter to break the seed vessels, and, after separating the larger portions of the husk by means of a fine sieve, to secure the well-ripened seeds. Seed- formation has been termed the highest effort of a plant, by which is meant that all the energi s of the organism are directed in this end. It certainly has a great effect upon the colour of the flowers, for, as the capsules begin to swell, the tones become much paler, and it is only in the very youngest blooms that the true colour is seen. The plant generally becomes affected by the strain, and loses a great deal of its vigoui in consequence. But this notwithstanding, the Forest Hill plants exhibit first-class cultivation, and although they were all more or less in seed- bearing, they made a fine display, and showed the skill of those responsible for their cul- ture. It is interesting, in view of recent knowledge in plant-breeding to know that by simply selecting and inbreeding, a variety can be " fixed " in a comparatively short time. In some cases the progeny comes true from seed after four or fewer generations, but in others it takes longer. We saw this process of selection in one case, where three plants of a certain batch that showed advance were placed by themselves. They were to be, or had been, pollinated, and it is expected that finer offspring will be obtained from them. We may enumerate a few of the best varieties. Holborn Crested is a flower of a beautiful pink colour, having fimbriated petals and deeply crested foliage. It belongs to the '• giant " race, the beautiful blossoms, notwith- standing the fimbriation, being of perfect form. King Edward is a charming white variety, with very great substance of petal, and producing its flowers in large trusses that are set off by hand- some foliage. The variety named after ti-e Princess of Wales has its flowers flaked with carmine. They are small, but of extremely deli- cate appearance. Elaine is still one of the best of the white kinds ; it is very robust in habit, and bears large, stout trusses of bloom. There are two types, one bearing leaves of the Fern character, whilst the other has the ordinary Palm-shaped foliage. Both stocks breed true from seeds. Orange King shows its colour in the un- opened flowers. The orange shade becomes less marked as the blossoms expand, but even then the tone is pleasing. The flowers are small, but efforts are being made to improve it in this direction, and if this is successful, the variety will demand much attention. Vivid is a double- flowered variety of a magenta tone, very free in blooming, and with tall inflorescences. There is a set named after the colours of the separate varieties, including Holborn Scarlet, Holborn Rose, Holborn Crimson, Holborn Pink, Holborn White, and Holborn Magenta. They are all useful kinds and amongst the most desir- able colours. One of the newest is Ho. born Coral. Among the late-flowering varieties, we may instance Late White, scarcely one of the plants being in bloom so late as April 15. The skill and care which Messrs. Carter have expended in the work of crossing and selecting are amply repaid by the excellent results which have been obtained. A collection of Primula sinensis is among the most interesting of objects, both from a botanical and a horticultural point of view, for it provides the most striking illus- tration imaginable of the variability of a pure species. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C, Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Succulent plants. — All the species of Cacti which, during the winter have been kept dry at the root, are now showing signs of renewed activity, and this is the best time for carrying out any necessary repotting. As these plants thrive and flower best when grown in compara- tively small pots, it is not necessary to repot healthy specimens every year. When it is neces- sary to repot a plant, shake the greater part of the old soil from the roots, examine them care- fully, and cut away any diseased portions. As Cacti are not greatly affected by such pruning, it is advisable to cut well into the healthy part. Good fibrous loam and sand, with plenty of broken brick rubble or limestone, is the most satisfactory compost for most succulent plants. Epiphyllums and Rhipsalis, however, require a little peat or leaf-soil added. Crock the pots well, and pot firmly. Tall plants, and those with weak stems, will require the support of stakes, which should be placed in position as the potting proceeds Any plants which have decayed at their base should have the live por- tions removed and be treated as cuttings. If the diseased part is cut away and the remainder exposed to the air for a couple of days before being inserted in dry, sandy soil, the plant will readily form roots. For the next four months these plants should be watered freely, and syringed twice, or even more frequently, on bright sunny days, to induce them to complete their growth by the beginning of August, thus allowing sufficient time for them to become thoroughly matured before winter. If a light, well-ventilated, and heated house can be de- voted to them, their culture will be compara- tively simple. A small collection grown with mixed plants should be given the sunniest part ot the house — greenhouse or tropical, according to the needs of the different kinds. Stout leather gloves should be worn when handling the prickly species, especially in the case of Opun- tias, which are not so inoffensive as they appear to be. ( 'amellias. — These plants now require a slightly higher temperature and a moist at- mosphere. The plants should be syringed twice daily to cleanse the leaves. When they have finished growing, remove the plants in pots to the open air. Also freely ventilate the house for those planted in beds and borders. Violets in frames. — As the sun gains power the plants should be shaded during the hottest part of the day to preserve the colour of the flowers. This may be done by lightly white- washing the glass of the lights, which, during bright sunshine, should be drawn up and tilted to their utmost capacity. The frames should be ventilated whenever conditions permit. Keep the surface soil well stirred, and remove all runners that appear on the plants. Apply occa- sional waterings with liquid cow manure, and immediately afterwards a light watering with clear water. Stove plants. — To compensate for the in- creased evaporation due to ventilation, the plants should now be syringed more heavily, and the damping down should be done more frequently. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Carnations. — Make preparation for planting out Carnations that have been wintered in frames or under the protection of a south wall. The best soil for Carnations is a good loam rest- ing on a well-drained subsoil. It is advisable to give them a fresh site every season, or, if this is not practicable, to apply a considerable quan- tity of fresh loam, and fork this into the staple. It is assumed that the ground was well trenched last autumn, and some decayed cow manure placed in the trenches ; but if this preparation was not made, it had better be carried out forth- with. Carnations should be planted in the posi- tions where they are to flower at about the end of March. They should be set at distances of about 1 foot each way. If the plants are very pot-bound, it may be necessary to loosen the roots a little by the use of a fine-pointed stick. Every plant should haye its roots in a moist con- dition before it is removed from the pot. In planting, let each be inserted about halt an inch deeper than it was in the pot. Press the soil moderately firm, and scatter a little soot over the soil as a deterrent to slugs. In order to trap wireworms, slice some Carrots, and place these slices at different positions in the soil, ex- amining them from time to time in order to destroy the pests. If sparrows should prove troublesome, either stretch some black cotton round about tke growths of the plants, or pro- tect the whole of them by means of netting. It is necessary for us to net all our Carnations at this season ; but later, when there is more vege- tation, the birds are less troublesome. Giant Ten-week Stocks and Chinese Asters. — Sow seeds of the best varieties of Stocks and Asters thinly in shallow boxes filled with moder- ately light soil. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into other boxes. Such Asters as Ray, Crushed Straw- berry, Azure Blue, Ostrich Plume, and varieties of the Comet type are invaluable. Nemesia. — Sowings should now be made thinly in boxes. The seedlings whilst still small are very liable to damp off, and they must be shaded from strong sunshine. Salvia " Bluebeard." — Sow seeds of this Sal- via, and also of S. " Fireball," these being very valuable for bedding purposes. Lawns and garden paths. — Grass used for tennis lawns, croquet, and bowling greens, or other portions that are subjected to a great deal of traffic, should now be given a liberal dress- ing of the preparation which was recommended in the Gardeners" Chronicle for January 30, or a sprinkling may be made of one of the lawn fer- tilisers obtainable from the trade. In either case, the dressing should be well brushed in, and, after rains, the Grass should be frequently rolled. Sow fresh seeds wherever the Grass ap- pears to be failing, taking care to sow the proper Grasses for the particular purpose the lawn is intended to serve. Garden paths should be given attention as soon as possible, regravelling them or forking them over, rolling them, and attend- ing to the drainage. A garden path should be both useful and of smart appearance ; nothing detracts more from the appearance of the garden than untidy paths. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Deciduous Calanthes. — Take these plants out of their pots, cover the old drainage material with a layer of rough Sphagnum-moss, and after shaking the soil away from the pseudo-bulbs, lay them in an upright position on the moss. In a week or two hence new roots will be seen pushing out from the base of the young growths, when the plants should be repotted. In the meantime, select a sufficient quantity of good turfy loam (free from wireworm), and lay it m a convenient place in order that it may become moderately warm before using. Loam is the principal soil needed for Calanthes, and some cow-dung should be mixed with it. The dung should be collected, spread on a mat or boards, and exposed to the sun until dry. It should afterwards be sifted through sieves of various sizes, finally using one with a very fine mesh. Keep the prepared manure dry until required. Previous to laying the pseudo- bulbs on the moss, cut off the dead roots to about an inch in length. The stumps thus left will be found useful to keep the bulbs steady in the fresh soil till the plants become established Examine the base of each bulb for scale in- sects, and thoroughly cleanse them of these pests by using a stiff brush and suds made of soft soap. When the plants are leady to be re- potted, select clean pots of sizes varying accord- ing to the requirements of the cultivator, as the plants can be grown singly in small pots, or several bulbs may he placed in larger ones. Half fill the pots with clean crocks, and cover these with Sphagnum-moss, or a thin turf of loam, as advised for Thunias last week. The soil should consist of one-half loam, one-fourth cow-dung or well-decayed leaf-soil, and one-fourth finely- chopped Sphagnum-moss, adding some small crocks and coarse silver sand. In potting the plants, shake the soil down till it is moderately firm, filling to within 1^ inches of the rim. Place the pseudo-bulbs on the surface, add more soil, press this firmly on to' the old roots, March 27, 1S09.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 199 burying the base of the bulb about half an inch, and make the surface level. This will leave space for watering, and will also allow for a top-dressing of loam when the plants are about half-way through the growing season. These plants must be given the best and lightest positions if placed in the East Indian house ; but Calanthes may be grown to perfection in the plant stove, Pine pit, or Cucumber houses. Do not water the plants at the roots for two or three weeks after the potting, but damp between the pots twice daily. The soil may after- wards receive an occasional light sprinkling from a fine-rosed can, but much discretion must be exercised, for a wet soil at that stage will cause the tips of the roots and leaves to turn black and decay. When the roots have a firm hold on the sides of the pot, and the plants are in vigorous health, abundance of water should be alternated with weak liquid cow-manure. Strong, direct sunshine should only be permitted to reach the plants when the new pseudo-bulbs begin to form. Deciduous Calanthes may be rapidly increased by removing the old back pseudo-bulbs and inserting them thickly in flower-pots filled with Sphagnum-moss. The best position for them is on a dry shelf near the glass, and the moss should be sprinkled when- ever it appears dry. They will soon commence to grow, and may afterwards be repotted. Calanthe Segnieri. — Late-flowering varieties of this species will now be in bloom. These will also require repotting after the spikes are cut and growth has recommenced. This section of i alanthes is far more serviceable to those who live in the neighbourhood of large towns and smoky districts, as the flowers escape the fogs which are so prevalent at the time when the earlier varieties bloom. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Carrots. — If the varieties sown early in the New Year were quick-maturing sorts, and the plants were partially thinned while still small, they should now be sufficiently developed for use. The rows should be carefully examined as the vegetables are required, thinning the roots at intervals. Successional sowings will need to be partially thinned, as previously advised, as soon as the second leaf is made. Carrots under glass should be syringed twice on bright days, and the lights must be closed early in the after- noon. Occasionally, before watering, apply a dressing of soot and specially-prepared vege- table manures. Frequently stir the soil between the rows. Sowings may now be made out-of- aoors, but before doing this give the soil a thorough surface dressing of wood ashes and soot. Should extra fine roots be required, it will be necessary in most cases to make deep holes, by means of an iron bar. Fill the holes firmly with very fine specially-prepared soil, pre- ferably old potting soil which has done service for pot plants, taking care to add plenty of soot and wood ashes. New Intermediate belo to the St. Valery type is probably one of the finest all-round Intermediate Carrots, and as a short-rooted variety Model is not only an excel- lent sort, but it is well adapted for shallow and hot soils. Beetroot. — Beetroots raised early in frames should be thinned out as soon as they are large enough. It is a capital plan to apply a top- dressing of either finely-sifted leaf-mould or manure from a spent Mushroom-bed. Beetroot should never be overcrowded, and least of all when grown under glass. Another sowing of a Turnip-rooted variety may be made in an unheated frame or on a warm border in the gar- den. Old roots which have been clamped to- gether for the winter, or stored in the root-shed, should now be taken out. Any growths they have made should be rubbed off, and the roots stored thinly in sand or ashes under a north wall, where they will keep sound for many weeks. Seakale Beet. — Seeds of this vegetable, some- times known as Spinach Beet, may be either sown under glass and pricked out on well- prepared ground exposed to sunshine, or sown in drills, 18 inches apart, in the allotted position. The end of March is a good time for sowing the seed thinly in boxes, in gentle heat. Plant out the seedlings after they have made the second leaf and the plants are well hardened. It is also advisable in large establishments to devote a cold frame to forwarding a few plants, allowing the same distance as advised for sow- ing outside, and planting them in about 18 inches of rich soil, which should be made very firm. Cabbages. — These vegetables in many instances have been seriously injured, and no time must be lost in making them good as far as pos- sible. Plants which were put out as reserves and slightly protected will now prove invalu- able. Frequent hoeings wall do much to stimu- late new growth. Make a slight application of manure. » FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Fig trees in pots. — The fruits on the earliest trees which were started into growth in Decem- ber will soon be showing signs of ripening. Make frequent applications of manure water, and, to further assist the trees, apply a liberal top-dressing of well-decomposed cow and horse manure. If it is necessary to hurry the ripening, it will now be safe to have an atmospheric tem- perature of 65° at night ; but the temperature should be allowed to fall several degrees if the night is unusually cold. Spray the trees with rainwater early on fine mornings, and again at closing time in the afternoon. Frequently damp the floor spaces in the house. Stop and regulate the growths so that all the shoots and leaves will I jsed to the light and air. As soon as the fruits have actually commenced to ripen, it will be necessary to omit the use of manure water. At that stage the atmosphere should be kept rather drier than hitherto, discontinuing the syringing, but being careful to keep the roots thoroughly well supplied with water. Fig trees in borders. — Established trees which are growing in shallow and restricted borders need very frequent root waterings, and if these are not afforded with unremitting regularity . there will sure to be some fruits fall from the trees. Trees that are bearing a full crop need liquid manure given them at every alternate watering, and it will be useful to apply a liberal mulching of decomposed horse manure. Give timely attention to stopping the shoots, and thus prevent overcrowding. Cut out any weak, un- fruitful wood which can be spared. Red spider must be prevented or eradicated. The best remedy is to sponge the leaves with a weak solu- tion of soft soap and sulphur. Ventilate the house freely during bright, genial weather, opening those ventilators at the top of the house. Close them early in the afternoon, after spray- ing the trees. season. — The present season has been one of the worst I have known for forcing fruits. The cold weather, with little sunshine, has had a retarding influence, and the crops generally are a few days later than usual. But nothing will be gained by the use of an excessive amount of fire heat, for growth made under such condi- tions is of a most unsatisfactory nature. It will be useful to cover the roof glass with garden mats or tiffany during very cold nights, and re- tain heat in this way. Such crops as Melons, Cucumbers, Pineapples, and Tomatos, being usually cultivated in low houses or pits, may be easily protected in this manner. Discretion in ventilating the houses during the early part of the day, coupled with an endeavour to obtain as much value as possible from sunshine by closing them again early in the afternoon, are the chief means the cultivator has for for- warding his crops. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Propagation of fruit bushes. — Cuttings in- serted in the ground earlier in the season have probably been loosened by the action of frost. It will be necessary to examine them and make the soil quite firm again about each one. Newly-planted trees.- — If stakes were not placed to trees at the time of planting, the latter will le sure to have become somewhat loosened. There- fore, examine every specimen, and fix stakes at once in cases where they are required. Any newly-planted trees that were not pruned immediately after planting must be given attention at once. Do not prune them severely, as they are not likely to make much growth during the first season. Some cul- tivators would not prune them at all this year ; but when this is not done, it is usually neces- sary to prune them severely in the second season in order to obtain the required shape. Apricots. — Do not use nets or any other cover- ing for the protection of the flowers against frost except when circumstances make it im- perative. By overshading, the object in view may easily be defeated, for its effect upon the flowers is to increase their tenderness and ren- der them more susceptible to harm from cold winds or frosts. Figs. — Although the season is so far advanced, it has not been safe in all localities to unitie the bundles of Fig growths that were tied in the autumn as a means of protection. In the earls- part of March as much as 25° of frost have been registered. But the protective material must not be allowed to remain any longer. Its use at any season has a disadvantage, for it renders the shoots more lible to injury from late frosts. If the growth upon established trees are kept well thinned out by frequent pinching, it is possible to get the wood so thoroughly hardened by autumn that it will withstand the frosts of an average winter. I would only protect Fig trees as a last resource, or in localities where experi- ence has proved that such protection is abso- lutely necessary. Trees that have been bundled and matted must still be given some protection on frosty nights. Preparations for grafting. — Make everything necessary for this operation, for, in the event of warmer weather, the sap will rise readily in the stocks. Most growers have their own special mixture of grafting clay, but in cases where it is inconvenient to prepare such clay at home, the French cold-grafting wax sold as " Mastic l'Homme Lefort " may be recommended as a substitute. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J. YV. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Park, London. Boating. — This is one of the most popular pas- times in the London parks during the spring and summer months. The privilege of letting the boats was formerly granted to contractors, but the L.C.C. now has its own boats, and lets them direct to the public. They are, therefore, ob- tainable much cheaper than formerly, and they are better supervised. The hire of a sculling or pair-oared boat is 6d. per hour, and the same charge is made for a canoe. Each boat is only permitted to carry a certain number of persons, varying from one to four. No boat can be re- tained for a longer period than one hour. Both at Battersea and Victoria Parks there are motor launches, each capable of carrying from 40 to 50 persons at a time, who are conducted around the ornamental water at Id. per head. The demand for boats is greatest from April to October, but boats can be hired at any time of the year, unless there is ice on the water. In a busy season, the motor launch at Victoria Park will carry as many as 56,000 per- sons, and, dLring the same period, the small boats, are hired by 40,000 persons, the charge for these latter being 6d. per hour. Very often damage is done to the boats, not necessarily wilfully, but mainly because of inexperience in handling them, and a boatbuilder is constantly employed carrying out necessary repairs. The boats. — The best boats are built of Mahog- any, but some are made of white or Spruce wood. A double or pair-oared skiff, measuring 21 feet by 3 feet, is a very useful craft for this kind of work, and it will carry four persons. Outrigger skiffs, to carry two persons, are 18 feet long and 3 feet wide; whilst the gigs, that carry only one person, are of the same length, but a few inches narrower, being only 2 feet 6 inches in width. Canoes are made of several sizes ; that known as the " Rob Roy " is generally made from 15 feet to 17 feet long. Maintenance of the boats. — The boats, when new, are very highly varnished. They are coated with what is known as boat varnish — a different material to ordinary wood varnish. Even if the boats do not require much in the way of repair at the end of the season, they should be thoroughly cleansed and revarnished. If they are in a very old condition, it is better to paint, grain, and varnish them. The sculls or oars need the leathers on the handles greasing occa- sionally ; and as the blades show wear, they should be protected with slips of .sheet tin, zinc, or copper. 200 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- USHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens o; plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Commtmicaftons should be writthn on onk 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 ; tinted, but kept as a guarantee of good Jaith. 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 responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.- The Editor will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of guldens, or of remarkable plants, (lowers, trees, &c, but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, MARCH 30- Cornwall Daffodil and Spring Fl. Soc. Exh. at Market 1 1. ill, Truro (2 days). Bournemouth Spring Fl. Sh. (2 days). APRIL 2-13— International Horticultural Exhibition at Berlin. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 44-5°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, March 24 (6 P.M.): Mas. 51°; Min. 43". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden. London —Thursday, March 25 (10 a.m.): Bar. 291; Temp. 62°; Weather— Overcast. Provinces.— Wednesday, March 24 (6 p.m.): Max. 50° Bury St. Edmunds, S.E. ; Min. 48° Durham. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY AND FRIDAY - Hardy Border Plants;. Bulbs, and Tubers, at 12 ; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protlieroe & Morris. WEDNESDAY— Herbaceous Plants, Lilies and other Bulbs.at 12 ; Roses, ai 1.30; Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Palms, and Plants, at 5; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. FRIDAY— The collection of established Orchids formed by the late Lord Burton, 500 Cattleya labiata, and an importa- tion of Dendrobium Jamesianum ; at 67 & 68, Cheap- side, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45. The fact that living organ- Tem™reature isms' both Plant and animal> of respire is well known. It is Plants? also well known that the pro- cess of respiration, which may be described roughly as one of oxidation, results not only in the release of energy wh reby the organism does the work of liv- ing, but also in the production of energy in the form of heat. The usual method of demonstrating this production of heat consists of inserting a thermometer into the midst of each of two > of soaked Feas or similar objects, the one heap consisting of dead, the other of living material. When careful precautions are taken against loss of heat by radiation, it is possible to observe that the ther- mometer in the heap of living, respiring si i ' > records one or two degrees of tempera- ture more than that recorded in the control heap of dead, and, therefore, non-respiring seeds. Such a small difference in tempera- ture is not impressive, and, indued, is mis- leading. Professor Peirce, of Stanford University, California, has introduced a new m thod by the aid of which it is possible to den instrate that the amount of heat liberated by germinating seeds, opening flower-buds, or other living objects, is much more con- sid rable than is indicated by the results ob- tained by the old methods of experiment. The essential of the new method consists an the use of the well-known Dewar flask as the vessel in which the respiring object, seed, flower, or other is placed. The Dewar flask, known popularly as the thermo flask, was invented by the distinguished chemist after whom it is named for the purpose of experimentation with liquid air. It consists of two glass flasks, silvered or unsilvered, fused together at the neck, but otherwise separated from one another by a space from which the air.is exhausted. Such an apparatus makes an admirable non-conductor, and it is, of course, on this property of non-conduc- tion that the general use of the thermo flask depends. Hot liquids placed in it retain their heat for many hours ; conversely, and for the same reason, cold liquids remain cold. Using such flasks, Professor Peirce found that, when filled with germinating Peas, a thermometer plunged through a plug of cot- ton wool in the neck of the flask, and so brought into contact with the Peas, regis- tered at the beginning of the experiment lf° C. On the following day the temperature registered was 19° C. in the morning and 230 C. in the evening. During subsequent days it rose steadily and reached a maximum of 560 C. (= 1320 F.), or many degrees above fever-heat, on the eighth day. In the con- trol-experiment, which consisted in placing dead Peas in a similar flask under like condi- tions, the temperature showed no rise at all during the eight days. Another series of experiments made inde- pendently by Profi ssor Molisch confirm these remarkable results. Professor Molisch used large quantities — from 6 to 10 lbs. — of living leaves, and, taking precautions to prevent loss of heat by radiation, found that the tem- perature within the mass of leaves rose very rapidly and extraordinarily. In the course of 12 to 15 hours the temperature of a mass of Pyrus mains leaves rose to 5o'J C. (13S0 F.); Hornbeam to 51. 50 C, Lime to 50. 8° C, and so on. The leaves of other plants, e.g., evergreens such as Ivy and Conifers like Abies excelsa gave less striking results. As in Professor Pence's experiments, so here there is no question of Ihe heal having been produced bv fermentation set up by micro- organisms. Indeed, Professor Molisch found that if the experiment was stopped before the highest temperatures were reached, the leaves were alive and fresh. When the experi- ment was continued after the highest tempe- ratures had been attained, the thermometers recorded at first a gradual fall of tempera- ture and a subsequent and second rise due to the respiratory activity of fungi and other micro-organisms. He interprets the fall of temperature which takes place after about 15 hours as being due to the death of the leaves, and concludes that the leaves of such plants as Apple and Horn- beam actually kill themselves by the high tem- perature set up by their respiratory activity. In the overcrowded and insulated situations in which the leaves find themselves they die of fever. Professor Molisch himself points out that these high temperatures set up by masses of cut leaves are not altogether normal, and are, in fact, to be ascribed in part to " wound- fever." As has been shown by various ob- serv rs, wounded plants, for example, cut Potato tubers, devi i ip, as a response to the stimulus of wounding, a " wound-fever." Shortly af:er the operation a cut Potato, re- spiring more actively, develops more heat than it would have developed had it remained intact. Just as in animals and man himself wounding may be followed by fever, so it may be in plants. Nevertheless, these high temperatures set up in masses of leaves are by no means due altogether to "wound-fever," for cut-off branches with intact leaves show a similar though smaller rise of temperature. It will be recognised that no such temperatures a', those here recorded would be developed in a plant under normal conditions, for the heat would be dissipated both by radiation and con- duction. Nevertheless, these facts are of great practical and theoretical interest : of practical interest in showing that large masses of grain, tubers, roots, &c, closely packed, may readily suffer from overheat- ing ; of theoretical interest in indicating that high, local temperatures may be de- veloped in the plant. Now, many of the nor- mal chemical operations which the plant carries out are operations which proceed more swiftly at a higher than at a lower tempera- ture. These experiments of Molisch and Peirce indicate that a transitory, local heat- ing up of the plant may take place as the result of its increased respiration, and that, in consequence of the higher temperature, the rate of many vital processes may be ac- celerated. Acanthus montanus.— This tropical species of Acanthus is not often seen in gardens in this country, vet its decorative valve entitles it to a place in the stove. The plant has a double attraction, for not only is the inflores- cence stately, but the foliage is also of a highly decorative character. The bracteoles are veined with light purple, causing the flowers to appear of that colour, although the species is sometimes described as rose- coloured. The three-lobed lip of the corolla is perfectly white. In our sketch (fig. 86) by Mr. Worthington Smith, ths leaf is given in outline only, and does not show the beautiful marbling of yellow and green on the lamina. The leaves arise close together, and spread themselves quite horizontally, giving a somewhat stiff ap- pearance, which is further accentuated by tht spinescent character of the plar. .. The in- florescence is drawn in our sketch to a natural size from a plant exhibited by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, at the meeting of the Royal Hor- ticultural Society, December 22 last, when the Floral Committee conferred on the plant a First- class Certificate. The whole character of the plant, in common with other Acanthaceous species, is spiny. Surrey Education Committee. — Mr. A. E. Burgess, for several years lecturer in gardening to the Hertfordshire County Council, has be;n appointed inspector of school gardens under the Surrey Education Committee. The post became vacant by the resignation of Mr. John Wright, V.M.H., who felt himself unable to continue the duties. During the past three years Mr. Horace J. Wright has carried out the work on behalf of his father, and the Education Com- mittee recently offered him the permanent in- spectorship, but other engagements prevented him from giving his whole time to the post. Prior to his appointment in Hertfordshire, Mr. Burgess was head gardener and assistant in- structor under the Essex County Council, and also conducted classes in nature study and in horticulture for teachers. There will be this year in Surrey some 106 blocks of school gardens and 2,000 lads receiving garden instruction. March 27, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 201 Linnean Society. — A meeting of Fellows will be held on Thursday, April 1, at 8 p.m., when the following paper, amongst others, will be read: — "Results of Breeding Experiments with Peas, showing Mendelian Phenomena," by Mr. A. D. Darbishire. English Visitors to the Berlin Show. — The following gentlemen have accepted invi- tations to act as jurymen at the International horticultural exhibition at Berlin: — Messrs. Stuart II. Low, George Paul, Harry J. Veitch, S. T. Wright, Louis Sander, and R. Hooper Pearson. The Council of the Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday last deputed Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., V.M.H., D.Sc, and Mr. Harry J. Veitch, V.M.H., to represent the Society on the invi- tation of the organising body to send two delegates. The members of the jury will meet on Thursday, April 1, at nine o'clock a.m., and the show will be open to the public from April 2 to April 13. *A Book on Hardy Flowers. — M. Philippe de VtLMORlN has recently edited a new edition of T.cs Fleurs de Phine Tcrre. It is a com- prehensive and instructive volume, containing nearly 1,400 pages, and illustrated with 1,800 small woodcuts, beside several full-paged plates in colour. The French landscape gar- dener, M. Ed. Andre, supplies several garden plans in colour. We note that at the outset some attention is paid to the raising of seeds and to the various methods of raising flowering plants for outdoor cul- ture. Every flower named is enumerated in alphabetical order, and the author under each separate heading deals with the etymology, the habitat, synonyms, culture, &c, of the plant in question. Throughout this portion there are many cross references that will help the reader in any research he may be engaged upon. The second part of the volume contains many tabu- lated and selected lists for various purposes. There are comprehensive lists of plants classed according to their nature and use. The rock- garden receives attention, and there are several views in M. VlLMORIN'S own lock-garden at Verrieres. A glossary of botanical and horti- cultural terms is given, and the names of flowers in several of the European languages find a place in the closing pages of the book. In the calendar of seed-raising and planting the period of flowering of each plant is added, and in another calendar the flowers are arranged in lists month by month, according to the flowering season of each. The classification of flowers according to colo-ir is useful, as is also the examples of planting beds and borders for obtaining a succession of bloom from June to autumn. Deep Tillage in the Kitchen Garden. The discussion upon this subject which has taken place recently in these pages, and which we propose to bring to a close in the present issue, has arisen from differences in respect to methods rather than to any lack of apprecia- tion of the advantages to be obtained by trench- ing. These advantages have been described again and again in these columns, and no ex- perienced gardener would think of questioning them for one moment. Mr. Beckett aims at efficiency and, having considerable re- sources at his command, he regards labour and expense of quite secondary importance. He knows perfectly well that the roots of most vegetables, the tap-rooted ones especially, are capable of growing very deeply into the soil ; therefore, he knows that the sooner the bulk of soil can be brought into an equal condition « Les fleurs de plrine tcrre, by Vilmorin, Andrieux et Cie., Pans. of fertility, we will say 2 or even 3 feet deep, the sooner he will have a perfect root medium for his crops. In this he is right, and most of our readers who have joined in the discussion are well aware that the results of the deep tilling practised in the Aldenham House gardens are unexcelled. How long the process of converting the deeper soil to a fer- tile condition is to last in a particular garden must depend upon circumstances. If a poor FlG. 86. — ACANTHUS MONTANUS, A STOVE FLOWERING PLANT. (See p. 200.,i 202 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, 1909. subsoil can be broub.it to the surface and made fertile by the action of the weather and by the adding of suitable materials in one year, so much the better, but if circumstances are not favourable the process must be continued for several years. In cases, for instance, where the area of ground available for cultivation is very limited, or where labour is scarce, it may be necessary to proceed slowly, but it has not been shown that in the interval it is possible to cultivate vegetables of the same quality as those Mr. Beckett habitually exhibits. The "Wood" Fond (seep. 171).— Mr. George Monro sends us the following list of additional contributions on behalf of Mr. W. Wood, Dart- ford Heath, who recently sustained great loss to his plant houses owing to a heavy fall of snow: — The total amount published on p. 171 was £56 2s. The following amounts have been given or promised since : — Sams, W., £1 Is.; Wright, F., £2 2s.; Rochford, E., £5; Gray, H. P., £1 Is.; Rochford, John, £5 5s. ; Ryder, E., £1 Is. ; Humphrey, W. E., 10s. 6d. ; Monro, Geo., Junr., £1 Is. ; Wills, E., 10s. 6d. ; Kingsmill, Andrew, 10s. ; Cypher, James, & Sons, £1 Is. ; Veitch, James, & Son, £5 5s. ; Mott, E. C., £2 2s. ; Aquatias, Paul, 2s. ; Howard, Henry, 2s. 6d. ; Clark, G. & A., 10s. 6d. ; Watkins, A., £1 ; Barter, J. F., £1 Is. ; total £85 8s. We are glad to record the generous way in which Mr. Monro's appeal on behalf of Mr. W. Wood is being met, and hope that those sympathisers who have not yet sent subscriptions will do so without delay. Publications Received. — The Agricultural Journal of the Cape of Good Hope. (February.) (Cape Town : Cape Times, Ltd. Price 6d.) — Clay's Successful Gardening. (Fourth edition). By Professional, Amateur, and Market Growers. 'T-ondon : Clay & Son, Stratford). Price 9d. net. liock, Wall, and Water Gardens. (Colchester : K. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Gardens).— New Zealand Department of Agriculture. (Dairy Division.) Bulletin No. 11 : Review of the work of the 1907-8 season, by W. M. Singleton, Acting Dairy Commissioner. (Wellington : John MacKay, Government Printer). — New Zealand Depart- ment of Agriculture. (Dairy Division.) Bulletin No. 12 : New Zealand dairy produce on the British market : with notes on dairying in Great Britain, Denmark, and Canada, by D. Cuddie, Dairy Commissioner. (Wellington : John Mac- Kay, Government Printer). — New Zealand De- partment of Agriculture. (Veterinary Division.) Bulletin No. 13 : Bovine Contagious Mammitis, by J. A. Gilruth. (Wellington : John MacKay, Govern- ment Printer). — New Zealand Department of Agriculture's Annual Report for 1908. (Wel- lington : John MacKay, Government Printer.) — The Journal of the Board of Agriculture. (March). Containing information on Narcissus cultivation, planting of fruit trees, varieties of Pears, notes on insect, fungus, and other pests, etc. (London : Board of Agriculture and Fisheries). Price id. — Trees and Shrubs of the British Isles, Native and Acclimatised. By C. S. Cooper, and W. Percival Westell, F.L S. Part II. (London : J. M. Dent & Co., 29 & 30, Bedford Street, W.C.). Price Is. net— Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. (Agricultural Statis- tics 1908). Vol. XLIII., Part II. Returns of Produce of Crops in Great Britain, with summaries for the United Kingdom. (London: Wyman & Sons, Ltd.. Fetter Lane, E.C.). Price 4}d.— The Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund Twenty- first Annual Report and List of Subscribers, 1909. (London: Milton House, 35, Surrey Street, Strand, W.C.).— The Book of the Cottage Garden. By Charles Thonger. (London : John Lane, The Bodley Head). Price 2s. 6d. net. — Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies. Report on the Experiment Station, Tortola, Virgin Islands. (Barbados : The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies). Price 3d. — List of Herbaceous Perennials Tested in the Arboretum and Botanic Garden Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Canada. With descriptions of flowers and other notes. By W. T. Macoun. Bulletin No. 5 : Second Series. (Ottawa: Government Printing Bureau). — Purdue University Agricultural Ex- periment Station. Bulletin No. 131 : Vol. XIV. Concentrated commercial feeding stuffs. (U.S.A. : Lafayette, Indiana). — "Lloyd's " Gardening Book. Edited by William Earley. (London: Edward Lloyd, Ltd., 12, Salisbury Square, E.C.) Price 3d. net. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. SWEET PEA "HENRY ECKFORD." As the Rev. D. R. Williamson said on p. 177, this flower has great beauty, but it requires shading from hot sunshine in order to colour perfectly. Its colour is a rich salmon, exqui- site in texture and finish. There is a Spencer (waved) counterpart of " Henry Eckford " in ex- istence, although it has not yet been put on the market for sale. It has two names, " Nancy Perkins," under which it received the Award of Merit of the National Sweet Pea Society, and " Earl Spencer," the name under which it has been well shown by Mr. Cole, gardener to Earl Spencer. Among Sweet Pea enthusiasts this Spencer form of " Henry Eckford " is much talked about. It is expected to be purchase- able in the autumn of this year, but few growers have any large quantity of it, and the demand is expected to exceed the supply. A nice point is available, it is best to sow the seeds in boxes or pots, and transplant them early in April. If there is no frame, the seeds may be sown in deep boxes about half filled with soil, using a sheet of glass over the top and taking care to admit plenty of air during the day. By this method the plants are preserved from birds and slugs whilst very young. If lard buckets are used, one or two plants are enough in each. After planting care must be fallen never to allow them to become dry. An occasional dressing of artificial manure will be of great benefit, for the tubs soon become filled with roots. The manure can be used in a dry state, and sprinkled on the soil, or it may be well stirred into water. Some varieties are more adapted than others for tub culture. Among the best for this purpose are Etta Dyke (white), Yellow Hammer (primrose), Queen Alexandra (scarlet), Geo. Herbert (rose), Frank Dolby (lavender), Chrissie Unwin (cerise), and Countess of Northbrook !pale pink). Never let a seed pod form, or the plants will soon cease to bloom, but if the flowers are cut before going to seed it is possible to keep the plants in flower from June until October. Should the plants get too high, take the tops out. This will cause the side shoots to flower more freely. The best stakes are formed of dark bamboo canes, which can be bought of FlG. 87. — A TUKF-CUTT1NG MACHINE. arises — Are " Nancy Perkins " and " Earl Spencer" the same? For all practical purposes the}' are, and no doubt they will be bracketed by the National Sweet Pea Society as like varieties. The reduction of the list of names is a consummation much to be desired. Will the National Sweet Pea Society ever take its courage in both hands and decide to recog- nise only one name for synonymous varieties, or, as it prefers to term them, " too much alike varieties " ? Only when it does this will the list be reduced. Correspondent. SWEET PEAS IN TUBS. In some town gardens it may be necessary to grow Sweet Peas in tubs. Oil barrels cut in half and painted green will last for years. If these are too large, a lard bucket, painted, will answer the purpose well enough. Holes should be drilled in the bottom, and a good layer of crocks or rough cinders should be put at the base for drainage. On this put a layer of rotted manure, then nearly fill the tub with some good soil, bonemeal and manure. The soil should be made moderately firm by ramming. If oil barrels are used, put in each barrel 10 or a dozen seeds, but thin the plants out to five when all danger of losing them is past. Five plants will give better results and more blossoms than if 12 were left. If a cool frame horticultural sundriesmen. Place one or two stakes to each plant, then twine some green twine from one to the other. The tendrils will cling to this, and, with just an occasional tie, the plants will always look neat and tidy. Sweet Peas in tubs can also be used for covering a trellis or wall, provided something is put for them to cling to. For a small garden I do not think there is a better way to grow Sweet Peas than this. Geo. Herbert. A TURF-GUTTING MACHINE. The turf-cutting machine shown in fig. 87 has been in use for some years past in Messrs. Stannig's garden and grounds near Preston. In Cuerden Hall Gardens we have stripped 1J acres of turf in 30 hours. There was barely a yard of sward without a clump of rushes, but that made no difference to the working of the machine. But it is of little use if the ground contains many stones ; on one occasion the blade came in contact with a large stone, and the man guiding the handles was lifted nearly two feet off the ground. Fortunately this only happened a few times. Two horses are required to draw the machine, also a man to guide the handles and another to lead the horses. The pace is about equal to March 27, 1909] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 203 that of slow ploughing. There are circular knives, one on either side of the back roller, and they are 12 inches apart. These determine the width of the turves. They can be regulated to cut to any depth, and the knife or plate under- neath cuts the sward far more evenly than does an ordinary hand-worked turf-cutter. The turves may be left in their places on the ground until required for removal. We have another useful implement to cut the turves the desired length. Guided by a line, the operator pushes the cutter before him at a moderate speed. The blade can also be regulated to the desired depth. In this dis- trict turves are cut to a width of 1 foot, but only about 16 inches in length, which allows them tu be placed in their new position with forks. The objection to this smaller size is that there are many apertures requiring to be filled with fine soil. Wm. P. Roberts, Cuerdin Hall Gardens, Preston. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible /or the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) The Fruit Classes at the R.H.S. Meetings.— When I s^w the Booh of Arrange- ments for 1909, I thought that one reason for discontinuing the autumn fruit show was in order to have classes at the usual fortnightly meetings that would serve to bring before the public such varieties of fruit as could scarcely be shown at their best in September or October. But, like your correspondent D., in your issue of March 13, I am greatly disappointed that prizes were awarded to varieties like Cox's Orange Pippin and King of the Pippins when exhibited in February. Although such varieties can be kept in good condition till late spring (I have had Cox's Orange Pippin good in May), it does not follow that, with the great majority of growers, this would be the case. The rule that an exhibitor may not exhibit in two classes, differing only in the number of dishes, prevents him from showing in both the collections and single-dish classes, and, there- fore, the classes are not so well filled as they might be. Pomona. D., p. 163, appears to be a little hurt because the exhibits of late Apples at the R.H.S. meeting on February 23 and the judgment on them were not in ac- cordance with his own views. The class, as scheduled, made no reference to varieties, but left the choice entirely with the exhibitors. If the class had been one for Grapes, instead of Apples, are we to assume that well-preserved bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, Madresfield Court, &c, would have been inadmissible? D. gives the varieties exhibited by the trade firms, and says that rot one of these sombre-looking fruits were to be seen in the amateurs' prize col- lections. I agree with D. that February is early for an exhibition of late Apples, and, as D. savs, April would be more suitable, when the qualities could then be better judged. The Fruit and Vegetable Committee sits fortnightly, and if D. or any other person cares to exhibit at these meetings in April good dishes of any of the late varieties of Apples, they will not be overlooked, but awarded recognition according to their worth. Double D. Narcissi for Forcing. — At the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society held on March 9 the Narcissus Committee awarded Certificates of Commendation to two Narcissi for their value as forcing varieties. A Narcissus that will re- spond to early forcing is very valuable, but there is such a wide difference be- tween the variety that is destined chieflv for a " show " flower and one that ranks as a market flower. In view of the fact that the Daffodil had for two months prior to March 9 been a leading feature in the flower markets, whilst the large number of varieties exhibited at this exhibition were also forced, that date does not appear to be a particularly suitable one on which to decide the forcing value of any variety. Adaptability to forcing, and in particular "early forcing," is a splendid quality in a Narcissus, particularly if the flower is of a desirable tone. E. V. Jenkins. Trenching (see also p. 201). — The discussion on this question is, from my point of view, interesting. I can hardly hope or expect to convince those who are known to be strongly opposed to the system I have recommended. Mr. A. Shakleton enquires how the first crops fared after the work had been ac- complished. My answer is, quite satisfactorily. In following my system, a certain amount of trouble is necessary during the first season or two after trenching, but, having once accom- plished this, the difficulty is overcome. Many can bear witness as to the crops obtained here during the first year after the work has been carried out. I am glad Mr. Shakelton and I are at one as to the value of a deep tillage of the soil ; the great differ- ence seems to be as to the method in producing it. My contention is that the sooner this can be achieved the better, but few gardeners are in a position, even if they wished, to deep-trench the whole of their kitchen garden in one season. Mr. G. H. Jenkins is not far wrong when he states that some persons appear to have a dislike bordering on dread when they see clay soil on the surface, forgetting how soon this may be br mght to good use, and that what is so frequently termed inert soil is too often left below to remain as such. In answer to /. S., I have had a great many kinds of soil to deal with, but never one such as he describes, where the subsoil is so bad that even weeds cannot exist in it. My advice is, take extreme measures and trench the whole of it to the depth I recommend, and do the best to alter the character of such soil as quickly as possible. If Mr. E. Simms is under the impres- sion that I recommend bringing unkindly subsoil to the surface only to those who have excep- tional facilities for carrying out the work he is mistaken. I am of opinion that the more in- ferior the subsoil the greater need is there for deep trenching and taking drastic measures for bringing this to the surface, where it can be more conveniently dealt with both by the aid of the weather and by adding suitable ingredients. I can assure Mr. Simms that he has not misunder- stood me and that my advice was not given sub- ject to reservation. E. Becketl. ; 1 agree with Mr. Beckett's mode of trenching when cultivation has been long pur- sued and when the subsoil has become disinte- grated and decomposed by the roofs of plants, &c. ; but I do not believe in burying the top- spit and replacing it by a crude subsoil, as this system would result in the loss of years of profitable cropping. In our garden the subsoil is impregnated with salts of iron, which, when brought to the surface, are detrimental to the growth of vegetation. Bastard-trenching may be recommended with advantage on such land, and in another year, when the subsoil has had plenty of manure, &c, incorporated with it, the ground may be trenched. I am inclined to think that a person who advocates bringing subsoil to the surface, no matter what its condition, has not had much practice in breaking up land. It is one thing to break up new land and quite another to trench a garden that has been cultivated for a century and a half. Few gar- deners have the spare labour to trench to a depth of 3 feet, but good crops can be grown on land that has been manured and bastard- trenched. G. II. TI. W., North Hants. 1 am pleased to read the testimony of Mr. Beckett (p. 7(jj as to the value of bring- ing to the surface the bottom layer of soil when land is trenched. On taking charge of these gardens, 10 years ago, I found the surface soil was only 9 inches in depth, the subsoil being a very stiff clay. In my first year the land was well dug, receiving at the same time a good diessing of London manure, but with very poor results. I therefore resolved to adopt Mr. Beckett's advice on trenching. I selected two plots to start with. I had them dug three spits deep, and the bottom layer was brought to the top. Having plenty of manure at my disposal, the trenches were filled with dung that had been exposed to the influence of the weather through- out the winter. In the spring the land re- ceived a liberal top-dressing of wood ashes, with soot and lime added, and these materials were lightly forked in. The crops planted on this land were Peas, Scarlet Runners, Broad Beans, and Winter Greens. The results were excel- lent in the first year. I made drills for the Pe;>s and Beans with a spade and covered the seeds with old potting soil. The Peas grew 2 fe< t above the average height and yielded splendi 1 crops. The other crops were equally successful. I have now completed the trenching of the whole of the garden, with the best results. It ap- pears to me that Mr. Beckett's critics are in- fluenced by theory and not by practice. Tlws. Pateman, Node Gardens, Welwyn. [This corre- spondence must now cease. — Eds.] The Training of Fruit Trees on Walls. — The remarks by B., p. 149, relative to the old- time method of training fruit trees on walls are interesting. The note by E. M. on the subject, p. 172, is of too sweeping a character, if not wholly inaccurate, as applied to professional gardeners. During a long experience in repre- sentative gardens in England, Ireland, and Scot- land, I have never once come across such ex- amples of training fruit trees on walls as de- scribed by E. M. in gardens presided over by duly-qualified gardeners. The shoots of the Peach and Morello Cherry should be trained at 4 inches apart on the prescribed wall space allowed to each tree, and should radiate at the same angle from the centre on either side. The Peach, Nectarine, and Morello Cherry need the same methods of pruning and training. They onlv require the shoots to be thinned out a little and shortened, those of the Peach and Nectarine to a wood-bud. Strong, leading shoots should be cut out where they can be dis- pensed with in order to ensure an equal distri- bution of the shoots over the space allotted to each tree on the wall. These trees require more time and skill to train them properly than any other kind of fruit tree, including Apricot, Pear, and Plum. The pruning and training of the Morello Cherry should be proceeded with as soon as the leaves drop ; but January is quite soon enough to prune and trim Peaches and Nec- tarines. I always cut out as many of the old branches of Fig trees in May as there are shoots of the previous year's growth to take their place. By so deferring the pruning of these trees the wounds bleed very little, if at all, be- cause the sap is drawn to the leaves. The writer has had charge of gardens for over a quarter of a century, in which there is nearly a mile of walls devoted to fruit trees. Nearly 30fj yards of these walls, from 9 to 12 feet high, are devoted to Peach and Nectarine trees, more than 150 yards to Morello Cherries, and nearly as much space to Fig trees. Four men were en- gaged in nailing and training fruit trees from November to February, at which date the head nailer (after the Figs were attended to) took charge of the trees for the remainder of the sum- mer and early autumn months. //. W. IV. Polvstichum aculeatum gracillimum Drueryi. — From Mr. Druery's courteous re- joinder (see p. 188) to my note, two facts become evident. First, that his notions of nomenclature are somewhat hazy, as he states that two out of the four names are specific, whereas the first is, of course, generic, and the second only specific. The next in order (third, which is really varie- tal) he states " is descriptive, and distinguishes the Fern clearly from the one of the same sec- tion previously certificated." But how can such vague terms as " pulcherrimum " and " gracillimum " be considered descriptive and distinctive? On Mr. Druery's own showing (p. 981, the true distinction of P. a. pulcherrimum is in " the terminal pinnules of the frond," being " deeply serrate, forming a sort of fringe." A truly descriptive and distinctive name, there- fore, would have been " serratissimum " or " fimbriatum." It is interesting to learn that the fourth was originally intended to indicate the authority for the name, but was included through an accident, and it was not thought worth while to correct the error. (Shades of Linne and his binomial system !) Second, that Mr. Druery's statements are not intended to be taken too literally, for, although he avers that " it is not stated that they (the seedlings) re- verted to another allied species, but that they had a strong resemblance to it," a reference to p. 98 will make it clear that he did state " but several reverted to an extremely near approach to . . . P. angnlare, a closely-allied species." As to the R.H.S. finding difficulty in enforcing the regulations of the Vienna ( ode of Botanical Nomenclature upon the varieties of plants sub- mitted for awards, there is no need for attempting 204 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, 1909. this in the case of "fancy names'' ; but where scientific names are concerned, it should not be beyond the wits of the R.H.S. Committees to follow these regulations, seeing that the whole of them (English edition) are contained in 23 pages 8vo., and it should, moreover, be borne in mind before anything that names, once pub- lished, are not the exclusive property of those " in the cult," but belong to the far wider, general, scientific public. Tyro. Market Gardening in France. — At a time when the French system of intensive culture is being much talked of in this country, the fol- lowing extracts from an article in a recent issue of La Triium Horticoh maybe of interest:—" In the majority of the 'regions maraicheres,' especially in the environments of Namur, the forcing of vegetables on hot-beds is not profit- able, and the growers are unanimous in acknow- ledging it. The culture of vegetables on hot-beds entails considerable labour, and is costly; the grower cannot always procure as much manure as is necessary, and often he has to pay a very high price for it. Fermentation is not always uniform, and cannot be regulated ; it is never durable enough for subjects of slow growth For these it is necessary to remake the beds, and even then growth is often checked for several weeks. Further, the fermentation of the manure creates excessive moisture, which does not easily evapoiate, seeing that one cannot venti- late regularly during dull weather ; the result is an abnormal vegetation, with tissues gorged with water. Early vegetables can be produced more easily and more economically from structures heated by hot water than by culture on hot-beds." W. Anion, Brougham Gardens, Penrith. The Wonderberry. — Another American creation, this time a cousin to the Potato and the Tomato, but more remarkable than either; more even than the Pomato from the same source! Two Solanums, namely, S. guineense and S. villosum, were taken, juggled with, and out came a miracle, the "Wonderberry." It will grow anywhere in any soil, except rich; it will fruit as no other plant can ; and its fruits are just the thing for tarts and jam. A few seeds in a small packet, bearing on one side a portrait of this marvel, and on the other the cultural instructions— " Sow early under glass like Tomatos, and transplant to garden at the proper time." Nothing simpler. An enthusias- tic friend sent me a packet, and told me not to worry over Black Currant mite or Gooseberry- mildew any more, but to grow Wonderberry and make my family happy. The seeds looked ordin- ary and the given origin excited curiosity, so I proceeded to look up the history of the two re- puted parents. They proved to be nothing other than forms of S. nigrum, a weed in every coun- try* ; therefore, the Wonderberry is S. nigrum also. The seeds, on careful comparison, proved it beyond doubt. Then I remembered that this same story had been round in another form about two years ago, but the name given then was Huckle- berry, instead of Wonderberry, and it came from a Toronto nurseryman — " Easily grown, quite hardy, matured from seeds in five months, black fruits, no stones, nothing to equal it for pies, jams, sauces, and canning, insect-proof, and frost improved the flavour." We grew some plants of it from seeds obtained from Toronto, and they turned out to be simply Nightshade — S. nigrum. What does it all mean? Every intel- ligent child shuns the fruits of this weed of waste land and manure heaps, the poisonous properties of which are undoubted. Children who have eaten the fruit have died soon after from its effects, which are very distressing — vomiting, colic, convulsions, &c. Mr. X. E. Brown informs me, however, that in some coun- tries the fruits of Solanurn nigrum are not only innocuous, but they are actually eaten, and on consulting various books I found several re- cords to that effect. A Russian chemist who had investigated the question as to the berries being poisonous in some countries and harmless in others concluded that the difference was not due to any difference in the plants, but to varia- tions in the climatic conditions under which the fruits were grown, the narcotic principle being either undeveloped or finally dispelled •In the Index Ktwensis these two names stand for dis- tinct species, but herbarium specimens show them to be merely forms of S. nigrum. under the influence of certain conditions, of which heat and light were prc-bably the most important. It is, therefore, quite possible that the Nightshade is poisonous in Great Britain and harmless in America. After all, are we so hard up for fruit as to be forced to turn to one of our most pestiferous weeds, which is also known to be a deadly poison, because we are advised to do this by some seedsmen in America? W. W. Euphorbia pulcherrima (see p. 156).— We have cultivated plants in these gardens that have measured 18 inches across the bracts and well formed in every respect. The usual size, as E. H. J. remarks, is 10 to 12 inches. The cuttings from which these plants were propagated were taken the third week in May from rested plants in pots of the previous year's flowering. They were made with a heel of the old wood and inserted in thumb-pots in a propagating frame. When rooted, they were potted several times, the last shift being to 7-inch pots. The plants were placed in a cool house during the summer months, but when the weather became colder they were shifted to an intermediate house. When the bracts ap- peared they were put into a still warmer house, where the temperature was 70 ', but they were returned to the intermediate house when the bracts had fully developed. Care in watering is one of the chief items in tie successful cultiva- tion of these plants ; when dry at the roots they soon lose their bottom leaves. Some culti- vators keep their plants in a heated structure all through the growing season, but this is a mis- take. Moschosma riparium is an excellent com- panion plant for E. pulcherrima in decorative work. The white blooms of the * form an excellent background to bracts of the Euphorbia. T. A. Park, Edgware. Moschosma the scarlet C, Canons The New Grape Bottle (see p. 175).— As the idea for this bottle was conceived by myself I may, perhaps, be allowed to reply to the criticism passed upon it by members of the Fruit and Vegetable Committee as stated by D. in last week's issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle? Absorption takes place only from the end of the stem inserted in the water ; therefore, there is no advantage in having a greater length of stem in the bottle than is provided for. If the end of the stem were to rest on the bottom of the bottle this would hinder absorption. Although a small length of stem only is provided for by the curved neck of bottle, the bunch may be cut with the same length of stem attached as formerly. This will allow for pieces being cut off periodically in the case of long-keeping Grapes, but with this advantage — instead of being inserted in the bottle right up to the bunch, the Grapes will stand well clear of the neck, and thereby prevent all risk of the berries being rubbed or bruised by contact. But care will be necessary to prevent the bottle overbalancing. The advantages I claim for this bottle are:— (1) The bottle can be filled with water either before or after the bunch of Grapes is placed in it without the slightest fear of spilling any water among the berries. (2) Either a short-stemmed or long-stemmed bunch can be preserved with equal success. (3) Any ordinary flat shelf or stand can be utibsed for the purpose of sup- 1 nil ting the bottle. W. Bullock, Copped Hall Gardens, Epping. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Makch 23. — Another successful meeting was held in the Society's Hall, Vincent Square, on Tuesday last. It was very similar to the pre- ceding exhibition, there being a splendid array of bulbous and other hardy flowering plants, forced shrubs, Carnations, Orchids, Azaleas, Ferns, Cyclamen, Cinerarias, and other green- house plants. The Floral Committee granted one First-class Certificate and five Awards of Merit; the Orchid Committee conferred three Awards of Merit. The Fruit and Vegetable Committee had little brought to its notice, and made no award to a novelty. At the three o'clock meeting a lecture on " Rock-gardens : Natural and Artificial" was delivered by Mr. R. Lloyd Praeger. floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. George Paul, W. J. James, E. H. Jen- kins, W. Cuthbertson, Chas. E. Shea, C. E. Pearson, Charles Dixon, Arthur Turner, W. Bain, C. Blick, H. J. Cutbush, W. Howe, J. F. McLeod, C. R. Fielder, R. Hooper Pearson, W. J. Bean, R. C. Notcutt, J. R. Green, and R. C. Reginald Nevill. Messrs. Wji. Cutbush & Son, Highgat;, Lon- don, N., exhibited large collections of forced trees and shrubs, Alpine and rock-gar- den plants and perpetual-blooming Carna- tions. Prunus triloba, Laburnum, Azaleas, Camellias, Viburnum Opulus, Magnolias, and similar subjects made an effective display of blooms. The rock-garden exhibit was presented in a pleasing style, and planted with a wealth of spring bulbous and other plants. Sanguin- aria canadensis and Ranunculus amplexicaulis are both interesting. In the former the flower is held, as with a stake, by the leaf which clasps its lamina around the peduncle. (Silver Flora Medal.) Scented-leaved Pelargoniums in variety were shown by Messrs. Heath & Son, Cheltenham. P. multibracteatum is a valuable greenhouse climber. The same firm showed a Carnation raised from Souvenir de la Malmaison, crossed with a tree variety ; it is named after the Hon. Lady Audley Neeld. Messrs. Paul & Son, the Old Nurseries, Ches. hunt, contributed a group of considerable size of varieties of Lilacs propagated and cultivated ' in this country, in no point showing inferiority to those from the Continent. We observed among the varieties Souvenir de L. Thihaut (massive in spike and large in regard to the in- dividual blooms), Comtesse de Choiseul, Leon Simon, Souvenir de Louis Spath (of a dark lilac tint), and Marechal de Bassompierre (a variety having a very large and massive spike). Messrs. Paul also showed standard plants of Calceo- laria Burbidgei, a shrubby hardwooded species, bearing its large yellow blooms in lax clusters. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Richmond, Surrey, showed a large floor group of hardy Azalea Anthony Koster (a well-known variety), Lilacs in pots, and Weigela Eva Rathke, the group having a row of tall Palms at the back. He also showed on an adjacent table some handsome Bertolonias with finely- developed leaves, and Cordylines (Dracaenas) having well-col juied foliage. (Silver Flora Medal.) An assortment of greenhouse flowers was ex- hibited by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea. A bold display of colour was^ furnished by numerous plants of Indian Azaleas that were literally smothered with flowers ; there were also various species of Citrus in bloom, a batch of brilliant Anthu- riums, blue-flowered Hydrangeas intermixed with Camellia reticulata (a pleasing combina- tion), Boronias, Streptosolen Jamesonii, &c. As a separate group, Messrs. Veitch exhibited plants of hardy Rhododendrons, including Ascot Brilliant (having abundant trusses of bloom of a rosy-scarlet colour), the beautiful Pink Pearl (splendidly flowered), and R. mirabile (a variety with rosy-crimson flowers developed in large trusses). (Silver-gilt Flora Medal. | Messrs. R. & G. Cuthbert, Southgate Nur- series, Southgate, London, exhibited well- bloomed specimens of Azalea 'inensis. The plants were excellent little specimens, well fur- nished with flowers in a variety of colours. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. H. Cannei.i. & Sons, Swanley, Kent, made a fine show with Begonia Saturne, for which an Award of Merit was granted, a row of B. nitida alba odorata being arranged at the back. (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, filled a large table with Cinerarias of the Cactus-flowering type. The plants were admirable specimens, compact, dwarf, and each with a large, broad inflorescence. The assortment of colours was wide. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May & SONS, The Nurseries, Edmonton, showed a miscellaneous group, in- cluding Cinsrarias, scented-leived Pelargoniums, March 27, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 205 dwarf Roses, Azaleas, and an assortment of choice Ferns, including many crested, plumose, and other forms of hardy species. (Siher Flora Medal.) Mr. W. P. Horton, Seaford, Sussex, made a show of ordinary greenhouse plants. The St. George's Nursery Co., Harlington, Middlesex, contnbuted a striking display of Cy- clamens. Especially fine were the varieties Princess of Wales and Princess May. The variety Brilliant is one of the darkest crimson- coloured Cyclamens. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, Somersetshire, showed Cinerarias of the Stellata-Cactus strain, tall and of straggling habit. In view of the exhibition held by the Perpetual- Flowering Carnation Society on the following day, several specialists in this flower made at- tractive exhibits. Messrs. Hugh Low iV. Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, put up a similar dis- play to the one they arranged last year, having a round, open kiosk arranged very prettily with Carnations in vases and relieved with greenery. Baskets were suspended from the roof portions, and at intervals arose pillars crowned and entwined with blooms. The same firm also showed species of Acacia, Genista ele- gans, Grevillea alpina, Boronias, Chorizema ilicifolium, and other greenhouse plants. (Silver- gilt Flora Medal.) Mr. F. Burnett, Guernsey, made a very beau- tiful exhibit with Carnations, having very large and excellently-coloured blooms of all the best kinds. Particularly good were Enchantress, Mrs. H. Burnett (pink), Britannia (scarlet), White Perfection, and Aurora (buff yellow flaked with red). (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Carnations were shown in large numbers by Mr. YV. H. Page, Tangley Nurseries, Hampton, in his customary manner, along with Lilies. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Mr. Lancashire, Guernsey, made a striking feature with the variety Rose Dore, a bloom of regular form, 3 inches in diameter, with the edges of the florets deeply dentate. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. C. B. Brooks >y. Co., Worting, Bas- ingstoke, shi iwed flowers of varieties of Primula sinensis, amongst which were many very fine kinds. We were especially impressed with the large, white Queen Alexandra, Brilliant King (a fine shade of crimsonl, and Orange King varieties. Messrs. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., Tenby Street, Birmingham, again showed the value of fibre for cultivating bulbous plants in vases without drainage material. Messrs. Carter, Page iV: Co., 52, London Wall, E.C., showed rut blooms of Violas in great variety under names. Mr. Geo. Reuthe, Keston, Kent, again showed varieties of rare and interesting shrubs, including species of Rhododendron, together ■with hardy flowers and spring bulbs, of which Irises and Crocuses were a feature. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C., also showed spring flowers, including Anemones, Hepaticas, Irises, Helleborus orientalis, of which were seen some with spotted flowers ; Fritillaria citrina, Saxi- fraga burseriana, Crocuses Harlequin and Blue Celeste, two excellent varieties ; Iris Krelagii, with claret-purple flowers, and Rosmarinus offi- cinalis prostrata. Several trade firms displayed rock-gardens ar- ranged with seasonable flowers. A very large exhibit of this type was shown by Messrs. Jos. Cheat. & SONS, Crawley, Sussex. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Baker's, Wolverhampton, also showed an exhibit of this kind in which were seen Sarracenia purpurea in flower, the interest- ing Sanguinaria canadensis, and some well- bloomed Primulas, P. denticulata being pro- minent. Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, Middle- sex, set up a rock-garden, and planted it with dwarf Conifers, Alpine plants, Crocus, Chiono- doxa, Thymus of species, &c, and showed like- wise new and old varieties of Primula obconica. (Silver Flora Medal.) Miss Alice Smith, The Bungalow, Barnham, Bognor, showed hardy flowering plants in trays filled with soil and masked with real bark. We noted a rich, crimson-coloured, double-flowered Primrose named Mme. Pompadour. Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Nurserymen, Dover, illustrated on the floor how an amateur could produce effects by a combination of flower beds and borders with rockwork and cocoanut fibre refuse. Messrs. J. Peed & Son, The Nurseries, West Norwood, London, S.E., showed succulents in variety growing in small pots, Primulas of various hardy species, Lachenalias, &c. This firm likewise exhibited a collection of cut blooms of perpetual-flowering Carnations. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Lord Clarendon, Watford (gr. Mr. C. Harris) showed blooms of Violet La France of large size and great length of flower stalk. The Misses Hopkins, Mere Gardens, Shep- perton-on-Thames, arranged Alpine flowers in a temporised rock-garden, a feature being coloured Primroses. (Bronze Banksian Medal.) Varieties of Clivia miniata were shown by Messrs. John Laing & Sons, Forest Hill, London, intermixed with fine-leaved Aralias, Chlorophytum, Ficus radicans varie- gata, Cocos Palms and Ferns. The best of the Clivias was the variety Charming, rather larger and better coloured than the type. Messrs. Wm. Bull & Sons, King's Road, Chel- sea, showed a few Hippeastrums set off by Dracaenas, Aralia triloba, A. Veitchii, Eugenia myriophyllum, Codiaeums, and other stove foli- age plants. AWARDS. Begonia Saturnc. — A very dwarf-grown, fibrous-rooted Begonia, with bright-green leaves, tall, stout flower-stalks and pale-pink flowers. The plants are exceedingly free bloomers. " Saturne " is probably a variety of B. hydrocotylifolia, a well-known Mexican species. Shown by Messrs. Cannell & Sons. (Award of Merit.) Carnation Rose Dore. — A very large coloured tree Carnation, with fringed florets. The blooms are not sweet-scented, but they have the advantage that they do not split the calyx. Shown by Mr. W. H. Lancashire, Guernsey. (Award of Merit.) Cineraria stellata. — Messrs. Sutton & SONS exhibited a group of dwarf plants of the stellate type of Cineraria. The plants were of dwarf habit, and they had magnificent heads of large flowers, in which the segments were rolled, giv- ing them an appearance that is termed Cactus- like. An Award of Merit was deservedly awarded the strain. . us Sieberi versicolor. — A very brightly- coloured variety of this species. The three outer segments are feathered with purple on white, almost as occurs in Tulips. The three inner segments are white, but the in- terior base of the flowers is yellow and the stig. mata deep orange. Shown by Mr. G. Reuthe. (Award of Merit.) Pteris aauilina congesta. — A plumose variety of the common Bracken, growing about 1 foot or 14 inches high. The pinnules are more than usually developed, and the fronds therefore have a congested appearance. Shown by Messrs. H. B. May & Sons. (First-class Certificate.) Rose Rhea Reid. — This is a hybrid Tea Rose of soft rose colour with a slight purple tint in it. The blooms have plenty of substance, but, as forced, they have no perfume. The variety has a free-growing habit, and blooms freely. Shown by Mr. G. W. Piper, Uckfield Nurseries. Sussex. (Award of Merit. i Narcissus Committee. Present: H. B. May, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. A. R. Goodwin, G. H. Engleheart, W. T. Ware, E. M. Crosfield, Charles T. Digby, J. T. Bennett-Poe, F. Herbert Chapman, Joseph Jacob, Wm. Poupart, R. Sydenham, W. Gold- ring, P. R. Barr, G. Reuthe, A. Kingsmill, R. W. Wallace, Christopher Bourne, G. W. Leak, James Walker, and Charles H. Curtis (hon. secretary). Messrs. Cartwright & Goodwin, Kiddermin- ster, staged a collection of Narcissus. The group was arranged in the shape of a crescent, the flowers being excellent examples. Among the more notable varieties were Evangeline, a chaste and beautiful creamy-white flower with lemon-coloured cup ; Seagull ; Blood Orange, with a fiery-coloured crown ; Fairy Queen, a variety of Leedsii group ; the bold and beautiful Weardale Perfection, Victoria, Gloire de Leiden, Mrs. H. J. Veitch (a fine yellow Ajax), Sala- mander, of the Engleheartii set, with fine, spreading crowns, and Queen Sophia that re- sembles a pale form of the well-known variety Will Scarlett. The peerless Mme. de Graaff anil the drooping Johnstonii Queen of Spain were also shown in excellent condition. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wisbech, dis- played a large collection of Narcissus and Tulips grown in ornamental bowls in moss- fibre and shell. This was one of the finest exhibits of the kind we have seen. Some of the larger bowls were furnished with two or three dozen handsome flowers. Notable kinds were Sir Watkin and Emperor. Neither the stature of the plants nor the size of the flowers had in the least suffered by this system of culture, and, indeed, this remark applies to the entire collection. The Daffodils included Weardale Perfection, Gloire de Leiden, Gloria Mundi, and Victoria, together with varieties of the Poeticus type. Of Tulips we noted Brutus, Joost van Vandel, Vermilion Brilliant, Duchesse de Parma and Prince of Austria. (Silver I Medal.) Messrs. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., Birming- ham, also displayed a variety of bulbous plants grown in moss-fibre. They included Narcissi Glitter, Victoria, Queen of Spain, Mrs. Thomp- son, Odorus rugulosus obvallaris, C. J. Back- house and others. Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, W.C., displayed a group in which we noticed Mis. Moorland Crosfield (a very fine bi-color), Admiral Togo, Admiral Makaroff, Janet Image, Hamlet, a fine yellow Ajax, Barri conspicua, Duke of Bedford, and Firebrand. The last- named variety has a brilliantly-coloured cup. Messrs. Barr also staged a very excellent col- li i of Darwin Tulips in many of the leading varieties. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Orchid Committee. Present: J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. secre- tary), Harry J. Veitch, de B. Crawshav, 11. Little, YV. Boxall, F. J. Hanbury, J. Forster Alcock, Stuart Low, F. Sander, J. Charleswcrth, VY. II. Hatcher, J. Cypher, A. Dye, H. G. Alexander, W. P. Bound, H. A. Tracv, G Wilson, J. Wilson Potter, \\7. Bolto'n, F. M. Ogilvie, R. G. Thwaites, and A. A. McBean. Colonel G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O.,\Yes- tonbirt, Tetbury (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), showed remarkable examples of fine cultivation in a grand specimen of Cymbidium Lowio- eburneum " YY'estonbirt variety, " with 19 flower- spikes bearing altogether 91 flowers, and a still larger plant ■ of C. eburneo-Lowianum with 32 spikes of 155 flowers, the largest spike having seven blooms. A Cultural Commendation was given to the gardener, Mr. II. G. Alexander. iSiher Flora Medal.) Colonel FIolfori showed Laelio-Cattleya Tarquinius (L.-C. calli-- toglossa X C. Schilleriana), a very brightly- coloured hybrid ; Cattleya Triana? Empress of India, a clear white flower with bluish-mauve front to the lip; Lslio-Cattleya Tigris (L. Cowanii X L.-C. Dominiana), and other fine hybrids. Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbridge, were awarded a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a group rich in Odontoglossums, which they cultivate so well. The numerous forms of O. crispum were of the finest type, and included some magni- ficent white varieties ; also a selection of hand- somely-spotted forms. One seedling out of O. c. Franz Masereel was exceptionally beautiful, and showed well the markings of that deep violet- purple tint for which the parent is noted. Another variety was an improvement on the handsome O. c. Lady Jane, and with similar red lines on the sepals and petals. O. Ruckerianum Pitt's variety, O. Pescatorei, O. Hallii, and other Odontoglossums were also included in the display, the effect of the tall spikes of violet- coloured O. Edwardii being very striking. Vari- ous Dendrobiums gave further variety of col- ouring. H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, YY'est Hill, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), was awarded a 206 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, 1909. Silver Flora Medal for an attractive group of Odontoglossums, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, &c. With them were Laslia Jongheana "Nellie Blanche.'' a fine, clear, white flower having orange-coloured ridges on the lip. We also noticed a variety of Odontioda Goodsoniae hav- ing a uniformly red flower ; Odontoglossum crispum Mrs. Humphrey, O. c. Ernest Henry, white blotched with violet-purple ; Cattleya Schroderas The Prince, &c. Messrs. Chaklesworth & Co., Haywards Heath, staged a group containing Phalaenopsis Lady Rothschild (intermedia X Sanderi- ana), a pretty white flower delicately tinged and marked with rose; four fine speci- mens of the fragrant white Angraecum modes- turn, with long, drooping racemes; Ccelo- gyne Sanderae, a pretty and rare species ; Brasso - Cattleya Digbyano - Schroderae Brad- shavvise, with clear, white flowers; a plant of Selenipedium caudatum Lindenii, bearing six of the curious, pouchless flowers ; Maxillaria praestans, Laelio-Cattleya Hypatia, and other Laelio-Cattleyas ; Odontoglossum Thompsoma- num Charlesworth's variety (crispum X Edwardii), by far the best yet shown of this cross; the finely-formed, claret-purple flowers are tipped with blush- white. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. MOORE, Ltd., Rawdon, Leeds, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for an attractive group, in which were some pretty hybrid Den- drobiums. Very choice was D. Austin, a large and richlv-coloured flower, and an advance on the true D. nobile nobilius. D. Donnesiae re- sembles a verv dwarf and stout form of D. Jamesianum, but with pure white flowers as large as D. formosum. Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, se- cured a Silver Flora Medal for an effective and well-arranged group of well-flowered Den- drobiums, having in the centre of the display fine forms of Cattleya Schrodera?, C. Tnanae, and one plant of C. Mendelii, together with Brasso-Cattleyas and Odontoglossums. There were also examples of Cymbidium insigne, Sophronitis, Epiphronitis Veitchii, the singular feather-lipped Bulbophyllum tremulum, and the rare Notylia bipartita. Messrs. Sander & SONS, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group in which were many plants of botanical interest, including Erica monostachya, Aerides-like _ in growth, and with an upright spike of whitish flowers'; also Eria densiflora with drooping racemes of white flowers. We also noticed the yellow-flowered fragrant Polystachya pubescens, Hexadesmia fasciculata withbunchesof greenish blooms, and Selenipedium caudatum Lindenii |TTropedium Lindenii). The showier examples included Dendrcbium crassinode and its rare variety album, and Cymbidium Schroderianum. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. secured a Silver Banksian Medal for a group in which were noted Cymbidium Holfordianum, C. insigne, some showy scarlet Sophronitis, the dark violet Bollea ccekstis, Odontoglossum cordatum Low's variety, and a selection of Cypripediums and Dendrobiums. The rare Bulbophyllum minia- tuin, with an erect spike of dark flowers with white feather-like lip, was interesting. Mr. A. W. Jensen, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a select group containing his fine type of Odontoglossum crispum and Cattleya Schroderae. Monsieur Mektens, Mont St. Amand, Ghent, secured a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of hybrid Odontoglossums. This exhibitor dis- played two plants of the clear white Cattleya Suzanne Hye de Crom. Mrs. Haywood, Woodhatch, Reigate (gr. Mr. H. G. Bassett), showed two hybrid Den- drobiums Mrs. Temple, Leyswood, Groombridge (gr. Mr. Bristow), exhibited two light-coloured varie. ties of Lycaste Skinneri. J. Forster Alcock, Esq., Northchurch, sent a distinct hybrid Cypripedium (? bellatulum X javanicum) with greenish ground colour spotted with dark purple. De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks, (gr. Mr. Stables), sent a handsome form of Odontoglossum Lambeauianum. Messrs. A. J. Keeling & Sons, Bradford, sent a good Odontoglossum nebulosum and samples of glass tubes for storing Orchid pollen. AWARDS. Awards of Merit. Brasso-Catlleya Digbyano Mendelii perfecta, from Colonel G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander). — A superb flower, with all the segments well displayed, and espe- cially the broad, fringed lip. The ground colour is silver-white with a delicate blush-pink tint ; the disc of the lip is Cowslip yellow. Dendrobium Schneiderianum Westonbirt variety (aareum X Findiayanum), from Colonel G. L. Holford. — This beautiful and fragrant hybrid has the fine form and size of D. Findlayanum, whereas the greater number of those previously shown have had the narrower segments of D. aureum. The flowers are white, with rose tips to all the segments, the disc of the labellum being deep orange colour. Sophro-Lalio-Cattleya Olive (S.-L. Psyche X C. Enid), from ]. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebe- lands, South Woodford (gr. Mr. J. Davis). — A desirable acquisition, with flowers of good size and of a deep reddish-mauve colour with gold markings on the lip. The erect inflorescence bore three flowers. Mr. Fowler showed for comparison the bright-red Sophro-Laelia Psyche (L. cinnabarina x S. gTandiflora), which, with Cattleya Enid (Warscewiczii x Mossiae), pro- duced S.-L.-C. Olive. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: George Bunyard, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. Geo. Woodward, Alex. Dean, Ch. O. Walter, H. Parr, E. Beckett, A. R. Allan, J. Davis, Geo. Reynolds, J. Jacques, C. Foster, H. Somers Rivers, and C. G. A. Nix. Mr. John Garland, Broadclyst, Exeter, showed a large,, well-coloured fruit of Uve- dale's St. Germain Pear and fruits of Apple Star of Devon. Miss C. M. Dixon, who carries on, in con- junction with other ladies, a market-garden at Elmcroft, Chichester, showed 14 pots of Straw- berry Royal Sovereign, with ripe and ripening fruits. (Bronze Banksian Medal.) Mr. John Poupart, Rainham, Essex, showed fine samples of Rhubarbs Linnaeus, Champagne and Victoria ; selected Seakale and Mortlake Giant Asparagus. The vegetables were of good quality and such as would command the highest prices in the market. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Forced Vegetables The competition for forced vegetables was only represented by one exhibit, although prizes were offered in three classes. In the class for six kinds, open to amateur exhibitors, the 1st prize was awarded to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Alden- ham House, Elstree, Herts, (gr. Mr. Ed. Beckett). The varieties were the Sutton Rhubarb with stalks 3 feet in length, of a rosy-red colour ; Christmas Salad Chicory, compact, strong plants fully blanched ; Twentieth Century Mushrooms ; Selected Canadian Wonder French Beans, the pods measuring 6-7 inches in length ; Perfection Asparagus ; and well-blanched heads of a pink- tipped Seakale. THE LECTURE. A meeting of the Fellows took place- in the lecture-room at three o'clock, when Mr. R. Lloyd Praeger delivered an address on " Rock-gardens : Natural and Artificial." The lecture was illus- trated by many lantern slides. These showed well-known rock plants in their native habitats, the mind of the audience being taken from the Alps to the Pyrenees, and thence to the arctic regions. Numerous illustrations were given of natural rockeries, especially some on the west coast of Ireland. Two or three pic- tures evidenced the astonishing force exercised by the wind on trees and hedges in that wild and exposed district. The most beautiful pic- tures, however, were those of some cultivated rockeries, and specially that in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. The lecturer, in his concluding remarks, dealt with the formation of rockeries, and some outline sketches on the sheet enabled the audience to follow him readily. Mr. Praeger pointed out how essential it is that the rains should penetrate deep into the crevices between the rocks. PERPETUAL-FLOWERING CARNATION. March 24. — This increasingly popular Society held its sixth show at the Royal Horticultural Society's Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, on the above date. The larger proportion of the exhibits was contributed by amateurs, but trade firms furnished some groups. The exhibits on this occasion were decidedly of higher quality than at previous shows. The blooms seem to have gained in size, form, and shades of colour. For exhibiting the blooms very tall glasses were almost universally requisitioned. An important class was that for a group of not fewer than 12 varieties arranged on a table 10 feet by 3 feet. The use of any kind of foliage for decorative purposes was allowed. There was only one exhibit, this being staged by Mr. Hayward Mathias, Medstead, Hants., who showed Mrs. Lawson, White Perfection, Mrs. H. Burnett, Britannia (one of the best and freshest in the show), Gladwys (a smooth-petalled bloom of perfect form, dark crimson in tone, and hav- ing petals not too much crowded), Winsor (in fine form), Enchantress, Rose Enchantress, White Lawson and Robert Craig. (Gold Medal.) A challenge cup was offered by the American Carnation Society for three vases containing novelties in Carnations sent out by American firms during 1906, 1907 and 1908. There was a good competition. The cup was awarded to Messrs. Bell & Sheldon, Guernsey, for the varieties Winsor, Afterglow and Aristocrat, the last-mentioned being especially good ; 2nd, Mr. A. F. Dutton, The Nurseries, Iver, Bucks., who had the varieties Victory (of bright scarlet colour and deeply dentated edges to the petals), Afterglow and Winsor ; 3rd, Mr. C. Engelmann, Saffron Walden, Essex, -who exhibited White Enchantress in good form. Colour Classes. These formed the most important part of the exhibition. Classes were provided for varieties of ceitain colours, and in each case there was a class for 36 blooms and another for 18 blooms. White. — The best exhibit of 36 blooms was shown by Mr. W. H. Lancashire, Victoria Vineries, Guernsey ; 2nd, The Newport Car- nation Nurseries, Newport, Essex. In the smaller class for 18 blooms Messrs. Bell & Sheldon won the 1st prize with Lady Bounti- ful ; 2nd, Mr. C Engelmann with White Per- fection. Blush. — Mr. W. H. Lancashire, Guernsey, won the 1st prize in the larger class with grand blooms of the variety Enchantress. For 18 blooms of any blush variety Mr. C. Engelmann was placed 1st with Enchantress. Light fink, rose or salmon. — Messrs. Bell & Sheldon, Guernsey, were awarded the 1st prize in the class for 36 blooms having very bright and fresh-looking blooms of Winsor ; 2nd, Mr. W. H. Lancashire with Mrs. W. It. Burnett. The best 18 blooms of these colours were shown by Mr. A. F. Dutton, Iver, his variety being Rose Pink Enchantress ; 2nd, Mr. C. Engelmann with Welcome, a flower of a pleas- ing tint. Deep pink or cerise. — For 36 blooms Mr. W. H. Lancashire was placed 1st for large and full blooms of Mrs. T. W. Lawson. The best 18 blooms were exhibited by Messrs. Bell & Sheldon, who showed Afterglow. Crimson (36 blooms). — 1st, Mr. C. Engelmann, with the new variety Carola, of a deep tint, fair substance, and with serrated petals ; 2nd, Mr. W. H. Lancashire, with President, the flowers being smaller and less full than some others. For 18 blooms of a crimson variety, Messrs. Bell & Sheldon were awarded the 1st prize. They showed fine blooms of President. Scarlet. — The 1st prize in the larger class was won by The Newport Carnation Nurseries. Newport, Essex, with Victory, the blooms being not large but britht and of fresh appear- ance. 2nd, Mr. W. H. Lancashire, with fine, perfect blooms of Robert Craig. For 18 blooms of a scarlet variety, Messrs. Bell & Sheldon won the premier prize with Britannia ; 2nd, Mr. D. M. Collins, Swanley, with the same variety. Any other colour A class was provided for 36 blooms of any other colour or " fancy " than March 27, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 207 those named. 1st, Mr. C. Engelmann, with Jessica, a scarlet flaked flower of large size. For 18 blooms of any other colour or " fancy,"' The Newport Carnation Nurseries, Essex, were placed 1st with Jessica; 2nd, Mr. A. F. Di i rONj with Imperial, a scarlet flaked flower. For 12 blooms of any variety not in commerce, 1-t, Mr. C. Engblmann, with Carola. Lord Howard de Walden won the 1st prize in the class for three blooms of a white variety with White Enchantress. 2nd, Sir Randolph Baker, with the variety Sarah Hill. For three blooms, light pink, rose, or salmon, again Lord Howard de Walden was 1st, with fine blooms of Mrs. Burnett; 2nd, H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent, with the same. The last-named exhibitor, whose gardener is Mr. J. G. Weston, was 1st for three blooms of a deep pink or cerise variety. Decorative Classes. One vase of a decorative variety. — 1st, Messrs. Bell & Sheldon, with a pink variety, set off by Asparagus sprays; 2nd, Mr. D. M. Collins, Swanley, who used a " Malmaison " variety. A basket of market Carnations. — 1st, E. J. Johnstone, Esq. (gr. Mr. Paskett), Groom- bridge, a simple neglige arrangement of grand modern varieties in scarlet, white, crimson and pink set off by Asparagus growths. A bouquet of Carnations. — 1st, Messrs. R. F. Felton & Son, Hanover Square, with a com- position of mauve-coloured ribbon, pink Carna- tions, and Asparagus. It was a bouquet to be observed from one side only; 2nd, Messrs. Bell &' Sheldon, with blooms of Mrs. Burnett, Asparagus trails, and blue ribbon. Three ladies' sprays. — 1st, Sir Randolf B \ker, Bart. (gr. Mr. 'Usher), Blandford, with pale pink, blush, and white Carnations and Asparagus. There was considerable competition for six Carnation buttonholes, and the 1st prize fell to Sir Randolf Baker, Bart. Groups and Plants. The most important class was for a group of plants arranged on a semi-circular space mea- •iii in- 25 square feet. Small Ferns or other plants were allowed as groundwork. The 1st prize was a challenge cup offered by Lord Howard de Walden. The trophy is to be held by the winner until again competed for, and a replica of the cud becomes the winner's pro- perty. The en y competitor was C. F. Raphael, Esq. (gr. Mr. A. Grubb), Shenley, Herts. The plants were shown in excellent condition, and staged in first-class manner. The group was awarded the 1st prize. We noticed a fine seed- ling ''Malmaison" of a cerise tint. Others of extra merit were Mrs. Burnett, Enchantress, and Britannia. Lord Howard de Walden, Saffron Walden (gr. Mr. J. Vert), was the only exhibitor in the classes for six plants in six varieties, and three plants in three varieties respectively. In each case he was awarded the 1st prize. Trade Exhibits. A group of Carnations was staged by Mr. H. Burnett, Guernsey. The group contained blooms of the best varieties, all admirably grown and well displayed. (Gold Medal). Messrs. W. (ii hush & Son, Highgate and Barnet, ex. hibited Carnations extensively, and received the award of a Silver Medal. Messrs. 11. Low & Co., Bush Hill Park Nur- series, Enfield, made a capital display of cut blooms of Carnations in tall glasses, jars of earthenware, and metal bowls, in great variety, and showing good cultivation. The plants and cut blooms were arranged in a kind of circular temple. We observed a new Carnation, named Black Chief — a very free-flowering variety, and the colour that of the Old Clove. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Mr. C. Engelmann, The Nurseries, Saffron Walden, made a very large display with cut blooms of Carnations. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Heath & Son, Nurserymen, Chelten- ham, showed a perpetual-flowering variety named Hon. Lady Audley Neeld, a cross from a variety of Souvenir de la Malmaison with an ordinary perpetual-flowering variety. Mr. W. H. Page showed Carnations and other plants. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Messrs J. Teed & Son, West Norwood, made a small exhibit of Carna- tions. (Silver Medal.) M ARKETS. CCVENT GARDEN, March 24. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined repous. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 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 occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.] Cut Flowers. &c. Acacia (Mini' isa), p.doz. bunches Anemone fulgens, p. dz. bunches — double pink, p. dozen bunches Azalea, per dozen bunches Bouvardia, per dz. bunches Calla aethiopica, p. dozen Camellias, per dozen Carnations, per dozen blooms, best American various — second size ... — smaller, per doz. bunches Cattleyas, per doz. blooms ... 12 Cypripediums, per dozen blooms.. 1 Daffodils, per doz. bunches ... 4 Dendrobium nobile, per dozen ... 2 Eucnans graudi- fiora, per doz. blooms 2 Freesias (white), p. doz. bunches... 2 Gardenias, per doz. blooms 3 Hyacinths (Roman) per doz. bchs. 9 — Dutch 6 Lilac (English), white, p. bunch 2 — mauve 8 — (French), mauve 4 Lilium auratum, per bunch ... 2 — longiflorum ... 4 — lane i f ol iuin, rubrum ... 2 — album 2 Lily of the Valley, p. dz. bunches 9 — extra quality .. s.d. s.d. 9 0-12 0 16-26 0-5 0 0-8 0 16-20 : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Marguerites, p. dz. bunches white and yellow ... 3 0-40 Mignonette, p er dozen bunches 4 0-60 Myosotis, per doz. bunches ... 3 0-40 Narcissus, Paper- wlnte, per dz. bunches ... 16-20 — Gloriosa ... 1 6- 2 0 — ornatus ... 2 6-36 il d'Or ... 2 0-26 O don to glossum crispum, per dozen blooms 2 0-26 Pelargonium s, show, per doz. bunches ... 6 0-80 — Zonal, double scarlet 6 0-90 Ranunculus, per dz. bunches ... 8 0-10 0 Roses, 12 blooms, Niphetos ... 2 6-36 — Bridesmaid ... 2 6-40 — C. Testout ... 3 0-60 — K a i s e r i n A. Victoria ... 2 0-40 — C.Mermet ... 2 0-40 — Liberty ... 4 0-60 — Mme.Chatenay 5 0-90 — Richmond ... 5 0-90 — The bride ... 3 0-40 — UlrichBi miner 6 0-80 Snowdrops, per dz. buuehes ... 16-20 Spiraea, per dozen bunches 5 0-80 Stocks, double white, per doz. bunches ... 2 6-36 Tuberoses, per dz. blooms ... 0 3-04 per 9 0-12 0 0-15 0 6-2 6 0-7 0 6-3 0 6-3 6 6-30 0-12 0 0-10 0 6-3 6 0-4 0 0-5 0 12 0-3 0 0-5 0 0-3 0 6-3 0 0-10 0 0-15 0 — on stems, bunch ... Tulips, per dozen bunches, single — best double varieties Violets, per dozen bunches 0 9-13 6 0-10 0 12 0 21 0 16-30 Parmas.p.bch. 3 0-40 Gut Foliage, &c: Average Wholesale Prices. Adiantum cunea- lum, dz. bchs. Agrostis, per doz. bunches Asparagus plu- niosus, long trails, DM di i/. — — medm.,bcli. — Sprengeri Berberis, per doz. bunches Croton leaves, per bunch Cycas leaves, each Daffodil foliage, p. doz. bunches... Ferns, per dozen bchs. (English) — (French) Plants in Pots Ampelopsis Veit- chii, per dozen Aralia Sieboldii, p. dozen — larger speci- mens — Moseri Araucaria excelsa, per dozen — large plants, each Aspidistras, p. dz., green — variegated Asparagus, plumo- sus nanus, per dozen — Sprengeri — t en u issimus Azaleas (Indian), p. dozen Begonia Gloire de Lorraine.p.dz. Bor o n i a mega- stigma, per doz. Cinerarias, per dz. Cleoiatis, per doz. s.d. s.d. 6 0-90 16-20 S 0-12 0 10-20 0 9-16 10-13 16-20 s.d. 2 0- 1 0- 2 0- 2 0- 0 0- Galax leaves, per dozen bunches Hardy foliage (various), per dozen bunches Honesty (Lunaria) per bunch Ivy-leaves, bronze — long trails per bundle — short green, perdz. bunches Moss, per gross ... Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English ) small-leaved ... — French Ruscus racemosus, fi. dz. bunches 18 0 ax, p.dz. trails 4 0- s.d. 2 6 1 6 2 6 0 9-16 1 6- 5 0- 4 0- l 0- 26 60 6 i) 1 6 6 0 , &c. Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d, Cocos Weddelli- ana, per dozen... 18 0-30 0 Crotons, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Cyclamen, pr. doz. 9 0-15 0 Cy per us alterni- , folius, dozen ... 4 0-50 — laxus, per doz. 4 0-50 Daffodils, per doz. 5 0-80 Dracaenas, perdoz. 9 0-24 0 Erica melanthera... per dozen .. 12 0-18 0 — persolata alba, 12 0-24 0 — Wilmoreana ... 12 0 18 0 Euonymus.per dz., in pots 4 0-90 — f[ oin the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 8 0-12 0 — in small and large 60's ... 12 0-20 0 — in 48's, perdz. 4 0-10 0 — in 32's, perdz. 10 0-18 0 Ficus elastica, per dozen s.d. s.d. 6 0-80 4 0-60 9 0-12 0 4 0-60 12 0-30 0 3 6-50 15 0-24 0 30 0-42 0 12 0-18 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 24 0-36 0 12 0-18 0 24 0-30 0 8 0-12 0 8 0-90 8 0-10 0 6 0-80 Plants in Pots, fie. Hardy flower roots, per dozen Hyacinths, dz. pots Hydrangea Thos. Hogg, per dz. Isolepis, per dozen Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen — Fosteriana, dz. Latania borbonica, per dozen Lilium lo ngi- floruni, per dz. — lancifolium, p. dozen- Average Wholesale Prices (Contd,). s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Lily of the Valley, per dozen ... 18 0-30 0 Marguerites, white, per dozen ... 6 0-10 0 Mignonette, perdz. 8 0-90 Primulas, per doz. 5 0-80 Selaginella, p. doz. 4 0-00 Solanums, per doz. 8 0-10 0 Spiraea japonica, p. dozen 8 0-12 0 Stocks (intermed- iate),white, p. dz. 8 0-10 0 Tulips in boxes, per doz. bulbs 0 6-09 — in pots, per dz. 9 0-12 0 10-20 8 0-10 u 18 0-24 0 4 0-60 15 0-24 0 18 0-30 0 12 0-18 0 18 0-24 0 12 0-24 0 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices, s.d. s.d. Apples Foreign — California Newtown Pip- pin, per case, 4 tiers — 4i tiers — (American), per barrel : — Baldwin — Greening — Newtown Pip- pin — Oregon New town Pippin per case (150).. — Do. (126)... 14 6 (96)1 — Do. (88) (80)) — (NovaScotian), per barrel : — Russet — Baldwin — Ben Davis — Fallawater — trench Russet, per case Bananas, bunch: — Doubles .„ — No. 1 „ ... — Extra „ ... — Giant ,, ... — (Claret) „ ... — Jamaica ,, ... — Loose, per dz. Cape fruit, per box — Grapes, black.. — white ... — red per case : — Peaches — Plums — Nectarines ... — Pears Cranberries, per case 16 0 8 0-10 0 7 6-90 19 0-24 0 24 0-26 0 25 0-27 0 13 0 13 6 17 6-20 0 19 0-22 0 17 0 — 21 0 24 0 86-90 9 0-10 0 6 6-8 0 8 0-90 10 0-12 0 5 0-76 5 0-56 0 6-10 50-60 6 0-76 8 0-10 0 6 0-10 0 3 0-90 10 0-18 0 3 0-36 Custard Apples ... Dates (Tunis), per dozen boxes ... Grape Fruit, case Grapes, Gros Col- mar — (Guernsey) ... — (Almeria), per barrel ... Lemons, box — Messina, 300 .. — Do. 360... — (Naples), per case Limes, per case ... Lychees, per box... Mandarines (25's), per box — (96's), per box — (Jamaica), case Nuts, Almonds, per bag — Brazils, new, per cwt. — Barcelona, bag — Cocoa nuts, 100 Oranges (Denia) ... — Cal i f ornian seedless, per case — (Valencia) per case (420) — per case (714)... — Jaffas — Palermo Blood — „ Bitter — Murcia Blood, per case (200)... Pineapples, each ... — (Natal), perdz. Tangerines (Cali- fornian), per case (180-200)... — (Florida), per case (120-200)... s.d. s.d. 3 0-12 0 4 3-46 9 0-11 0 12-30 0 10- 1 2 ... 14 0-16 0 11 0-14 0 10 0-14 0 20 0-25 0 5 0- 10-15 0 9-16 4 0-56 11 0-12 0 45 0 — 50 0-55 0 32 0-36 U 11 0-14 0 10 0-21 0 11 6-13 6 8 6-18 0 8 0-14 0 9 0-11 0 7 0-10 0 4 0-50 7 6-86 2 0-36 4 0-60 10 0-12 0 18 0-20 0 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Artichokes (Globe), per dozen ... 2 0-26 — white, p. bushel 2 0-26 — per cwt. ... 3 6 — Asparagus, per bundle: — Sprue 0 7-08 — Paris Green ... 3 3-40 Beans, per lb. .. 10-13 — (French), p. lb. 0 10- 1 2 — (Guernsey), per lb 10-12 — (Madeira), per basket 3 6 — — Niggers .. 3 6-70 Beetroot, perbushel 10-16 Brussel Sprouts, £ bushel 3 0-40 — bags 5 6 — Cabbages, per tally 5 6-70 .. 4 0-46 per mat — Greens, per bushel Cardoon (French), per dozen Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bag ... — unwashed — (French), p. pad 2 6-36 Cauliflower, St. Malo, per doz. 3 0-33 — Italian Heads, per basket ... 2 6-30 Celery, p. dz. rolls 12 0-15 0 Celeriac, per doz, 16-26 Chicory, per lb. ... Cucumbers, per dz, Endive, per dozen Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles ... 15 0-20 0 Kale, per pad ... 6 0 — Leeks, 12 bundles 3 0-50 Remarks.— There has been during the past week, and 4 0-46 8 0-10 0 3 6-40 3 6-46 2 0-26 0 3J- 0 4 3 3-39 10-16 s.d. s.d. Lettuce (French), per crate ... 3 6-46 Mint, per dozen bunches ... 5 0-60 Mushrooms, per lb. 0 9 — broilers ... 0 8 — — buttons, per lb. 0 10- 1 0 Mustard and Cress, per dozen pun. 10 — Onions, per bag ... 15 0-16 0 — (Valencia).case 14 0-16 0 — Dutch, pr. bag 12 0-13 6 — pickling, per bushel 6 0 — Parsley, 12bunches 5 0 — — £ sieve 2 6 — Parsnips, per bag... 5 0-56 Peas (French), pkt. 0 6-07 — (French), p. pad 4 6-56 Potatos, per lb. ... 0 2 — — (Algerian).p.lb. 03 - — per cwt. ... 11 6-13 0 — (French), p. lb. 0 3-0 3$ Radishes (French), per doz. bunches 16-26 Rhubarb (English), forced, per dz. bundles Salsafy, per dozen bundles Savoys, per tally... 10 0-18 0 Seaka e, per dozen punnets ... 12 0-14 0 Spinach, per crate 5 0-60 Stachys tuberosa, per lb.... Turnips, per dozen bunches — washed, p. bag Tomatos (Tener- iffe), per bun- dle of 4 boxes 10 0-18 0 — p. 12 lb. basket 4 6-50 Watercress, perdz. 0 6-08 a good trade for Oranges their prices remain firm ; 10-13 4 0-46 0 5 2 9-36 3 6-40 — repens, per az. Genista fragrans, per doz. ... 7 0-90 Grevilleas, per dz. 4 0-60 Mandarines "are dearer. Apples are arriving in fewer quantities, and the demand for them is somewhat smaller. Rhubarb has been scarce during the past week owing to very small consignments from the Leeds district; supplies from Essex and Middlesex have also been very small. Horse- radish has risen in value. Good Savoys have sold for as much as 20s. per tally. Consignments of Egyptian Onions are expected next week. Foreign Tomatos are received in an excellent condition. Mushrooms are cheaper. Trade generally is fair. E. H. i?., Covent Garden, Wednesday^ March 24, 19j9. 208 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, K09. Kents— Snowdrop Sharpe's Express ... Up-to-Date Lincolns — Royal Kidney British Queen Up-to-Date Matncrop Sharpe's Express ... Remarks.— Tra le increased dec ward tendenc \ . E St. Patterns, March . Potatos. ,d. s.d. Lincolns— 4 0- 4 a 3 6- ;j 9 0 3- 3 6 Evergood King Edward S.d. S.'.l. ,26-30 3 0-33 2 3-26 pains nor fatigue nor risks to add to his collections. Indeed, his ardour was to cost him dear, for, daring to lay hands on some specimens in the Botanic Gardens of Montpellier, he incurred the petty but potent wrath of his professor, Sauvages, who forbade him access to the gardens and blighted, as it seemed, his career at the moment when it appeared all promising. But Commerson, though discredited by his paltry professor, continued to work alone. His fame grew. Wherever he journeyed he left behind converts to botany, who became collectors like himself and founded gardens — his botano-maniaes he called those proselytes to botanical science whom he was for ever making. In 1766 his chance came. He was offered and accepted the post of naturalist to the ex- ploring expedition under de Bougainville which France was sending out to circum- navigate the globe and, perchance, to found new colonies in the place of those recently lost. During the voyage of the " Boudeuse " and " Etoile," the ships of the expedition, Commerson amassed huge collections and vast stores of observation. Much of the latter has passed unacknowledged into the common stock of knowledge. His collections also, such as were not lost, passed into other hands : sometimes with due acknowledg- ment, sometimes to rot in attics. When the voyage was nearly at an end, the "Boudeuse" and the ''Etoile" having reached Mauritius, Commerson took service as botanist to that colonv. After exhaust- ing the resources of Mauritius, he ex- plored Madagascar and brought to light many of the remarkable plants and ani- mals of that wonderful island. From Mada- gascar he passed to Bourbon and, with plans of travel to India and China, returned to Mauritius. Worn out by disease due to exposure and privation, dispossessed of his office by intrigues of colleagues, but working to the last, he died in 1773 at the age of forty-six. Such, in meagre and cold outline, is the Odyssey of Commerson. His body lies in Mauritius in a forgotten grave, for the plants which he loved took him to their em- brace. Near the place of his burial a little column, shaded by Eucalyptus trees, serves as a memorial. But each year, as the world comes to a saner view of the meaning of greatness and of what is worthy of pursuit by man, his reputation must increase. Though to the layman it may not mean much that he collected some 3,000 new species and 60 new genera of plants of which he himself described about 1,000, such facts will appeal to the expert. But in reading the life of Commer- son, layman and expert alike can learn of the ardour, enthusiasm, courage and endurance out of which Commerson 's genius was com- pounded. Our Supplementary Illustration portrays the inflorescence and foliage of Thalictrum dipterocarpum, a new species from China, in- troduced by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, through their collector Wilson, who discovered it at elevations of 4,000 to 5,000 feet. This Thalictrum is perfectly hardy, and forms a useful addition to the list of border plants. The foliage is glaucous-green ; the panicles rise some 4 to 5 feet high, producing in a lax manner a number of small, rose-purple flowers. The plant succeeds best in a sunny position, and enjoys a rooting medium containing plenty of gravel. An Award of Merit was given to this plant by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, at the meeting held on August 18, 1908. Royal Horticultural Society. —The next meeting of the Committees will take place on April 6. At 3 p.m. a lecture on " Illustrations of the Effects of the Forces of Growth " will be delivered by the Rev. Prof. G. Henslow, V.M.H. Horticultural College, Swanley. — The annual meeting of the Swanley Horticultural College for Women was held, by permission of Miss Balfour, at 4, Carlton Gardens, London, on March 24. The chairman, Sir John Cockburn, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, laid stress on the admirable work done by the College in meeting the two great requirements of the day, viz., rural educa- tion and the higher education of women. Mr. Charles Bathurst, in seconding the resolution, drew attention to the great and growing demand on the part of local educational authorities for teachers qualified to give instruction in nature study and school gardening, in both elementary and secondary schools. April 3, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 217 The Surveyors' Institution. — The next ordinary general meeting will be held on Mon- day, April 26, when a paper will be read by Mr. E. H. Blake (Fellow), entitled " Some Notes on Warming and Ventilation." The chair will be taken at 8 o'clock. Horticulture at the White City Exhibi- tion, Shepherd s Bush. — Mr. J. Jaques has again been appointed chief of the horticultural department at the White City Exhibition. The arrangements for the season are not complete, but it is probable that there will be some flower shows on an extensive scale. The "Wood" Fund. — Since our last issue Mr. Geo. Monro has received the following sums: — Mr. W. H. Pratt, Kingston-by-Sea, £1 Is. ; Mr. F. E. Sparkes, Worthing, £1 Is. The total amount received is £87 10s. "Book of Pruning, Grafting and Bud- ding."•—The author of this instructive little work is well known as a successful gardener and culti- vator of fruit, who has occupied the office of chief horticultural instructor for the county of Worcester for 18 years. He was one of the pioneers of allotment and cottage gardens in that county : his experience in all branches of practical gardening is exceptional, and his authority beyond question. We have nothing but unstinted praise for his admirable book of instructions on pruning, grafting, and budding, not only on fruit trees, but also on Roses and numbers of hardy-flowering shrubs and climbing plants. The author recognises how imperfectly pruning is understood and practised by many cultivators, and how essential it is, in order to obtain complete success, to know how, when, and why certain operations must be performed. We all know how neglect of pruning and un- skilled pruning cause mischief that is irreparable, reduce the annual produce of orchards and gardens, and, in many cases, extinguish all chances of profitable returns. The various chapters on pruning for wood, for form, for restriction, and for better and more fruit, which are brief, but to the point, are ren- dered intelligible to beginners by means of simple diagrams and illustrations. Particulars of the best methods of pruning and training standard, bush, and pyramid trees are given, and also the formation of cordons, both single and double, half-standards, goblet, and espalier trees, from the first year from the bud or graft, is explained. The pruning and seasonable treatment of the Plum, a very important Worcestershire fruit, is described in some detail. Root-pruning and top-pruning, and what they bring about, are described. We are told, on the authority of Professor Bailey, that, in the fruit-growing areas of the U.S.A., the soil, for a depth of several feet, is of an equally good quality, that the trees are allowed to take their natural habit, and fruiting comes naturally with the maturity of the tree. Unfortunately, our soils, as well as those of most parts of Europe, are less favoured, hence the need for such books as Mr. Udale's. Cedar Wood for Cigar Boxes. — It has recently been stated in the public Press that the supply of Cedar wood is becoming scarce and that all cigar boxes except those for the most expensive brands will in future be made of paper. This statement would appear to refer to Cuba or Havana cigars only, and, if so, would consequently refer only to the wood of * The Handy Book of Pruning, Grafting, and Budding, by James Udale, horticultural Instructor for Worcester- shire since 1891. Printed and published by W. & H. Smith, Ltd., Journal Press, Evesham. London : Simpkin. Marshall, Hamilton. Kent & Co., Ltd., Stationers' Hall Court, E.C. Price Is. 6d. net. Second edition. Cedrela odorata, which, though not a true Cedar, is the source of the Cuban and West Indian Cedar of commerce. Years ago many buyers of Havana cigars were guided in their choice of a cigar almost as much by the character of the wood of which the boxes were made as by the appearance of the cigar itself ; but even when it could be proved that the boxes were made of the native Cedar, it was no proof that the cigars were Cuban make. Logs of Cuban Cedar were at that time imported into Hamburg, where they were cut up and made into cigar boxes, ready to receive the so-called real Havanas, which were also made in Ger- many, so that the deception was complete. But the question as to the use of paper for cigar boxes is one that might be met by the continued use of one or the other of the numerous woods which are known under the common name of Cedar, for, beside the species of Cedrela just referred to, there are others furnishing woods more or less similar, and notably Cedrela Toona, a large tree from 50 to 60 feet high, found throughout the hilly districts of Central and South India to Burma and also in Java and Australia. In India it is known as the Toon or Indian Mahogany tree, also as the Moul- mein Cedar, under which name the wood is known in England. It is similar in general appearance to West India Cedar, and is much used in India for furniture and Tea boxes, and in Australia, where it is known as Australian Cedar ; it is greatly valued for cabinet work. There are some splendid examples of this wood in the Kew museums. From the close relation- ship that exists between these so-called Cedars and the mahoganies of Tropical America, Cuba and the Gambia, it might natur- ally be expected that the woods should have some similarity. This is the case, though the Cedrelas are for the most part softer woods than those either of the genus Swietenia, which is the source of Tropical American mahogany, or of Khaya, from which the Gambia mahogany is derived. All these species belong to the order Meliaceae, as does Soymida febrifuga, a large tree of Central and Southern India, the wood of which is known as Red or Bastard Cedar, though the wood is totally distinct from that of species of Cedrela or even Swietenia or Khaya, being hard, heavy, and of a dark colour. The wood of the true Cedar, or Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus Libani) differs considerably from that of the Cedrelas, as all coniferous woods do. It is of very little use for r.ny purpose, though that of its closely-allied species the Deodar of India (C. Deodara) is very much used for many purposes of construction in India, such as sleepers for railways, bridges, &c3 as well as for furniture. Other coniferous trees known as Cedars are Juniperus virginiana and the allied species J. bermudiana, from both of which the soft, easily-cut wood used (or making lead pencils, and known as pencil Cedar, is obtained. Amongst many other plants to which the name of Cedar is applied, we may mention the white Cedar (Thuya gigantea), the New Zealand Cedar (Libocedrus Bidwillii), and the yellow Cedar of America and Canada (Chamoecyparis nutkaensis). From amongst some of these it might be possible to find a substi- tute for Cedrela odorata without resorting to paper pulp for cigar boxes. Publications Received. — Journal de la Societe Nationale a" Horticulture de France. (Paris : 81, Rue de Grenelle). — The Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales. (February.) (Sydney: Department of Agriculture). Price 6d. — Beautiful Flowers and How to Grow Them. Part XI. Edited by Horace J. and Walter P. Wright. (London: T. C. & E. C. Jack). Price Is. net. — Nuovo Giornale Botanico Italiano. (Gennaio, 1909.) Memoire della S^cieta Botanica Italiana. (Firenze: Via Jacopo de Diarceto, 10). — Garden Design. With an introduction by Row- land E. Prothero. (London : John P. White, 134, New Bond Street, W.).—The Handy Book on Pruning, Grafting, and Budding, by James Udale. (Evesham : W. & H. Smith, Ltd.) Price Is. 6d. net — The Balance of Nature and Modern Conditions of Cultivation. A practical manual of animal foes and friends for the country gentle- man, the farmer, the forester, the gardener, and the sportsman, by George Abbey. (London : George Routledge & Sons, Ltd.) Price 7s. 6d. net. — Board of Agriculture and Fisheries Agri- cultural Statistics, 1908. Vol. XLIIL, Part I. Acreage and live stock returns of Great Britain, with summaries for the United Kingdom. (London : Wyman & Sons, Ltd., 109, Fetter Lane, Fleet Street, EC.) Price (id.— University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, Urbana. December, 1908. Circular No. 126 : Food require- ments of growing and fattening swine, by Wm. Dietrich, Assistant Chief in Swine Husbandry. January. 1909. Circular No. 127 : Shall we use natural rock phosphate or manufactured acid phosphate for the permanent improvement of Illinois soils? by Cyril G. Hopkins, Chief in Agronomy and Chemistry. January, 1909. Cir- cular No. 128 : Abstract of the proceedings of the conference on animal tuberculosis at the University of Illinois, October 15, 1908— The Book of Nature Study, edited by Bretland Farmer, D.Sc, F.R.S. Vol. III. (London : The Caxton Pub- lishing Co., Clun House, Surrey Street, W.C.). — Catalogue of Sweet Pea Names. National Sweet Pea Society. Price 6d. VEGETABLES. ONIONS FOR MARKET. A Surrey farmer writing to me the other day mentioned that, having sold the pro- duce of half an acre of Onions for £11, he was so satisfied with his crop that he proposed to sow an acre of Onions this year. That far more than £22 per acre could be made from Onions grown under different conditions than are adopted in ordinary field culture, there can be no doubt, and as it is evident that there is a market for Onions, it is a matter for surprise that more of those bulbs are not grown. At the present moment, in towns, at any rate, consumers are dependent on Spanish or Portuguese Onions, which are worth 2d. per pound. In many of the rural districts, even so early as the late autumn, Onion con- sumers are largely dependent for their supplies on the Brittany peasants, who hawk Onions from place to place. The other day Mr. E. Beckett exhibited at the R.H.S. meeting some superb Onions, weighing from 28 to 30 ounces each. If Onions are planted 12 inches apart each way, no fewer than 270 bulbs per rod are needed. This quantity should, if the ground has been deeply worked, well manured, and the variety be Ailsa Craig, give quite 200 lbs. weight. This yield, sold as cheaply as Is. per 14 lbs., would yield, ioughly, 15s. per rod. But even if the crop sold for 10s. per rod, the return per acre would be £80, and it would be interesting to learn what crop could excel that in value from the same area of land. To obtain this quantity of Onions some 2 lbs. of seed would be required to be sown in frames early in February. This amount of seed would furnish the 43,500 plants needed. The ground should be trenched, and have mixed with it 20 loads of good farmyard manure per acre. The entire cost, including cultivation of soil, manure, seed, and planting, should not ex- ceed £30 ; while the additional cost of harvesting and marketing the crop would be about £10 more, and this would leave a profit cf £40. This does not allow anything for rent, or salemen's commission, nor for the frames ; but a succeeding crop of early white Cabbages would be sufficient to defray those charges, and admit of a Dart pay- ment of the cost of the frames. .4. D. 218 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 3, 1909. STAGKPOLE COURT, PEMBROKESHIRE. Owing to the enterprise of the Great Western Railway Co. in opening their new route to Ireland, via Fishguard, Pembrokeshire has been brought in point of time much nearer to the Metropolis and the large inland centres. In the southern part of the county it is strange to find that, judged by their language and cus- toms, the people are neither Welsh nor English. The district is sometimes spoken of as " Little England beyond Wales." This thrifty, clean, but reserved community, whose dwellings are mostly built of mud and wattle, are the de- scendants of Flemish settlers, who were allowed on certain conditions to occupy this peninsula. Some four miles seaward from the town of Pembroke is the extensive estate and mansion of Earl Cawdor, whose family's connection with the county is by no means modern. A castel- lated mansion existed at Stackpole at a very early date, possibly on the site, or near to, where the great-great-grandfather of the present Earl built Stackpole Court. The mansion overhangs a beautiful artificial lake, which is spanned by an elegant stone bridge, and commands a view oi a most delightful landscape, including Bluebells, fee., and canopied, but not too densely, by a variety of trees. A winding path leads to a tennis ground formed of concrete : this was previously a battery ground, and from here the north front of the residence is entered by a massive archway. A pair of old Spanish guns, dated 1754 and 1756, guard the front entrance. Escallonias, Hydrangeas, and Myrtles are planted on the spacious lawn, and there is a fine specimen of Fraxinus Ornus, and also a iarge Cockspur Thorn (Crataegus Crus-galli;, the branches of which have arched over and sweep the ground, form- ing a tent with no entrance. Fine Yews, Copper Beeches, and a number of large evergreen Oaks, whose branches arch and depend in such a manner as to suggest vaulted chambers, are also met with. On the lawns are many large ever, green Oaks, magnificent gnarled Limes, huge Silver Firs, and big trees of English Oak and Sycamore. One of these last-mentioned has a straight stem of 30 feet to the first branch. Other notable trees are Pinus Lambertiana (60 feet), a beautiful specimen of Sequoia semper- virens (probably planted 60 years ago and now 60 feet high), Tulip trees, Planes, Abies Smithi- ana, Cryptomeria japonica (50 feet), Cupressus Lawsoniana (50 feet in height and 35 feet in FlG. 93. — STACKPOLE COURT, PEMBROKESHIRE, THE RESIDENCE OF EARL CAWDOR. woodland, lake, and nark. A wide terrace on the south front runs the length of the house, which is aoout 360 feet, and a flight of steps leads to a further terrace extending 200 or more feet. The tender plants that thrive in the pleasure grounds, and particularly on this terrace, betoken the mild character of the climate. Standing unprotected in the grounds are such plants as Agapanthus umbellatus, Fuchsia gracilis, Escallonia exoni- ensis, Chimonanthus fragrans, Calycanthus flori- dus, and Pittosporum Tobira (a plant of this tree is about 15 feet high and 18 feet in diameter). There is a remarkable plant of Magnolia grandi- flora, having a massive stem, gnarled by age, and filling a large space on the wall of the residence. Banksian Roses, too, of great size, flourish, with Garrya elliptica, Photinia serru- lata, Buddleias, Magnolia Soulangeana, Honey- suckle, &c. A spacious winter garden adjoins the mansion. Climbers such as Cobea scandens and Bougainvilleas lightly drape the roof, Palms anl other suitable plants furnish the floor, whilst carved figures and vases stand in prominent positions. A charming woodland is entered from the terrace. It is planted with native Ferns, the commoner \arieties of Daffodil, Winter Aconite, diameter). The Hartstongue Fern (Scolopen- drium vulgare) grows plentifully under the towering trees, and in the hedgerows. Con- tinuing in this direction, a spot that was once a flower-garden is reached. Such plants as Phormium tenax, Gunnera scabra, Gingko biloba, and Benthamia fragifera are met with in this old flower-garden. The Benthamia flowers and fruits freely : one specimen is 35 feet high. Other plants of interest are Quercus glabra and Juniperus japonica aurea ,(a good plant of this golden Juniper), Laurus nobilis, Cupressus Lawsoniana lutea, grand specimens of Oriental Plane, and Tulip tree. At a short distance is a group of nine gigantic Beech trees, forming a circle, their heads a dome, and con- stituting a grand natural temple. The glass structures at Stackpole are exten- sive, and well furnished with plants such as the requirements of a large establishment necessi- tate. Carnations and Chrysanthemums are numerously and successfully grown ; Roses in pots are a feature. Mr. W. B. Fisher, who has had the care of these gardens for many years, is a most success- ful fruit grower. The fruit trees, both out of doors and under glass, are excellently trained, and produce annually large crops of Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Figs, &c. Grapes are also well grown by Mr. Fisher ; one vinery, 90 feet long, planted with Black Alicante and Muscat of Alexandria varieties, was, on the occasion of my visit, a magnificent spectacle. A vine of Black Alicante, worked on a stock of Mrs. Pince, produces Grapes which have an appreciable flavour of the Mrs. Pince variety. Gros Colmar flourishes finely, in com- pany with the Muscat of Alexandria. I have also seen Foster's Seedling in fine form in this garden. Of the very large walled-in kitchen garden and its crops of fruits, flowers, and vegetables much might be written, but I will leave that aspect of the garden ; suffice it to say that everything shows the same excellent order and cultivation as is seen in the parts I have more fully described. A. P. Howler. THE WISTARIAS. The genus Wistaria is small in point of num- bers, containing only four or five species. The belt of these is the common Wistaria ; but the other members of the genus are worthy of notice, as they flower at different times, and are distinct in habit and in the colour of their flowers. The genus was named after Caspar Wistar, an American scientist, who lived about a hundred years ago. The following are the most distinct species for garden purposes: — W. CHINENSIS. — One of the most useful and largest-growing climbers, the branches of W. chinensis attain a spread of upwards of 300 feet in course of time, with a stout, woody stem, 6 inches or more in diameter. It can be used in a variety of ways ; as an outdoor climber for covering walls, pergolas, or old tree stems ; and in the conservatory it can be grown in pots or tubs as a small standard, or trained in balloon shape on hoops. When used for indoor decora- tion, the plants should be spurred back after flowering, and be liberally treated during the fol- lowing growing season. The leaves of W. chin- ensis are pinnate, consisting of nine to eleven pale green leaflets, nearly glabrous on their upper surfaces, but having the veins on the lower sides covered with fine hairs. The Pea-shaped flowers are borne in pendulous racemes, a foot or more in length ; they are comparatively large, and of a pale purplish-blue colour, fading to nearly white in the centre of the flower. The variety flore albo has white flowers, but is a rather shy bloomer ; flore pleno has double flowers, which last a considerable time in bloom ; macrobotrys has longer racemes of a paler colour than the type ; and foliis variegatis has leaves irregularly market with white, but has no great decorative value. W. chinensis is a native of China and Japan, and was first introduced from the former country in 1816. W. brachybotrys. — This plant has been classed as a form of W. chinensis, but, for gar- den purposes, it is distinct. It is a compara- tively rare plant in Japan in a wild state, but is frequently met with in cultivation in that country. The leaves resemble those of W. chi- nensis in size, but they are of a deeper green. The rich purple flowers are borne in racemes little more than 6 inches in length, and open about the middle or end of April. The plant is of dwarfer, bushier habit than W. chinensis, and is well adapted for pot culture. W. frutescens. — A native of the United, States, and a fairly strong-growing climber, with bright green pinnate leaves, glabrous on the upper surfaces, except on the mid- rib, which is downy, as also are the under- sides and the young stems. The flowers are of a light purplish-blue, thickly clustered on short racemes, 4 inches to 6 inches in length. In the variety alba the flowers are white, and in the variety magnifica the racemes are upwards of a foot in length. It is superior to the typical form when well grown. W. frutescens and its April 3, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 219 varieties bloom some three weeks later than W. chinensis. \V. JAPONICA. — This species is a strong-grow- ing climber from Japan, but is comparatively rare in this country, and can be best described as one of the least ornamental of the genus. The white flowers are individually small, borne in short racemes, and sometimes do not open properly. W. MULTIJUGA (W. GRANDIFLORA). — Though W. multijuga has been ranked as a form of \V. chinensis, it is, for garden purposes, distinct. The leaflets are more numerous than those of the latter species, and are individually smaller. They are bright green, and glabrous on both surfaces. The flowers, nearly blue with touches of white, are disposed laxly in racemes 2 feet to 3 feet in length. It forms a good successor to W. chinensis, blooming some two or three weeks later. The variety alba resembles the type, ex- cept that the flowers are pure white. All the Wistarias thrive in any deep, well- drained garden soil, provided it is not too dry. A dressing of well-rotted manure and old mortar rubbish may be worked into the soil at the time of planting, but it should not be placed directly about the roots, and an occasional soaking of water can be given with advantage the first season after planting. Like most leguminous plants, Wistarias make long, wiry, deeply-de- scending roots, which, while enabling them to withstand prolonged drought when once estab- lished, also render them difficult to transplant, for which reason they are nearly always grown in pots. Propagation is effected by layering, the young plants, as a rule, taking two years to root. They can also be increased by seeds, which must be procured from abroad, as the plant rarely ripen seeds properly in this country. /. Clark, Bagshot, Surrey. DENDROBIUM SPECIOSUM. This evergreen Orchid is a native of Eastern Australia, whence it was introduced to this country in 1824. It is a well-known garden plant, and forms one of the most showy of cool greenhouse Orchids. The culture of the plant is simple, its principal requirements being a period of rest, without undue shrivelling of the pseudo- bulbs, after the growths have been formed. The photograph from which our illustration at fig. 94 was prepared was kindly sent us by Mrs. Dukinfield H. Scott, East Oakley House, Oakley, Hants., who photographed the plant on Janu- ary 2. Mrs. Scott states that the plant was brought from New Zealand about 10 years ago, and, although it was afforded every care, for many years it failed to flower. In consequence of this, it was (in 1908) neglected, and placed in an out-of-the-way position on a dry shelf, where it received little attention. But, under these con- ditions, the plant developed several fine flower- spikes, and has done so again this year. It is well known that a plant possessing a rich root- ing medium and plenty of moisture will often de- velop vegetative at the expense of floral organs ; whilst in a starved condition, the same plant will often hasten to produce a crop of flowers. FORESTRY. TIMBER PLANTING IN GREAT BRITAIN. At the meeting of the Royal Society of Arts, on March 24, a paper on " Afforestation and Timber Planting in Great Britain and Ireland " was read by Dr. J. Nisbet. The chairman, Sir Charles Dilke, in introducing the reader of the paper, expressed himself in favour of the sys- tematic planting in this country of Oak and Ash, and, perhaps, of other hard-wooded trees. He considered that the experiment of growing Douglas Fir in Scotland is promising ; but htld that it had not yet been proved that the planting of coniferous trees in this country would be profitable Dr. J. Nisbet, in the course of his introduc- tory remarks, referred to the fact that, during the last 25 years, no fewer than four committees and commissions have been appointed by Government to deal with the question of forestry in the United Kingdom. Dealing with the report of the last of these bodies — the Royal Commission on Coast Erosion (see Gardeners' Chronicle (pp. 56 and 60, Jan 23), he expressed the opinion that the view taken by this commis- sion that afforestation would provide a con- siderable amount of work for the unemployed is somewhat too sanguine, and preferred the more moderate statements of the Irish Forestry Com- mittee. This committee reports that, in its opinion, forestry cannot be considered as a specific for curing the evil of unemployment ; but that, with the growth of forestry, employ- ment would be provided for the agricultural population in the vicinity of the forests. Like the chairman, Dr. Nisbet criticised ad- versely the financial calculations published in the report of the recent commission, and, whilst declaring himself strongly in favour of timber planting in these islands to the utmost extent possible, pointed out that a great national scheme of afforestation should rest on broader Fig. 94. — dendrobidm specioscm. and surer economic bases than those indicated in the report. Nevertheless, he claimed that afforestation ought to prove a sound and re- munerative investment if made prudently and on a large scale. Unlike the chairman, who pinned his faith to the planting of hard-wooded trees on suitable ground, Dr. Nisbet looked rather to satisfactory results from the planting of coni- ferous and soft-wooded timber on waste lands and poor pastures. In support of the need for home-grown supplies of such timber, he cited figures giving the rate of increase of the imports of coniferous wood for such purposes as pit- props and pulp-making. Dr. Nisbet took a gloomy view of the possibility of finding the money for financing a big scheme, but sug- gested that, by selling some of its estates, which bring in an income of over £500,000 per annum, the Commissioners of Woods, Forests and Land Revenues might, with the consent of the Treasury, provide the necessary capital. As to available and suitable land, Dr. Nisbet considered that the estimate of the recent com- mission of 6,000,000 acres for Scotland was alto- gether too high, and dissented from the sugges- tions of the commission as to the mode whereby the State should acquire land for the purpose of timber planting. "> In concluding his paper, Dr. Nisbet re- assured those who fear that extensive forests will increase the rainfall, impair the climate, or affect the national character. In the discussion which followed, Sir Herbert Maxwell insisted on the importance of an ample and reasonably cheap supply of timlier, stated that he did not take so pessimistic a view of the economic aspect of the question as that ex- pressed by Dr. Nisbet, and insisted on afforesta. tion as a means of keeping the rural population on the land. Mr. H. J. Elwes, F.R.S., concurred in Dr. Nisbet's criticisms of the report of the Royal Commission, and Professor J. B. Farmer pointed to the need of proper practical educa- tion in forestry. The chairman, in concluding the discussion, pointed out the need for further information with respect to the possibility of growing profit- ably the Douglas Fir. He drew attention to the fact that, along the shores of the Mediterranean, the poorer sorts of coniferous timber grow in abundance, and referred to the excellent pro- gress made by the Dean Forest School of 1 orestry. TIMBER FOR HOME USE. Much is written from time to time in the Gardeners'1 Chronicle as to the advantage of plant- ing trees for profit. After 30 years' experience on this estate I have come to the conclusion that little money can be made in a lifetime by the aid of forestry. At Swanmore the soil is of a vaiying character — some being nearly pure clay. On uther parts of the estate, even in the same field as the clay, chalk occurs within 8 inches of the surface. The bulk of the land is high and generally dry : the average rainfall is 30 inches, and the altitude is 400 feet above sea-level. A stranger would say Swanmore is just the place to grow timber for profit when looking at the foliage on the Elm trees, and the growth annu- ally made by the Larches, which grow from 2 feet to 4 feet in a season up to 15 years old. Corsican Pines grow from 18 inches to double that in one season. The natural tree here is Beech. Oak and Ash grow slowly, but produce timber of excel- lent lasting quality. The undergrowth in the woods is mainly Hazel, which is used for sheep hurdles, hoops for casks, &c. The local custom with the underwood is to cut it in breadths at 10 years old. Its value ranges from 10 shillings to £3 per acre. A few years since the same wood could be sold for £5 per acre. Now that hoops imported from France can be bought cheaper at Bristol than they can be sent from here to Bristol, the industry is destroyed. It will be seen from the above that in the natural wood crop there is but little re- muneration after 10 years waiting. A planta- tion of Larch growing here up to 15 years would delight a stranger, as the trees grow luxuriantly and without a speck or blemish upon them. After that time the dreaded Larch disease affects them : a blotch here and there allows of the oozing out of the sap, leaving a big scar, which, as all foresters know, is detrimental to a timber tree. Various reasons have been advanced to ac- count for this disease — spring frost, situation, insects, and want of other forest trees amongst the Larch. My opinion, based upon the experi- ence gained here, is that it is due to a lack of preparation of the soil at the time of plant- ing. Generally our subsoil is a hard pan of an exceedingly inert character, which, in its natural state, does not admit of a quick per- colation of water. Thus the soil is cold during winter and spring, causing a check to growth. But while the roots of the trees are in the upper layer of soil, they are not greatly influenced by the wet and cold subsoil. That this theory is reasonable is proved by Larch trees growing well upon deeply-trenched soil after having been planted 30 years, and with no trace of disease. Because of this disease the planting of Larch is no longer practised here. Fortunately, other 220 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 3, 1909. Conifers beside Larch have been planted, com- mencing in 1878 with Spruce and Austrian Pines. Two years later a plantation of Corsican Pine (Pinus Laricio), Austrian Pines (Pinus L. var. nigricans), Scotch Fir (Pinus Sylvestris) and Spruce (Pioea excelsa) was made, the different species being in separate blocks to test the suita- bility of each. From this plantation we are now cutting valuable material for estate use, particularly for repairs and building purposes. The Spruce furnishes trees 30 feet long and 12 inches in diameter at the base, which, by the aid of a circular saw, are cut into useful boards. From the Corsican Pines we cut rafters 8 inches by 2 inches, and also boards, which are easily worked. As this timber is planed very easily, and gives a smooth surface, the boards are valuable for use indoors. From the Austrian Pine and Scotch Fir we obtain similar material, not so free from knots, as these trees do not grow with the same luxuriance as does the Corsican Pin;. My regret is that we did not plant more trees of Pinus Laricio and Spruce instead of so many Larch. In all 500,000 Conifers have been planted here during the last 30 years. In the autumn of 1885, 2,000 plants of Thuja Lobbii (syn. gigantea) were put in alternately with Larch as an experiment to test the relative growth of each kind of tree. The soil is stiff and moist. Growth was rapid from the start ; here and there a Larch headed the Thujas, but on the whole the latter kept ahead, until now all the Larch have been cut, leaving the Thujas which are 25 feet high. They form a very fine plantation, judged by external appearances, but I am in doubt as to whether the timber will be of much value. Some specimens cut on this estate furnished wood which was very light and soft, although the trees were 30 years planted. If this age were trebled, T. Lobbii might furnish desirable timber. My conclusion is that the best trees to plant for profit during the lifetime of an owner are the Corsican Pine, Spruce, Scotch Fir, Austrian Pine, and Larch. Although I have said little in favour of Larch, I find the trees use- ful for supplying Hop poles and materials for pergolas, pillars (for training Roses), and fences, &c. Larch is a useful tree on an estate, but when we are told how valuable it is for timber without discrimination as to site and conditions of soil, climate, &c, I do not hesitate to say such teaching is against all prac- tical experience. "E. Molyneux, Swanmorc Park, Bishop' 's Waltham. TREES AND SHRUBS. TOWN PLANTING. Probably no work connected with horticulture requires more judgment and good management than the planting of trees and shrubs in urban districts. The materials and soil of which streets and town gardens are usually formed are ill fitted for sustaining a healthy condition in trees and shrubs for any length of time. This fact, coupled with the impurities of the atmosphere in densely-populated centres, has to be con- stantly borne in mind. In more favourable dis- tricts all that is necessary is to open a pit of sufficient size to contain the roots of the tree or shrub to be planted, but in towns the soil, often hard as iron and composed mainly of refuse building materials, contains but little plant food. For many years past careful observations have been made, not only in London, but in Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, and Warring- ton as to which trees and shrubs succeed best in the most smoky localities of each town, and it is mainly by tabulating these different experi- ences that satisfactory information on the sub- ject has been obtained. Coal smoke from the chimneys in the larger and more crowded centres of industry is no doubt bad enough, but when we have to contend with an atmosphere that is largely impregnated with the outcome from chemical, gas or iron works the difficulties to be encountered are correspondingly increased. When compared with Continental cities — Paris, Brussels or Berlin — where tree-culture is carried out most successfully, the atmosphere of British towns is impregnated to a far greater extent with noxious fumes. Dry and confined areas, particu- larly where excessive heat and atmospheric im- purities are present, are decidedly the worst, while open and high-lying districts, though in the centre of a town, offer fewer difficulties. That certain trees and shrubs succeed best in particular towns is a well-known fact, and the smoke-proof London Plane is by no means the best tree for some of the colliery districts ; in Sheffield, for instance, its place is largely taken by the Canadian Poplar. In Manchester the Lime would appear to thrive best, after which the Elder, Thorn, and Plane succeed in the order named. The variegated-leaved Sycamore and the Horse Chestnut are favourites where the smoke from colleries is most offensive. But many such cases could be pointed out, and even in the case of bedding plants certain species succeed best in particular localities. In the gar- dens about the Royal Mint, and where exposed to the deleterious fumes from gold-refining works, Fuchsias do remarkably well ; indeed, the dwarf edging variety, Golden Treasure, thrives so well that advantage has been taken of the fact to propagate the stock annually required for some of the parks from cuttings taken at the Mint- In the East End of London the Creep- ing Jenny (I.ysimachia) thrives well as a win- dow plant, while in the chemically impure atmo- sphere of Lambeth oiie of the Veronicas is the favourite plant for indoor culture. The St. John's Worts (Hypericums) do not as a rule thiive well in London, yet around the Tate Gal- lery, which is only divided by the river from the Lambeth pottery district — the worst in the metropolis for atmospheric impurities — one species at least flourishes amazingly, and has produced flowers in abundance for many years past. In Chancery Lane, at the Record Office, the common Ivy, Bladder Senna and Yucca do best. In other parts of London the pretty white and blue varieties of Campanula iso- phylla are largely grown. It is a somewhat strange fact, too, that some varieties of trees and shrubs succeed better than the type species in smoky localities, as witness the London Plane (a variety of Platanus orientalis), varie- gated-leaved Sycamore, fastigiate Poplar, two varieties of Pyrus, Weeping Elm, Weeping Ash, and several varieties of Acacia, notably Robinia pseud-acacia inermis and R. pseud-acacia Bes- soniana. Amongst shrubs we have the dwarf Holly, golden Euonymus, Privet, Ribes, double-flow- ered Gorse, Euonymus radicans variegata, and others. With Grasses, too, some curious experiences might be related. At the British Museum, the Yarrow has completely ousted the Grasses from the plots in front of that building, and in the moat of the Tower of Lon- don several Grasses that succeed in less smoky parts of the metropolis quickly die out. Near the main entrance to the Tower of London, and close to Billingsgate Fish Market, considerable difficulty was experienced in getting the Plane trees established, though in the matter of soil and choice of strong, sturdy specimens every- thing that could be thought of was accomplished. At last it was found that the drip from the fish carts was the cause of the evil, and a remedy was quickly found. In another garden, where dust, smoke and soot are plentiful, a species of Lychnis, the common Marigold, and Rye Grass seem to positively revel. In situations almost constantly subjected to the sulphurous fumes of the railway engines near -Camden Town, and in the poorest of soils, the Poa annua would ap- pear to be quite at home. The chemical fumes from the pottery works at Lambeth are well known to act injuriously on vegetation gener- ally, but the Mulberry, Sycamore, Turkey and Evergreen Oaks thrive as well there as they do in any other part of the metropolis. With the largely increased use of coal gas for cook- ing purposes the atmosphere of certain districts of London has, however, become much less smoky than was the case a few years ago, and in consequence vegetation generally succeeds better. This is especially the case in some of the low-lying districts adjoining the Thames, where the " slot " system of providing gas for cooking purposes has caused a great decrease in the consumption of coke and coal, with a corresponding reduction of the attending evils of smoke and soot. In one of the poorest parishes many of the inhabitants have taken advantage of the facilities offered by the gas company in the matter of cooking by means of gas provided by the " slot " system, which, in comparison with coal, has been found not only cheaper, but cleaner and handier to use. According to a competent authority, the smoke nuisance has, in consequence, become greatly abated, and with the purer air the culti- vation of window and other plants, as well as trees and shrubs, has been to some extent sim- plified. The electrification of the Underground Railway has also had a beneficial effect on vege- tation. A. D. Webster. FUCHSIAS. A vast number of varieties of Fuchsia have been distributed within the last 20 years, yet many of the older kinds still hold their own, while comparatively few of the newcomers have passed into general cultivation. New varieties, therefore, do not usually excite much interest, but there are exceptional cases. This was well illustrated last year at the Holland Park Show, where Messrs. Cannell & Sons put up a group of distinct varieties, which were a source of great interest. These particular varieties of Ger- man origin suggested, in their general appear- ance, that three species had played a part in their production, namely, F. corymbiflora, F. fulgens, and F. triphylla. At all events, the varieties formed a distinct group, and I am in- formed that there is now considerable demand for them. This success should encourage raisers to ex- periment with some of the other species of Fuchsia, for there are many beautiful kinds that do not appear to have been yet employed by the hybridist. This is particularly noticeable among the vigorous-growing species, such as are seen to great advantage when treated as roof plants. It might be urged that the progeny of these would be of too straggling a growth to be- come popular ; but, in crossing with a compact- growing kind, this difficulty might be obviated. A good illustration of this is to be found in the hybrids between F. corymbiflora and F. tri- phylla, which inherit a good deal of the compact habit of the last-named parent. One of the first hybrids that stand to the credit of the late John Dominy was a Fuchsia, namely, F. Dominiana, obtained by the crossing of F. serratifolia and F. splendens. This hybrid, which, 40 years ago, was very popular, appears to have almost, if not quite, dropped out of cultivation. The plant produces its long-tubed, rosy-scarlet flowers during the greater part of the year. The two species that contributed to its raising are now very uncommon, perhaps the more generally met with being the Mexican F. splendens, with curious, yet showy, scarlet and green flowers. It is also questionable whether further use might not be made of F. corymbi- flora, certainly one of the most showy of %\\ Fuchsias, and its striking variety alba, in which the tube of the flower is white. This was raised about 50 years ago at the Versailles Nur- sery, Hammersmith, from which, at that time, many of the Continental novelties found their April 3, 1S09.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 221 way into this country. Though somewhat less vigorous than the typical form, this white, flowered variety of F. corymbiflora forms a de- sirable companion to it. A strong, rambling-growing species has been long grown at Kew under the specific name of dependens ; it is very handsome when trained up the roof of a greenhouse. The flowers are borne in long perdulous clusters ; they are tubular in shape and nearly 3 inches long. The tube is of a deep, rosy red, but the petals are of a scarlet tint. Some of the tiny-flowered species are well worth growing for their intrinsic merit, while they might prove valuable for hy- bridising. Such are F. bacillaris, F. micro- phylla, and F. thymifolia. Of curious kinds, especial mention may be made of the New Zealand F. excorticata, of which a large specimen, almost a tree in stature, formed one of the earlier occupants, now many years ago, of the Temperate House at Kew. The flowers, borne often on the old wood, are of a dull, reddish colour, with purple petals, while the anthers are bright blue, and the stigma yel- low— a strange combination. Another curious feature is the manner in which the old bark peels off, hence the specific name of excorticata. A second New Zealand species, F. procum- bens, is totally unlike any other member of the Fuchsia family in general cultivation. Its habit is well expressed by the specific name, as its slender stems are long and creeping. They are clothed with roundish leaves, half an inch or so in diameter, while the flowers are erect, bell shaped, and in colour green, red, and„ yellow. The large, reddish-purple berries of this Fuchsia form a very notable feature. When grown in a suspended basket, F. procumbens is seen to con. siderable advantage. Lastly come the hardy Fuchsias, to which much attention has been directed in late years. There are now many different forms of this sec- tion, a goodly number having been raised by M. Lemoine, of Nancy. Nearly all these hardy Fuchsias are now regarded as forms of F. macro- stemma, whereas, at one time, many of them were assigned specific rank. W . T . HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible /or the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Exhibiting Carnations. — At the recent exhibition of the Perpetual-Flowering Carna- tion Society, the displaying of unsupported flowers on yard-long stems did not produce the best effect. Flower-stems of the variety En- chantress were describing a complete arc, and, with bowed heads, the full beauty of the flowers was hidden from view. Those of White Perfection were in a worse condition, for many of the rigid stems had snapped off at the level of the vase. The flowers of both these varieties as shown were of the largest size, and ap- parently too weighty for the stalks to hold them erect. The schedule required the flowers to be shown as grown ; but, whether pot or bench grown, the flowers were, in culture, undoubtedly supported by wires, strings, hoops, or sticks. That the Society recognises supports to flowers in some circumstances was evidenced in the non- competitive groups, some of which received high awards. The schedule might be framed to make the use of wire supports optional ; but, by allow- ing points in favour of its non-use, the Society could continue to encourage the development of the self-supporting stem. E. H. Jenkins. Lig/jum Nephriticum. — This is mentioned in Petro van Musschenbrock's Elementa Physics, second edition, published at Leyden in 1741. He there refers to a curious optical property of an infusion of the wood, that of showing dif- ferent colours with change of position of the illumination or of the eye : " id quoque con- spicium est in infuso Ligni Nephritici, quod pro diverso tarn oculi, quam lucis situ, alio colore apparet." This at once suggested fluorescence to me, and Mr. Jackson's note on p. 187 confirms my conjecture : quinine solutions are standard examples of fluorescent sub- stances. The suggetions in a previous letter that the wood is that of Moringa is clearly ruled out if, as slated, this tree was only introduced in 1759, 18 years after van Musschenbrock's book. John H. Shaxby, Wynnstow, Llanishen, Glamorganshire. A specimen of this wood exists in the Museum of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, in Bloomsbury Square, in a collection of drugs that dates back to the middle of the 18th century. The wood appears to have been well known, and used duriag the 17th and 18th centuries. It was official in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias during the greater part of the 17th century, but so far as I can learn its botanical source has not yet been determined. According to Pomet (1748) it was brought from New Spain, chiefly from the kingdom of Mexico, where it is called " Coatli " or r' Tlapalcy- patli," and is described as having the mode of growth of our Pear tree, with leaves like Chick Peas, but much smaller. The wood is described as having a bitter taste and giving a blue colour to water in which it is infused. Lemery, erro- neously, r think, refers it to the tree which j ields oil of Ben (Moringa aptera). Lunan, in Ilorlus Jamaicensis, refers the Nephritic tree to Unguis-Cati (Pithecolobium Unguis-Cati.Benth.), but as he states that the bark is used in kidney disease, it is probably not identical with the Mexican wood. Lewis, in his Materia Medica (1768), gives a definite account of its appearance and properties. He describes it as an American wood " brought to us in large, compact, pon- derous pieces without knots ; the outer part of a whitish or pale-yellowish colour, and the medul- lary substance of a dark brownish or reddish colour. When macerated in water for half-an- hour or an hour it imparts a deep tincture, ap- pearing when placed between the eye and the light of a golden colour, in other situations of a fine blue, a property in which it agrees with the Ash tree and differs from all other known woods. The wood has a bitterish, somewhat pungent taste, and when rasped emits a faint aromatic odour. The blue, aqueous infusion was used as a common drink in kidney and urinary diseases, and was said to possess the advantage over other remedies of not causing irritation." John Hill, in his Materia Medica (17511, enters into more detail concerning the plant that yields it. He says, " The tree which affords it is the Coatli of Hernandez, and grows to the height of our Pear tree. The leaves are small and oblong, not exceeding half-inch in length or a third of an inch in breadth ; they are not notched at the edges, and are green above, with a few hairs scattered over them, but of a silvery-grey underneath The flowers are small and of a pale yellow and oblong shape, and they stand in spikes. The cup they stand in is divided into five segments, and is covered with reddish down." This is the best description of the tree that can be collected from what has hitherto been written of it. Hernandez (1651), under Coatli, remarks, on p. 119, " E. genere legu- minum esse colligitur, non tantum ex folius ciceris sed ex eo quod apud nos Genistae vim habeant ad calculum pellendum, et reliqua fere omnium leguminum genera." He was, therefore, obviously of opinion that it is the wood of a leguminous tree. Perhaps this description may enable some Mexican botanist who reads this note to recognise the plant that yields the Nephritic wood, and thus solve another of the many problems in ancient Materia Medica that still await investigation. E. M. Holmes. Griselinia littoralis. — I agree with the remarks of F. M., p. 196, upon this shrub. As its name implies, littoralis means a plant which pertains to the seashore. I advise its inclusion amongst collections of shrubs. When planted by itself it forms a beautiful specimen shrub, and is as handsome as any other known to me. Its beauty is in the pale yellowish-green stems and leaves ; its flowers are of no great merit, they are small and of the same colour as the foliage. As a hedge plant, I am more than con. vinced that it has no equal amongst all the hedge plants in existence. Where Ligustrum ovalifolium fails to keep evergreen, the Grise- linia succeeds. Here, in the extreme end of North Lancashire, against the Irish Sea coast, I find this shrub most hardv. I am planting more than 1,000 young plants of my own raising in our new public park, and I am also propa- gating it in thousands for future uses. Griselinia littoralis stands clipping as well as either Thorn or Privet, and, by planting either in double or treble rows, it forms an impene- trable fence very quickly. I agree with Mr. Elgar in his remarks on Cupressus macrocarpa as a hedge plant ; but I would advise him to try the Griselinia also for this purpose. Victor H. Lucas, Gardener to Borough Council, Barrow-in- Furness. The Temperature of Respiring Plants. — In your interesting leader on this subject (Gardeners' Chronicle, March 27), there seems to be a slight omission, inasmuch as no mention is made about the relationship of temperatures to the absorption of oxygen, with increase of carbonic acid gas expired. It is said that "the leaves of such plants as Apple and Hornbeam actually kill themselves by the high tempera- tures," which may in part "be ascribed to wound-fever." But will not the actual cause of death in closed vessels be rather suffocation? Unless oxygen be artificially supplied, respira- tion must sooner or later cease when the vessel will be full of C02. It has long ago been shown by MM. Bonnier and Magnin (Ann. des Set. Nat., xix., p. 253, 1884), experimenting on respiration in darkness, that, when no photosynthesis can take place, the increment of CO, expired goes on pari passu with the increase of heat ; so that the curve of the volumes of CO, expired is a parabola. This means that there are no maxima and minima, but that the plant will increase its respiration till it dies. It would seem to be rightly suggested by the writer that cut ends of shoots bearing leaves could hardly cause wound-fever in the latter ; at least, it does not seem that such has been proved. But, as the heat due to respiration was confined, it would naturally go on accumulating, like that in a greenhouse exposed to the sun, and this increase of temperature would react, increasing the respiration, till death ensued. If the flasks were exposed to light, a certain amount of photosyn- thesis would take place ; but the abnormal con- ditions would seem to so increase the respira- tion to an abnormal extent as to outweigh any slight and contrary effects the process of assimi- lation might produce. If the preceding has any practical value, it means that, in a closed glass- house, with insufficient ventilation and a super- abundance of plants, there may be an accumula- tion of heat from the sun, or artificial over- heating, together with the respiration, which would still further enhance the respiration ab- normally, and so, perhaps, injuriously. George Hen slow. "The Orchid Stud-Book."- One or two remarks upon this work (see p. 184) call for a reply. It is said " The authors' rules, indeed, are opposed to the snirit of one of the Vienna recommendations, viz., Art. 50, &c," but the name that may not be changed or modified is a name given in accordance with the rules of binomial nomenclature (though of faulty con- struction). It had already been provided (Art. 26 1 that the said name must be binomial, and, as De Candolle originally remarked, " Names or forms of nomenclature which are contrary to a rule cannot in practice he maintained." How can an author evolve order out of chaos, to use your appropriate phrase, if he is to be bound hand and foot by half-a-dozen conflicting sys- tems of nomenclature? The reference to the " yet more arbitrary but in the long run more logical proposals now before the Scientific and Orchid Committees of the R.H.S." is quite be- side the point, for that sub-committee was ap- pointed to deal with multigeneric hybrids (none of which have yet flowered), and it has en- dorsed the system of naming generic hybrids followed (not originated) in the Stud-Book, which is that of its earlier Nomenclature Com- mittee, printed in the Society's own Plants, &-c., Certificated by the Society (p. 210), under the heading, " The Naming of Orchids for Garden Purposes." The authors are members of that sub-committee, and it is no secret that they both strongly supported the proposal now put forward by it as the provisional recommendation for adoption in the naming of multigeneric hybrids. With one exception, the rules objected to are not ours. That exception is the one stating that secondary hybrids should as far as possible 222 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 3, 1809. be dealt with uniformly with primary ones, i.e., that seedlings from the same capsule, or of the same parentage, should be treated as forms of one. It was drawn up at a time when the diffi- culty of dealing with secondary hybrids was im- perfectly realised, and is still the system largely in use. But the authors are fully aware of the difficulties entailed, as is shown by the para- graph entitled " Secondary and More Complex Hybrids," on pp. v., vi. of the Preface. The original idea was to deal with primary hybrids only, but it was felt that this plan would greatly curtail the utility of the work, and with the decision to include them came the conviction that the advantages of a uniform system alto- gether overbalanced its disadvantages. The de- scription of our rule respecting specific names, that such names are " Latin, Greek or Graeco- Latin " is erroneous. It reads " Latin or classi- cal, consisting of a single word — the use, how- ever, of two short words being permissible where they can be connected with a hyphen." And many names are adopted which are not even classical. The objection to the modification of Cattleya X Lady Ingram into C. X Ingramias need not have been written, if the Orchid Com- mittee had carried out the Society's own rules. At p. 210 (aforementioned) we read : " The Orchid Committee should decline to recognise any unauthorised name, or any name that is deemed unsuitable, or one which is not applied in uniformity with the preceding rules." We have only carried out the rule that the Orchid Committee neglected to apply when they gave the plant an Award of Merit. It may be that the hybrids included under Laelio-Cattleya X Fournieri will Have to be re-examined, and had we discovered that the one called Berthe Fourniei was only a synonym of the earlier L.-C. X Lucila, we should not have hesitated to refer to it as a synonym, as has been done in numerous cases. We cannot hope to have de- tected every error, and in the attempt to remedy some of them may have fallen into others of our own, which will have to be corrected later on, but to have made " a definite step towards the evolution of order out of chaos " is to have achieved something. R. A. Rolfe. The " Burbank ■■ Potato. — From time to time we hear of what our American cousins term the Burbank " creations," but it is rare that full details rea.ch us such as are vouchsafed in an article before us published in the Weekly Examiner from San Francisco. The article deals mainly with the financing of Mr. Luther Burbank on a colossal scale to enable a group of American millionaires to supply the world in a wholesale way with the fruits of Burbank's creation ; such, for example, as the spineless Cactus, destined to supply the starving millions of India with succulent food, and, by virtue of selective cultivation, to replace both Beet and Sugar-cane in the production of sugar and alcohol. The Burbank Potato, however, seems to rank first "as the advance agent of a chal- lenging army of marvellous productions of plant life." This Potato " has conquered the earth, and is practically the only one grown on the American continent from Alaska to Mexico." Since its introduction, " Burbank has estimated that enough Burbank Potatos have been grown to pave a street 200 feet wide entirely round the world at the equator." " Last year alone 14,000,000 bushels were produced with the Bur- bank label." That " Burbank has given to the world a new botany," and that " Burbank has gone beyond nature " are examples of the en- comiums launched upon the " plant wizard " of Santa Rosa ; but the most curious and remark- able feature of the whole report is that in another part, preceding these wonderful statistics, it claims to be " the first announce- ment of the discovery of this Potato, the secret of which has been kept so closely that, although it has been for years ' a household word all over the West,' even the people of Santa Rosa know nothing about it." It is obviously as difficult to reconcile these two statements as it is to compre- hend the fact that our horticultural and agricul- tural experts are ignorant of the multitude of other Burbank creations, which are constantly cropping up in print, but never in our gardens or orchards. It is to be hoped, however, that the millionaire combination will see to it that, while supplying the " world," the expectant British Empire may not be so entirely ignored in the future as in the past. C. T. D. Anemone Traversii.— Mr. Gumbleton has drawn my attention to an error in my reference to this plant on p. 179. I have transposed the colours ; it is the type plant which is white, and the variety elegans rose. My error is inexcus- able, as it was through the kindness of Mr. Gumbleton that I became possessed of the variety elegans, which has bloomed beautifully in my garden. S. Arnott, Sunnymead, Dumfries. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. March 23.— Present : Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A., F.L.S., F.E.S. (in the Chair) ; Sir Daniel Mor- ris, K.C.M.G., Dr. Rendle, Messrs. R. H. Cur- tis, G. Massee, J. Douglas, H. T. Giissow, J. T. Bennett-Poe, W. Fawcett, A. Worsley, F. J. Baker, G. Saunders, and F. J. Chittenden (hon. secretary). Visitors : Messrs. F. W. Smith and G. Wilson, F.L.S. Roots of Sweet Peas dying. — Mr. Massee re- ported that he had examined the roots of the Sweet Peas sent to the last meeting and had found that the cortical cells and root hairs were all killed and browned. He thought they were per- fectly free from any disease due to insects or fungi, but had probably been injured by some injurious substance in the soil, or by some fer- tiliser. Possibly peaty soil with Sphagnum had been used, and humic acid had caused the damage. Parsnips from wild stock. — Mr. F. J. Baker showed some roots of Parsnips of the sixth generation from the wild plants. The roots were of good size, although grown on poor land, and had lost the greater part of the tough woody fibre of the original stock. In form they showed a near approach to the well-known " Hollow- crown " type of Parsnip. Mr. Baker said there was just a possibility that the plants had in one generation been crossed with pollen from culti- vated plants. He found the roots far less liable to rust than the ordinary plants, though they were not entirely free from it. Orchid malformations.- — Mr. Gurney Wilson showed malformed flowers of Odontoglossum Harryano-crispum on behalf of Mr. W. Bolton, of Warrington. There appeared to be symmetry about the multiplication of parts in these flowers, and Mr. Wilson remarked that, as in the prestnt case, when a portion is removed from an estab- lished plant, in the next season it is not very unusual for the older poition to bear malformed flowers, while the portions removed bear normal flowers. Pie also showed a flower of Seleni- pedium caudatum var Lindeni, from Messrs. Charlesworth. In this variety the labellum is not slipper-shaped as in the type, but is replaced by a very long and tapering petal entirely similar to the two lateral petals ; there are also three fertile stamens. The variety was figured by Reichenbach (Lindl. Orchid. Linden, 28, 1846), under the name of Uropedium Lindeni. The form occurs wild. Gummosis in Lemon. — Mr. Worsley showed a branch of a Lemon with leaves beginning to shrivel, attacked in its lower portion by gum- mosis, a considerable mass of gum exuding from the stem, and the bark being browned all round for a considerable distance. It was remarked that in some cases gumming of trees had been found to be associated with the presence of a fungus, and often appeared to start at a wound, but in the present case no wound could be dis- cerned. Sir Daniel Morris said that in Florida the gumming usually occurred in the trees where they had been budded, and Mr. Fawcett said he had seen trees affected in a manner similar lo that shown by Mr. Worsley's example in the West Indies, where the disease was thought to be associated with too liberal manuring with nitrogenous manures, or with heaping earth around the stems. The disease was treated by cutting out the affected portion and dressing the wound with tar. Eucrosia oicolor. — Mr. J. T. Bennett-Poe showed flowers of this peculiar plant from Miss Wtllmott's garden. The plant was figured in 1817 in the Botanical Register, t. 207. Grease bands. — Mr. Walter Voss reported that no winter moths of any kind had been caught on the grease bands placed on the fruit trees at Enfield since the end of November. Diseased plants. — Mr. Massee showed a piece of a Rose stock attacked by the fungus Lepto- sphaeria. diplodia, a well-known fungus on the stems of the Dog Rose and rarely attacking the cultivated varieties. In this case 15,000 bushtj had been affected. Mr. Massee aiso showed shoots of Apple affected by the winter stage of the Apple scab, Fusicladium dendriticium. Mr. Massee also showed a branch of Pear which had been damaged by hailstones in the summer. The wounds had healed, and were now free from danger of attack from fungi, but the circular places which had been damaged by the stones had dried, and were sunken and black. LINNEAN SOCIETY. March 18. — Miss Sibyl Longman gave the substance of a paper, communicated bv Prof. Keeble, Sc.D., entitled "The 'Dry- Rot ' of Potatos," illustrating her account by diagrams. She pointed out, as the result of her researches, that the disease of the Potato tuber, known as "dry-rot" — due to the fungus Fusa- rium Solani, is not necessarily preceded by " wet-rot," but may be set up in sound tubers by inoculation with spores or mycelium of Fusa- rium Solani, which species is not a parasite of the resting tuber only : it may also attack and kill the shoots of Potato plants. The fungus, which probably exists as a widely-distributed sapro- phyte in the soil, infects the growing Potato plant through the root ; it also spreads from tuber to tuber during the storage and diseased tubers may produce diseased plants. Heat steri- lisation of the resting Potato tuber, with respect to Fusarium Solani, is impracticable, for the death-temperature of the fungus is higher than that of the Potato. A pyenidial stage occurs in the iife-history of Fusarium Solani, which should therefore be placed in the highest group of the Fungi Imperfecti, the Sphasropsidaceae and not, as is the case at piesent, in the Hyphomycetes. An animated discussion followed, in which Mr. (',. Massee stated that various forms were usually found in conjunction with the fungus described, and alluded to Bernard's theory of tuberation being always dependent upon some species of Fusarium. The debate was continued by Mr. A. D. Cotton, by Prof. Keeble, who mentioned that Miss Longman's cultures had been derived from a single spore, from a hang- ing drop, and upon material sterilised accord- ing to modern bacteriological methods, and by Mr. Arthur W. Sutton, who invited Prof. Keeble and the author of the paper to determine speci- ally healthy Potato plants in the Reading trial grounds, so that their tubers might give rise to an immune race. To these remarks the author briefly replied. The second paper, by Mr. A. S. Home, B.Sc, F.G.S., " On the Structure and Affinities of Davidia involucrata, Baill.," communicated by Prof. J. B. Farmer, F.R.S., was, in the absence of the author, explained by Dr. Otto Stapf, F.R.S. The paper dealt with the structure and affini- ties of a genus referred by various authorities to the natural orders Combretacea?, Cornaceas, and Hamamelidaceae. The investigation, carried out under the direction of Professor J. B. Farmer, was made upon material brought by Mr. E. H. Wilson from Szechuen in 1904. Evi- dence was advanced in favour of interpreting the inflorescence as consisting of a number of congenitally-fused, apetalous, multi-staminate, male flowers, or of male and, in addition, a single, obliquely-situated, apetalous, hermaphro- dite flower with epigynous stamens arranged in series. From a detailed study of the flower, ovary, ovule and seed, the author is inclined to believe that Davidia is distantly related to Alan- gium and Nyssa, and still more distantly re- lated to the Araliaceas, and that the genus occu- pies a somewhat isolated position owing to having pursued an independent course of de- velopment from the plexus of primitive groups which included the ancestral forms of the Araliaceae, Nysseas and Alangieae. In the discussion which followed Prof. F. W. Oliver, F.R.S., the general secretary, Mr. R. Morton Middleton, and the President took part. April 3, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 223 MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. March 18. — Committee present: Messrs. E. Ashworth (chairman), Thorp, Cowan, Ward, Warburton, Sander, Upjohn, Shill, Keeling, Holmes, Ashton, Cypher, Parker, and P. Weathers (hon. sec). A. Warburton, Esq., Haslingden (gr. Mr. Da'gleish), was awarded a Silver-gilt Medal for a gioup of Odontoglossums. First-class Certi- ficates were awarded to O. crispum Luci-Marie, O. crispum variety Hofer ; O. X ardentissimum variety Vanguard ; Cattleya Schroderae variety Ulixes (an intensely dark-coloured flower with a rich velvety lip), and C. Percivaliana var. Little Gem. Odontoglossum crispum var. Brutus was voted an Award of Merit. The Rev. J. Crombi eholme, Clayton-le- Moors (gr. Mr. Marshall), received an Award of Merit for Cypripedium x apiculatum var. atra- tum. J. McCartney, Esq., Bolton (gr. Mr. Holmes), was awarded a. Silver Medal for a group of Cattleyas ;ind Laelias*. Cattleya Trianae var. Lucifer and C T. var. Fascinator received Awards of Merit. K. Ashworth, Esq., Newchurch (gr. Mr. Fletcher), obtained Awards of Merit for Odon- toglossum x Lambeauianum var. Fletcheri and O. X L. var Ashlandense. Another fine plant in this exhibitor's group was O. X ardentissi- mum var. album. J. T. Clifton, Esq., Lytham (gr. Mr. Float), was awarded a Silver Medal for a group con- sisting principally of Dendrobiums. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park, Reigate (gr. Mr. Collier), made a handsome dis- play with Dendrobiums. O. O. Weigley, Esq., Bury (gr. Mr. Rogers), displayed Lycastes in variety and some well- grown plants of Laelia Jongheana. H. J. Bromilow, Esq., Rainhill (gr. Mr. Mor- gan), was awarded a Silver Medal for a group of Cypripediums. C. X Alcibiades var. Illustrious was awarded a First-class Certificate. Z. A. Ward, Esq., Northenden (gr. Mr. Weatherby), staged a group of Odontoglossums in variety. O. crispum var. Meteor received an Award of Merit. Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, were awarded a Silver Medal for a group, amongst which were several good hybrid Cypripediums. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Enfield, were awarded a Silver Medal for a miscellaneous group- BRITISH GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. At the last meeting of the association, Mr. E. F. Hawes in the chair, 41 new members were elected, bringing the total membership to 1,473. It was decided that the annual general meet- ing of the association should be held at the Essex Hall, Essex Street, Strand. W.C., on Wed- nesday, May 26, at 7 p.m., the second day of the Temple Show. (LONDON BRANCH.) The next general meeting takes place on Thursday, April 8, at 8 p.m., when Mr. R. Lewis Castle will give a lecture on " Commercial and Co-operative Gardening." The first annual meeting of the branch will be held on Wednesday, April 14, at 8 p.m. Mem- bers of the association only will be admitted at this meeting. PERPETUAL - FLOWERING CARNATION. March 24. — The annual dinner of this society was held at the Hotel Windsor on the evening following the show ; Mr. J. S. Brunton presided over a company of about 30 members and friends. A letter from the president, Lord Howard de Walden, was read regretting his inability to be present at the dinner, and a similar communication was received from C. F. Raphael, Esq., a vice-president. The President's Challenge Cup and the Silver Cup given bV the American Carnation Society were handed to the winners. After the usual toasts had been submitted, a discussion on " The Value of the Carnation as an Amateur's Flower " was opened by Rev. J. Jacob. The speaker emphasised the value of scent in flowers, but of this attribute the present varieties of perpetual-flowering Carnation were lacking. He urged the society to withhold their First-class Certificates from new varieties that were scentless. Mr. R. F. Felton thought a much more effective display could be obtained in the various classes if the schedule permitted the use of supports for the flowers, as in many cases the stems were too weak to hold them- selves erect. The general opinion of the meet- ing was that the use of wire for supporting the flowers was not desirable. DEBATING SOCIETIES. TORQUAY DISTRICT GARDENERS'. March 25. — The society held a highly suc- cessful spring show in the Bath Saloons, Tor- quay, on this date. The entries were nearly double those of last year, and, considering the lateness of the season, the exhibits reached a high standard of perfection. The show was favoured with fine weather, and the attendance of visitors was exceptionally large. One of the features of the exhibition was a display of Orchids by Sir John Edwards-Moss, Roby Hall, Watcombe. Much of the success of the show was due to the nurserymen's exhibits, many trade firms staging collections of spring flowers. Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, t'ovent Garden, London, showed a collection of Daffodils, including Peter Barr, Firebrand, Ariadne, Isolde, Cherry Ripe, Salmonetta, Mountain Maid, Strongbow, Cygnet, White Queen, and White Lady. The Devon I<< Torquay, had a very attractive stand, contain- ing cut Roses, Azaleas, Freesias, Tree Carna- tions, Spirasas, Anthuriums, Acacias, Boronias, Crotons, and Palms. Messrs. R. Veitch & Son, Exeter, staged Phcenix Rcebelinii, Dracaenas, Erica Veitchii, Thyrsacanthus rutilans, Primula Kewensis, Rehmannia angulata, Magnolias, and a collection of rock plants. Messrs. W. H. Smale & Son, Torquay, showed Cinerarias, Pelargoniums, Hyacinths, Calceo- larias, Clivia miniata, Nicotiana Sanderae, and Cycas revoluta. Mr. J. Heath, Kingskerswell, showed a collection of Violets, comprising several new seedlings, including one named Devonia, a variety having large, deep-purple flowers. €>bttuarjj. George Harris.— We regret to record the death of Mr. G. Harris, late gardener to Mrs. Rowley- Conwy, Bodrhyddan, North Wales, after a brief illness, at the age of 65 years. After serving for a period of seven years in Kew Gardens, Mr. Harris, in 1866, took charge of Bodrhyddan Gardens. Here he remade the flower gardens and did much to improve and beautify the place generally. The funeral took place at Dysarth on March 19, amidst many mani. testations of sorrow. Deceased was the oldest member in the North Wales district of the National Fire Brigade's Union. Firemen at- tended from many towns and lined the route to the churchyard. William Roupell.— The late Mr. William Roupell, whose death at Streatham was recorded on March 25, was a well-known visitor at t.ie meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society. He took an active interest in gardening matters, and was a successful fruit cultivator, especially of Grapes. He often exhibited produce from his orchard at Harvey Lodge, Streatham, before the Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Mr. Roupell was a strong supporter of the gardening charities and gave much of his time to advocat- ing their claims. He was the president of the Streatham, Brixton, and Clapham Horticultural Society, many of whose members attended the funeral, which took place on Monday, March 29. The first portion of the service was held in the church with which Mr. Roupell had been con- nected for many years, and the interment took place afterwards at Norwood Cemetery. DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS.'— At the last meeting of this association, held at the Guildhall, Exeter, a paper by Mr. G, Camp, Culver House Gardens, Exeter, was read by the chairman, Mr. Andrew Hope, the subject being " Arches, Pergolas, and Pillars." Roses and Clematis were recommended as suitable subjects for clothing such structures, which are best made of Oak or Pine in preference to iron. A list of suitable climbing Roses and Clematis was given. After the reading of the paper the chairman referred with regret to the impending departure from the district of Mr. T. Slade, Poltimore Park, and Mr. J. Coutts, Killerton, both of whom had been of great service to the association. A.H. WARGRAVE AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. — A paper on " The Culture of Violets " was read at a recent meeting by Mr. James Knight, of Thistledown Gardens, Sbiplake. Mr. Knight makes a speciality of these plants, and he therefore gave his personal experiences. He ex- plained the methods of cultivation he employs from the preparation of the ground to the time the plants are in flower. A good discussion followed. Mr. Knight showed some excellent clumps of violets in full bloom, as well as a number of bunches of flowers as prepared for market. BOURNEMOUTH & DISTRICT GARDENERS'. A meeting of the above association was held at the Avenue Restaurant, on March 16, with Mr. Reeves, hon. treasurer, in the chair. A paper on " British Orchids" was read. CROYDON & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL.— At the meeting of this association held on Tuesday, March 16, at the Sunflower Temperance Hotel, Mr. P. F. Bunyard, F.Z.S., gave a lecture on a trip to North Uist. The lecturer showed a picture of the double white Pheasant's Eye Nar- cissus growing in large quantities. Some very good views of birds, birds' nests, and eggs were also shown. CARDIFF GARDENERS'.— The fortnightly meeting of the above society was held at St. John's Schools on March 16, when Mr. Mountney, vice-chairman, presided. A lecture was given by Mr. Cobb, the Pyffryn Gardens, Cardiff, on ** Summer Bedding." The various methods of summer bedding were explained and much useful informa- tion was given. REDHILL, REIGATE AND DISTRICT GAR- DENERS'.-A meeting of this association was held on Monday, March 22. Mr. Bound presided over an assembly of about 50 members. Mr. Duncan, Merstham House Gardens, read a paper on "The Culture of Vines." The lecturer described the best kinds of vineries, the proper soil to use in forming the borders, the making of the border, the watering, top dressing, the pruning of the vines, and the painting of the rods in winter. READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. A large number of the members of this society met in the Abbey Hall, Reading, on Monday, March 22, when Mr, T. J. Powell, of The Gardens, Park Place, Henley-on- Thames, gave a lecture entitled "The Value of System in the Cultivation of Fruit." The president, Mr. Alderman Parfitt, occupied the chair. One of the best discussions that has ever taken place in the Abbey Hall followed the lecture. As an object-lesson in good storing Mr. Powell staged 42 dishes of Apples in excellent condition. BATH AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. - A meeting of this society was held on March 22, when Mr. W. T. Rich read a paper on " Hardy Herbaceous Plants." The lecturer described the simplest and best methods of preparing a border for perennial plants, and enumerated suitable varieties for planting. He also de- scribed the methods of planting, watering, and the summer work generally for these plants. KINGSTOWN GARDENERS'. -At the concluding meeting for the session of this society, a lecture on " Manures," illustrated by lantern slides, was delivered by Mr. L. J. Humphrey, of the Department of Agricul- ture. After pointing out the objects sought to be attained by the use of manures, the lecturer spoke of the various chemical manures available, and pointed out that the re- sults of experiments had shown that garden methods of manuring might frequently be modified with advantage. /. M'D. BRISTOL AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'.— A meeting of this association was held on March 25. Mr. VV. E. Budget! occupied the chair. Mr. Bailey, a representa- tive of the Reading Association, gave a lecture upon " Propa- gation by Layering," with a practical demonstration. Mr. Bailey said layering could be practised with Ampelopsis, Aristolochia, Clematis, Begonia, Honeysuckle, Wistaria, Aucuba, Ceanothus, Weigelia, Cotoneaster, Garrya, Ivy, Ilex, Heaths, Magnolia, Rhododendron, and Azaleas, GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. [Correspondents are requested to write the names of person t and places as legibly as possible. No chaige ts made for these announcements, but if a small contribution is sent, to be placed in our collecting Box Jor the Garde nets' Orphan Fund, it will be thankfully received t and an acknowledgment made in these columns.] Mr. J. G. Pearce, late of Boycott Manor Gardens, Bucking- ham, as Gardener to Lord Huntingfield, Heveningham Hall, Yoxford, Suffolk. Mr. Robt. Wellwood, for 2£ years Gardener to G. H. Leather, Esq., at Wyther House, Kirkstall, Leeds, as Gardener at Fylde Farm School, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire. Mr. H. E. Gribble, for many years Gardener at Wynyard Park Gardens, as Gardener at Seaham Hall Gardens, which he will supervise in addition to the gardens at Wynyard Park. Mr. W. Sutton, for the past 4 years and 8 months Fore- man at Latimer Gardens, Chesham, as Gardener to the Hon. Mrs. Douglas Pennant, Lillingstone Dayrell, Buckingham. 224 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 3, 1909. THE WEATHER. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending March 27, is furnished from the Meteorological Office: — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather was generally very unsettled, with much cloud and frequent falls of rain, but certain parts of Scotland were less rainy than other districts. A good deal of fog or mist prevailed on the coast and at some places inland early in the week. Thunder was heard at Dublin on Saturday afternoon. The temperature was above the average except in Scotland E., but the divergence from the normal was not large. The highest of the maxima were recorded on rather variable dates and ranged from 59g in England N.W. to 50° in Scot- land E. The lowest of the minima, which were registered at most stations either on the 21st or 27th, varied from 25° in England S.E. and Scotland E. and W. to 30° in England E. and N.E., and to 33° in the English Channel. The lowest grass readings reported were 13° at Llangammarch Wells, 20" at Buxton, Newton Rigg, and Dublin, and 21° in several other isolated localities. The mean temperature oftlie sea.— Except on the south-west coast of England and Ireland the water was colder than during the corresponding week of last year. The actual values for the week ranged from 48'5° at Seifield and 47'7Q at Plymouth to about 41° along the east and north-east coasts of Great Britain generally, and to 39-2° at the Shipwash Lightship. The rain/all was much less than the normal in Scotland N., and rather less in Scotland W., but above it in all other districts, the excess being large in several parts of England and the south of Ireland. The bright sunshine was less than the average over the whole kingdom, except in Ireland N. The percentage of the possible duration rauged from 31 in England N.W., and 30 in Ireland N. and the English Channel, to 22 in the Midland Counties, 17 in Scotland N., and 13 in Scotland E. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending March 31. Another moderately warm and wet week. — The day tem- peratures, as in the previous week, were as a rule onjy about seasonable, whereas the night readings were vjith one exception high for the time of year. On the warmest day the temperature in the thermometer screen rose to 57°, which, although only 6° above the average maximum for the end of March, is nevertheless the highest reading as yet recorded here this year. The ground temperatures have been slowly rising during the week, and are now about average at 2 feet deep, and one degree warmer at 1 foot deep, than is seasonable. Rain fell on all but one day, and to the total depth of 1J inches. That the ground is now thoroughly saturated is shown by the fact that of that amount 5 gallons of rain-water have already come through the bare soil gauge, and 4J gallons through that on which short grass is growing. The sun shone on an average for 2£ hours a day, which is 1$ hours a day short of the average duration for this period of the year. On three days no sunshine at all was recorded. At the beginning of the week the wind continued high, and in the windiest hour the mean velocity reached 19 miles— direction W.S.W. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by as much as 10 per cent. A selected patch of Chionodoxa Luciliae grow- ing in my garden came first into flower on the 19th, which is 11 days later than its average date for the previous 22 years, and later than in any year for 14 years. An Early Rivers Peach, growing on a south wall, came first into blossom on the 31st, or eight days later than its average date for the previous 23 years, and the latest date, with one ex- ception, since 1895. E. A/., Berkhamsted, March 31, 1909. SCHEDULES RECEIVED. Croydon Chrysanthemum show, to be held on Wednes- day and Thursday, October 27 and 28, at the Adult School, Park Lane, Croydon. Secretary, Mr. W. B. Beckett, Woodcote, Smitham Downs Road, Purley. Women's Agricultural and Horticultural Inter- national Union's show, to be held in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, on Wednesday, July 21. Secre- tary's address, 64, Lower Sloane Street, S.W. Kent County Chrysanthemum Society's annual ex- hibition at the Rink, Blackheath, S.E., to be held on Octo- ber 27 and 28. Secretary, Mr. Fox, The Gardens, The Cedars, Lee, S.E. Southend-on-Sea and District Horticultural Society's summer show to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 6 and 7: and Chrysanthemum show to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 2 and 3. Both ex- hibitions will be held in the Palace Hotel, Southend-on- Sea. Hon. secretary, Mr. C. W. Limmer, 177, Cambridge Road, Southend-on-Sea. Bolton Horticultural and Chrysanthemum Society's twenty-third exhibition to be held on Friday and Saturday, November 19 and 20, in the Albert Hall, Bolton. Secretary, Mr. George Corbett, Heaton Grange Gardens, Bolton. Sutton Rose Society's twenty-eighth annual exhibition, to be held on Saturday, July 3rd, in Manor Park House grounds. Hon. secretaries, Mr. E. L. Dixon, Silverley Sackville Road, Sutton, and Mr. F. J. Borland, Stalheim' Brunswick Road, Sutton. Bradford and District Chrysanthemum Society's twenty-third exhibition to be held on November 12 and 13 in St. George's Hall, Bradford. Secretary, Mr. H. Spencer' Horton, Park, Bradford. National Dahlia Society's exhibitions, to be held on Thursday and Friday. September 2 and 3, at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, S.E. ; and on Tuesday and Wednesday September 21 and 22, at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, N.W. Show superintendent, Mr. E. F. Hawes Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, London, N.W. Societe Royale d'HortlcuIture et de Botanique de Gand, 17th exhibition, to be held on October 30 and 31, and November 1. * . * The Editor will be glad to receive, for consi lera- tion, large photographs of hortic dtural subjects, suitable for forming Supplementary Illustrations to this Journal. Editor and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communica- tions, and save us much time and trouble, if they would Kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters 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 distinct and much unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters are misdirected. Abutilon vitifolium Failing to Flower : H. .V. Give the plants less water at their roots, maintain a dry atmosphere and raise the temperature of the house in which they are planted Beetle Eating Oncidium concolor : W. T The insect is one of the common weevils. These creatures feed at night-time and hide during the day. Hunt them with a light or trap them with slices of some vegetables such as Carrot, Potato, &c. Crickets in a Greenhouse : W. H. R. Place jars or bottles partly filled with beer or some sweet spirit about the house. A more effec- tual method of destroying these pests is by the use of poisons. " Phosphor paste," borax powder, or arsenic mixed with some food, such as Potatos, &-c, will kill them. Double Daffodil : A. H. The abnormal con- dition, resulting in twin flowers, is termed fasciation, and is due to a fusion of growth. We frequently receive examples showing fasci- ation. In the issue for March 20, p. 1912, there is a notice of a spike with three blooms. Figure of 4 Trap: F. G. B. This is a very simple trap (see fig. 95) for the destruction of small animals such as mice. It is made with three pieces of wood, and either a brick, slate, or slab of stone, as the " fall." It is necessary that the pieces of wood used be thin so as not to impede the brick or slate when it falls. Pieces of ordinary plasterers' laths are suit- able for the purpose. The upright (B) is pointed at one end like a chisel, and this fits into a groove in another piece (E), which in its turn fits into a groove in the trigger or bait stick (F). The Fig. 95. — figure of 4 trap. sticks are arranged in equilibrium sup- porting the brick or slate (A), and as soon as the animal or bird destroys the balance by nibbling at the bah (C) the whole collapses. A slab of stone or thick slate (B) is sometimes placed beneath the trap when the ground is soft. For mice, a bait of cheese or bread may be used. In plantations where game is pre- sent, pheasants are liable to be caught by these traps and killed. Mice Damaging Shrubs : W. C. The creature which is damaging your shrubs is no doubt the common wood mouse (Mus sylvaticus), which often nibbles the bark from trees in the orchard and kitchen garden. Mice may be killed by placing in their holes some moistened bran or meal, to which some white arsenic has been added. If poultry is pre- sent, a temporary enclosure of wire netting should be put up where there are most mice, and where it is practicable to feed them for a short period. This will draw large quanti- ties to the feeding-place, and they can be killed in this manner. The surplus poison can be dug in the ground, and the netting, if necessary, removed to a different part of the garden and used again in the same way. Names of Friuts : L.R.Russell. 1, King of Tomp- kins County ; 2, Northern Spy ; 3, Minchull Crab.— H. A. R. 1, Lady Lennox ; 2, Norfolk Stone Apple ; 3, Gooseberry Pippin. — Bere. Beauty of Kent.— W. K. 1, Byford Wonder; 2, Tower of Glamis ; 3, Dredge's Fame; 4, Baldwin. Names of Plants ; R. L. 1, Picea excelsa Clan- brassiliana ; 2, P. e. variety laxa ; 3, Cupressus obtusa tetragona aurea ; 4, C. o. aurea. — F. H. Odontoglossum Adrianae, a natural hybrid between O. crispum and O. Hunnewellianum. Your flower approaches the O. crispum more than ordinarily— IK. B. 1, Brunfelsia (Fran- cicea) calycina ; 2, Spiraea Van Houttei ; 3, Abutilon Fire Fly ; 4, Jasminum pubescens ; 5, Prunus sinensis flore albo pleno ; 6. Pieris flori- bunda.— A. R. 1, Ccelogyne flavida ; 2, C. corrugata; 3, Oncidium pubes ; 5, Pleurothallis rubens; 5, Ornithidium ochraceum. — H. H. B. 1, Adiantum formosum ; 2, Asplenium lucidum ; 3, Adiantum cuneatum gracillimum ; 4, Pteris hastata. — E. F. Rhododendron Countess of Haddington, a hybrid of the K. fragrantissimum section. — F. S. &■ S. Smilax aspera. Odontoglossum Leaf Spotted : F. H. Damaged leaves such as you send do not always indicate disease. Insect pests are often the cause of the injury, or it may be due to some accident during fumigation or spraying. But the most frequent cause of this leaf-spot- ting is the retaining of the foliage on the plants for a much longer period than would be the case were they growing in their native habitat. It is chiefly a matter of climatic influence. You will find that it is the older leaves which are invariably affected. These would fall from the plant in its native habitat, and cultivators, who are aware of this, assist nature by remov- ing such foliage about half an inch above the pseudo-bulb as soon as signs of decay appear. In a collection of Masdevallias at least double the number of old leaves that are required are usually allowed to remain on the plants. The same applies relatively to many ether Orchids of the more or less evergreen class. Remove all unsightly leaves at once. Sewage Farms : Cairo. Mr. W. D. Scott Mon- crieff, The Red Plouse, Laleham, Staines, re- cently gave an address on this matter before the members of the Royal Horticultural So- ciety. No doubt he will be willing to give you information on the subject. Sterilising Soil: Wessex. Many experiments of sterilising soil are being conducted at the present time, and in some cases a marked in- crease of the yield of a crop has been obtained as a result. But before the method of steri- lising soil can be advocated in practice, further and more extensive trials are required, especi- ally in determining, in the case of heat steri- lisation, the proper temperature to which the soil should be subjected. Certain bacteria are killed at a much lower temperature than others ; for example, the nodule organism is destroyed at the comparatively low tempera- ture of 703 C. It has yet to be shown whether methods of partial sterilisation are always productive of good results. The whole ques- tion opens up a very interesting field for ex- periment. Much information on sterilisation, and also the use of antiseptics for the purpose, may be obtained in the Abstracts of the Journal of the Chemical Society for 1907-8. Woolly Insect on Fern Roots : W. C. The roots are infested with Ripersia terrestris, a pest allied to the mealy bug. Make holes in the soil of the pots with a piece of stiff wire and pour in each a small quantity of bisul- phide of carbon. Vaporite would also be effectual in ridding the plant of this pest. Communications Received.— A. J. P.— Wessex— B. D. J.— X. Y. Z.-J. S. H.-W. II.— Old Reader-F. H. -Anxious —A. S.— W. J. B.— H. M.-A. & B., Ltd.-E. M.-A. D._ F. M.-J. D. G.— W. E. B.— H. L. & Co.-J. R. J.— D. R. W.— S. & G.— G. H.— S. A.— C. F.-F. W. C— J. G. W.— W. B.— R. P. B.— E. C— W. M.— G. H.— W.— E. H. J.— F. B.— W. E. G— D. Freres-W. B. H— Canon C.-D. G. SCo.— W. B.— W. S.— T. H.— A. C— T. S.— A. Bros., Ltd.— D. R.— A. S,— S. F. & Co., Ltd.-G. P.— A. R.— T. D. W.-F. C. E.— Scot— A. B.-W. W.— F. Son & S. Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle. ^T~ THA.LICTRUM DIPTEROCA.RPUM J A NEW CHINESE SPECIES. Colour of flowers, pale purple. Printed by Temple Press Ltd., London, EC. April 10, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 225 THE ^iiirbcncis'CbrmticIe No. 1,163.— SATURDAY, April 10, 1909. CONTENTS. Berlin International Exhibition ... 232, 235 Books, notices of — Botanical Magazine... Pronunciation of Plant Names The Book of the Cot- tage Garden Cucumbers, the culture of Deforestation in New Zealand Griselinia littoralis Hardy flower border— Eucomis punctata ... Laelio-Cattleya Pizarro Liquid manure, the value of Notes from a " French " garden 227 Notonia Grantii ... 227 Obituary — Simonite, Benjamin 240 Onions for market ... 234 Plants for spaces be- tween stepping stones 240 Rosary, the 234 Ruskin Park, Camber- well 233 233 228 234 240 St. Helena, flora and fauna of School-garden, a Surrey Shrubs, cut branches of, for flowering Societies — British Gardeners' As- sociation Metropolitan Public Gardens Prussian Horticul- tural Royal Horticultural... Trees and shrubs— The Bayfordbury pinetum Week's work, the — Apiary, the Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden ... Kitchen garden, the... Orchid houses, the ... Plants under glass Public parks and gar- dens Woodland industries, declining ■2: 13 236 235 237 228 231 230 230 230 231 231 230 234 ILLUSTRATIONS. Berlin International Exhibition, views at ... 235, 236, 237 Cedars at Bayfordbury, Hertfordshire 229 Laelio-Cattleya Pizarro (Supplementary Illustration Notonia Grantii .. 227 School-garden, boys at work in a 226 DEFORESTATION IN NEW ZEALAND. IN the Gardeners' Chronicle for November I described the conditions existing in the North Island. The following re- marks therefore relate exclusively to the South Island. The soil is not so rich as that in the North Island, but the climate is drier, colder and more bracing. There is less rain- fall, that on the east coast being compara- tively light, whereas on the west coast the heavy fall is limited to the small strip of coun- try between the watershed and the Pacific Ocean. We find, in fact, the same conditions as in Fiji. The range of mountains which runs down the west coast condenses all the moisture-laden clouds of the Pacific and dry winds sweep the eastern portion of the Island. The mixed forest, therefore, of still further reduced Polynesian affinities, is limited to the north-western, rainy slopes of this chain, and the Nothofagus forest of South American affinity clothes the shady sides of the endless spurs and outliers of the main range up to a height of 4,500 feet. This is the winter snow level on the lower ranges, but in the Mount Cook district, where the mountains range from 9,000 to 12,300, 5,000 feet is the /evel of perpetual snow. The plants of this montane region of winter snow show mostlv South American and Antarctic affinities with adaptation to wind-swept, dry conditions and constantly shifting foothold from rapid disintegration of the shaly rock of which these mountains are composed. The mixed forest of the west coast is too soaked with moisture to burn easily, and is therefore comparatively safe from bush fires ; but all the best trees are being rapidly cut out by saw mills wherever a railway is accessible, as is the case on the line from Grcymouth to Otira, where every station represents a saw mill. Rimu, I believe, is the principal tim- ber that is in demand. The chief industries along the west coast, where sea transport is generally available, are saw-milling, coal and gold mining. The natural forest growth, if worked on scientific principles, would form a magnificent asset to the resources of any country. As it is, in such mixed forest, each kind of tree is limited in numbers, and when cut without regard to age, only the old and aborted specimens are left standing, and the forest is, in consequence, unable to regener- ate itself. The resulting thinning alters the prevailing conditions as to light, moisture, and wind, and allows of the ingress of rabbits, which devour all young vegetation, and so prepare the way for an army of alien herba- ceous plants and shrubs, including Black- berries, Sweetbriar, Gorse and Broom, which luxuriate in the virgin soil. Fungal diseases attack the weakened, indigenous trees, which will have no further chance to re-establish themselves, so that all commercial value in wood, which forms one of New Zealand's ex- ports and its chief scenic charm, goes into the pocket of the first man who comes to enjoy the unrestricted exploitation of the virgin forest. The Nothofagus forest begins on Cook Straits from Picton to Nelson, a country of narrow valleys and ridges, running up in a few cases to 6,000 feet, the tree level being; about 4,500 feet. Nothofagus fusca and N. Menziesii clothe the lower slopes, with N. Solandri, the handsome N. Cliffortioides, and sometimes N. Menziesii running up to the winter snow line, where they dwindle to dwarfed and windswept examples. These Beeches are all evergreen, of typical Beech habit, showing the horizontal branching and dorsiventral leaf adjustment, with the mottled smooth stems of our Euro- pean Fagus, also the glinting light, and mossy undergrowth, so characteristic of Beech woods. Nothofagus fusca has herbace- ous leaves and would probably be deciduous in Europe. N. Menziesii has small, serrated, dark-green, coriaceous leaves which, when young, are of a tender, delicate green, con- trasting- delightfully with the older foliages. N. Solahderi has also very small, coriaceous leaves and is very near to N. Cliffortioides, of which a male tree in flower almost equals in charm the much-praised Rata (Metrosideros robusta). The small, leathery leaves are dark green on their upper and pure white on their lower surfaces, which are seen a good deal, so that with each branch bearing its terminal bunches of red stamens which form the male flowers, the effect is most fascinating. On the slopes of the Dun Mountain, near Nelson, in December, this Beech was flowering pro- fusely. The fruits of all these Beeches are very small, about half an inch across, and, nestling; amongst the leaves towards the end of the branches, add to the charm of the trees in the autumn. Thanks to the kindness of Mr. F. C. Gibbs, of Nelson, a most enthu- siastic botanist, I was enabled to appreciate the salient features of the barren Dun Moun- tain, and to ascend Ben Nevis, a peculiarly interesting expedition, as the top of that mountain (about 6,000 fett) is above the tree level, and therefore shows the bare cap of the winter snow line, which characterises the higher peaks. The view extends over a vast expanse of wooded mountains and valleys. Mr. Gibbs' knowledge of this district is un- rivalled, and his excellent work on these ranges has not only added many new and in- teresting species to the New Zealand flora, but has led to interesting and otherwise un- attainable observations on prevailing edaphic and ecologic conditions, his interests not be- ing limited to botany, but including geology as well. An unexplained feature of the Dun Moun- tain range is the so-called " Mineral Belt," which winds like a red thread through the mountains, and can not only be followed dis- tinctly from a commanding height, but is recognisable by its colour and characteristic plants when it is struck unexpectedly on the slopes. It forms a definite break in the forest, as trees do not grow on it. Dwarfed shrubs, like Hymenanthera crassifolia, Pittosporum rigidum, Aristotelia fruticosa, and Gnidia, all show the spreading habit, with tortuous, interlaced, and almost leafless stems of their ultra xerophytic form. The santalaceous Exo- carpus Bidwillii, with Phyllocladus alpinus, were also flowering in December, as well as certain herbaceous plants, like the fine Euphrasia Munroi, Notothlaspi australe, Colobanthus quitensis, Muehlenbeckia axil- laris, Claytonia australasica, all plants of open mountain regions, with Pimelea Suteri, which is only known on the Dun Mountain. Disafforesting is proceeding as vigorously in this district as elsewhere. Along the Maitai Valley there originally existed an interesting mixed forest, the last remaining patch of which Mr. Gibbs was making strenuous efforts to have reserved. Here again clearing exposes the shaly soil, which nothing but trees can bind together. There is very little surface soil even in the forest, undergrowth being limited to Ferns and Mosses, the ever- green foliage forming but little humus. The results of wholesale clearing in such country are seen in the arid sheep runs of Central Otago. Not only the rainfall, but the 'stor- age of water in the soil must be ultimately affected by this reckless tree-felling. From Nelson the journey south is down the Buller river, which runs north to south and forms a convenient highway to the central portion of the island. It is a tedious two days' coach drive following the river banks, through Beech forests, which, however, are being cleared rapidly, as good alluvial soil exists by the river bed. The upper portion of this valley is charac- terised by enormous numbers of water-worn boulders. The very hills are formed of them, and in clearings resulting from old mining operations they lie like huge cannon balls, one on the top of the other. Forces sufficient to cause such denudation must have been terrific. Nature has since been busy covering up the traces with luxuriant forest growth, the destruction of which will simply re-create the; original barrenness. In many sections along the road the thin covering, about a foot thick, 2'26 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 10, 1909. formed by the roots of the trees and under- growth, resting on the rounded boulders, was very evident. In early December Loranthus tetrapetalus was wonderfully effective, the profuse and brilliant red blossoms showing up even on the slopes of distant hills. It forms regular bushes on the Beech trees, some being quite 8 feet high, and broad in proportion. About Longwood the river bed widens into the flat, shingly bottom so typical of the rivers of the South Island, where the beds shift from season to season, or even after each "Fresh." Under natural conditions the forest trees bind the shingles together ; in the case Kahikateas, as can be seen by the wretched remains of the few survivors. Now Blackberries have taken posses- sion of acres of this river bed. The Otira Gorge running east forms part of the great highway between the east and west coasts, at about the centre of the South Island. Once through the Gorge we enter the country of dry, rainless winds and tussock plains be- Canterbury Plain, the district which, together with the Hawkes Bay and Gisburne districts in the North Island, comprises the best agricul- tural land in New Zealand. These plains stretch in unbroken monotony down the East Coast, running up to the dividing range, having been formed, in fact, from the denudation of that range. The detritus has been carried down by the rivers, which are still active in this respect, their beds shingling out to an immense breajth, with ever-shifting channels. Hoav far the comparison holds I cannot say, but Darwin's descriptions of Southern Patagonia seem very suggestive of this country, which was originally wooded and intersected, I believe, by large swamp areas. It is now cut up by long, straight roads running at right angles to each other, and enclosing rectangular paddocks bor- dered by Gorse hedges, with a possible variation of an equally symmetrical plantation of Eucalyp- tus, Pinus insignis, or even Larch. Each plan- tation is enclosed by two hedges, which ring the changes on Cupressus macrocarpus, Pinus pin- FlG. 96. — BOYS AT WORK IN A SURREY SCHOOL-GARDEN. tween bare tussock hills, yellow even in the be- ginning of December ; all sheep runs, the grass burnt off every year, and rabbits ubiquitous. Here one shrub, Discaria Toumatou, or " Wild Irishman," holds its own. It is a veritable mass of thorns (arrested branches), with incon- spicuous, green leaves and white flowers. It grows singly in the wide, river beds, on shel- tered mountain slopes and in the plains. Other- wise not a tree is visible ; that would mean fewer sheep to the acre, and the unfortunate animals in the blaze of the sun find such shelter as they may under the Discaria. It is a familiar sight to see them crowding under what can be only shade in their imagina- tion, and it makes one question whether it is really advantageous, or is merely an atavistic idea inherited from ancestors accustomed to more luxuriant conditions. These places must all have been wooded at some time not far distant. Nothing else could account for the ex- traordinary paucity of herbaceous plants, of which Craspedia uniflora is one of the few which occurs in any quantity on the plains. By Broken River the hills run out, and here the Temains of Beech forest are evident. Once past the river we sweep out on the so-called aster and Eucalyptus species as wind screens, and finally one of Gorse. Fortunately, the railway runs all down this East Coast, and also up the principal valleys for a certain distance. L. S. Gibbs. (To be continued.) A SURREY SCHOOL-GARDEN. (Concluded, from page 210.) Day-school Gardens. The Board of Education first recognised prac- tical gardening as a special subject entitled to receive monetary grants in elementary day- schools in 1895, but the subject does not appear to have been taken up with any en- thusiasm in the country till quite recently. In Surrey very little was done previous to 1903, when the County Council took control of elementary education ; but since then, through the liberal scheme adopted by the Surrey Educa- tion Committee, and the encouragement given by H.M. Inspectors, progress has been rapid. In 1901 and 1902 the number of day-schools in the county giving instruction in this subject was only seven, including those of the three boroughs of Guildford, Kingston, and Wimbledon ; whereas now there are 88 day-schools at which instruction in practical horticulture is given, the approximate number of scholars receiving such teaching being 1,500, not counting those in the three boroughs mentioned. The Board of Edu- cation, recognising the importance of this subject in the elemental school curriculum, has recently appointed a special inspector to superin- tend and control the instruction throughout the country. Our day-school gardens are arranged on a plan very similar to that of the continuation- school group, with the exception of the cottage garden plot, which is simply divided into two by a central path. The 28 plots are smaller than the plots worked by the older boys, the ma- jority of them being only 24 feet by 8 feet. The aspect, like that of the aforementioned group, is good, but the soil is still very poor, although it is improving. The general outlines of the method of instruction vary little from those of the even- ing class. Two hours or more a week are set apart in the school time-table for the subject. The indoor study of this subject lends itself freely to co-ordination with other school lessons. With us, it net only forms the basis of drawing and composition exercises, but the teaching of arithmetic, mensuration, and the drawings of plans to scale is connected more or less with it. Our method in teaching the junior boys, i.e., those cultivating the 28 small gardens, is to gather a group round a certain plot, and then show them practically how to perform the par-' ticular operation in hand, each pupil subse- quently putting the instruction into practice in his own garden. All the " whys " and " where- fores " that every teacher would, of course, re- quire are deduced during the brief lesson. A garden line is stretched directly across the whole set of plots for the guidance of the pupils, and the special crop is then sown, or planted in line, so that continuous rows of the same vege- table, broken only by the paths, are carried across the section from north to south. This gives a regular and orderly appearance to the group, and is helpful in assessing and comparing the value of the crops and workmanship. The cottage-garden plot is, I believe, a new departure in school horticulture in this part of the country. Nearly 20 square rods of land are cultivated in common by the senior group of 14 boys, on a scheme suitable for a cottage garden. During the season numerous consultations by teacher and scholars are held as to the most use- ful crops for a cottager to grow, the general arrangement and rotation to be followed, the special treatment required, and the area to be devoted to each crop. For purposes of reference, all the day-garden boys keep notebooks, in which are recorded brief accounts of each day's work, specially — (1) Date of sowing or planting of each crop. (2) Particulars as to cultivation and depth of sowing. (3) Date of harvesting the crops, with a record of the time each has occupied the ground. (4) Quality and quantity of produce, &c. The above is additional to the labelling of each kind of vegetable with the date of sowing or planting. In connection with this course of instruction, the boys keep a daily register of (1) outdoor tem- perature (maximum and minimum), (2) rainfall, (3) direction of wind, (4) general condition of weather, and (5) the reading of the barometer. Summaries also are worked out for the month and year. By the girls, in the same register are also entered during spring and summer Nature notes and observations, chiefly on wild flowers. P'ourteen of our elder girls have also a small flower-garden each. In conclusion, I may say, that, as far as my experience extends, the influence of the gardens is distinctly for good. It helps to make school life, and afterwards adult life, healthier and happier. E. Ca?sar, Head Master. April 10, 1909.' THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 227 NOTONIA GRANTII. This handsome succulent received the above name from a very imperfect specimen collected on Spelie and Grant's expedition to discover the sources of the Nile. It was discovered in ithe Mozambique district in 6° 50' S. latitude, plant has very handsome orange-scarlat heads. The species has been identified with Cacalia semperviva, Forsk., from tropical Arabia, and applying the rules of priority for specific names, Ascherson has named it Notonia semperviva, under which designation it is likely to remain in some Continental botanic gardens. Senecio Fig, 97. — notonia grantii: flowers orange-scarlet. (From specimens exhibited by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd.) and is the Kleinia sp. of Speke's Nile Journal , p. 638. In a note attached to the original speci- men in the Kew Herbarium, Colonel Grant de- scribes the flowers as blood -red or port-wine coloured. The colour varies ; the cultivated (Kleinia) longipes, Baker, in Kew Bulletin, 1895, p. 217, is reduced to Notonia Grantii in the Botanical Magazine, wherein the plant is figured, tab. 7691. A very similar plant was subsequently described by Mr. J. G. Baker in the Kew Bulletin for 1897, under the name Senecio (Kleinia) nyikensis, where the author has: — "ad S. longipedem, Baker, somaliensem magis accedit." Whether this is really speci- fically different, and also in cultivation, it is difficult to say, but I believe the name has been given to a cultivated plant. There are several dried specimens at Kew bearing the name of this Notonia, all of which are more robust than ordi- nary N. Grantii, as introduced by Miss Edith Cole from Somaliland, and first raised from seeds by Mr. Lynch, Curator of the Cambridge Botanic Garden. It may be asked what is the difference between Kleinia and Notonia, as genera, and the answer is that it is limited to the latter having the branches of the style terminating each in an ovate appendage. It seems, therefore, that if one is reduced to Senecio the other should fol- low. Notonia Grantii is a free-growing and free- flowering subject. W. B. H. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. We are now preparing beds for the planting of Endive. The ground is well manured and levelled previous to the placing of the frames or the cloches in position. Thirty-six Endives are planted under each light, and the same number under four cloches. The voung plants will not be ready for the final planting before the middle of April, as the cold weather has somewhat retarded their growth. Great care must be taken with this crop, as the plants are liable to run to seed when they have been checked in their early stages. Part of this batch of plants may be reserved for planting outside at the end of April. We are now planting Cos Lettuce Hardy White in the open, allowing a distance of 18 inches between the rows and 14 inches from plant to plant. Where plenty of space is avail- able, one row of Cos Lettuce and one row of Cauliflower may be planted, as this system ad- mits of the ground being cropped for a longer period. The Lettuces in the hot-beds must now be cleared off to make room for the young Carrots which require to be thinned and weeded. When the weather permits, ventilation may be given, especially if the Cauliflowers are growing freely. The Cauliflowers are now planted among the Lettuces Passion and Little Black Gott in the cold frames, and also in the open, 2 feet apart each way. This planting has been delayed on account of the ground beinj in an unfavourable condition. The Cos Lettuces planted under the cloches are growing well ; they will require careful at- tention as the weather gets warmer. Mats are spread over the lights when the sun is shining brightly to prevent the "heart" from becoming soft. These mats are also used at night time whenever the thermometer falls to freezing point. The Celery sown in the middle of March is just breaking through the soil. Fresh air is given whenever possible to prevent "damping off," which is so prevalent at this stage of a plant's development. We are pricking off the seedling Tomatos in- tended for planting later as an intercrop between early Potatos. They will be planted at the end of May. One hundred and sixty of these seed- lings are planted per light ; early next month we shall transplant them a second time, allowing only 100 per light. Turnip seed sown in the middle of March is pushing through the seed bed. Ventilation will be freely afforded whenever the weather permits in order to prevent the Turnip roots becoming spindle-shaped. P. Aauatias. 228 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 10, 1909. HARDY FLOWER BORDER. EUCOMIS PUNCTATA. Of the ten or more specie* of Eucomis the above is almost the sole representative in or- dinary gardens. In many parts of the country it is hardy, and when given good treatment, the bulbs throw up such strong spikes as to astonish those who know it only as a plant growing in 6 or 7-inch pots in a greenhouse. To be seen at its best, Eucomis punctata should be grouped. When thus disposed the flower- spikes gain in dignity and impressiveness what they lack in floral beauty. As an outdoor plant, it is well adapted for use in such narrow borders as those in front of glasshouses, or at the foot of a wall. It thrives best in a light, rich, deeply-worked soil, and the bulbs should he planted' at a depth of 4 to 5 inches, where they will be safe from most frosts. For pot culture, it is best to use a rich soil, and grow the plants at the cooler end of the greenhouse ; they would do well in an unhealed house. Abundance of water is necessary until the flower- spikes reach full size, and when the pots are full of roots, liquid manure may be given freely. The greeny-brown flowers open during June and last for a long time. Whilst the tuft of leaves which the spike surmounts would look incon- gruous if associated with brightly-coloured flowers, it seems singularly in keeping with Eucomis, and gives the plant a distinct char- acter. A. C. Bartlett. NOTICES OF BOOKS. * Pronunciation of Plant Names. As stated on the title page, this handy little volume has been reprinted from its original is- sue in the closing months of 1908, and forms an admirably well-adapted volume for a young gar- dener or a plant lover to slip into his pocket for reference at odd moments. The work has too recently appeared in this journal to need much description, for its plan and performance must be familiar to all our readers. Prepared in the first place by the Rev. Charles Butler, M.A., we have the assurance that each instance of pronunciation has been carefully considered, and if we venture to criticise, it must be owned that the Editor has disarmed criticism in ad- vance by stating the lack of definite rules which would be admitted as valid by all, and that or- dinary usage has been allowed full weight, even when it contradicts etymological principles. It may be conceded at once that the largest collection of generic and specific names, ac- cented and marked for pronunciation is that pro- duced by the late Rev. Percy Myles, and in- cluded in the fourth volume of Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening. But in this storehouse of facts usage has been set aside, and correct- ness alone followed ; it is therefore too hard for the practical man to follow without incurring the charge of being pedantic. On the other hand, in the latest edition of Johnson's Gardeners' Dictionary, 1894, which might be held to em- body the general usage, the plan of marking the accent fails to show whether the stressed vowel is short or long. The little work under review is therefore an improvement, and is more con- venient in many important respects than its pre- decessors. There are some misprints, but they are few, compared with the total number of names given. Our eye has fallen upon certain names which are not familiar, such ^" Agate (Agati?), Mohoe, Nola and Person;;* (aot Persoonia, which is also given). Such slips as Fadgenia for Fad- yenia and Leplaleum for Leptaleum are due to the printer misreading copy, and would prob- ably not mislead the reader. We would, however, protest against the value of one J being given to such words as Leucojum, * Reprinted from the Gardeners' Chronicle. (London : The Gardeners' Chronicle, Ltd.) 1908. (vi. + 94). 15cm. Najas, Serjania ; these should, strictly speaking, be printed Leucoium, Naias, Seriania, but the mediaeval confusion of I with J and U with V has peisisted in some Continental printing offices to the present day. There is still another point on which we could write much, but must confine our remarks to a very succinct statement. Many generic names are derived from personal names — how should these be pronounced? Theoretically, we suppose, they should conform as nearly as may be to the name of the eponymous hero. Sometimes that is practicable ; in this volume we have " Ko-hu'-ni-a " for Colquhounia, and Stokes-i-a for Stokesia, but not Reeves-i-a ; why not ? We should prefer Don'-i-a to Do'-ni-a, because the genus was named after Don ; Neel'-ya for Neillia, named after Patrick Neill, of Edinburgh ; Nip-hof'-i-a after Kniphof, Ra-o-mur-i-a alter Reaumur — the accent is often forgotten. For- skahlia is badly represented by " fors-kahl'-i-a," for Linnaeus emphasised the sound of the second syllable by publishing the genus as Forskolea. The retort may be made that it is impossible for the ordinary reader to be prepared to give proper expression to names drawn from various languages. Whilst that is true to a large extent, we venture to think that when the proper pro- nunciation is well known, we should endeavour to give effect to it, a statement to which most will agree, the difficulty being as to how far we can give currency to local pronunciation. B. Daydon Jackson. * The Book of the Cottage Garden. The author is a gardening enthusiast, and he is in rebellion against the prevailing taste in lay- ing out and planting a garden, whether it be that of the wealthy or the comparatively poor. He asks if " the growing of produce for the table, the culture of flowers, so that their blos- soms may be gathered to brighten dingy rooms, the providing of lawns for tennis and croquet, the laying-out of ornamental grounds that we may live amid trim, orderly surroundings — are the considerations that from time imme- morial have quickened in the minds of men and women of refined instincts the love and need of a garden?" "If so, it means that our gardens are not gardens at all, but merely pieces of cultivated land, which combine the material possibilities of market establishments with the facilities of recreation grounds." But suppos- ing, after all, that these things are not so ; that the cottage garden is not garden craft in its crudest and most elementary aspect, and far from being an attempt to ape the splendours of more pretentious gardens, is in reality our near- est approach to the ideal. And that this pre- sumption is not false but true is exactly what the author hopes to prove, so far as the limit of this book will allow, at the same time showing the possibilities which the small country garden offers in the way of achieving real and lasting beauty by the simplest and most natural means. Tended with the utmost care, or, as is some- times the case, left to work out unaided Nature's scheme of floral design, these little gardens are often models worthy of much consideration. Their simplicity disarms criticism, the homely flowers are like old friends, their fragrance stirs us with memories which are not awakened by the same flowers grown in the gardens of the rich. The cottage-garden paths are moss-grown, have no spotless gravel spread over them, and creepers of many kinds drape porch and eaves in a natural way. " Bedding out " is not prac- tised, but borders are filled with a goodly com- pany of hardy plants, which greet the seasons as Nature intended. No one troubles to remove the fallen leaves and petals ; they drop to earth to nourish the plants that gave them life. " Many such a garden might teach lessons that great gardeners should learn, and are pretty * By Charles Thonger, author of The Bork of Garden Design, The Book of Rock and Water Gardens, &c. Crown Hvo., pp. 90. London : John Lane, The Bodley Head. New York : John Lane Co.). from Snowdrop time till the Fuchsia bushes bloom nearly into winter;" as W. Robinson wrote in the English Flower Garden 40 years ago. The author is a great believer in thorough pre- paration of the land before laying turf or sowing Grass seeds, and he inclines to the latter method, although a lawn may be longer in becoming per- fect in smoothness and finish. Full instructions are given on lawn making, and these are to the point. The cottage garden is, first and foremost, a home for flowers, and we want them in profu- sion, in variety at all seasons, excepting mid- winter. The summer display must be the bright- est, because, in this grey climate of ours, we long for colour and warmth. The hardy flower border is the best for the cottager. Information in regard to planting and the species to plant is given in detail. The work is liberally illustrated, and the chapter on Roses will help the reader to clear away the mystery surrounding much that is written about them. No plants are easier to cultivate than Roses ; but there are some sections which the small grower would do well to avoid. TREES AND SHRUBS. THE BAYFORDBURY PINETUM. Bayfordbury, the seat of Mr. H. Clinton Baker, is situated two or three miles south of the town of Hertford. It is notable among the country houses of the south of England in con- taining the famous series of portraits of mem-' bers of the Kit-cat Club. This club, it will be remembered, was founded in 1688, by the lead- ing Whigs of the time. To gardeners, however, the interest of Bay- fordbury is of another kind, for in its demesne is contained one of the finest private collections of Conifers in England. Net only does the fine development of the individual specimens make it attractive to those who love trees for them- selves alone, but the richness of the collection in species and varieties renders it particularly in- teresting also to the botanical student and con- noisseur. This pinetum was well known to the late Dr. Masters, in his day the leading authority on Conifers in Great Britain, and frequent re- ferences to it may be found scattered through his published papers. The Bayfordbury pinetum appears to have had its beginning in 1765, when 10 Cedars of Leba- non were planted to commemorate the building of the house. It is on record that the young trees, then 9 inches high, had been raised from seeds produced by the famous Uvedale Cedar at Enfield. These trees (see fig. 98) are now probably the noblest of their kind in Hertford- shire, a county by no means deficient in fine Cedars. They stand on the lawn not far from the house, and the largest of them has a girth of 127 feet 6 inches at 1 foot from the ground. This particular tree branches low down, but a second, with a better defined trunk, is 20 feet 6 inches round at 5 feet from the ground, whilst a third is but a few inches less. Seventy years later, when the travels of Douglas in Western North America had attracted attention to some of the most marvellous tree growth in the world and had created a great interest in Conifers in England, the fine development of these Cedars (the largest of which was already 17,V feet in girth) appears to have suggested to the late Mr. W. R. Baker the idea of forming a comprehensive pinetum at Bayfordbury. A situation- '"within easy distance of the house, but separated from it by a picturesque valley, was selected in 1837, ana about 10 acres of this was planted the follow- ing year. J. C. Loudon, then at the height of his fame as a landscape gardener and writer on arboriculture, assisted in an advisory capacity. The collection was made as complete . as was possible at that period, but during the severe April 10. 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 229 winter of-JS44, when 37 degrees of frost were recorded, many of the more tender species from Mexico and elsewhere perished. A similar mis- fortune happened in 1860. All this' time, how- ever, the genuinely hardy species — and these are the only forms that really matter — were thriving admirably in the fine soil and air of Bayford- bury. The founder of the pinetum lived to watch and tend his trees for nearly 60 years. He died in November, 1896, at 87 years of age. It is a happy instance of heredity in tastes that his grandson, the present owner, should be an enthusiastic student and cultivator of this family of trees. Through his efforts, the col- lection has been very much augmented in recent years, so that at the present time it is practically complete in species hardy enough to thrive in species dealt with is to be given, so that a collec- tion of plant portraits will be available practi- cally complete so far as arborescent species of Conifers hardy in the British Isles are concerned. The following are brief notes on the more re- markable specimens. The Lebanon Cedars, from their size and history, stand first in in- terest, but, following them closely are several examples of the Redwood — Sequoia semper- virens — one of which is 75 feet high and 10 feet 3 inches in girth. This and other slightly smaller trees of this species are noteworthy for the finely-buttressed base of the trunk ; they were planted in 1850. The companion species, S. gigantea or YVellingtonia, is 94 feet high. A singularly impressive tree is one of Pinus pon- i, just over 100 feet high, erect and si Scrub Pines of North America, P. inops, planted in 1842, is 48 feet high ; P. mitis, 34 feet ; £.nd P. pungens, 33 feet. The Sugar Pine (P. Lam- bertiana) is 64 feet high, and has twice pro- duced its remarkable cones. The*e is no more interesting tree in the col- lection than Pinus tuberculata. This species is one of those that produce an enormous crop of cones and retain them on the branches for several years. Few specimens in the British Isles show this characteristic so strikingly as that at Bayfordbury. On a portion of a branch 3 feet long I have counted more than 40 cones ; they are rather narrow and tapering, 4 inches or so long, and produced in whorls of three to six. It will thus be seen, even from this small selec- tion, that the exotic Pines make a verv remark- FlG. 9S. CEDARS AT BAYFORDBURY, HERTFORDSHIRE. the climate of Hertfordshire. Such, in brief, is the history of the Bayfordbury pinetum. A fortunate circumstance in connection with it is the existence of records, made by successive owners, of the planting, development, and vari- ous events connected with individual trees. An important work is in course of prepara- tion by Mr. Clinton Baker, assisted by Mr. A. B. Jackson. It is to consist of two quarto volumes containing a description and illustration of every species of Conifer in the Bayfordbury col- lection, with historical notes on the specimens. These volumes promise to be more complete on Hi. pictorial side than any other work on the subject yet published. An illustration, natural size, of the foliage and cone (or fruit) of every its straight, tapering trunk measuring 9 feet 4 inches in circumference at the base. Theie is also at Bayfordburv the curious and now un- common form of this Pine, with yellowish shoots and foliage, once known as Pinus Parryana. A Corsican Pine is 98 feet high, and there is a fine group of its variety Palla- siana with the characteristic erect side branches. A specimen of Pinus Coulteri, which grew not far from the house until its death a few years ago, must have been one of the very finest in Great Britain ; from its trunk planks L! feet 9 inches wide weie cut (see Gardeners' Chronicle, March 28, 1885). The uncommon Pinus resinosa is represented by two notable specimens 54 feet and 50 feet high respectively. Of the curious able assemblage. Yet no nobler tree exists at Bayfordbury than a Scots Pine, growing some distance from the pinetum proper, in a wood of Oak and Ash. The tree is now 95 feet high, with a beautiful, clean, smooth trunk, 9 feet 7 inches in girth at breast high, and clear of branches for 50 feet from the ground. Among the Firs, a notable example is Abies cephalonica, planted in 1847, and now 70 feet high and 7 feet in girth. A. Lowiana, often erroneously called lasiocarpa, is about the same size ; the true A. lasiocarpa, a rare species, is represented by a tree 13 feet high. A. magnifica, planted in 1850, is 55 feet high, with the perfectly erect, tapering trunk, and having the narrow, pyramidal form characteristic of the species 230 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [Apeil 10, 1909. wherever it thrives well. Of the true Abies Mariesii, one of the rarest of all Firs, there are several young specimens. The ordinary Doug, las Firs are not of unusually fine development, but the collection possesses a very striking pen- dulous variety, over 60 feet high. Among Larches, the most notable tree is a specimen of L. dahurica, 61 feet high, that produces cones abundantly. The fame and interest of the pinetum tend, perhaps, to make one overlook the attractions of the "hardwoods" at Bayfordbury. But there are many that claim admiration. The com- mon Oaks, Field Maples, and Yews would in themselves give distinction to any demesne. The American Oaks, too, are good, especially Quer- cus rubra, Q. Phellos, and Q. palustris, as are several trees also of the hybrid Q. Turneri, of semi-fastigiate habit. Another interesting tree, similar in form to the last mentioned, is the fas- tigiate variety of the curious Whitebeam tree, Pyrus pinnatifida, forming a crowd of erect, slender branches, and 35 feet high. Two fine old trees of Crataegus tanacetifolia, one of the most attractive of all Thorns in flower beauty, and producing large yellow haws, having a rather Apple-like flavour, probably date back to the time of Loudon, who was a great ad- mirer of Thorns, and planted them largely. Another fine flowering tree is Arbutus Menziesii, the "Madrono" of the Californian forests, 25 feet high, which bears annually, not only flowers, but fruits. Ulmus campestris viminalis, that curious Elm, with small leaves and very slender twigs, is represented by a variegated form 30 feet high — one of the most effective of garden trees that have no beauty of flower. Mr. H. Clinton Baker was one of the first to appreciate the present shortage in the supply of suitable Willow timber for the making of cricket bats. On the banks of the River Lea he has a prosperous plantation of Willows well on the way to a marketable size. W. J. B. The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By T. G. Weston, Gardener lo H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Perpetual- fruiting Strawberries. — There are about half-a-dozen varieties of this type of Straw, berry in general cultivation. The first that at- tracted attention was the one known as St. Joseph. This was afterwards crossed with Royal Sovereign, one of the progeny being the well- known St. Antoine de Padoue variety, which has fruits larger and of better flavour than those of St. Joseph. A variety of later introduction is Laxton's Perpetual, which, with the other two described, constitute the best varieties for planting. Another which is sometimes in- cluded in this class is Louis Gauthier. This bears large, white, or blush-white fruits. The plant is a vigorous grower and a prolific fruiter. As the name perpetual-fruiting indi- cates, these Strawberries will fruit over a very extended period ; but it is best to pluck off the flower scapes during the time the ordinary Strawberries are in fruit, so that the energies of the plants may be conserved until August and September. They will then give a succession of good fruits, and, if a little protection is afforded them during unfavourable weather, the supply will be maintained late in the season. I adopt the following treatment for these Strawberries. They are planted in a sunny position on ground trenched and heavily manured the previous win- ter. In the early spring the ground is afforded a good dusting of wood ashes, lime and soot, well mixed with the upper soil. Strong runners are planted 2 feet apart either way. This amount of space is necessary in order that the air may circulate freely about the plants during the dull days of autumn. Should the weather be dry after planting, water is afforded until the roots are established. The plants grow strongly, and before the hot weather sets in they are afforded a mulching of decayed manure. It is essential that copious waterings should be given when- ever the ground is dry. By the end of May or June, the plants commence to develop their flowers ; but, as stated, these, together with any runners, are picked off as soon as they are de- tected. This stopping is practised till the end of July, after which date the trusses of bloom are allowed to develop. At that stage the bed re- ceives a soaking of manure water, or a dressing of artificial manure, which is washed into the soil by copious waterings. After these manu- rial stimulants have been applied, clean straw is placed around the plants. If extra fine berries are desired, the trusses are thinned of most of their flowers. The fruits are supported on twigs or wire supports that are sold for the purpose by the sundriesmen. Slugs are fond of these fruits, and must be guarded against. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Early pot vines. — As soon as the Grapes on pot vines, which were started into growth in the autumn, commence to colour, less moisture will be needed in the atmosphere. Discontinue the afternoon damping, and, as the Grapes ap- proach to ripeness, keep the house quite dry. This, however, does not apply to the roots, which must be liberally supplied with moisture, but manurial stimulants must be gradually with- held as the fruits become ripe. Admit plenty of fresh air in the vinery during fine weather, both through the top and bottom ventilators. The top ventilators may be allowed to remain open a little during the night-time. The lateral shoots may now be allowed to grow unchecked. Early permanent vines. — Examine the bunches for any further thinning which should be done before the berries become too crowded. In the case of Black Hamburgh variety, nothing much is needed beyond the removal of a few of the seedless berries. If the foliage has covered the whole of the trellis-work, the lateral growths must be kept in check by pinching. Guard against mealy bug, and should mildew appear dust the affected parts with flowers of sulphur. A little of this substance should also be placed on the hot-water pipes. Mid-season vines. — The stopping and regulat- ing of the shoots will need attention. Should the vines be very close to the glass, extra cere will be needed in tying the laterals. This work is best done either at the end of the day or dur- ing dull weather, as at such times there is less danger of the shoots being damaged. As soon as the fruits have set and it can be determined which are the best bunches, remove any that are not required. The thinning of the berries must not be delayed, as they swell quickly at this season of the year ; when they are crowded, the thinning cannot be accomplished so evenly or well. After the vines have passed their flower- ing stage they will probably need watering ; this is a suitable time to give them a good soaking with liquid manure. Cherries in pots. — Established trees which are carrying a good crop of fruits must be top- dressed with some rich compost. They should also be watered two or three times a week with liquid manure, or be given chemical manures. The syringe must be used freely during fine weather, and the paths, &c, damped frequently in order to maintain a moist atmosphere. An occasional syringing with soft soapy water assists to keep the Cherry-fly in check. Guard against a small grub which will be found inside curled leaves. These pests will later attack the fruits and cause much damage to the crop. If it is desired to hasten the ripening of the fruits this may be done by closing the house earlier in the afternoon, but on no account afford excessive fire heat at night-time. When the fruits are ripening the syringing must be discontinued, and a free circulation of air permitted to prevent the fruits from cracking. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Climbers. — The shoots of climbing plants in greenhouses require to be frequently thinned, in order to produce the best results in flowering. Weakly snoots should be at once removed, and the others regulated so that th;re is no over- crowding. Seedlings of such subjects as Momor- dica, Lagenaria, Luffa, Trichosanthes, Cucumis sativus and other tropical gourds can be potted into large pots or may be planted out in mounds of soil placed on the stages. The soil can be hidden by dwarf trailing plants such as Selaginellas, Panicum variegatum, and Epis- cia fulgens. Ornamental gourds grown under glass require a similar treatment to that afforded Cucumbers. The Rose house. — Established trees are growing freely and will be benefited by occasional appli- cations of tepid manure water. When the weather permits, the foliage should be syringed twice daily with clear water until the flower- buds are showing colour. Spraying in the after, noon must be practised on fine days only, and under such conditions that the foliage becomes quite dry before dusk. Avoid a high tempera- ture in the house at night-time. Fumigate the house once a week to keep green fly in check. Pot Roses in flower should be removed to a house with a dry atmosphere. Place fresh batches of pot Roses in the forcing house for successional blooming. Tree Carnations. — The young plants must not be allowed to suffer a check through having their roots potbound ; they must therefore be transfer- red to larger receptacles as soon as they have filled the smaller pots with roots. The stopping of the shoots is a much-debated question. Many persons recommend the first pinching of the shoots whilst the plants are in the small pots. Other growers claim that plants which are not stopped until they are established in 5-inch pots and about 8 or 9 inches high produce a greater number of strong-flowering shoots than those that are stopped earlier. At whatever stage the pinching of the shoots is done it must be after the plants have recovered from the disturbance of repotting. Jacobinias. — Cuttings of these plants should be inserted in light sandy soil. As soon as the cut- tings are rooted they should be potted singly into small pots, and shifted subsequently to larger receptacles as required. The best inflo- rescences are obtained from plants which have not stopped. Large specimens may be obtained by placing into one large receptacle all the cut- tings rooted in a single pot. Campanulas. — Campanula isophylla and its varieties may be divided, or, if large specimens are required, potted on into larger pots. These plants should be grown under a cool treatment. Seeds of C. pyramidalis should be sown now to provide plants for flowering next year. The strongest plants of last year's raising will soon require repotting. Good results are obtained when this Campanula is wintered on an outside border and potted up just before the flower- spikes appear. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Hollies. — These should be pruned, lightly forked at the roots and given a top-dressing of rich soil and manure. Specimen plants on lawns or terraces will require to be trimmed very care- fully in order to preserve their shape. They are best cut with a knife of a pair of secateurs ; when a pair of shears is used, many of the leaves are cut in halves. For trimming large hedges of Holly shears should be used. There is a large number of varieties of this evergreen shrub and nearly all of them are worthy of places in the garden. Ornamental Maples may now be planted. The dwarf-growing varieties form excellent ground- work to tall-growing Liliums, which 'should be planted as pot specimens. The. herbaceous border. — Complete any planting that has been delayed by the unfavourable wea- ther. Ostrowskia magnifica is a very handsome and distinct border plant. It is impatient of dis- turbance at the roots and should, if possible, be planted from a pot. Monarda didyma forms a fine subject for the mixed flower border. The Inulas provide a very effective display during the late summer and autumn months. They prefer a somewhat moist situation. Rudbeckias, Thalictrums, Epimediums, and the newer varieties of Michaelmas Daisies are all attrac- tive when in flower at the end of the summer. Mistletoe. — This plant may be made to grow irnon the Apple, Poplar, Thorn and Lime, by making a crack or crevice in the bark and in- serting the seeds, afterwards plugging the cavity with a piece of cotton-wool. This precaution is necessary or birds and mice may carry off the seeds. April 10, 1909.] THE GARDENERS7 CHRONICLE. 231 Annual climbers. — Hardy varieties may be sown in small pots. These include Tropaeolums, Maurandya Barclayana, Convulvulus, Ipomoea, and Eccrernocarpus. Gourds may also be raised for training over poles, arches, or old walls. Another excellent plant for this purpose is Man- devilla suaveolens. If it is desired to shift Tropasolum speciosum, a deep hole should be made about the roots, which descend very deeply in the ground. This Nasturtium may be planted on the north side of a wall or tree, in which situation it succeeds very well. General work. — Remove any protecting material placed about tender plants, and top- dress their roots with fresh, rich soil. Camellias and Palms are benefited by bonemeal and soot, which should be lightly forked in about their roots. Make trim the shrubberies, beds, and borders, pruning and staking the plants and then forking the soil. Place a fresh stake to any plants that require it. The stakes will last much longer if the parts that enter the soil are either dipped in pitch or charred ; the ends may also be treated with sulphate of iron, and when dry immersed in strong lime water. The Alpine garden. — Many Primulas are easily raised from seeds, including P. capitata and P. pulverulenta. Afford a little top-dressing of loam, leaf-soil, bonemeal and soot to P. rosea, P. japonica and others of a similar type. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey, Caiasetum, Cycnoches and Mor modes are nut only curious and interesting plants, but many of the species, when well cultivated, produce hand- some spikes of flowers that have a decorati\e value ; some of their blossoms are fragrant. The following are amongst the best plants of these genera from a garden point of view: — Catase- tum Russellianum, C. splendens, C. s. imperiale, C. s. punctatissimum, C. s. leucanthum, C. O'Brienanum, C. tabulare, C. Darwini- anurn, C. Bungerothii (pileatum), C. B. Lindenii, C. B. aurantiacum, and C. B. Randii (all of these have received either a First-class Certificate or anAward of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society). Among the Cycnoches may be enumer- ated C. pentadactylon, C. maculatum, C. peruvi- anum, C. Egertonianum, C. chlorochilon, and C. versicolor. The best of the Morraodes include such beautiful species as M. luxata, M. 1. ebur- na, M. Rolfeana, M. pardina, M. buccinator, M. Wendlandii, M. badia, and M. Lawrenceana. These plants enjoy a long rest during the winter months, but they are now commenc- ing to grow, and will require immediate attention. As soon as the young growths are seen pushing from the base of the pseudo-bulbs, the plants should be turned out of the old com- post, especially if it consists of ordinary peat and moss. Cut away the dead roots to within 2 inches of the pseudo-bulbs ; the portions of roots which remain will be found useful when fixing the pseudo-bulbs in the new soil. Last year our plants were potted in the following com- post, in which they grew exceedingly well, and produced strong spikes of bloom: — Osmunda fibre and Polypodium fibre in equal parts cut up moderately fine and mixed well together, with the addition of small broken crocks. No Sphagnum-moss was used. Owing to the lasting qualities of the compost, very few of the plants will need repotting this season. Repotting. — We use ordinary flower-pots, with three holes drilled at equal distances just under the rim, to which suitable copper wire handles are attached. These handles are about 12 or 18 inches in length, according to the size of the pseudo-bulbs. The pots are filled with material for drainage purposes to about a quarter of their depth, clean, broken crocks being employed. The plants are potted firmly, with the base of each young growth a trifle above the rim of the pot, to guard against damping. All long, heavy pseudo-bulbs should be securely tied to the wires to keep them in position. For several weeks after repotting, water must be afforded sparingly, as very little moisture is necessary until the growths are well advanced ; but as soon as the roots have obtained a firm hold of the compost, they will need copious waterings. The plants should be suspended well up to the roof glass of the East Indian house. One of the main conditions of success is a quick develop- ment of the growths. Temperatures in the various houses. — East In- dian house, 65° to 75° ; Cattleya house, 60° to 70° ; the intermediate house a trifle lower ; and the cool or Odontoglossum house, 50° to 60°. The lower temperatures given are for night- time, and the higher for mid-day. The Mexican house should be about 55° at night, and rise during the day, by sun's heat, to 80° or 85°, at the same time plenty of ventilation should be afforded. The Odontoglossum house should have plenty of fresh air admitted when the wea- ther is mild; the othert houses will require a moderate amount of ventilation throughout the day. In all the houses we leave the bottom ventilators open a trifle at night-time whenever the weather is favourable. All the houses must now be damped down at least once in the morn- ing and again during the afternoon. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. ' Spinach.— This has proved a most valuable green vegetable this winter, as the plants have almost entirely escaped injury from frosts. A little chemical manure and a dusting of soot about the roots, with frequent hoeings of the soil, will do much to assist the growth and im- prove the edible qualities. Sowings of Spinach should be made frequently on borders facing south or west. Chinese Artichokes (Stachys tuberifera). — This Artichoke, when properly cooked, forms a valu- able addition to our list of autumn and winter vegetables. To produce the best tubers, it needs careful cultivation. The plant dues best in a light, sandy loam, which should be enriched with well-decayed manure and leaf-mould. If the tubers are not already planted, this should be done at once, placing 'them in rows 12 to 18 inches apart, allowing 9 to 12 inches between the plants in the rows. Planting may be done with a dibber, or the tubers may be placed in deep drills made with a hoe. On heavy land, it is advisable to place about the tubers a quantity of old hot-bed manure or some well-decayed leaves. Globe Artichokes. — Remove the material that has been placed about the plants for protection, and apply a quantity of cinders or ashes about the roots. This, with plenty of farmyard manure, should be forked into the ground be- tween the rows. Suckers which were potted up in autumn and have wintered in pots should be planted on well-prepared ground at a distance of •1 feet from row to row, and 3 feet between the plants. Chicory. — This is a valuable salad plant, as well as an extremely useful vegetable for cook- ing. Ground intended for growing Chicory should be deeply trenched and well manured during the winter months. Two sowings should be made, one during the present month and another in May. Sow in drills drawn 1 foot apart. Ciibbages. — The ground about the plants should be deeply and constantly hoed. Draw the soil up to the stems to prevent the wind from blow- ing them about. Cabbages are benefited in spring by occasional applications of quick-acting manures. Cauliflowers. — Autumn-raised plants should now be planted in their permanent quarters. These give much the finest heads, although many persons depend on plants raised from seeds sown in the spring. Two reliable varieties are Walcheren and Magnum Bonum. To ensure, a succession, plant in different aspects and at intervals. THE APIARY. By Chloris. Robbing. — When the supply of nectar is short, bees resort to robbing their weaker neighbours. As the weather of late has been cold and wet, there will probably be much robbing this season. How to detect robbing. — The scene of the trouble is on the alighting board near the entrance. When all is well within the hives, bees alight and pass in with their load, and no- thing like strife is seen But when robbing is being carried on there is a great commotion. The bees are seen struggling together in twos and threes, or even more, and rolling to the ground tightly embraced, and there will be found many dead bees on the ground near the hive. How to cure it. — The first step is to ascertain the cause. Perhaps it is due to the carelessness of the beekeeper, who has spilled some of the syrup whilst feeding ; it may be a general short- ness of food ; or it may be that a hive is queen- less. A colony without a queen does not offer a very determined stand against marauders. Hav- ing found the cause and remedied it, the next thing is to guard against further trouble. If rob- bing be discovered in its early stages, it may be easily checked by closing the entrances, so that only one bee can pass in or out. Some time ago I heard of an excellent device. A beekeeper had been much troubled with robbing, and nothing he did had any effect. He eventually placed a square of glass before the entrance, which made it possible for bees to pass in and out at the sides, but the rcbbers flew against the glass and failed to find the entrance. Painting hives.— Those who failed to paint their hives last autumn should do so now as speedily as possible. First rub the hives with glasspaper to ensure a smooth surface. Mix the paint as follows:— 1 lb. of white lead mixed m unboiled linseed oil and a little turpentine (boiled linseed oil causes paint to blister). Strain the paint through a piece of muslin, or an old stocking, working it through with the brush. If a colour be desired (white reflects the heat best) a little sienna will give a stone colour ; the addition of red lead will produce a pink tone, and a slate tint is produced by adding lamp black. Remember in applying the paint that the object is not to put on as much as possible, but to apply a thin, even coat. This will take time, but it will be time well spent. Give two coats, and after the first is applied stop any holes- or crevices with putty. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J, W. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Park, London. Seats. — A plentiful supply of seats is neces- sary in every public garden. They should be placed in positions where good views are ob- tained, or in shady spots, such as beneath trees, or against a shrubbery. The type of seat that is principally used in the London parks consists of three iron castings, one at either end and the other in the centre, to which wooden seat- rails are secured by means of small galvanised bolts. The largest of these seats is formed with 13 wooden rails, each of which is about 2| inches wide and 1 inch in thickness. A smaller seat is sometimes used, which only takes four laths — two for the back and two for the bottom. Another type of seat is made from old Oak timber, such as may be had from the ship-breaking yards, the wood being bolted to a galvanised iron frame. This timber is very durable and re- quires no painting, an occasional coating of boiled oil being all that is necessary. Rustic seats, formed of branches of trees, are, when properly constructed, strong, and harmonise with their surroundings. One of the best places for a rustic seat is around the bole of a large tree near to the pathway. Such seats are best made in a circular or octagonal shape, with dividing arms, so as not to allow a person to recline at full length, this being prohibited in the L.C.C. parks. All the seats are free to the public, ex- cept in a few places where folding chairs are specially provided at a small charge. Fences. — In addition to the proper safeguard- ing of the shrubberies, fences are necessary for such temporary purposes as enclosing a piece of worn turf, preventing a beaten track being made across the grass, and protecting the verges, &c. To stop people treading on the grass edge, iron posts, about 15 inches high, are fixed alongside the pathway at intervals from 6 to 9 feet, and through these are strained a flexible wire. Another form of dwarf fence is sometimes used, with standards 2 feet in height, set in concrete, and bearing two strands of wire about 14 inches apart. A strong post with a cog- wheel arrangement for straining the wire is pro- vided at intervals. The common five-bar hurdle is used largely in the case of shrubberies ; un- climbable fences are placed in spots which re- quire careful protection. This latter kind of fencing is made in 6 feet lengths, and can be had from 3 feet 6 inches to 5 feet in height. Although termed unclimbable, small boys often surmount it. 232 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Apsii. 10, lHog. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of 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. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be carefulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editor does not hold himself 1 1 sponsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations. - The Editor ivill be glad to receive andto select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c, but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sendingto 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. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY— Herbaceous and Border Plants, Liliums, &c, at 12; Roses at 1.30 ; Palms, Azaleas, &.C., at 5 ; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. FRIDAY— Choice Established and Imported Orchids in large variety. Orchids in flower and bud. At 67 &. 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich — 4S'7°. Actual Temperatures: — London. — Tuesday, April 6 (6 p.m.): Max. 52°; Min. 43". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London — Wednesday, April 7 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 38 2 ; Temp. 55° ; Weather- Sunshine. Provinces. — Tuesday, April 6 (6 p.m.): Max. 52° Cambridge ; Min. 43c Scotland, E. The great International show of Berlin. the present year is now being held in Berlin, in the presence of a considerable number of foreign visitors. Every effort has been made to get together such an exhibition as cannot fail to have an influence on the development of German horticulture, and in this endeavour the Prussian Horticultural Society has been suc- cessful. A prodigious amount of work is connected with an event of this kind, and the most skilful organisation is necessary, there- fore those societies which have already held similar exhibitions have most valuable experi- ence to work upon. Except for occasional events which have taken place in France, most of the International horticultural dis- plays for years past have been made in Bel- gium by the Ghent Botanical and Horticul- tural Society. The interval of five years be- tween the successive shows gives time for the perfecting of the organisation and leads to unqualified success. Here, in Germany, there has been no serious attempt at any great show during the past twenty years, though it will be remembered that as re- cently as four years ago a smaller show was held at Diisseldorf. In these circumstances the Prussian Horticultural Society is entitled to our congratulations, for it is certain that the gathering together of the exhibits from other nations has a first-rate educational effect upon the home cultivators in any country, however skilful they themselves may be in horticultural practice. The present show is divided into 31 sec- tion--, each of which was judged bv a separate group of jurors. There were 150 jurors, including representatives from France, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Russia, Denmark, Italy, and England. Such an ex- hibition needed a very large covered area, and the Society was fortunate in obtaining the two magnificent buildings at the Zoo- logical Gardens. These have only been erected during the past two years, and were designed for this and similar purposes. They are lofty, and, in addition to the floor space of the main buildings, there are spacious galleries, separate rooms and an- nexes, all of which are utilised for the display of the exhibits. The area covered is 12,000 square metres, or about 2J acres. The rent that has to be paid for the buildings during the fortnight the exhibition will remain open is 50,000 marks, or about ,£2,500. Beside providing this sum the Society offered prizes amounting to the value of 70,000 marks, or £3,600. The wall at one end of the first building is decorated with a painting repre- senting' the Kaiser's residence at Corfu, and the effect has been enhanced by reproducing in front of the painting some of the external features of that island (see fig. 100). The Kaiser, who, with the Kaiserin, visited the exhibition on Wednesday, appeared to be keenly interested in this representation of the famous Achilleion. The Imperial partv was escorted through the exhibition by Mr. Otto Beyrodt, one of the vice-presidents. The same building contains most of the Indian Rhododendrons, stove plants and similar exhibits, the other building being used principally for the hardier plants. Of the exhibits themselves it may be said that they more than equal expectation ; but, at the same time, there is little, if any- thing, superior to what is usually seen in England. Probably about two-thirds of the exhibits have been contributed by German exhibitors, and one-third by those of other nationalities. Altogether there are 420 ex- hibitors. Belgium contributes most of the fine foliage plants, including the excellent group from the Van Houtte Nurseries at Ghent. The Dutch Bulb-Growers' Society have produced a striking colour effect with their Hyacinths and Tulips, and Holland also exhibits a con- siderable quantity of vegetables and salads, which are in every respect creditable. From France there are choice Orchids from Mons. Lambeau, hybrid Gerberas from Mons. Adnet, Cinerarias from Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrieux and Co., and various growers have sent cut Carnations, collections of fruit, vegetables and salads, which latter exhibits are amongst the best in the show. Particu- lars of most of these classes will be found in the report on another page, but we may draw special attention to the hybrid Gerberas. Flowers of some of the earlier hybrids have been seen at the Temple shows in Lon- don, but we have never seen such a present- ment of their infinite variety and beauty as that now shown by Mons. Adnet. The de- velopment of this plant must be highly gratifying to Mr. Lynch, who, we believe, raised the first hybrids at the Cambridge Botanic Gardens. England is represented by but few exhibits of which the chief are Orchids from Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Carnations from Mr. C. Engelmann and Mr. G. Lange, and Pelargoniums from Messrs. H. Cannell and Sons. For various reasons, the horti- cultural trade between Germany and this country is not equal, for instance, to that be- tween ourselves and Belgium, and even in respect to the actual trade it may be said that we are usually the purchasers rather than the sellers. This fact may explain in some measure the comparative indifference on the part of British growers on the present occa- sion, but we believe that, in the event of the Berlin authorities holding a similar show again, our own people, amateur as well as trade cultivators, will be found to be more willing to send exhibits. One of the surprises which the exhibition offers is the extraordinary number of hardy fruits that are staged, mainly by German cultivators. No such extensive display has been seen at an exhibition in England so late in the season as April, though smaller collections of no less excellent preservation and quality have been ex- hibited even at the Temple shows. These exhibits at Berlin may be taken to show- that fruit preservation is well understood generally by cultivators, and that this ques- tion of preservation is an important matter to be studied if the culture of hardy fruits is to be made profitable. It was appropriate, therefore, that the Crown Prince and Prin- cess should offer a special prize for the best collection. Indian Azaleas were well shown bv Mr. T. J. Seidel, of Dresden, who was the prin- cipal exhibitor of these plants. The uncon- genial weather of the present spring', how- ever, has been much against these and other plants that in more favourable circum- stances woidd have appeared to better advantage. Englishmen were impressed with the excellence both of the Cyclamens and of Primula obconica. We have never seen such fine displays of Primula obconica as those at Berlin. The development of this plant has been of an extraordinary character; in the varieties exhibited the colours ranged from white through mauve, pink and red to the deepest crimson, whilst in some varieties the flowers measured as much as two inches across. Cyclamen cultivation is evidently well understood in Germany, the groups of these plants in the exhibition being remark- able for their unusually large and finely- coloured flowers produced in the greatest profusion. Like most of the Continental shows, the Berlin Show is remarkable for the good taste evinced in the arrangement of the exhibits. In this respect, though not in the excellence of the individual classes, the Berlin Show is superior to the exhibitions to which we are accustomed in this co'untry. In Berlin each several exhibit contributes to the general harmony. There is but little need for stages, since most of the plants are bedded out in natural groups. The pots for the most part are hidden, there are no obstructive labels, and any architectural features in the building that were considered inelegant are either draped with pleasing colours or covered with branches of Spruce. Contributions to the scientific side of the exhibition are made by the State schools at Geisenheim and Dahlem. Nothing could exceed the hospitality ex. tended by the Prussian Horticultural Society to the foreign guests. On April 1st the April 10, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. judges assembled at 8.30 a.m., and were ad- dressed by the Presidents of the Society and jury. After the adjudication of the prizes the jurors were entertained at luncheon. On the following morning at ten o'clock the exhibi- tion was formally opened by the Crown Prince and Princess. In the evening the foreign guests and others attended a perform- ance at the Royal Opera. On Saturday even- ing they, to the number of about 300, were entertained at a banquet in the build- ings of the Zoological Gardens. The President and others welcomed the guests in appropriate speeches, and responses were made by representatives of each country. Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., who represented •the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, replied on behalf of England and expressed regret that English exhibitors- were not better represented. He related a few facts concerning the Royal Horticultural Society, and said that English horticulturists desired to have friendly relations with those in Germany and all other countries. On Sun- day and Monday there were organised excur- sions to the Imperial Gardens at Potsdam and the Imperial Botanic Gardens at Dahlem. The hope was expressed at Berlin that, in the near future, England would take steps •to organise an International exhibition. We commend the proposal to the consideration of the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society. Many in this eountry would wel- come an opportunity to show their apprecia- tion of the generous hospitality extended to Englishmen on many occasions. Our Supplementary Illustration repre- sents a flower of the fine hybrid between Laelia Jongheana and Cattleya Dowiana aurea, raised by Mr. H. G. Alexander, Orchid grower to Colonel G. L. Holford, C.I.E., C.V.O. This hybrid gained a First-class Certificate at the Royal Horticultural So- ciety's meeting on February 23 this year. Although, in point of form, the features of L. Jongheana can he traced in the flower, it is evident that the influence of the more ample C. Dowiana aurea has predominated. In the mat- ter of colour, however, the yellow of the Cattleya has been suppressed by the rose tint of Laelia Jongheana in the manner often seen where yel- low and rose have been crossed with each other. The flowers of L.-C. Pizarro are of very fine substance, of a bright purplish-rose colour, darkest at the hase, whence a series of gold- coloured lines extend to the front. National Auricula and Primula Society (Southern Section). — The annual exhibition of this Society will take place at the Horticul- tural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, on Tuesday, April 20, in conjunction with the fort- nightly meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society. How the American Gooseberry-mildew Spreads. -An outbreak of this disease having occurred at Eaton, in Norfolk, Mr. Garnsey, the chief inspector of the Board of Agriculture, made several visits to the district, and, in con- sultation with Mr. J. Ward, the local inspector, traced one case to its source. A workman em- ployed in the garden of a private owner took some cuttings, which he reared in his own gar- den. These developed mildew. On inquiry of the owner of the bushes, it was found that he had obtained them from a firm in Essex. British Gardeners- Association. — We learn from The Journal of this association that the sub-committee appointed by the council to consider the question of a garden to which un- employed members might be drafted, has met on several occasions, and discussed the matter from all points of view. Whilst desirous of doing everything possible to assist members who are out of employment, the sub-committee is unable to recommend any definite scheme to the executive council, owing to the great financial responsibility that would be involved. The sub- committee is of opinion, however, that such a scheme could be carried on with greater advan- tage if conducted either as a limited liability company, or privately, the association having a number of places at its disposal for members during their period of unemployment. If a con- veniently-situated piece of freehold land could be purchased at a reasonable price, a gentleman would be willing to buy the land, and to let it to the association on such annual terms as would ultimately render it the property of the association. The " Botanical Magazine." — In the issue of this work for the current month, the follow- ing plants are illustrated and described : — Impatiens Hawkeri, tab. 8247. — This plant was at one time rather extensively cultivated in gardens, but it suffered so frequently from the attacks of the Begonia mite (Tarsonymus), that it is now rarely met with. It was introduced by Messrs. Bull, of Chelsea, in 1886, and in the same year a full-page illustration of the plant was given in the Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 760, June 12. The plant requires a warm tempera- ture, with plenty of atmospheric moisture. Microloma tenuifolium, tab. 8248. — This is the Coral Climber of South Africa, a pretty Asclepiad, having waxy, Hoya-like blossoms, produced in axillary bunches. A note on the plant by Mr. W. E. Gumbleton is given in the Gardeners' Chronicle, February 1, 1908, p. 79. This gentleman received three plants from Port Elizabeth, and furnished the material from which the Botanical Magazine plate was pre- pared. The flowers produced on specimens cul. tivated in greenhouses in this country are not comparable with those developed in the plant's natural habitat. Arbutus Menziesii, tab. 8249. — This is one of David Douglas's introductions, and, although he first sent plants home in 1825, the tree has never become common in gardens. There are, however, a few fine trees in this country ; one at Bassett Wood, near Southampton, is nearly 50 feet high. One of the most interesting fea- tures of the tree is its smooth, cinnamon- coloured stems and branches. In common with most Ericaceous plants, this Arbutus succeeds best in a rooting medium of peat, and, failing that, a sandy loam. Strophanthus Preussii. — This tropical climber is a native of the regions of the Gold Coast and the Congo. The inflorescences form terminal cymes, the individual flowers having long tails to the corolla lobes, as much as 12 inches long. The flowers are pale orange, the filiform appendages being red. The anthers also are red. The specimen figured was raised from seeds forwarded to Kew in 1902 by Mr. W. H. Johnson, from the Botanic Station at Aburi, Gold Coast. Anthurium trinerve, tab. 8251. — This species is nearly allied to A. violaceum. It is one of the few Anthuriums which are attractive on ac- count of the bright colour of their fruits. In this instance the berries are lilac-coloured. The plant is not the same as A. trinervium of Kunth, a plant which has much larger cordate leaves than those of A. trinerve. Metropolitan Public Gardens Associa- tion.— In the twenty-sixth annual report are given detailed lists of the work which the Association has carried through during the past year, and of the various projects which it has on hand, to- gether with an account of several new parks, re- creation grounds and extensions to existing spaces in the acquisition of which it has assisted. Amongst these may be mentioned the Barking Road recreation ground at East Ham — which was opened on July 15 by H.R.H. Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll— and an addition of 12 acres to Ruskin Park. Trees have been planted in many thoroughfares, including several miles of streets in East Ham and Walthamstow ; seats have been placed in existing gardens, open spaces, and public pathways ; and prizes have been given in connection with window-gardening competitions in various parts of London. Ruskin Park, Camberwell.— Twelve acres of adjoining land have been added to this recently- acquired park, largely through the instrumen- tality of the Bishop of Southwark, a vice-chair- man of the Metropolitan Public Gardens Associ- ation, and Mr. F. Trier. The Association con- tributed £400 to the purchase fund. The total cost of the land was £24,000, of which one-half was contributed by the London County Council, £1,000, £2,000, and £750 by the Camberwell, Lambeth, and Southwark Borough Councils re- spectively, and £500 by the City Corporation, the remainder being obtained from voluntary sources. The purchase has still to be com- pleted. The ground will be laid out and main- tained by the London County Council, and is intended especially for the playing of games. The Island of St. Helena.— In a paper read before the members of the Royal Society of Arts, Mr. John C. Mellis, M.Inst. C.E., F_.( ;.S , stated that St. Helena presents some extremely interesting problems in natural history, which, up to the present time, have completely puzzled the most able scientists. The indigenous flora of St. Helena comprises 77 different kinds of plants, locally known as " Cabbage-trees," " gumwood," "red wood," "dog wood," " scrubwood " ; and also 26 kinds of tree and smaller Ferns. Some 50 of these plants are peculiar to the island, and cannot be regarded as specific allies of any other plants. A peculiar feature con- nected with them is that, with scarcely an ex- ception, all the flowering plants produce pure white blossoms. There are some 20 varieties of marine fish which are peculiar to the locality. Some 20 species of land shells are indigenous, and have not been met with elsewhere. Thirteen of the 20 have already become extinct, and are now found only in -a. dead state on the surface of the ground, where the native vegetation has dis- appeared. Out of a total of 203 species of beetles found on the island, some 129 are true aborigines, and have been found nowhere else on the globe. How did these plants and insects originate? How did they get to this remote and isolated spot, and why are they gradually be- coming extinct? The gradual dying out of the native plants has been attributed to the intro- duction of exotic plants and goats, which, in the one case, have overgrown and killed the native vegetation, and, in the other, have destroyed the young plants ; but anyone who has studied the subject on the spot cannot fail to arrive at the conclusion that these reasons are wholly insuffi- cient to account for the facts. Change of climate may possibly be a contributory cause of the pass- ing away of this wonderfully interesting, in- digenous flora and fauna. That such a change has occurred is very probable, seeing that the island was, at some remote period, much larger and more elevated than it is at present. 234 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 10, 1809. THE ROSARY. CULTURAL NOTES FOR APRIL. The severe weather of February and early March killed many Roses in all parts of the country ; whilst many which were not killed outright have been badly injured. All damaged shoots must be cut back to sound wood, prun- ing to a prominent outside bud. Although this severe pruning may appear a great sacrifice of growth now, it will result in the formation of strong shoots that will do much to place the bushes once again in a good condition. In late districts, the second and third week in April will be soon enough to start pruning dwarf Roses that will furnish a supply of early blooms. The damage caused this winter has shown the value of thinning out all weakly and unripened shoots during the summer and autumn months, thus enabling those which remain to become well ripened and hard enough to escape damage by cold Long, well-ripened shoots of dwarf Roses may be bent carefully down to within 6 inches of the soil and secured by pegs. All materials placed about the bushes for protection and soil that has been earthed up about the stems should now be removed. There will be many vacancies to be made good amongst the plants, and these will be better supplied by pot plants that have been wintered in cold frames. All newly-planted Roses, as well as those which are established, should have fresh mulchings of fermented manure placed over their roots, and the manure should be lightly covered with soil. Mulching should also be ap- plied to cuttings, and if the soil about these has been loosened by the frost, it must be made firm again by treading. Any plants that have lost their bottom branches should be cut hard back. This will cause the dormant buds at the base of the stem to break, and thus furnish a number of new growths. This remark applies especially to pil- lar and climbing varieties. These new growths will be stimulated if a top-dressing of some rich soil and manure is given the plant. Roses Indoors. The last batch of dwarf Roses intended for forcing should now be placed under glass. If submitted to gentle forcing, they will be in bloom just prior to the Roses in the open. It will suffice if artificial warmth is afforded during the night-time only, allowing the ther- mometer to reach 65° or 70° During the day- time, ventilation can be freely afforded, and plenty of moisture sprinkled about the house. The ventilators should be closed early during the day, so as to avoid the necessity for too much fire heat during the night-time. Directly aphis is detected on the foliage, fumigate with some nico- tine compound. This pest may be kept in check by syringings of clear water ; but do not moisten the foliage when the sun's rays are shining directly on them. Red spider is another pest of Roses indoors ; but this may be kept down by damping and syringing with clear water. The repotting of plants grafted last autumn and winter should now be completed. They will not need much attention, except staking and fumigating. When the temperature in the house reaches 60°, the top ventilators may be opened. A considerable number of the cuttings will now be well rooted, and should be potted into 4 or 4J-inch pots. They should be plunged in a new hot-bed, prepared in advance, which will also serve for the rooting of other cuttings. The old hot-beds should have linings of fresh manure placed around them in order that the heat may be maintained. These cuttings must be care- fully shaded and watered. It will be advisable to cover the frames at night-time with mats, to assist in maintaining the requisite degree of warmth. The plants that have furnished these cuttings should be hardened off gradually, so that they may be placed outside, where they will remain throughout the summer to mature their new shoots. Afford them a warm, sunny posi- tion, and they will form excellent subjects for early forcing next winter. Pot Roses used for forcing should be discarded after the third or fourth year, as, after that period, they produce inferior blooms. Where Roses are required in quantity early in the season, it is desirable to have the plants potted up in the late spring — the present being the proper time — so that the plants may be well established by the autumn. Roses planted in borders under glass should be given an abundance of fresh air during the daytime, and the ventilators may remain open a little during the night. After the end of April, artificial heat may be dispensed with ; but it is advisable to maintain sufficient warmth in the houses at night-time to keep the air in circula- tion. If the air becomes stagnant, the plants are liable to mildew, especially if the at- mosphere is kept very humid. Do not neglect to fumigate the plants whenever aphis is de- tected. A mulching of manure spread over the roots will assist the plants with their last crop of flowers, which will be ready for cutting dur- ing May. After that month the houses may be thrown wide open, and, if the lights are remov- able, they may be taken off entirely. /. D. C. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible Jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Culture of Cucumbers.— Mr. E. H. Jenkins states (p. 193) that " before the Cucumber disease (Cercospora melonis) became prevalent, it was possible to maintain a continuous supply of fresh Cucumbers from May to September inclu- sive," adding that " he had cut, from plants raised in April, superb young fruits in October," remarking that " unfortunately this cannot be done to-day, owing to plants becoming a prey to the leaf-spot." Before and since the appear- ance of Cercospora melonis a continuous supply of fresh Cucumbers has been maintained annu- ally in many private and market-garden estab- lishments not only from May to September in- clusive, but from the end of February to the end of the following January, and this, too, in market-garden Cucumber houses, and without the aid of bottom heat, the plants being simply set out on small ridges, consisting of light, loamy soil and half-rotted stable manure in equal parts formed on the floor of the house. In the case of Cucumbers grown for market three plant- ings are made during the year, in order to have a continuous supply of fruits. I have cut excel- lent Cucumbers from the same plants for a period extending over 15 months, the plants being grown in boxes 2 feet long, 1 foot deep, 9 inches wide at the bottom, and 12 inches wide on the top. They were placed over and within a few inches of a flue in the back wall of a three-quarter span Pine stove and within 2 feet of the roof glass. The plants were fed liberally with top-dressings and artificial manure, &c. Moisture was applied to the roots three or four times a day during hot weather, includ- ing frequent waterings of liquid manure. The growths were kept well thinned out and stopped, the old wood being cut out from time to time to make room for young growths. Since the disease-resisting Cucumber has been in- troduced into market nurseries, the " spot " disease has practically become a thing of the past. In the fourth paragraph of Mr. Jenkins's article, he says " that, disastrous as the results of this fungal disease are, cultural errors are responsible for a loss equal, if not, indeed, greater, than that caused by the fungus," add- ing "this is all the more to be regretted, because it is preventable." The cultural errors referred to by Mr. Jenkins are the " uniform advice of Calendar writers to stop the leading shoots of the young plants at 3 feet or when they have reached the third wire." I fail to see anything wrong in this advice, seeing that Cucumber houses erected for market purposes are, as a rule, the same width and height. Mr. Jenkins avers " that young Cucumber plants should be allowed to grow unchecked until the}' have reached to within 1 foot of the ridge in a house 10 or 11 feet wide and 7 or 8 feet to the ridge." He considers stopping of the young plants to be " wrong in principle and in prac- tice." Long experience convinces me that this principle is right, and that Mr. Jenkins is wrong. All engaged in growing Cucumbers for market stop the young plants at the third or fourth wire of the trellis, to induce the plants to send out fruit-bearing laterals and to bear fruit fit for marketing weeks earlier than would otherwise be the case, thereby obtaining higher prices for the earlier fruits. After an interval of a few days a fresh leader pushes from each plant, and this is stopped when it has attained to a length of about 2 feet. Fruit-bearing laterals follow this stopping in due course, and a few more wires of the trellis are clothed with healthy growths. In due time the young leading shoots are stopped once more midway between the top wire of the trellis, and within a short time the latter will become furnished throughout with healthy foliage and a profusion of young fruits in various stages. H. W. W. Onions for Market (see p. 217). — I am surprised that the cultivation of such a profitable vegetable as the Onion is not carried out on a much larger scale than it is in this country. A. D. advises sowing the seeds in frames early in February, and afterwards transplanting the seedlings in their permanent quarters, 12 inches apart. Is this a better system than sowing the seeds in the open, 10 inches between the rows, and afterwards thinning to the same distance from plant to plant? Would the small Onions removed in thinning and sold as spring Onions for salads, &c, compensate for the extra labour . and seeds. A. D. mentions the variety Ailsa Craig, and if that variety only were grown, his practice would be the best, for this Onion does best raised under glass and transplanted. But are there not other good varieties which, if culti- vated as I suggest, would yield a crop quite equal in weight to that of Ailsa I 'raig grown as A. D. suggests? The expense of the frames is considerable. S. J. Martin, Craig Wen Gardens, Menai Bridge, Anglesey. The system of culture advocated by A. D., on p. 217, for the raising of large Onions for market, I carried into effect a few years ago. Ten tons of Onions were grown as described last week, the variety being Cranston's Excelsior. I found, however, that the only large demand for English Onions is in the case of those of the white Spanish type, such as Rowsham Park- Hero, the best of that class perhaps. Instead of making £60 per acre, we realised no more than was sufficient to pay the expenses of planting- out, cultivating, harvesting, and burning those unsold. The Dutch growers flooded the market with Onions at £2 10s. per ton. In any case, white Spanish is the only type that should be sown in the open. Thomas Kitley, Old field Nur- series, Bath. The Decline of Woodland Industries. — It is correct, as Mr. Webster points out on p. 195, that rural industries are vanishing rapidly. In the case of underwood, this was formerly worth £6 per acre, but now 30s. is the top price. To spend time and labour in mak- ing the material into faggots is now useless,, as there is little demand for them. Coal has superseded wood for brick burning and steam for bread baking. Hurdle-making is also a de- clining industry. The only remedy I can see is to clear the woods and grow more agricultural produce. Hop poles were in much demand a few years since, but many of the hop plantations- have been grubbed up, whilst wire and cocoanut fibre string have largely superseded the use of poles as supports. Those who wish to grow timber for use on estates or for selling should plant Corsican Pines and Spruce Fir in batches by themselves in rows 5 feet by 4 feet. Keep- the trees free from rank undergrowth and vermin. Remove the lower boughs as they die, and in 30 years' time much valuable material will be available for home use. E. Molyncux. Griselinia littoralis (see pp. 196 and 221). ■ — Recently in a South Coast nursery I saw rows- of well-grown plants of Griselinia littoralis 4 feet high planted in a light soil killed by the recent frosts. The nurseryman was greatly regretting this mishap, as he had on his books numerous- orders for this plant. E. HI. April 10, 190!).] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 235 BERLIN INTERNATIONAL SHOW, (See also page 232.) April 2-13. — The great international horti- cultural exhibition organised by the Prus- sian Horticultural Society was opened by their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Princess of Germany on Friday, April 2. Their Imperial Majesties the Kaiser and Kaiserin had visited the exhibition two days earlier and before the exhibits were perfectly arranged. In the following report we deal only with the exhibits in a general manner, indicat- ing the most important features. No attempt is made to study each individual class or to enumerate all the prize-winners. Another exhibition will be opened on April 7, composed of florists' exhibits, and it is expected that the Kaiser and Kaiserin will again visit the show on that day. The three principal special prizes, namely, that offered by the Emperor, that by the Crown Prince, and the large exhibition Gold Medal offered by the Prussian Horticultural Society were awarded by ballot of all the jurors. The result of the hallot was as follows : The Emperor's prize for the best exhibit of cul- ture in the show was given to Mr. Donner, Tutt. lingen, for an exhibit of Carnations ; the Crown Prince's prize for the best group in the show to Mr. Adolf Koschel, Charlottenburg ; and the Society's large Gold Medal for the most decora- tive exhibit to the Dutch Bulb Growers' Asso. ciation for their parterre of Hyacinths. Orchids. For an international exhibition, the display of Orchids was disappointing. Germany was re- presented chiefly by Mr. Otto Beyrodt, Berlin, whose speciality is the production of Orchid blooms for market. His group contained a col- lection of Odontoglossums, among which we noted some good forms of O. excellens, O. for- mosum, and O. harvengtense, some of the most useful of Cattleyas, and a number of well- flowered Oncidium concolor. The chief collections came from Belgium, France, and England, that from F. Lambeau, Brussels, being by far the largest, and it con- tained a considerable number of the choicest kinds. Among his Odontoglossums were fine forms of O. excellens, O. altum, O. crispum J. N. Whiteley, O. Lambeauianum, bearing a spike of nine perfect flowers, O. crispum Von Armin Czicwen, and O. crispum Kronprinz Wilhelm, in which the whole flower is coloured deep choco- late brown, the sepals, petals and lip all having a narrow margin of white. Some first-rate varieties of Cattleya Schroderae, Miltonia Bleu- ana, Brasso-Cattleyas, Laslio-Cattleya Digbyana crosses, L.-C. Dominiana Kaiserin Augusta Vic- toria, bearing a huge flower coloured rich rose purple, with an enormous crimson maroon lip ; Cymbidium insigne, and Cattleya nivea. From Mr. Charles Marox, Brunvy, came a large collection of choice Orchids, among which were many of his own hybrids, chiefly Cattleyas and Laelio-Cattleyas, and two large beautifully- flowered plants of Cattleya intermedia alba. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co. sent a small collection of their best, among which we noted two good varieties of Odontoglossum Ossulstoni, one bearing a spike with about 40 flowers, O. Pescatorei Duchess of Westminster, O. arden- ■tissimum virginale, four Odontiodas, Cattleya Empress Frederic, and various Cypripediums and Brasso-Cattleyas. Palms, Ferns, and Other Foliage Plants. There were no very large collections of Palms, ■Cycads, &c, such as are seen at the great Bel- gian exhibitions, nor were there many excep- tional specimens. The plants generally consisted of marketable specimens of con- venient size for use in ordinary room decoration, and good in quality. The best collection of big specimens was exhi- bited by the Societe Anonyme Horticole, Ghent (Louis van Houtte Pere). It contained many ^rst-rate examples of Aroids, Cycads, Dracaenas, Palms, and Bromeliads, as well as flowering plants such as Orchids and Hippeas- trums, and, arranged across the end of the great hall, the group was particularly strik- ing. A collection of 50 Palms from Flandria, Bruges, contained beautiful examples of Phcenix Roebelinii, Cocos, Rhapis, and the yellow Latania. We have never seen better plants of Cocos Weddelliana than those shown by " Le Lion," Ghent ; they were from 3 to 6 feet high, and in perfect condition. There were very few collections from amateurs, the best being a large display of Dracaenas shown by Frau Geheimrat Spindler, Spindlersfeld, who also showed a collection of Crotons, which were well grown, but poor in colour. Nepenthes were poorly represented, and the Ferns con- sisted chiefly of Adiantums, several groups of A. tenerum Farleyense being good in quality. Other Ferns were entirely of the easily-grown, popular market kinds. There were collections of Rex Begonias and Caladiums, but the plants were small and unfinished. There were groups of Palms, Aspidistras, and other foliage plants, which l»d been supplied by the Berlin florists and arranged as much for the purpose of embel- lishing the exhibition building as to show the kind of plants employed and the method of ar- Bornemann, Blankenburg, also showed a fine group of Clivias. There were good collections of Bromeliads, but they were not fully in flower. The best groups were shown by Mr. Firmin de Smet, Ghent. We were under the impression that these plants were specially favoured by German gardeners, and were therefore disap- pointed to find them so poorly shown by Ger- man exhibitors. The handsomest specimen Bro- meliad was a magnificent example of Tillandsia zebrina, shown by Mr. Firmin de Smet. Begonia Gloire de Lorraine was shown in the very pink of condition, perfect little specimens about 18 inches high and wide, and simply spheres of bloom. These came from Messrs. Strahl & Falcke, Berlin. Another group of equal merit came from Dr. Baardse, Aalsmer, Holland ; the plants, although only about a foot high, were perfect examples of good cultiva- tion, and consisted of the four best varie- ties, viz., Caledonia, Lionel Rothschild, Turn- ford Hall, and the type. Anthuriums were exhibited by L. van Houtte Pere, Ghent, whose group of forms of A. Scherzerianum contained a selection 'Wis ^ Fig. 99. — DUTCH bulb-growers' exhibit AT THE BERLIN SHOW. rangement practised by the German decorators, among whom Messrs. J. C. Schmidt and Adolf Koschel are leaders. Of this character was an annexe of the building, which had been fitted up to appear like a conservatory and tastefully furnished with Palms, Azaleas, Ferns, Lily of the Valley, &c. An ornamental fountain, with coloured lights playing on the water, served to heighten the effect, which was decidedly German. Stove Flowering Plants. Hippeastrums have become popular garden plants in Germany, and there were some large groups shown. Most of the seedlings were not of extra merit, falling short of the standard set by Col. Holford, Messrs. Ker & Son, Messrs. Veitch, and other home breeders and growers. The best collection came from " Labelliflos," Voorschoten, The Hague, whose group of 100 seedlings contained many that would hold their own among the best of those raised in England. L. Van Houtte Pere also sent a collection of Hippeastrums of good average merit. Clivias were well shown, the quality of the flowers and size of the heads being first-class, but the plants were in every case limited to a single growth with one head of flowers. The best collection was from Messrs. Strahl & Falcke, Berlin, some of their seed- lings being remarkable for colour and fullness of flower and for exceptional width of leaf. Mr. G. of well-grown examples of the best varieties ; from the same exhibitor came a group of hybrid Anthuriums of fair merit. " Dutch" Bulbs. The chief display of " Dutch" bulbs, by which term we mean such plants as Hyacinths and Tulips, was made in the second of the large halls. As in the Casino building at Ghent, a bridge, from which views could be obtained of the whole exhibition, connects the two buildings. The bridge was covered with Spruce branches, somewhat too heavily to get the best effect, but, nevertheless, providing a good back- ground for the exhibits as seen from the extreme ends. In front of the bridge in the second building was the chief display of bulbs. The collective exhibit of Hyacinths from the Dutch Bulb Growers' Association, and the exhibit of Tulips from Mr. E. H. Krelage, Haar- lem, were arranged and planted in a design by Mr. F. J. Goemans, a Dutch landscape gar- dener and an old Kewite. The entire exhibit re- presented a terrace flower garden such as might be planted in front of a dwelling-house. The area thus covered was 360 square metres, and about 20,000 bulbs were employed in the deco- ration. The beds were planted with red, blue and pink Hyacinths of different shades, and the Tulips (Mr. E. H. Krelage) in round beds near 236 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 10, 1909. the margin of the greensward, which was some- what inadequately represented by moss. The de- sign also included two large oval beds of pink Astilbes (Spiraeas), such as Queen Alexandra and others, contributed by Messrs. Geekt van Waweeen & KeuyfFj Sassenheim. The general effect was exceedingly good, and gained for this firm the special prize offered for the most decorative exhibit in the entire exhibition. The German exhibits of the same type were not displayed so well, and compared unfavour- ably with those from Holland. Roses. The principal exhibits of Roses were made by Mr. Adolf Koschel, Charlottenburg. He had a large number of plants, disposed as if planted in a rosery, and representing standard plants and other forms of training, whilst the varie- ties included the most popular kinds for the purpose. Still, the cultivation was not equal to that which we see at home from such expert growers as Mr. Mount, of Canterbury. Mr. Koschel was awarded most of the important prizes in this section, including a special prize for the best exhibit. Lily of the Valley. An exhibition in Berlin in April would cer- tainly be incomplete if it failed to represent the industry in Berlin crowns of Lily of the Valley. This popular flowfc^ was not only well repre- sented, but it could be seen in one form or another Geebera Hybrids. Mr. R. Adnet, Cap d'Antibes, France, ex- hibited a most elegant and wonderful collec- tion of varieties of Gerbera. In a recess-in the gallery containing the more important of the French exhibits was a triangular bed, the floor of which was covered entirely with growths of Asparagus Sprengeri pegged down on the bed level. Thickly dotted over this green carpet were green tubes, each containing blooms of Gerbera and a spray or two of Asparagus. In the centre of the bed was placed a bamboo stand 6 feet in height, with re- ceptacles from base to top furnished with flowers and greenery. The effect was de- lightful. But the chief interest lay in the large number of varieties displayed. From pure white there were shades all through yellow and orange-rose, red and rich crimson. A large por- tion of the space was devoted to one charming variety of a shade of rose or red and quite new to us as a tint in Gerbera hybrids. The first hybrids were raised by Mr. Lynch in the Cam- bridge Botanic Garden, and Mr. Adnet ob- tained his first plants from Cambridge. Mr. Henry A. Dreer, 714, Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, U.S.A., exhibited two plants of a new variety of Nephrolepis exaltata, known as " Schoelzelii." The pinnules were very plumose, but scarcely so congested as i« N. e. Todeaoides and some other earlier raised sorts. Mr. Firmin de Smet, Vinderhoute, near Ghent, Belgium, exhibited several fine varieties Fig. ioo. — representation of the achilleion. The Kaiser's residence in Corfu. in almost all parts of the exhibition. Pass- ing for the moment the smaller exhibits in the collections of miscellaneous plants, a word is de- served by the display of flowers made in a room in one of the galleries. Imagine a room measur- ing 40 feet by 70 feet filled with Lily of the Valley ! The flowers were contributed by vari- ous growers, and for the greater part were forced in boxes in a similar manner to that prac- tised by the market growers, and the boxes, packed closely together in the centre of the room represented a huge bed of flowers. At the sides of the room were pillars, globes and other fanciful shapes covered with the white, fragrant blossoms. This was effected by cover- ing the shapes with moss held in place by wire netting and inserting the Lily crowns in the moss before forcing. SOME NOVELTIES. Impatiens Holstii nana Liegnitzia. — A group of plants exhibited under this name by Mr. Oskar Otto, Leignitz, appeared quite distinct from the form of this species known as " nana " in this country. Each plant was in a 4-inch pot, and was not more than 6 inches above the top of the pot, yet in some cases there were 20 shoots, and each little specimen was perfectly covered with the fiery-red flowers. I. Holstii has been considered to have too coarse a habit, but in this variety it is entirely changed. of Vriesia, one known as V. Mdlle. Suzanne de Smet, obtained from a cross between V. mirabilis and V. van Geertii, was remark- able for the richly coloured bracts ; the flower had not expanded, but this hybrid and others will be valuable. Cordyline (Drac.ena) Bruantii variegata is a plant we saw at the Ghent Show last year. Mr. Emil Ve-rcauteren, Melle-lez-Gand, Bel- gium, showed two dozen plants, which varied in size from 6 inches high in 3-inch pots to 3 feet in 7-inch pots. The variety is one of very great merit, most of the leaves are green with liberal variegation of yellow, and the brown tint of C. Bruantii is seen in the youngest leaves. It is a perfect plant for vase ornamenta- tion, but we are informed that the variety, which originated as a sport, is very apt to revert to the type. Probably, the beautiful plants now exhibited were selected f'om a very large batch. Rhododendrons. The best exhibits in this section were from the Dutch growers, and Pink Pearl was a long way ahead of everything else, the plants being large and well grown and beautifully flowered. What is known as White Pearl was shown in lovely condition by Messrs. C. B. van Nes & Son, Boskoop, Holland. This proves to be a much better Rhododendron than had hitherto been supposed, the trusses being quite as large and full as those of Pink Pearl and the indi- vidual flowers of similar form and size, their charm being enhanced by the colour of the buds, a rich red, which sets off the blush and pure white of the fully expanded flowers. Being hardy in England, this variety is certain to take a front place among Rhododendrons, whilst for forcing in pots it has every good quality. The same exhibitor sent a collection of hybrids from R. Aucklandii, one of which is exactly like Pink Pearl, with the margins of the petals elegantly crisped and waved. This unnamed seedling was labelled as having been " sold to Royal Gardens, Kew," so we may hope to see it later. There were numerous groups of the ordinary Rhodo- dendrons from German, Dutch and Belgian raisers, but we saw nothing among them that may not be seen in the collections of English growers, and the plants, in size and finish, were inferior to many seen at a Temple Show. The principal exhibitors in addition to Messrs. C. B. van Nes & Son, were T. J. Seidel, Dresden ; Messrs. Koster & Son, Boskoop ; Richard Gunther, Berlin, and D. & J. Kessen, Aalsmer, Holland. Azaleas. The whole of the central area of the principal exhibition hall was filled with large groups of Rhododendron indicum (Azalea indica), the effect of which was magnificent. The principal ex- hibitor was Mr. T. J. Seidel, Dresden, the leading grower of Azaleas in Germany. His- group of big standards contained many splen- did examples, and as he grafts his Azaleas on Rhododendron Cunninghamii, they are charac- terised by vigour and, at the same time, looseness of growth, the heads being less- table-like than those of the big plants grown by the Belgians. Other exhibitors . were Messrs. Otto Platz, Charlotten- burg ; Strahl & Falcke, Berlin ; Henrich Kruger, Rohrbeck ; Adolf Koschel, Berlin ; and Louis van Houtte Pere, Ghent. The last-named exhibitor sent a collection of 200' sorts, which fully maintained the reputation of the Belgian growers of Azaleas. In another part of the hall there were collections of smaller plants of Azaleas, such as the florists in Ger- many turn to account in making up baskets,. &c, for room decoration. Among new Indian Azaleas shown by Mr. T. J. Seidel was one labelled " Herme." This plant has semi-double or double flowers of clear pink colour, the petals being marginedi with white. It is a very attractive variety, and it is likely to become popular. The exhibit was purchased by an American grower. Cactaceous Plants. Most of the cactaceous plants were shown in a room, on the walls of which were scenes re- presenting characteristic habitats of this type of plant. The specimens were not shown on a stage as pot plants, but the pots were plunged in moss litter or similar material, and, for the most part, were planted and grouped in the man- ner in which they occur in nature. But the most quaint were certainly the least natural examples, consisting of certain species with others grafted upon them. Amongst the chief exhibitors were Mr. Joh. Weise, Somerfeld, Frankfurt ; Mr. Richard Tuchtenhagen, Waidmannslust ; Richard Gunther, Friedrichsfelde, Berlin ; and' Albert Wagner, Leipsic. Carnations. The winter-flowering Carnations, for which valuable prizes were offered, were represented by large collections, including two from Eng- land, viz., those sent by G. Lange, Hampton, and C. Engelmann, Saffron Walden. They were in fine condition, and, indeed, constituted one of the chief attractions of the exhibition. Souve- nir de la Malmaison Carnations in pots were shown by Graf Manfred von Matuschka, Silesia. Though they were small plants, each bearing but one flower, they were, nevertheless, greatly admired, and received the Emperor's prize for the best exhibit in the show. Lilacs. Among the plants that are forced for their flowers, the Lilac occupies a very impor- tant place in Germany. There were numerous large groups of plants from 3 to 5 feet high, well April 10, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 237 furnished with foliage and sturdy racemes of flowers in perfect condition, the whites being quite equal to the coloured forms. The Dutch growers had also sent quantities of Lilac, both plants and cut flowers. The art of forcing Lilac so that the flowers do not lose in substance and are all open at the same time does not appear to be known in England, at any rate, we have not seen such examples of forced Lilacs are are to be met with in Berlin. Miscellaneous Groups. Mr. Otto Beyrodt, Berlin, made an elabo- rate display with Japanese dwarf trees backed by Rhapis and other Palms, and arranged more or less on the plan of the Japanese garden, with stone lanterns, bronze cranes, and other figures disposed among the Conifers, Acers, &c. Mr. L. Spath, Berlin, arranged a collec- tion of hardy Conifers, Rhododendrons, and other evergreens to enhance the effect of the painted scene which occupied the whole of the stage back and represented the house and garden of the Emperor at Corfu. A novelty at horticultural exhibitions consisted of a collection of tropical economic plants sent by Mr. Louis van Houtte Pere, Ghent, who has for many years cultivated most of the plants which are grown in tropical countries for their fruits, medicines, fibres, and other properties. Mr. E. Neubert, Wandsbek, near Hamburg, showed a large ground exhibit containing Palms, Azaleas, and forced Lily of the Valley. 1 he crowns and roots of various ages, as well as fruits and cleaned seeds of Asparagus, Lettuces, Cauliflowers, indeed, most kinds of vegetables and salads. There were good examples of forced Lilac, flowering plants of Tree Carnations, &c. MM. Vilmorin, Andrieux et Cie., Paris, had a bed planted with a good strain of Cinera- ria, but not better than may be seen in England. Mr. B. Carriat, Antibes, showed the best Car- nations, and Mr. L. Ferard, Paris, had a group of plants of double-flowered Daisies (Bellis perennis), some of whose blooms had a diameter of -\ inches, but were of a heavy, somewhat un- attractive appearance. Mr. G. Debrie, Paris, exhibited some impos- ing decorations with Liliurh speciosum. Exhibits and Visitors from England. It has been stated already that Messrs. ChaRLESWORTH lV Co., Bradford, sent a fine exhibit from England. Mr. C. Engelmann, Horneybrook Nursery, Saffron Walden, con- tributed a grand lot of Carnation blooms, ex- hibiting these in several classes and gaining prizes. Another exhibit of Carnations was sent by Mr. G. Lange, Hampton, Middlesex, who also gained prizes. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, had an exhibit of flowers of their choice Zonal Pelargoniums, including the following varieties : Berlin and Vesta (scarlet), Snowdrop (white), Sydney (pink), Mauretania (white, with pink Fig. ioi. — the great hall, Berlin exhibition. word Neubert is formed across a groundwork of Nephrolepis Whitmannii. Mr. F. IIenkel, Nurseryman, Darmstadt, the only exhibitor of aquatic plants, had a very in- teresting collection, most of the species being shown in great glass jars. Mr. William Pfitzer, Stuttgart, showed varie- ties of Begonia semperflorens, including Pfitzeri, Triumph and others varying in their colours, but apparently of good habit for bedding purposes. His Myosotis " Ruth Fischer " and Zonal Pelar. gonium " Wilhelm Pfitzer" are also novelties. Mr. Heinrich Kruger, Berlin, exhibited Poly- antha Roses and standard plants of Genista fragans. Some of the French Exhibits. We have already referred to some of the French exhibits, including Orchids from M. Maron, and the Gerberas from M. Adnet. Another important contribution from France consisted of fruits, vegetables and salads ex- hibited by various growers. The fruits in- cluded excellent samples of Black Alicante, Gros Colmar and other varieties of Grapes, including many of the vineyard sorts in addition to the choice dessert kinds. In addition to Grapes, there were ripe Cherries of extra good quality, ripe Pineapples, Figs and Plums — ripe, although staged on March 31. Considerable quanti- ties of forced Asparagus of various kinds, also marking), Naples and Sir F. Hanbury (crim- son), Paris Shell (white, with picotee edgei, and Cactus Prince (a single, red variety, with nar- row petals). The only other exhibit from Eng- land was a collection of plant illustrations from the Gardeners' Chronicle, Ltd. The following gentlemen officiated as judges : William Watson, Stuart H. Low, Louis Sander, S. T. Wright, and R. Hooper Pearson. Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., attended as a member of the deputation from the Royal Horti- cultural Society, but Mr. Harry J. Veitch, who was also appointed in the same capacity, was un- able to travel to Germany owing to indisposition. Cyclamens. We have never seen Cyclamens better ex- hibited than at Berlin. There were numerous exhibits of big groups, and but little to distinguish one collection from another so far as quality is concerned. First prizes have been won by the following exhibi- tors:— Mr. F. Schneider, Potsdam, J. C. Schmidt, Erfurt (four 1st prizes), H. KlAUSCH, Berlin, and Otto Platz, Charlottenburg. Most of these collections and others that gained 2nd and even 3rd prizes represented ex- cellent strains of this popular greenhouse flowering plant. Mr. J. C. Schmidt, Erfurt, showed a strain of fringed Cyclamens, known as the " Rokako." Some of the plants, including several shown in a glass-covered case, are the most developed of any of this type we have seen. The flowers are circular in outline, and 4 inches across. The petals are duplicated, and the colour of a par- ticularly fine variety is pink, with deep crimson "eye." Mr. H. Kiausch, Nurseryman, Zehlendorf, Berlin, showed a large number of Cyclamens as part of a varied exhibit. The Cyclamens were in groups, with the effect that they appeared to be planted in scroll-like beds, around which many small plants of Adiantum cuneatum repre- sented a greensward. A variety of Cyclamen, similar in tint to what is known in this country as " Salmon Queen," has larger flowers than this type, and is a distinctly good variety. Primula obcomca. This plant was shown, like the Cyclamens, in great groups, and in excellent quality. The strains were among the most developed we have seen, the flowers surpassing in size and colour anything yet exhibited in London. Some of the flowers have a colour similar to that of Crimson King in Primula sinensis, and the variation is becoming as great as in the Chinese species. Some of the best collections were contributed by the following exhibitors: — Mr. Benjamin Niemetz, Rixdorf, Berlin, Mr. Georg Arends, Ronsdorf, L. Ferard, Paris, Messrs. Strahl & Falcke, Berlin, and Mr. J. Mensing, Aalsmer, Holland. Fruits and Vegetables. Hardy fruits constituted one of the surprising features of the exhibition. Although the season was so late, table after table contained hun- dreds of dishes of Apples, Pears, and Quinces. At no time have we seen such a large display in England at a similar season of the year. Refer- ence has already been made to fruits and vege- tables contributed by the French growers, and emphasis should also be laid upon the exceed- ingly creditable nature of the exhibit of hardy fruits made by the city authorities of Berlin. The Pears and Apples were uncommonly good, and the high quality was maintained throughout a very extensive exhibit. The fruits of Ribston and Cox's Orange Pippins, for instance, were sufficiently good to exhibit at any place in the world. A collection of Apples and Pears from Hol- land contained some fruits which had probably been kept in cold storage. It would be difficult otherwise to account for the excellent specimens of Beurre Diel Pears still in perfectly sound condition. Of Apples, we noticed fruits of Cox's Pomona and Bismarck equal to any seen in England. The Dutch growers also con- tributed a large exhibit of vegetables, including many varieties of Cabbage, Leeks, Carrots, Kale, Beet, Brussels Sprouts, Radishes, Endive, and Turnips. Lettuces were very fine, and they were staged as growing. Cucumbers were re- markably good, and included specimens of the white-fruited variety. In numerous competitive classes there were, in addition to those we have noticed, a very large number of fruits of most excellent quality ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. April 6. — At the fortnightly meeting held on Tuesday last, practically the whole of the avail- able space in the Hall was fully occupied by varied, bright and beautiful groups. Forced spring-flowering shnibs constituted one of the finest features and were staged magnificently by several growers. Exhibits of Roses and Car- nations were not numerous, but the quality was especially fine. Orchids were handsome and varied in character. A magnificent display of these plants by Messrs. Armstrong & Brown received a Gold Medal. The Floral Committee granted three Awards of Merit to novelties ; the Orchid Committee gave four First-class Certificates and five Awards of Merit; whilst the Fruit and Vegetable Committee granted an Award of Merit to a variety of Rhubarb. At the 3 o'clock meeting in the lecture-room the Rev. Geo. Henslow lectured on the " Effects of the Forces of Growth." Floral Committee. Present: Mr. W. Marshall (Chairman), and Messrs. C T. Druery, J. GreeD, G. Gordon, 238 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [April 10, 1909. J. Douglas, J. F. McLeod, J. Jennings, W. Howe, H. J. Cutbush, C. Dixon, A. Turner, ( E. Pearson, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James, J. Hudson, G. Paul, C. R. Fielder, W. J. Bean, J. W. Barr, and R. C. Notcutt. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, arranged an attractive group of shrubs, in which l'vrus floribunda atrosanguinea, P. Malus Scheidekeri, Prunus triloba, Forsythia suspensa, Wistaria sinensis, Laburnum vulgare, and Cytisus praecox, with Rhododendrons eaucasi- cum album, Blanche Superbe, and Mons. Thiers were conspicuous. Plants of Azalea indica sent from the Chelsea nursery were magnificently flowered and made a blaze of colour. Clivias, Anthuriums, Boronias, Gerberas, Hippeastrums, and the blue Hydrangea Hortensia were also well shown by Messrs. Veitch & Sons. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Mr. F. Anderson (gr. to Mrs. C. Bischoffs- heim, Warren House, Stanmore) contributed a number of well-grown and flowered plants of I.achenalia tricolor. (Bronze Banksian Medal.) Handsome-leaved Caladiums were the feature of a group sent by Messrs. J. Peed & Son, West Norwood. Many of the leading varieties were represented, and the foliage was beauti- fully coloured. This firm showed also groups of Alpines in pots, and a few Cacti. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Colchester, ex- hibited one of the miniature rockeries which have become so popular at exhibitions. Fritil- larias, Anemone Pulsatilla, Daphne Cneorum majus, Iris reticulata, Primula rosea, Viola gracilis, and various Crocuses helped to make a bright and interesting display. (Silver Flora Medal.) The flowering shrubs arranged by Messrs. Wm. Paul & Sons, Waltham Cross, were wreathed in blossoms. Pyrus angustifolia fl. pi., P. Scheidekeri, Ceanothus Veitchianus, and Pyrus Malus floribunda, were especially fine. A few Camellias added interest to the group. (Silver Flora Medal.) One of the handsomest exhibits in the Hall was a group of forced shrubs arranged by Messrs. R. & G. Cuthbert, Southgate. The plants were varied, splendidly grown and grandly flowered. There were Wistarias, Lilacs, Azaleas, Pyrus, Magnolias, Laburnums, and sev- eral other kinds. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, arranged a group of much interest, for it was practically restricted to single and double Lilacs. All the best varieties were shown in splendid condition, and the plants varied considerably in shape. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, Upper Edmonton, showed a small but interesting group of Ferns. Polypodium Knightise. P. Mayi, P. hastaefolium, with several Davallias, Lomarias and Adian- tums were noticeable. Miniature Roses in pots came from the same firm, and included Phyllis, Mdme. Lavavasseur, Princess Ena, Baby Dorothy, and White Pet. Messrs. May also showed a few Clematises, and the scented-leaved Pelargonium Clorinda. The fragrance is sweet and the flowers fine. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. H. C. Pulham, Elsenham, Essex, arranged a ^mall rockery, in which were seen a few plants of interest. Mr. J. T. Tubbs (gr. to Miss Alex- ander, Oakbank, Seal, Sevenoaks) sent cut Roses, Mignonette, and Violas, all well grown and delightfully fragrant. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. W. H. Page, Tangley Nursery, Hampton, arranged a most artistic group of Carnations, Roses, and Liliums. There were splendid Car- nations including Red Lawson, White Lawson, Britannia, My Maryland, Enchantress, Mrs. T. W. Lawson, and Winsor. The Roses included Mrs. W. J. Grant, Frau Karl Druschki, and Captain Hayward. (Silver Flora Medal.) The Misses Hopkins, Mere Gardens, Shepper- ton, arranged a bright miniature rockery of Alpines. Flowers of Primulas, Fritillarias, Hepaticas, Anemones, Primroses, and Daisies were charming. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Single Cinerarias, arranged in blocks of dis- tinct colours, were contributed by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading. The plants were clean and healthy, and carried splendid flowers. This firm sent also three hybrid Freesias that wore distinct and fragrant. (Silver Banksian Medal.) The rock plants shown by Messrs. G. Jackson & Son, Woking, were not numerous, but these were excellently grown and flowered. The blue Primrose was very fine, as were Primula denti- culata, Scilla sibirica, Arabis alpina with varie- gated foliage, and single white and blue-flowered Hepaticas. (Silver Banksian Medal.) The plants shown by Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, were few in num- bers, but of interest. Fine features were Roses Lady Godiva and Snowstorm, Deutzia gracilis carnea, Cytisus Daisy Bell and C. Firefly, with Daphne Mezereum atro-rubrum and D. M. Paul's Snow White. Messrs. R. Gill & Sons, Falmouth, sent a wonderful collection of trusses of Rhododen- drons, all from the open. The varieties were numerous and the quality very fine. A bright feature of the varied group arranged by Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, was a central mass of fine Rhododendrons. Hepaticas, hardy Pri- mulas, and Saxifragas were also interesting, and all the plants were well grown. (Silver Bank- sian Medal.) A considerable number of grandly-flowered plants of Primula verticillata were shown by Sir Everard Hambro, Hayes Place, Hayes (gr. Mr. Grandfield). Mr. Robert Sydenham, Tenby Street, Bir- mingham, contributed a charming group of Nar- cissi, Freesias, Hyacinths, and Lily of the Valley grown in moss fibre. Messrs. Carter, Page & Co., London Wall, arranged a bright exhibit of Pansies and Violas. The varieties w-ere numerous and the colours rich. Winter-flowering Carnations in grand form were staged "by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park. Some of the finest varieties were White Perfection, Helen Gould, Britannia, Winsor, Harlowarden, Jessica, Beacon, Black Chief, Enchantress and Mikado. The same firm sent also 'splendidly-grown Erica persoluta alba, Boronia megastigma, Acacia Drummondii, and A. armata, with other plants and Roses. (Silver Flora Medal. Pyrus malus floribunda, Wistaria sinensis alba, Prunus triloba, Azaleas in variety, Cerasus Watered, Lilacs in variety, and Magnolia Hal- leana were conspicuous in one section of the group arranged by Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate. The second section was devoted to hardy plants, including Primulas, Hepaticas, and many others. A third group from this firm was composed of winter-flowering Carnations in variety. Some of the best were The President, Enchantress, Marmion, Victory, Britannia, White Perfection and Robert Craig. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) The Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery, Milmead, Guildford, displayed Ericas, Helle- bores and other hardy plants in variety. Mr. George Prince, Longworth, Berks., had some beautiful Roses, including Prince de Bul- garie, Mrs. Sophia Neate, Marechal Niel, An- toine Rivoire, Climbing Mrs. Grant, Catherine Mermet, Richmond and Lady Roberts. (Silver F'lora Medal.) Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, con- tributed a collection of Begonias, among which were B. manicata aureo maculata, B. nitida, B. gigantea rosea and B. Erfordia. The same firm displayed Star Cinerarias, Grey Friar, and Gem of the Stars. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, arranged a rockery containing Spiraea confusa, Anemone fulgens Suttonii, Saxifraga Elizabethae, Fritil- laria aurea, Chionodoxa sardensis, Primula den- ticulata alba, Hepaticas and many others. (Sil- ver Banksian Medal.) Rambling Roses from Messrs. Frank Cant & Co., Braiswick Nurseries, Colchester, made a very attractive group. Some of the brightest were Mrs. F. W. Flight, Leuchtstern, Aglaia, Trier, Joseph Billard and Debutante. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Major Lister, Haywards Heath (gr. Mr. F. Baker), sent a small but magnificent group of Hippeastrums. (Siver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Ltd., Dover, had a rockery in which were growing hardy plants of dwarf stature with a few taller-growing subjects of interest. Messrs. Whitelegge & Page, Chislehurst, contributed a bright collection of splendidly- grown Cyclamen latifolium. Mr. H. Burnett, Forest Road, Guernsey, sent some superb Carnations, including Enchan- tress, Fortuna, Britannia, White Perfection, Mikado and Marmion. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Bakers, Wolverhampton, had a minia. ture rockery containing several bright and in- teresting Alpine plants. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Group of Carnations. Competition was invited for a group of win- ter-flowering Carnations to cover an area of not less than 100 square feet. The class was open to amateurs only. The only exhibit was ar- ranged by Mr. A. T. Paskett (gr. to E. H. John- stone, Esq., Burr's Wood, Groombridgej. This group received the premier award, which included the Veitch Memorial Medal, the R.H.S. further honouring it with a Silver Banksian Medal. Some of the best varieties were Enchan- tress, Rose-pink Enchantress, Sarah Hill, After- glow, Beacon, White Perfection, Britannia, and Mrs. T. W. Lawson. AWARDS. Hi ppeastrum Marcus (]. Veitch & Sons, Ltd.). — A deep crimson variety of perfect form. (Award of Merit.) Hippeastrum magnificent (R. Ker & Son). — Rich crimson centre, with cream-coloured, re- flexed tips to the segments. (Award of Merit.) Saxifraga apiculata alba (Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery). — A pure white form of a well- known plant. (Award of Merit.) Narcissus Committee. Present : Mr. II. B. May (Chairman), and Messrs. W. Poupart, J. Walker, J. Jacob, W A. Milner, G. W. Leak, G. Reuthe, C. Daw son, A. M. Wilson, R. Sydenham, H. A. Deni son, F. H. Chapman, P. D. Williams, E. M Crosfield, W. W. Fowler, A. R. Goodwin, C T. Digby, E. A. Bowles, R. W. Wallace, P R. Barri H. Backhouse, J. de Graaff, J. D Pearson, A. Kingsmill, W. Goldring, and C. H Curtis. f Miss V. W. Currey, Lismore, Co. Waterford, staged a beautiful collection of Narcissi, includ- ing representatives from practically all sections. An incomparabilis flower named Tita was most attractive, owing to the brilliance of the colour- ing in the crown. Messrs. Jas. Carter & Co., High Holborn, constructed a rock-garden, in which the occu- pants were practically all bulbous plants. By far the finest feature was the splendid central group of Daffodil King Alfred. The lateness of the season was exemplified in the groups of Daffodils. These were compara- tively few in numbers, but Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, made an excellent display with many of the most popular varieties and a few novelties. The same firm sent a small group of Hellebores and boxes of Alpine plants in bloom. (Silver Banksian Medal.) A very charming group of Narcissi was ar- ranged by Messrs. Cartwright & Goodwin, Blakebrook, Kidderminster. Very fine were Brigadier, Castele, Orangeman, Evangeline, Weardale Perfection, Beacon, King Alfred, Cit- ron, Cresset, and Crown Prince. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Lilley's, Guernsey, arranged a group of Narcissi in considerable variety, with beautiful crown Anemones. Mr. Charles Dawson, Rosemorran, Gulval, Penzance, sent a considerable number of seed- ling Narcissi, several of which were of decided promise, and also some named varieties. (Sil- ver Banksian Medal.) Tulips constituted the outstanding feature of the group from Messis. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wisbech. Chionodoxas in variety were also splendidly shown from the same source. Orchid Committee. Present : J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), de B. Crawshay, H. Little, W. Boxall, J. Forster Alcock, F. 1. Hanburv, W. Waters Butler, H. J. Chapman, W. P. Bound, F. M. Ogilvie, R. G. Thwaites, W. H. Hatcher, J. Cypher, J. Charles- worth, H. G. Alexander, H. A. Tracy, H. Ballantine, A. Dye, Gurney Wilson, J. Wilson Potter, and W. Cobb. App.il 10, 1909 ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 239 The most notable exhibit in the Hall was a group of Orchids staged by Messrs. Armstrong & Brown, Tunbridge Wells. The exhibit ex- tended the entire width of the Hall, and it was awarded a Gold Medal. The centre of the group was composed of fine plants of Cymbidium Woodhamsianum, Odontoglossum Ossulstonii, O. amabile, O. ardentissimum, and fine forms of O. crispum, among which were several good blotched forms. On either side of these were selections of good hybrid Dendrobiums and varieties of D. nobile. There were also about 200 finely-flowered plants of the pure white D. nobile virginale. Col. G. L. Holford, C.I.E., C.V.O (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), exhibited Dendrobium Magda magnifica (Melanodiscus Rainbow X nobile nobilius), Cattleya Robert de Wavrin (Schilleriana X Schroderae), and others. (See Awards.) Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Haywards Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a select group in which was a magnificent plant of Ccelogyne pandurata ; also several varieties of Odontioda Lutetia, a very dark form of Laelio- Cattleya Dominiana, L.-C. Marathon, Odonto- glossum Lambeauianum, and other Odontoglos- sums, Brasso-Cattleyas, Phaius Norman, Tri- chopilia suavis, and the white T. Backhousi- ana, &c. H. S. Goodso.n, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), was voted a Silver Flora Medal for a group in which the best plants were Odon- toglossum Lambeauianum Goodson's variety — a very dark form, and a new Odontioda. (See Awards.) The rest of the group was comprised of good Odontoglossums, Cattleyas, Odontioda Bradshawiae, &c. Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbrid^e, se- cured a Silver Flora Medal for a group of fine Odontoglossums. In the centre was a plant of the richly-blotched Odontoglossum crispum Ashworthianum, appearing in better form than ever before seen. Other good blotched forms of O. crispum and a superbly-flowered specimen of O. fascinator were also noticed in this group. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a group in which were Odontoglossum Rolfeas album, a very remarkable white form of this favourite hybrid ; Cattleya Schroderae Princess Mary of Wales, and C. S. Magali Sander, both handsome novel, ties, Angraecum sesquipedale, some good Odon- toglossums, Laelio-Cattleyas, &c. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, showed a group in which fine forms of Cattleya Schro- derae were prominent. With these was a grand variety of Brasso-Laelio-Cattleya Veitchii ; also the fine Cypripedium Countess of Carnarvon. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. A. W. Jensen, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a selection of his fine type of Cattleya Schroderae and some blotched forms of Odonto- glossum crispum. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Enfield, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group containing Dendrobium crassinode, D. primu- linum, D. Jamesianum, Cattleya Schroderae, one named "Ayesha" having a violet-purple zone on the lip. Monsieur Mektens, Mont St. Amand, Ghent, was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of showy hybrid Odontoglossums, includ- ing varieties of O. percultum, O. amabile, O. laudatum, O. Lambeauianum, O. Lawrencea- num. This exhibitor also displayed a plant of the white Cattleya Suzanne Hye de Crom. R. G. Thwaites, Esq., Chessington, Streat- ham (gr. Mr. Black), showed a fine selection of varieties of Dendrobium Thwaitesiae, D. Ches- singtonense, and other yellow hybrid Dendro- biums. De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Stables), again showed the superb Odontoglossum triumphans Lionel Crawshay ; also a selection of his pretty hybrid Odontoglos- sums. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., Bur- ford (gr. Mr. W. H. White), showed two plants of the fine white Ccelogyne Sanderae, each with three flower-spikes ; Lycaste Smeeana, Maxillaria variabilis, and the very singular Megaclinium Bufo. (See Awards.) i Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, ., staged a group of showy Dendrobiums and other Orchids. Major Lister, Warninglid Grange, Hay- wards Heath, showed a good variety of Cymbi- dium insigne. J. S. Moss, Esq., Wintershill, Bishop's Waltham, sent Odontoglossum Kenchii (O. Kegeljani X O. Denisomae Mossiae), an attrac- tive cream-white flower speckled with chestnut- brown. J. Forster Alcock; Esq., Exhims, North- church, sent Cypripedium Chapmanii nigrescens and C. Wm. Lloyd superbum, both darker in colour than other forms. Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr. Mr. Hopkins), showed Cattleya Trianae Marie Fedorovna, a very charming silver-white flower, slightly tinged with lavender colour, and with violet front to the lip. It is a very distinct and beautiful flower of fine shape. J. Gurney Fowi.er, Esq., Glebelands, South Woodford (gr. Mr. J. Davis), showed Odonto- glossum Arnoldii, a beautiful hybrid of unre- corded parentage, and allied to that previously shown as O. caloglossum. The sepals and petals are of a deep claret-brown colour, with silver margin ; the lip marbled with purple. Also O. crispum Winnie, a good blotched variety. J. S. Bergheim, Esq., Belsize Court, London, showed Megaclinium falcatum. W. Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange, Stone (gr. Mr. Stevens), exhibited Odontoglossum crispum Harryanum Regina and O. Ossulstonii nigrum, both very finely flowered. AWARDS. First-class Certificates. Cattleya Schrodera The Baron, from Col. G. L Holford, CLE., C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alex- ander).— An unique variety, which had pre- viously secured a First-class Certificate, but which was withdrawn on account of a flower not being available for sketching. The plant is illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, June 3, 1905. The peculiar salmon-orange disc of the lip contrasts finely with the Peach-blossom tint of the flower. Odontoglossum percultum Cookson's variety, from Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr. Mr. II. J. Chapman!.— A model flower with broad segments that are heavily blotched with claret-purple colour. Cattleya Schrbderce Irene, from Mr. A. W. Jensen, Lindfield. — A noble flower, delicately tinged with lilac, the very large, fringed lip hav- ing a deep yellow disc. Odontioda Ernest Henry (0. Queen Alexandra X O. Noezliana ), from H. S. GoODSON, Ksq. — A fine novelty nearest to O. Charlesworthii, but having deep mahogany-red flowers with orange crest. Awards of Merit. Odontoglossum Dreadnought (Prince Albert X Sceptrum), from Messrs. Sander & Sons. — Flowers large, yellow, heavily marked with red- dish-brown, the crimped yellowish labellum hav- ing a large chestnut brown blotch. Odontoglossum Sylvia Westonbirt variety (cirr- hosum x PolfeeeJ, from Colonel G. L. Hol- ford (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander). — A pretty hybrid of the O. elegans form with yellowish flowers blotched with chocolate-purple. Odontoglossum crispum Angela, from Norman C. Cookson, Esq. (gr. Mr. H. J. Chapman). — A large flower, heavily blotched with purple. Cattleya Schrbdcrs Alexandra James, from W. James, Esq., West Dean Park, Chichester. — Flowers large, blush white, with orange disc to the lip. Lcelio-Cattlcya Frederick Boyle var. Kerchova. — Flowers uniformly blush white. From Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart. Botanical Certificate. Megaclinium Bufo. — A very remarkable, large species, with a stout, upright inflores- cence, the upper part of which is a blade-like rachis, densely spotted with purple and bearing up the mid-ribs a single row of curious brownish flowers on either side. Polystachya rhodoptera. — A slender species, bearing on the upper part short spikes of yellow- ish flowers tinged with rose. Both shown by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K. C.V.O. (gr. Mr. W. II. White). Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: Mr. George Bunyard (Chairman); and Messrs. A. H. Pearson, C. G. A. Nix, H. S. Rivers, J. Harrison, A. Dean, E. Beckett, F. Perkins, A. R. Allan, J. Davis, J. Lyne, G. Hobday, G. Keif, J. Jacques, O. Thomas, J. Mclndoe, G. Wythes, J. Vert, W. H. Divers, and P. D. Tuckett. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, exhibited several splendid specimens of Lettuce Veitch's Golden Queen, also French Frame Black Crepe, a particularly fine Cabbage variety. Tlus firm also included in its group Radishes Extra Early Forcing Turnip, Early Gem and French Breakfast as well as Cucumber Veitch's Sensa- tion. (Silver Banksian Medal.) A splendid collection of Oranges was ex- hibited by Messrs. Thos. Rivers & Son, Saw- bridgeworth. There were plants in flower and fruit, as well as gathered fruit of many varie- ties, including Egg, Brown's, St. Michael's, Navel, White, Seville, Achilles, Sustain and Excelsior. There were also Citrons in grand condition. (Silver-gilt Knightian Medal.) Mr. T. E. Dawes, Syderstone, King's Lynn, showed Rhubarb Challenge— a variety of im- mense length of petiole and rich colour. Mr. F. Harvey (gr. to the Rt. Hon. Lord Monson, Burton Hall, Lincoln) exhibited some choice Apples, including Beauty of Kent, Cox's Orange Pippin, Bramley's Seedling', Lane's Prince Albert, King of the Pippins, and several others. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, staged a collection of Lettuces, including Golden Ball, French Tom Thumb, Nonesuch, Improved Tom Thumb, Early Paris, Commodore Nutt and Little Gem. The same firm also showed seeds of garden Peas. (Silver Banksian Medal.) AWARDS. Rhubarb Challenge (T. E. Dawes).— A grand variety for early use. The stalks are. long, thick and exceptionally rich in colour. (Award of Merit.) Collection of Salads. There was a competitive class for a collection of three .salads, two varieties of a kind being permissible. Mr. E. Beckett (gr. to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Herts.) was the only exhibitor, and received the premier prize. There were Lettuces Sutton's Forcing, and Sutton's Golden Ball, Radish Sut- ton's Forcing, French Breakfast, Cucumber Sut- ton's Peerless, Onion, Mustard, Cress and Chicory. ©bituarjj. Benjamin Simonite. — We regret to record the death of this well-known florist at 38, Der- went Street, Park, Sheffield, on March 29. Mr. Simonite was a most successful cultivator of Auriculas, Carnations, Picotees, and Tulips. Brought up to follow his father's craft — that of a table-blade forger — he worked with Messrs. Joseph Rodgers & Sons, Sheffield. His delight, however, was to be amongst flowers, and he re- tired from table-blade forging some 28 years ago, and gave his entire attention to his favourite occupation. His success in the raising and cul- tivating of Auriculas was phenomenal. " The workman florist," as he was occasionally called, raised his flowers under difficult conditions, his garden being in one of the most smoke-ridden districts of Sheffield. Amongst the many excel- lent Auriculas which he raised was the beautiful green-edged Rev. F. D. Horner. Talisman was also raised by him, and, later still, James Han- naford, which at its best may be regarded as a green George Lightbody. F"rank, often called Frank Simonite, grey edge, Heather Bell, white edge, Mrs. Douglas, a charming blue self, and Ruby, a fine red self, are other noted Auri- culas raised at Rough Bank. Mr. Simonite pur- sued his occupation up till about three weeks ago, when he was taken ill and gradually sank, death taking place early on Monday, March 29. He was 74 years of age, and is survived by a son and daughter. 240 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [ApRfL 10, 1909. THE WEATHER- THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending April 6. A cold and dry week.— The last two days have been moderately warm for the time of year, but previous to this the day temperatures were rather low. The nights were all cold, and on each of them the lowest temperature indicated by the exposed thermometer was below the freezing-point. On the coldest night 13° of frost were registered. The ground is at the present time 1° colder than is seasonable, both at 1 and 2 feet deep. No rain has as yet fallen this month. The ground, however, still remains moist below the surface, as small amounts of rain water still continue to come each day through both percolation gauges. The sun has shone on an average during the last 6 days for nearly 7 hours a day, or for 2i hours a day longer than is usual at this period of April. On the sunniest day the record amounted to nearly llj hours. Light airs have, as a rule, prevailed, the direction being principally some point between north and east. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. fell short of a seasonable quantity for that hour by as much as 14 per cent. March. Very „-old and extremely wet and sunless. —This was the coldest March since 1901, or for eight years. The days proved, as a rule, much more unseasonably cold than the nights. Again, the first half of the month was very cold, whereas during the last twelve days the temperature, particularly at night, was above the average for the time of year. On the warmest day the temperature in the ther- mometer screen rose to 57tf, which is a very low extreme maximum for March. On the other hand, on the coldest night the exposed thermometer indicated 19° of frost, which is the lowest extreme minimum temperature in March for 12 years. Rain, snow, or hail fell on as many as 23 days, and to the aggregate depth of 3£ inches— which is 1A inches in excess of the average for the month. In the last 54 years there have been only four other Marches with as heavy a rainfall. The sun shone on an average for only 2 hours 18" minutes a day, which is 1 hour 24 minutes a day below the March average, and the smallest record for that month during the last "23 years. This was on the whole a calm month. In fact, on the one very windy day the mean velocity for the windiest hour only reached 19 miles- direction W.S.W. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by 9 per cent. Our Underground Water Supply. With March, came to an end the winter half of the present drainage year. The total rainfall for those six months fell short of the average quantity by nearly 5 inches, which is equivalent to a loss of 111,070 gallons on each acre in this district. At the same time last year there was an excess of 54,970 gallons per acre. E. M.t Berk- hamsted, April 6, 1909. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Ants: //. K. Ants may be destroyed by pour- ing boiling water in their burrows. The fumes of bisulphide of carbon or vaporite will also destroy them. An arsenical poison prepared by Messrs. Alex. Cross and Son, Glasgow, known as the Ballikinrain Ant Destroyer is to be recommended. Apple-growing in England foe Profit : A. S., Cincinnati, U.S.A. The conditions of Apple- growing in this country and in America are totally different. We do not advise you to come back from America in the hopes of mak- ing a successful venture of Apple cultivation. In the first place, the cost of production in this country is very much greater than in America, chiefly because of rent, rates, and taxes. Although it may appear that the car- riage would account for a great loss of profit in shipping from America to England, this is not so, as fruit is brought thousands of miles by sea almost as cheaply as we can send it to various parts of our own country. The reason why American Apples are so largely imported into this country is that they arrive at a season when the home crop is finished, and, as Apples have always a demand here, they meet with a good market. Branches of Shrubs for Flowering in Water : D. Mason. Branches of the follow- ing shrubs, if cut in winter and placed in a warm greenhouse, with their ends in water, will furnish a display of blossoms: — Flower- ing Almonds, Peaches, Cherries, and Plums, notably Prunus cerasifera var. atropurpurea (syn. Pissardii), P. triloba flore pleno, and Pyrus floribunda. The common Apple, Pear, Peach, Cherry, and Plum may also be treated in the same manner. Other plants suitable are Daphne Mezereum, Staphylea colchica, Magnolias, Spiraeas, Cornus Mas, Deutzia gra- cilis, and Lilacs. Keep the shoots in a warm, dark place, with their ends in warm water, till the 'Sower-buds are prominent, when they should be brought into the light. Change the water at intervals. In addition to splitting the stems, the outer bark near the base of the shoot should be removed in order to expose some of the xylem or water-carrying tissue. Evergreen- Ampelopsis (Vitis) : Warsash. There are no hardy, evergreen species of Am- pelopsis, but there are several tender, ever- green species of Vitis, one of which may be the one to which you refer. Botanically, Ampe- lopsis is a synonym of Vitis. The following species are evergreen, but they all require the protection of a plant house: — V. antarctica, V. capreolata, V. hypoglauca. Flower Shows in 1909: Australian. You will find the dates of all the important London and provincial flower shows given in our Almanac published with the issue for January 2. The most important exhibitions in London are held by the Royal Horticultural Society. Other ex- hibitions are held in the Royal Botanic Gar- dens, Regent's Park. Important provincial shows include those at Shrewsbury, Birming- ham, York, Wolverhampton, Hanley, and Saltaire. Foreigners and the R.H.S. : G. B., Clermont- Ferrand. Fellowship of the Royal Horticul- tural Society is open to persons of all nationalities. A foreigner may exhibit plants at the Society's meetings. They should be sent to the secretary, carriage paid, and be despatched so as to reach the officials a day before the show. Only in very exceptional cir- cumstances does the Society undertake to re- turn plants sent from abroad, per the secre- tary, for exhibition. Grubs in Soil: A. Richmond. The grubs are young " leather jackets," or the larva? of the common cranefly. If they are attacking root crops or herbaceous plants, we would recom- mend the application of Paris Green (poison) at the rate of 3 ounces to 20 gallons of water. The roots around the crown of the plant should be thoroughly soaked, and the mixture kept well stirred. Try the effect on a few plants first, and, if found successful, apply the mixture to the whole crop. The usual method of trapping with squares of turf placed in the ground near infested plants has met with a certain amount of success, as also has the application of Kainit. Irish Yew from Seeds : /. S. H. The Irish Yew is generally increased by means of cut- tings or by grafts, but it can be raised from seeds. A percentage of the seedlings develop the fastigiate form, the remainder reverting to the common Yew. As a rule, the seeds ger- minate freely, but they sometimes require 12 months to do so. You should experience no difficulty in growing a common Thistle in a pot. Obtain an ordinary flower-pot, fill it with moderately heavy soil, and sow the seeds. Liquid Manure: A. B. Weight for weight, ani- mal urine is twice or three times as rich in plant-food as are the solid excrements. For example, the urine of the horse contains, per ton, 42 lbs. of nitrogen, 33 lbs. of potash, and 17 lbs. of lime. The urine of the cow contains 11 lbs. of nitrogen, 31 lbs. of potash, and 3 lbs. of lime. The urine of the pig is the weakest of the animal manures, and contains, per ton, but 8 lbs. of nitrogen, 4 lbs. of potash, 1 lb. of lime, and 29 lbs. of phosphoric acid. On com- paring these figures, it will be seen that neither the urine of the horse nor cow contains any phosphoric acid, while that of the pig contains a large quantity. In common prac- tice, therefore, it is advisable to mix 4 ozs. of superphosphate to each gallon of urine, then to dilute the whole with three times the quantity of rain-water. Liquid manure has a powerful influence upon all vegetable life, and should, therefore, be applied to garden vege- tables just after a rainfall. There can be no question that the time of active growth in both roots and branches is the proper time for using liquid manure, and for fruit-bearing plants when the fruits are beginning to swell, that is, soon after they are set. Another point of importance is that, as a rule, the slower growth a plant naturally makes the less able is it to utilise strong liquid manure. A good dose of weak liquid manure applied once a week in the active growing season is much better than strong manure applied at longer intervals. Moss : D. R. The moss is a very common and abundant species, Brachythecium purum (syn. Hypnum purum}. The synonym is the older and better-known name. It is useful for placing over crocks in seed boxes before rilling them with soil, as it assists the free formation of roots in the seedlings. This moss does not absorb water so readily as Sphagnum, and is not to be recommended as a substitute for Sphagnum in Orchid culture. Names of Plants : A. B. 1, Lonicera Standishii ; 2, Prunus Laurocerasus var. colchica ; 3, Tsuga canadensis ; 4, Picea orientalis ; 5, Libocedrus decurrens ; 6, Cupressus semper- virens var. — A. C. Scented-leaved Pelargo- niums: 1, tomentosum ; 2, radula; 3 and 4, crispum major ; 5, crispum minor ; 6, ardens minor ; 7, Mrs. Kingsbury ; 8, Pheasant's foot ; 9, Purple Unique; 10, Scarlet Unique; ll.querci- folium var. ; 12, Prince of Orange. You send more than six. A small donation to the R.G.O.F. would be appropriate. — R. B., Cork. 1, Gold- fussia isophylla ; 2, send in flower ; 3, Bryophyl- lumcalycinum ; 4, Platylomaflexuosa; 5, Pepero- mia argyreia ; 6, Abutilon Savitzii ; 7, Asparagus virgatus. — J. G. 1, Cupressus Lawsoniana erecta viridis ; 2, Andromeda floribunda ; 3, Elaeagnus pungens medio-aurea; 4, Berberis stenophylla ; 5, Diplopappus chrysophyllus ; 6, Cornus Mas. — J. W . Diplopappus chryso- phyllus.—/. M. Cornus Mas.— H. J. W . 1, Ccelogyne flaccida ; 2, Dendrobium nobile ; 3, next week ; 4, Sparaxis grandiflora ; 5, Cupressus funebris. — India. 1, CirrhopetalumRoxburghii ; 2, Aerides odoratum ; 3, Oberonia species (send again when in flowert; 4, Aerides multiflorum (roseum) ; 5, Rhynchostylis (Saccolabium) retusa ; 6, The bulb resembles Hsemanthus, send when in flower. — N. E. B. Franciscea Hopeana. — R. H. 1, Oncidium flexuosum ; 2, O. barbatum; 3, Masdevallia triangularis; 4, Pleurothallis rubens ; 5, Polystachya pubescens ; 6, Adaaurantiaca— Foreman. 1, Odontoglossum triumphans; 2, Oncidium candidum ; 3, Pteris tremula. Number of Plants Known to Science : X. Y. Z. It is probable that upwards of 200,000 species of plants are known, and of this number it is estimated that 136,000 are flowering plants. Plants for Placing between Stepping Stones; A. H. T. The following is a list of plants suitable for growing between stepping stones: — Arenaria balearica, Alyssum mon- tanum, Antennaria dioica, Arabis procurrens, Armeria alpina, Aubrietia deltoidea var. Campbellii, Aubrietia deltoidea var. taurica, Bellium bellidioides, Campanula pulla, Cam- panula Portenschlagiana, Cotula squalida, Draba aizoides, Draba bruniaefolia, Erinus alpinus, Gentiana acaulis, Geum montanum, Hypericum reptans, Linaria alpina, Lysima- chia nummularia, Mazus pumilio, Meseni- bryanthemum pomeridianum, Mesembryanthe- mum pyropeum Noccaea alpina, Papaver al- pinum, Paronychia argentea, Phlox subulata vars., Polygonum capitatum, Pratia angulata, Saxifraga hypnoides, Sedum album or S. an- glicum or S. dasyphyllum, Veronica Teucrium var. dubia, and Waldsteinia trifolia. Seakale for a Permanent Bed : Anxious. Sea- kale plants which have been forced may be used for making a permanent bed ; but these will not be nearly so satisfactory as young crowns. If you decide to plant the old stools, the roots should be cut off level at the crown, and, as the shoots develop, all but the strongest should be removed. Cerastmm tomentosum is the one usually employed for carpet bedding. Violas and Calceolarias: Anxious. Violas and Calceolarias should be planted where they are intended to flower by the end of April. For both plants it is best to select a position where they will be shaded from the sun for a couple of hours during the middle of the day. Weed in Lawn : T. S. The plant is one of the Cerastiums, probably C. alpinum. Apply nitrogenous manures to the lawn. These will favour the growth of the Grasses, and they will in time crowd out the weeds. Communications Received.— T. H.— R. B.— W. W.-S. E. L.— A. McC.-R. B— T. W. W.— J. M.— T. H.-S. A.— G. H. A.— S. F. & Co.— Wessex— F. E. S. & Co.— G. P.— A. S.— J. D. W.— A. E. S.— A. D.— Mrs. S. E.— W. W.— W. E. G.— A. O.— W. D.— I. D. G.— D. R. W.— E. M.— Chloris— W. B. H.— J. B.— F. M.— A. S W. E.— F. H.— Col. H.— T. H. C— T. W. C — A. W. S.-J. V, & Sons -W. H. W.— W.— J. J. W— H. W. W.— W. E. B. —A. D. W.— F. B.— E. H. J.— R. P. B. -F. M.— W. M.— C. F.— J. H.— S. & G.— S. A.— H. Y.— A Southern Grower - A. C. Co.-J. G. W. -E. S.— W. R. P. April 17, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 241 THE No. 1.164.— SATURDAY, April 17, 1909. Araucaria imbricata ... Be r ! in Exhibition, florists' art at Books, notices of — Chrysanthemums for Garden and Green- house... Publications received Carnations, perpeti.al- flowering Colonial notes— A letter from Kelowna 242 Cucumbers, the cultiva- tion of Deforestation in New Zealand Eucalyptus and boiler incrustation Fencing in parks, por- table Fernery, the Law note — The sale of poisonous compounds Lilacs, stock for Market fruit-grower's year, a Melbourne Botanic Gar- den Obituary — William Burton ... 254 Onions for market .. 252 Orchid notes and glean- ings— Cattleya Trianee Marie Feodorovna 241 Coelogyne prolifera ... 241 Petrea volubilis 251 CONTENTS. 244 249 251 251 24] 253 243 249 244 219 Plant invaders ... Plant notes — Calceolaria Burbidgei 242 Hippeastrum pardi- num Raffia and raffia wax ... Ribes Menziesii Rock garden, the — Wahlenbergias, the ... School gardens in Sur- rey Benjamin, 248 242 249 242 243 252 Simonite, the late ... Societies — Debating Nursery and Seed Trade Royal Caledonian Hort Royal Horticultural ... (Scientific Committee) Scottish Horticultural United Hort. Benefit and Provident Timber for aeroplanes 251 Trees and shrubs — Cupressus macrocarpa 245 Vegetables, hardy green 245 Vine, a hardy ever- green Week's work, the — Apiary, the Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden ... Kitchen garden, the... Orchid houses, the ... Plants under glass ... 250 255 254 254 249 253 254 254 253 247 247 246 247 247 246 247 ILLUSTRATIONS. Araucaria imbricata in the grounds of Ben Rhydding Hydropathic establishment 244, 245 Burton, William, the late 254 Melbourne Botanic Garden, lake scene in the (Sup- plementary Illustration) Petrea volubilis 252 Ribes Menziesii . ... 242 View in the Melbourne Botanic Garden 250 Wahlenbergia serpyllifolia, 243; W. s. var. dinarica 243 PERPETUAL - FLOWERING CARNATIONS. CONTRARY opinions are sometimes ex- pressed as to the behaviour of certain varieties of tree or perpetual-flowering Carnations ; the two English-raised sorts, Mrs. H. Burnett and Britannia, in particular have been much discussed. Many growers complain that these varieties being so subject to disease (Helminthosporium echinulatum), it is better to discard them altogether in favour of others having stronger constitutions. I am bound to admit that these sorts are par- ticularly liable to this fungus disease, but it may at least be useful to relate my own ex- perience with them, and I do so in the hope that it may prevent others from ceasing to cultivate them, for they are admittedly very charming varieties. The best way to pre- serve these sorts from disease is to keep the plants under glass at all times, or, failing this, thev should be placed in such a position out-of-doors that they can be easily protected from rains and ungenial weather. Exposure to rains is the most frequent cause of failure. The usual practice, especially with plants re- quired to flower during winter, is to place them out-of-doors as soon as they have be- come established in their flowering pots. This practice I have followed myself, but have always housed them again before the. advent of autumnal rains. Last year we housed our plants in the middle of August, and they were thus preserved from the torrential rains experienced in the latter part of that month and in September. The plants have succeeded so well since that time, I feel certain it is due mainly to this one point in their culture. But I have fur- ther reason for believing that indoor culture is essential in the case of> the two varieties already mentioned. We have plants here that were placed out-of-doors during the summer of 1907. These were not taken in- doors until nearly the end of September, and they quickly showed signs of disease. I have no faith in the many advertised remedies and therefore every infested leaf was picked off the plants and destroyed by burning. This treatment caused the plants to appear very shabby for that season, but it was persevered with, and in the following season (1908) the plants being continuously in bloom, they were kept under glass. At the present time there is no disease noticeable on these old plants. Some younger plants that were placed out- of-doors as usual, have again suffered to a much greater extent than other varieties. These young plants in their turn will be kept inside during the coming season, and I feel sure thev will rapidly improve in condition. Out-of-door treatment in this country is not likely to be so successful as it has proved in the United States. Whether the more humid condition of the atmosphere in these Isles has something to do with it or not, the fact is impressed on me by the study of the collection under my own charge. Not only does this and that variety succeed better, but all the plants improve in the second season if they remain under glass. The bio ms I send the Editor along with this note were obtained from old plants that have been continuously under glass for the last 18 months. [These were excellent examples. — Eds.] Another mistake thai inexperienced culti- vators make' is that of over-manuring their plants. Carnations do not require anything like the amount of manure sometimes given them in the early stages of growth, but it is admitted that when the pots are full of roots, and the plants in robust health, artificial manure may be given in small quantities, and the results will justify the treatment. After several years' experience with them, I find that some of the earliest varieties are still the best. Lady Bountiful (pure white), though not so solid and heavy as White Per- fection, is an exquisitely-formed flower, and is very free; I do not find White Perfection so good in these respects. Harlowarden, crim- son, is still the best of its colour, and its general behaviour here is very satisfactory. Hannah Hobart, not often seen on the showboards, is a very good grower, and it produces blooms of exquisite form, with rounded edges. It is deeper in shade than Mrs. T. W. Lawson and is more effective when seen in artificial light than in daylight. Jessica, one of the best of the flaked varieties, is a splendid grower, as are also Aurora and Oriflamrne, of the same class. Longer experience with Nelson Fisher cor • firms my earlier experience that this variety is not a good doer, though I am aware it succeeds well with some cultivators. Flori- ana, though small, has a good habit, and produces excellentlv-formed flowers, but it is not so suitable for blooming in winter as some varieties. Plants of Lord Rosebery make straggling growth, but this variety has good crimson blooms. Neither Aristocrat nor Elliott's Queen have succeeded here as we ex- pected them. Winsor is a beautiful variety, but dwarfer in habit than most others. Fair Maid has a very floriferous habit, and the colour of the flower is a beautiful shade of pink ; it is not suitable for exhibition. En- chantress and its various sports are always favourites. Neither White Lawson nor Re- liance are particularly good in this collection. Mikado, being a deep shade of heliotrope, is a favourite colour with many. Robert Craig makes satisfactory growth, and the flowers are bright scarlet. Flamingo and Crusader are also good scarlet varieties. Concerning some of the newer varieties complaints are made that the blooms are thin, but many of these varieties will be likely to improve under cultivation. Any plants of these winter or perpetual-flowering Carnations that become leggy may be cut back to the old wood. If the roots are kept rather dry the old stems will produce an abundance of young shoots in the course of a few weeks, and they can be grown into large plants for another season. Such treat- ment may be desirable in cases of rare or valuable varieties. /. G. Weston. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. CCELOGYNE PROLIFERA. Although not a showy species, this rare Coelogyne has interesting features. The pseudo- bulbs, which are nearly as large as those of C. cristata, are distantly placed on a stout, scaly rhizome, and bear one or two petiolate, lanceo- late leaves. The inflorescence rising from the, apex of the mature pseudo-bulb is about 9 inches in height and clothed with closely-fitting bracts on the upper part, from which the flowers pro-, ceed, after which the bracts are shed, leaving those not furnished with flowers still in position. The flowers, which are 1 inch across, have rather broadly-lanceolate, light sepia-brown sepals, and narrow, linear, abruptly-recurved petals. The. base of the lip and column are white, with the same greenish-yellow tint which suffuses the whole flower ; the front is sepia brown, with a narrow yellow margin, two elevated lines run- ning from the base. It flowered with Mr. James O'Brien. CATTLEYA TRIAN.E "MARIE FEODOROVNA." Cattleya Trian.e varies more than any of the large-flowered Cattleyas in the colour of its flowers, and if any importation is of the best type, all are worth growing. But the proportion of distinct forms worthy of varietal names is small, and hence the great value of good ones. Under the above name, one of the most charming forms is blooming in the gardens of Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr. Mr. Hopkins). It is an ideal florists' flower, all the segments being broad and regularly arranged. The sepals are white ; the petals, which, when expanded, are 7 inches from tip to tip and nearly 3 inches wide, are silvery white, without any trace of colour when placed in the shade, but showing a faint lavender tint when looked at in a bright light. The base of the lip is white and the front violet, with a slight rose shad:- ; the disc is orange-coloured, with thin white lines. It is very interesting, but expensive, to make a collection of these fine varieties of Cattleya. O'B. 242 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Apsii. 17, 1909. RIBES MENZIESII. This elegant little species of Ribes is a true Gooseberry with an armature much more for- midable than that of a Red Rough variety. The flowers are not showy, but they persist until the crimson berries have nearly attained their full size. It is a native of North-west America, growing 4 to 6 feet high, and quite hardy in this country. The generic name Ribes has been displaced by Grossularia by some American botanists. "Ribes Menziesii is recorded as having been introduced into Great Britain in 1830, and there is a figure of a flowering branch in the Botanical Register, 1847, vol. xxxiii., plate 56, bearing this name ; but Mr. Coville, author of a recent monograph of the genus, cites it for this species with a doubt. The small crimson flowers are represented as borne in twos and threes. W. B. H. COLONIAL NOTES. AN ENGLISH GARDENER IN KELOWNA. We have received the following communica- tion from Mr. Charles E. Stiff, late gardener to Sir Daniel F. Goddard, Oakhill, Ipswich: — " My wife, family, and myself have spent nearly a year in this lovely orchard city of the Far West. Kelowna is comparatively a new city ; its name means 'Grizzly Bear.' About 60 years ago there was a French Roman Catholic mission in the district. The members subdued the Indians, intermarried with them, and turned these hunting grounds of the Rocky Mountains into a cattle ranch. We are situated 1,100 feet about sea level, on a flat tableland of 35 square miles, sheltered by surrounding Rocky peaks and Selkirk ranges. English settlers started a fruit- growing industry. The trees were brought on the backs of mules, and this district finally de- veloped into one of the noted fruit lands of British Columbia. Much of the 35 square miles of this rich fruit land is already under cultiva- tion, and the cultivation is of the highest order. The spraying, cleansing, training, and pruning of the trees are extraordinarily well done. The amount of sunshine is very great, and the moun- tain air is bracing. The natural irrigation by seepage of mountain spring water, which per- colates through tablelands to the Okanagan Lake, causes the trees to grow splendidly. Plum and Apple trees make branches aver- aging some 10 feet ; whilst the leaves are large, clean, and of a rich, dark green, reminding one of highly-fed Chrysanthe- mums. Fruit is produced in such abun- dance as I have never before witnessed. A severe thinning of the fruits of all trees is car- ried out, the result being handsomely-coloured fruits of great size and colour. I feel some pride because trees I pruned produced the two boxes of Apples (Grimes' Golden) which won the 1st prize at Spokane, U.S.A., and were sold in the show for $25 each. The boxes contained 40 lbs. weight each. We grow Apples, Pears, Plums, Prunes, Grapes, Peaches, Apricots, Nec- tarines, Quinces, Strawberries, Tomatos, Melons, Cucumbers and all ordinary vegetables, and Indian Corn, which is eaten largely whilst green. The Japanese Plums and Prunes in some 15 varieties have afforded me this last season an interesting study. I have inspected various orchards, and find that the trees have not suf- fered from cold, notwithstanding the tempera- ture has been as low as 14 degrees below zero. The very dry climate, the incessant sunshine, and constant care of the trees in disbudding and thinning, secures hard, ripened wood that frost fails to harm. Kelowna is a city corporate, with mayor, town council, aldermen, and about 1,500 people. We have our cargo and passenger boats on the lake. The city is lighted by electricity ; there are waterworks, a fire brigade, brickfields, cement works, saw- mills, cigar factories, two newspapers, four churches, hospital, &c. The lake covers an area of four miles by two miles, and is really a bay of the much larger Okanagan Lake. As regards the labour market, there are no oppor- tunities for emigrants, excepting a few first-class mechanics." Charles E. Stiff, Kelowna, Okana. gan Valley, British Columbia. PLANT NOTES. HIPPEASTRUM PARDINUM. Although there exists many excellent garden hybrids of Hippeastrum, some of the true species are well worth)' of inclusion in a collection. Hippeastrum pardinum is an exceedingly pretty and most distinct member of the family. It is one of the Veitchian introductions, having been sent home by their collector, Richard Pearce, white travejling in South America in the autumn which the different forms of Hippeastrum are still known in many gardens. In the same year that it first flowered, namely, 1867, H. pardinum was distributed by Messrs. Veitch at a price of two and three guineas each. It is interesting to note that another new plant of that year was Oplismenus Bur- mannii, a popular variegated Grass, sent out as Panicum variegatum, which is the name still generally applied to it. Hippeastrum pardinum was soon employed by the hybridist in the pro- duction of new varieties, but it was never exten- sively used for that purpose. The Supplemen- tary Illustration to the Gardeners' Chronicle, April 27, 1907, portrays the variety Queen of Spots, raised by the late Dr. Bonavia, of Worthing. This was the result of a cross be- tween H. pardinum and a garden variety. The influence of the first-named parent can be plainly seen in the progeny. The cultural requirements of H. pardinum are much the same as those of the ordinary forms. «5n ' i.^cHROt- Fig. 102. — RIDES menziesii: flowers and fruits crimson. From specimens supplied by Mr. Smith, Newry. of J865. This Hippeastrum first flowered at Chelsea in the spring of 1867, and was dis- tributed into commerce in the same year. At the time of its blooming, it was thus described in the Gardeners' Chronicle, March 30, 1867 :— "It is perfectly distinct from all known kinds of Amaryllis, and is remarkable for its form, which is spreading, with scarcely any tube, so that the whole inner surface is displayed, and for its colour, which reminds one of the spotted varie- ties of Calceolaria or Tydaea, so closely is it covered with small dots, more or less confluent, of crimson red on a cream colour ground." Although this was written 42 years ago, it is just as applicable now as it was then, and very little can be added thereto. The markings of the flower show a considerable amount of variation, some flowers having the red portion disposed in small blotches rather than dots. To this form the varietal name of superbum has been ap- plied. It will be noted that the plant was at first referred to as an Amaryllis — a name by CALCEOLARIA BURBIDGEI. Well-flowered standards of this plant were exhibited at the meeting of the Royal Horticul- tural Society on March 23, which demonstrated how valuable the plant is for grouping purposes in a greenhouse. Calceolaria Burbidgei, as is generally known, was raised by the late Mr. F. W. Burbidge, at Trinity College Gardens, Dub- lin. Its parentage is rather a puzzle, for Mr. Burbidge, with whom I have discussed the mat- ter many times, always regarded it as a hybrid between C. deflexa (C. fuchsia^folia of gardens) and the strong-growing C. Pavonii. I pointed out the resemblance between the hybrid and the well-known C. amplexicaulis, and stated that, judging by appearances, I should select this species and C. Pavonii as the parents. Mr. Bur- bidge said this could not be the case, as C. de- flexa was the seed-bearer. The Kew Hand List agrees with my theory, as it is thus recorded : " Calceolaria Burbidgei, garden hybrid, amplexi. caulis X Pavonii." W. April 17, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 243 THE ROCK GARDEN. THE WAHLENBERGIAS. This genus of Campanulaceaa was named in honour of George Wahlenberg, of Upsala, the author of Flora Lapponica. Our native species, Wahlenbergia hederacea, was formerly known as Campanula hederacea. It is a pretty, creeping plant, preferring a cool, lightly-shaded position, its natural habitat being a damp position amongst short grass and other herbage. Most species of Wahlenbergia succeed well in gardens, and are free in flowering. Any difficul- ties experienced in their culture can generally be traced to unfavourable positions and faulty planting. They require the protection of a stone or rock, placed so as to direct the water to their roots, and yet to protect the foliage from actual contact with the damp soil. The root- ing-medium should be rich in plant food and of a good depth, liberally mixed with stone chips and some crushed chalk. Into this staple the roots readily enter, for they will always find it moist during periods of drought. Ample drainage must be provided when preparing the site. In spring a light top-dressing is bene- ficial, whilst in autumn a quantity of crushed stone placed around the collar of the root-stock lessens the danger of decay from damping. Provided that these conditions are obtained, then a hot, sunny position is best. Do not allow any coarse plant to encroach upon them. Their habit is very dwarf, therefore plant them so that they will be seen to the best advantage when in flower. The following species are some of the most suitable for garden purposes: — Wahlenbergia serpyllifolia (syn. Cam- panula serpyllifolia) (see fig. 103). — The growths of this species form a miniature carpet, and develop small Thyme-like leaves. Each prostrate shoot terminates in a solitary, purple- violet, bell-shaped blossom, upturned to the sky. It is a charming plant, especially when in flower in June. Wahlenbergia pumilio is a silvery-leaved plant, requiring full exposure to sunshine. It forms a tufted mat of close-set stems, having narrow, pointed, silver leaves. From the shoots arise the big, upturned, pale purple flowers, the inflorescences being solitary. The plant is beautiful either in or out of flower, as the foliage is conspicuous by reason of its silvery-grey ap- pearance. Wahlenbergia serpyllifolia var. dinarica (syn. pumiliorum) (see fig. 104). — This is a larger and less neat-habited plant than either of the foregoing. The plant flowers with great free- dom, producing numbers of its solitary inflo- rescences from the middle till the end of June. The foliage is long, narrow, and less silvery than that of W. pumilio, and forms a loose mat of grey leafage. Wahienbergia dalmatica. — A species having purple-violet flowers, formed in terminal, crowded heads. The foliage is long, narrow, and pointed, the leaves from the root-stock forming small rosettes. Wahlenbergia graminifolia. — This species resembles W. dalmatica in the clustered flower- heads, which, in this instance, are purple. The leaves are narrow and grass-like. Wahlenbergia tenuifolia. — A distinct species, though generally confounded with W. dalmatica. Wahlenbergia Kitaibelii is the only other species common in gardens. Both W. tenuifolia and W. Kitaibelii belong to the group having ter- minal clustered flower-heads, and in either plant the colour of the flowers is a shade of purple. All the species and varieties are extremely sensitive to the effects of damp in winter. Slugs are exceedingly partial to the crowns and young leaves in springtime. Thomas Smith, Walmsgate Gardens, Louth. DEFORESTATION IN NEW ZEALAND. (Concluded from page 226.) When once we leave the coast-line the soil is poorer, the surface soil decreases as the water- shed is reached, and there are the bare, brown sheep runs again over the plains and the outlying ranges, which run up from 4,000 to 5,000 feet. Not a tree is to be seen, except small groups of Poplars and Willows, which mark distant stations, and the inspiring Discaria, associated with Olearia virgata of les"s pronounced habit, but with pleasing, sweet-scented flowers. Fig. 103. — wahlendergia serpyllifolia: flowers purple-violet. As we ascend higher, say, to 1,500 or 2,000 feet, Aciphylla Colensoi becomes an important constituent of the "herbage," and occurs in asso- ciation with Epilobium tenuipes, Vittadinia australis, Tillaea purpurata. Very striking is the total absence of her- baceous leguminous plants from the native flora. Carmichaelia Petriei, a wiry shrub whose branches were chewed down to white, fibrous tufts by grazing animals, occurred sparsely, but the Clovers of European herbage would not grow in such conditions, where alien plants are limited to what we should call weeds of dry places, and are transported by sheep. These plains, thanks to the agency of man, run up to the foot of Mount Cook, and, as far Fig. 104. — wahlenbergia serpyllifolia var. dinarica : flowers pale lavender PURPLE. as I could make out, they constitute the sub- alpine meadows of New Zealand ecologists. Older settlers assured me that many finer varie- ties of grass have been burnt out, which is not surprising, owing to annual fires, together with the constant grazing by sheep and rabbits. All the way from Lake Pukaki to Lindis Pass the soil had become so acid that in many places it only grew Rumex acetosella and Raoulia aus- tralis, the latter an invaluable plant, but one that was pointed out to me with contempt as disdained by sheep, and even by rabbits. It forms a flat carpet of Axminster texture, often two or three yards in circumference, grey green in colour, studded by its yellow, rayless, composite flowers. The root system is extraordin. ary, ever}' branchlet produces roots, and every node sends down long anchor roots, besides the primary one. There could be no better agent for binding shifting shingle or forming a humus layer on old river beds and terraces. The mass of black soil about its often-charred remains testifies well to the plant's pertinacity, as well as to the settler's scorn. From Omarama, where the desert-like Acaena Buchananii abounds, many beautiful streams are passed, but their banks are as devoid of vegeta- tion as their waters are teeming with trout. It is a three days' drive from Mount Cook to Lake Wanaka, and for the whole way there is no native tree to be seen. I was told there was "bush" in the "back country," so that it must once have existed in the front, but this country of huge sheep runs, where every station, has to keep a gang of rabbiters, tells its own tale. Deer have also been introduced, and are increas- ing to a large extent, much to the disgust of the run holders, whose property is all leasehold ; for where there is little enough for the sheep and rabbits, the deer are naturally not welcome guests. Round about Lake Hawea and on the Clutha river, where farming is carried on, ex- pensive deer-fencing is not an acceptable charge to the occupiers. In the Cromwell plain Hyperi- cum gramineum and Gentiana antipoda were the only striking native plants ; both species afford evidence of poor soil, and there was nothing to suggest a richer spring flora. At Lake Wanaka, one of the most charming of the large lakes of the South Island drainage system, there was the same baneful deforesta- tion, sheep-run bareness and poverty of soil. The mountains in the background show up green, for the runs have not got so far back yet, the country being practically unexplored. Hyperi- cum gramineum and Pimelea sericeovillosa, a cushion of hairiness, as the name implies, were very general. Around Pembroke introduced trees were growing freely. Again, from Wanaka to Queenstown, up the tedious Cardrona valley and over the Crown range at an altitude of 4,000 feet, nothing but Tussock and Aciphylla Colensoi is seen as the level rises. Dropping over the range, the general deforestation reveals the interesting glacial ter- minal moraines of Lake Wakatipu, and some farms show up green on the apparently unpro- mising slopes of the Remarkables. The mountains surrounding,. Lake Wakatipu, the deepest and largest of the 'Southern Lakes, are all bare and recall the Alpes Maritimes of the even nearer mountains of Savoy and Dau- phine. In deeper gulleys the bush has survived, the green lines forming a grateful contrast to Euro- pean eyes, but all round the lake a greener fringe shows the Bracken area, which marks what was formerly forest. Some woods which still clothed the slopes at the head of the lake were burnt down during my stay there through the carelessness of trippers. It is now neces- sary to go 11 miles up the Dart Valley to Para- dise before reaching virgin forest. Here tree- clad valleys radiate out, making a beautiful con- trast with the snow-capped summits, but tourists are plentiful there every year, and the sheep farmers are gradually encroaching. South of Lake Wakatipu are Lakes Te Ano and Manipouri which form part of the great Government reserve, and their welcome forest growth is consequently protected. It is, however, the steepest of granite country, and an excessive 244 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 1y, ia09. rainfall, by encouraging a perfect covering of luxuriant moss alone, permits the growth of trees in the crevices and fissures. Down the Clinton and Arthur Valleys this covering, with the trees and ferns it holds to- gether, can be seen washed off in sheets during heavy rains, and the granite walls which line these narrow valleys are one series of cascades, providing a magnificent sight. Avalanches also sweep the slopes in winter, continually necessi- tating the alteration of the track to Milford Sound. Such country could not pasture a goat, much less a sheep, and no economic factors have been sacrificed by its reservation, as it would be impossible to treat it even as a forest reserve, though as a sanctuary for the undis- turbed perpetuation of the flora and fauna of the country, it is admirably adapted. Forest Officers, who replant as necessity arises. But India is in the happy position of being able to treat questions of national importance from a scientific rather than a party stand- point. In New Zealand the Government alone can act in the matter, as for economic reasons the private owner is helpless and the mere occu- pier different. Labour costs 10s. a day, and is difficult to obtain at that, therefore private en- terprise is discouraged. L. S. Gibbs. ARAUCARIA IMBRIGATA. Amongst the whole of the Coniferae there is no more stately or ornamental tree than a well- grown specimen of the Chili Pine, Araucaria imbricata. Unfortunately, it only succeeds in this FlG. IO5. — FINE SPECIMEN OF ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA. Isolated reserves here and there are of no use from a physiographical, economic or rain- fall point of view. In a naturally-wooded coun- try like New Zealand the question should be treated as a whole on some recognised plan drawn up by competent forest officials who have been trained not only in the great schools of Nancy, Munich, and the magnificent economic forests of France and Germany, but also in the management of virgin forest, which under scientific guidance has achieved such a success in India. There, above 5,000 feet, the forest is secure, for no clearing is allowed. In the Teak forests of Burma, in order to pre- vent risk of fire, no felling is allowed in the dry season. Every tree to be felled is marked by the country in exceptional soils and situations, and specimens such as is shown in fig. 106, with the lower branches decayed, and a ragged head, are as common as a well-furnished tree such as is presented in fig. 105. The tree appears to flourish well for a time, until its roots reach some unsuitable medium, and then decay of the lower branches sets in. There may be other causes for this failure of the lower branches. A correspondent who sends the photographs now reproduced, suggests that there are two types of the tree, one with stiff side growths, and the other having branches that sweep downwards. He writes : — " It appears to me that when one of these types with upturned branches, for instance, fails, the other, with drooping branches, may suc- ceed."" He further states : " The finest Araucaria I have ever seen in England or elsewhere is in the gardens of Ben Rhydding Hydropathic Establishment, on the Yorkshire hills. Of this I enclose a photograph " — (reproduced at fig. 105). " Its green branches touch the ground, and it is perfect in its symmetrical form. This is of the drooping kind. Only a few yards away is one with upturned branches, which is practic- ally a skeleton. In all parts of the garden the one variety seems to thrive, and the other has this tendency to cast its branches. Presumably, soil that suits one variety does not suit the other." The only two types of this tree generally known are those differing in sex. With rare exceptions the trees are unisexual, only a few instances being known (as at Bicton and Pencarrow) of male and female cones appearing on the same tree. It was thought that male and female trees differed in habit, the female being the handsomer and larger tree. But this theory has not stood the test of experience, and the habit of an Araucaria imbricata cannot be said to give any indication of its sex. Soils sometimes vary greatly in small areas, and it is not unlikely that the root medium in the case of one tree is quite different to the other, even in such a short distance as de- scribed by our correspondent. A MARKET FRUIT-GROWER'S YEAR. Rain or melted snow was measured at my station on 19 days in March, amounting to nearly 4 inches, as compared with three and less than a quarter of an inch in February. The month of March, one of the most important periods of the year for farming and gardening, has been practically lost this season. Severe frost and snow in the first and third weeks of the month, and rain nearly every day in the rest of the period rendered the land unworkable, and it was only in stolen opportunities that some early Potatos and Peas were planted in a free- working soil. As a period of wasted time for workmen employed on the land, March was one of the worst months in my experience. The unfortunate circumstances prevented the finishing of digging (forking) in the fruit plan- tations, although some of it was done when the land was far too wet, for the sake of finding a job for the workmen. Although vegetation made up a little for lost time in the last fortnight of March, so that it was not as extremely backward at the end of the month as it was in the middle, it is still much behindhand. Records have been taken with re- spect to certain trees, shrubs, and flowers in 16 seasons. For the last 10 years they have been made in the same place near the south coast, and previously for six years at a point about 50 miles to the north. The only season in the last 10 in which vegetation was as backward at the end of March as it has been this year was in 1901. A few examples may be given. Yellow Crocuses were in full bloom on March 21, whereas they were in flower on March 6, 1894, and some were in blossom as early as January 31, 1898. Double yellow Daffodils, of which only a few were blooming at the end of last month, were as forward on February 28, 1903, and were in full beauty on March 15, 1906, while in most other years of the 16 they were well out by the end of the latter month. Wallflowers, not at all in bloom at present, began to flower on the first day of March 1903, and a few were gathered as early as January 31, 1908. The Almond had no flower-buds burst at the end of last month, showing backwardness approached in only four seasons out of the last 16. It was in full blossom on February 22, 1898, and on March 1, 1903. Turning now to fruit trees and bushes, Goose- berry leaf-buds were only just generally bursting on March 31, while at the corresponding date in 1903 and 1905 the bushes were fully in blossom, April 17, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 245 and in several other seasons they have been half out in leaf by the middle of March. In 1895 and 1896 they were in nearly full foliage by Feb- ruary 8. The buds of Black Currants were as generally bursting at the beginning of March in 1903, 1904, and 1906 as they were this season at the end of that month. For Red Currants, which are a little later developing than Black, a similar comparison holds good. Peach trees in the open were in full bloom on March 20, 1894, March 21, 1896, March 25, 1903, and March 31, 1899 and 1902. No variety of Plum has shown blossoms up to the time of writing, whereas there were a few out at the end of March, 1905, and the trees were in full bloom at the corresponding period of 1903. In 1899 early Pear buds were open, showing clus- ters of flower-buds, as early as February 20, which was quite exceptional ; but in 1897, 1898, and 1902 they were in the same stage on March 24, while the trees were in full blossom on March 31, 1903. This year not a bud had burst by the end of last month. In only three out of the 16 seasons have Apple buds burst by March 31 or a few days earlier, and this season they are less behind the normal stage of develop- ment than most other kinds of fruit. Out of nine years in which notes on the develop- ment of the Cherry have been made, a few blossoms were seen by the end of March in 1903 alone. This year there was no close ap- proach to blooming at that date. Benefit of Late Flowering in Fruit Trees. This lateness of flower development in fruit trees is a great safeguard, and, so far as my observation is a guide, it seems probable that there will be a productive season for most kinds of fruit, if late frosts do not cause injury. It is too early to judge as to bush fruits or Straw- berries, but Apples, Pears, Plums, and Cherries are well studded with fruit-buds. For the first time in the ninth season from planting, my Rivers's Early Prolific Plums promise a great profusion of blossom. Other varieties were much quicker in coming into full bearing. The outlook for Cobnuts and Filberts is doubtful, as the great majority of the catkins appear to have been killed by frost. On some trees nearly all are quite brown, and no pollen can be shaken from them. The female blossoms are only just fully out, and the question is whether there are enough male blossoms to provide pollen to fer- tilise the ovules. One important operation of the past month was that of looking carefully at all Black Cur- rant bushes, picking off the big buds, or cutting off shoots containing many, and uprooting badly infested bushes. In a plantation containing Lee's Prolific, now in the ninth season from planting, many big buds were found ; but in nine acres of Boskoop Giant, planted partly in the autumn of 1905 and partly in 1906, less than a pint of big buds was found. Yet more than half of these bushes were raised from cuttings on a piece of land less than 100 yards from the plantation that contained the infested bushes of Lee's Prolific. This seems to indicate either that the mites do not migrate any considerable distance, or that Boskoop Giant is more nearly immune from attack than is commonly supposed. It is true that the infested plantation was looked over twice in each season to remove bad bushes and to pick off isolated big buds, but this did not entirely prevent the spreading of the attack in the plan- tation itself. The planting of cuttings so near to the infested bushes was a piece of thoughtless- ness, and it is fortunate that the results were less disastrous than might have been expected. It is further to be observed that nearly all the big buds found in the young plantation were on 200 bushes which were purchased to supply a defi- ciency in the number raised at home, although they showed no signs of mite when received. The pruning of Plums last month disclosed more fully than passing observation had done the remains of injury among trees of Victoria caused by the immense crop of 1907. This variety is naturally prone to develop shoots that curve over towards the ground, and a great weight of fruit upon the branches increases the tendency. Pruning to upright buds has been persistently pursued, but the heavy cropping of 1907 and the moderate yield of 1908 have done much to counteract the result of such cutting. The Victoria Plum can hardly be pruned too severely in the early years of growth. In Pond's Seedling there is a converse habit of growth even more difficult to correct. The branches have an ex- asperating tendency to grow towards the centre of the tree, in spite of pruning back to buds which point outwards. Attacks of aphis, how- ever, are partly accountable for unshapely Fig. io6. — poor specimen of araucaria growing close to the tree illus- trated at fig. 105. growth in my trees of this variety. In a younger and more exposed plantation, not affected at present by aphis, and on stronger soil, the trees of this Plum are more vigorous and shapely. The grafting of Apple stocks, usually done in the latter part of March, was postponed till April, as the lateness of vegetation led to the supposition that the sap would not be running freely enough to render the work thoroughly successful. Just when the Gooseberry buds were begin- ning to open, the bushes were sprayed profusely with a solution of lime and sulphur, 20 lbs. of each to 100 gallons of water, mainly in the hope that it will check the attack of Botrytis men- tioned last month, and partly as a preventive to- a possible attack by birds. As to this latter trouble, this season appears to be one of rare im- munity from bud injury by birds. Whether this immunity is due to the presence of other food than buds, or to the scarcity of bullfinches is un- certain. The former explanation seems improb- able, considering the severity of the weather 111 parts of February and March and the occasional f overing of the land with snow. Most of the few bullfinches noticed were shot, but these are not the only budeaters, and why other kinds of birds hardly touched the buds of Gooseberries or Plums is a mystery. The only considerable trouble from birds experienced this season, was in connection with a few Gooseberry bushes at the top of a small plantation close to the homestead, where sparrows abound. These invariably destroy most of the buds, in spite of applications of distasteful washes. In my home orchard birds began to eat the buds on some choice Plum trees, notwithstanding the double washing with lime, sulphur, and caustic potash referred to last month ; but the mischief was stopped by the killing of four bull- finches, by tying sheets of newspaper to many of the branches, so that they would blow a'.uut and make a rustling noise, and by setting up a couple of guys in the orchard. A Southern Grower. TREES AND SHRUBS. CUPRESSUS MACROCARPA. Although this Cupressus is a fast-growing tree, I doubt if it is so suited for a hedge plant as Thuya Lobbii (gigantea). This latter tree has none of the defects pointed out by Mr. Elgar on p. 196, such as dying off suddenly and suffer- ing from drought in a light soil. This winter has proved that Cupressus macrocarpa is not so hardy as was believed. One large tree- at Swanmore has many injured limbs, and a nurseryman on the south coast informs me that many plants of this Cupressus in his district have been killed to within 6 inches of the ground. Thuya Lobbii grows fully 2 feet or even 3 feet annually when in a vigorous condition. It is not injured by pruning or clipping, and plants with large side boughs will break back into fresh growth close to the main stem after pruning. The foliage assumes a pleasing bronzy hue in the autumn. E. .V. VEGETABLES. EFFECTS OF COLD WEATHER. Hardy Sprouting Kale. — Last year I spoke in high terms of this Kale as being one of the most productive varieties amongst several other well-known and extensively-cultivated kinds. This year it has not only maintained that repu- tation, but has proved by far the hardiest Kale. The severe frosts experienced during the past winter have in many instances killed several plants of some of the well-known kinds, while scarcely a plant of the hardy sprouting variety has been injured. Without this variety we should have been short of a supply of green vegetables. Dwarf Gem Brussels Sprout. — I am more than pleased with my plants of this variety. The Sprouts are medium in size, very solid, and abundant. We also cultivate a quantity of the Wroxton variety, which generally furnishes a large supply of solid Sprouts. Broccoli. — No matter whether early or late varieties, or whether they were planted on firm, or very firm, land, the greater number of this vegetable have been killed. Those remaining will 246 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 17, 1909. tie very small in size. The warm weather of autumn favoured a late growth, and the stems were too tender and sappy to withstand severe irost. Our best plants are those that were heeled over, and these are only moderate in quality. Young Cabbage plants have not been injured in the least, but older plants, which usually produce nice sprouts at this season, have fared badly. H. Markham. THE FERNERY. THE LIFE CYCLE OF A FERN. Every living organism, plant or animal, in the course of its existence, passes through more or less complex changes, and it is these changes which form what is termed its life cycle. Thus, the butterfly or moth, commencing with the egg, proceeds as a caterpillar to become a chrysalis, and within this a wonderful metamorphosis takes place, so that eventually the form of moth or butter- fly which laid the egg is reproduced and the cycle is completed. There are far more complicated life cycles than this ; even man himself, simple as his life cycle may appear to be, passes through a wonderful series of prenatal stages of development. In the plant world the life cycles are comparatively simple ; there are no such transformations as those de- scribed. Flowering plants produce, in con- junction with their flowers, embryo seeds, which, being fertilised by the pollen, become capable of reproducing the parental plant direct, so that the cycle is simply seed, plant, and seed again, without any intermediate changes. Non- flowering plants, such as Ferns, Mosses, Horsetails, Fungi, and other genera termed cryptograms, because their modes of fertili- sation are concealed, have a longer chain of phases. Taking the Ferns as exemplifying the . general principle, the non-production of flowers prevents the production of seeds in the same way as flowering plants, but the equivalents of flowers and seeds are produced before a new generation of Ferns arises, and this involves a lengthening of the life cycle in the following way. Instead of seeds, there are minute repro- ductive bodies termed spores. These are pro- duced in immense numbers in little capsules on the fronds, and when ripe the capsules burst and scatter their contents far and wide. The spore then, under congenial conditions, swells, bursts its tiny shell, protrudes a rootlet from a contained green cell, which multiplies itself by fission, and in time forms a small, green, heart-shaped scale attached to the soil by a mul- titude of hair-like rootlets. It is underneath this scale that two sets of organs are formed, one consisting of spherical bodies attached by a short neck and the other of larger, bluntly- conical hollow projections, at the base of each of which is what is practically an embryo seed embedded in a thickened part of the scale. The spherical bodies then burst and send forth into the dewlike moisture present under proper con- ditions on the underside of the scale, a number of extremely minute tadpole-like organisms, which swim actively about and make their way eventually to the embedded seeds and fertilise them. This done, the seed grows and perfects itself, finally budding forth into a frond-bearing Fern like the original parents which bore the spore. The normal life cycle of the Fern is thus : spore, scale (prothallus), sexual apparatus, seed, and Fern. It has, however, been discov- ered that this sequence of phases is varied in every conceivable way in the varietal Fern form. Thus, in some Ferns the cycle is spore, scale, and non-sexual bulbil, which produces the Fern by a short cut (apogamy). In other Ferns the spore is dispensed with and the scale is produced direct either ou the back of the frond, where the spore should be, or by simple extension of growth of the frond points (apospory). When this occurs, in most cases the cycle is Fern, scale, sexual apparatus, seed, and Fern again, but in one case it is shortened to Fern, scale, Fern, the Fern being produced by a non-sexual bud (apogamy and apospory combined). Even this short cut, how- ever, is equalled by one recorded case where the scale bore spores without fronds being pro- duced, the cycle then being spore, scale, spore, and the Fern, as we know it, was entirely left out. These are all variations of the cycle, which includes some phase of the scale stage, which represents only the two so-called alternatives of generation peculiar to Ferns and their allies, but there is in addition the capacity of reproduc. tion by direct bulbil growth on the fronds, which bear the Fern without any intermediate stages at all. It is to be noted in this con- nection that there do not appear to exist in Ferns any arrangements for securing cross- fertilisation such as are so prevalent in flower- ing plants proper. Flooding at the critical period certainly tends to distribute the fertilis- ing bodies beyond the area of the scale which bore them, and cross-fertilisation has been effected purposely and accidentally in that way ; under normal conditions, however, self- fertilisation is almost certain to occur, and as cross-fertilisation is undoubtedly a potent factor in evolution of new types, we may see in this disability the reason why the Ferns of the present day so closely resemble those of the far- distant Coal Age in all essential points, while flowering plants have become so much more diversified. Ferns, however, as we have seen, have apparently done their best to vary the monotony of normal reproduction to the utmost, and have reproduced themselves by every con- ceivable variance of the life cycle. Chas. T. Druery, V.M.N. The Week's Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Late Muscat vines. — These vines are now ap- proaching the flowering stage. Examine the borders, and if the soil is approaching dryness apply a good watering with tepid water. Attend to the necessary stopping of laterals before flowering commences, but unless the shoots are touching the glass they need not be tied down to the trellis until the fruits have set. The atmosphere must be kept dry during the time the vines are flower- ing ; therefore, if there are any pot plants in the house they had better be removed. If the bunches in former years have failed to set their berries properly it will be advisable to dust the flowers with pollen obtained from some free, setting variety, such as Black Hamburgh. The pollen may be collected on sheets of paper and applied to the flowers by means of a camel's hair brush or a rabbit's tail. When the berries have set and have commenced to swell, the borders should be thoroughly soaked with diluted liquid manure that has been made tepid. Do not be in a hurry to cut off fhe surplus bunches until it can be determined which are the best to allow to ripen. A medium-sized bunch of compact build is to be preferred to one that is larger but straggling Thinning must be attended to as soon as the berries are large enough, and some of the bunches will require the shoulders looped up neatly with a piece of raffia. Bunches with large shoulders must not be severely thinned, especially towards the top. During the operation of thinning keep the scissors clean, as neglect of this often disfigures the berries. When thinning is finished, some artificial fertiliser should be sprinkled over the borders and lightly forked in. Afterwards apply a good dressing of farm- yard manure, and directly after this a good watering with tepid water. The atmospheric tem- perature of the vinery at night-time should range from 65° to 70°. During genial weather fresh air should be admitted early each morn- ing, and in the day-time the heat may be allowed to rise gradually to 85u or 90°. Sudden fluctuations of temperature may be pre- vented by giving proper attention to the ventila- tion. Muscat of Alexandria Grape is very liable to attacks of red spider. As a preven- tive the hot-water pipes may be dusted with flowers of sulphur when they are very hot. At other times the atmosphere must be kept moist by frequently damping the floor. If the pest ' does appear, sponge the leaves with a weak mixture of soft soap and sulphur in water. Should it be necessary to shade the foliage to prevent scorching by the sun's rays, mix a little slaked lime in water and syringe this on to the glass. THE ORCHID HOUSES. ByW. H.White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Dendrobiums. — The numerous species and hy- brids of these plants have for several months past provided a pleasing display of flowers in the warmer plant houses. Those plants which bloomed early will require attention in the mat- ter of repotting, an operation that should be car- ried out when the young growths are but a few inches high. At this stage the plants produce fresh roots, and these delight in a sweet, fresh compost. Such erect, strong-growing kinds as D. nobile, D. Juno, D. Ainsworthii, D. Wiganiae and D. Dominii thrive well in pots, provided the compost is so light and open that moisture passes quickly away. The more slender and pendulous-habited varieties, including D. Pier- ardii, D. lituiflorum, D. primulinum, D. creta- ceum and D. crepidatum, should be planted in pans or pots that can be suspended from the roof. When repotting, very great care must be taken to prevent the roots being injured. Over- potting is detrimental to healthy growth. The Dendrobiums at Burford last season did ex- ceedingly well in the following compost : — Os- munda and Polypodium fibre in equal parts, with a moderate quantity of Sphagnum-moss, chopped up finely and well mixed together, with sufficient small crocks to keep the mixture porous. The moss should be cut up much smaller than the Fern material. Seedling Den- drobiums grow freely and blossom well when potted in this compost. In their case, the pots or pans should be half filled with potsherds for drainage purposes, and the plants should be potted firmly. Directly potting is finished, a few stakes should be inserted, and a number of pseudo-bulbs tied to them to keep the plant secure in the pot. If this is deferred until later, there is a risk of injuring the young roots. Treatment of old plants. — Any large specimens that have deteriorated should be turned out of the pots, trimmed, and repotted into as small pots as can be conveniently used. For the first few weeks after repotting the soil should be kept on the dry side, and it is better to apply the water around the rim of the pot than in the centre. Later, when the young growths have made roots, increased moisture may be given, both in the soil and in the atmosphere. When thoroughly established and growing freely, an abundance of water may be given, and the foliage sprayed with tepid rainwater at closing time on warm, sunny afternoons. The majority of Dendrobiums should be accommodated in the warm East Indian house, but if such a structure is not available, an ordinary plant stove will suit them. Some species, including D. sulcatum, D. subclausum, D. glomeratum, D. Jerdoni- anum, D. Falconeri, and its variety giganteum, thrive best in a somewhat lower temperature than that maintained in the East Indian house, a suitable place for them being the Cattleya or intermediate house. Others that do better in a still cooler temperature are D. rhodostoma, D. sanguinolentum and D. speciosum (these may be placed in the Mexican house) ; D. Jamesianum, D. Wattianum, D. infundibulum and D. longicornu. The blue-flowered D. caeleste (Victoria Regina) grows well when sus- pended in a light position in the Odontoglossum house. Plants of D. nobile type can be easily propagated by laying the pseudo-bulbs which have not flowered on Sphagnum-moss in a hot propagating case, or they may be laid on the surface moss of pots containing such plants as Aerides and Vandas. Apbil 17, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 247 THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener lo H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Fruit prospects. — The recent severe weather has had the beneficial effect of retarding the de- velopment of the fruit-buds, and, should no late frosts occur when the blossoms are ex- panded, we may expect a bountiful crop of all fruits. The worst results happen when, Febru- ary and March having been mild and genial, wintry conditions prevail just after the trees have started into growth. Fruit trees and bushes appear extremely promising. Apple trees are bristling with plump flower-buds, whilst Cherry, Plum and Pear trees are all satisfactory. Strawberries have withstood the severe weather well ; very few of the plants have been killed, and in the case of both young and old planta- tions the crowns are starting rapidly into growth. General work. — The work of transplanting, pruning and spraying is finished. Disbudding and pinching the shoots and thinning the fruits will next claim attention. The first tree that will need attention in this re- spect is the Apricot. The flowers have just commenced to open, and, with a continuation of bright, sunny weather, the blooming period will soon be over. After this the growths will soon advance sufficiently to allow of disbudding and pinching. The trees should be examined at in- tervals of a few days, for the work must be done regularly, it being a mistake to remove a large number of the shoots and buds at one time. Shoots that are in unsuitable positions for train- ing may be removed entirely, or pinched back to form spurs, according as is required. Extra care must be taken when regulating the shoots of young fruit trees: do not commit the common error of overcrowding the tree with growths. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. The rock-garden. — Seedlings of the various plants which are raised annually may now be planted on the rockery. Of Saxifraga there is an endless variety. Some of the best for gardens are S. Rhei, S. R. superba, S. aizoides, S. Fer- gusonii, S. X Guildford Seedling, S. muscoides, S oppositifolia, S. Wallacei, S. Boydii, S. Bur- seriana, S. aretioides, S. longifolia, S. Macnabi- ana, S. marginata, S. valdensis, S. Kotschyi, S. marginata and S. Rocheliana. Amongst the Androsaces may be mentioned A. coronopifolia, A. lanuginosa, A. sarmentosa, A. villosa, A. sempervivoides and A. Chumbyi. These make a charming show when good clumps are formed. In order that they may appear to the best ad- vantage, they should be planted in irregular batches. The rare Scoliopus Bigelovii is finely in flower at Leonardslee. It requires to be planted in a moist and shady position. Many Alpines need a deep rooting medium, de- lighting to ramble for a considerable distance amongst the fissures of the rocks. Slugs are apt to do much damage to bulbous plants in showery weather, and they must be sought for and de- stroyed. The Erythroniums are now making a fine display, as are also the Narcissi, especially N. minimus, N. cyclamineus and N. obvallaris. See that all shrubs growing on the rockery are pruned so as to keep them a suitable size. Bog plants. — These should now be cleaned, and any that need top-dressing or dividing may be attended to forthwith. Any planting should be done at once. Among the more important sub- jects are Inulas, Spiraeas, Funkias, Gunneras, Kniphofias, Osmundas, Petasites and Eulalias. Aquatic plants. — These will now require atten. tion, and any protective covering should be loosened. The beautiful Caltha polypetala may now be planted in the water. C. palustris and C. monstrosa picta, are effective when planted in masses. Acorus calamus, Aponogeton dis- tachyon, Butomus umbellatus, Cyperus longus, Eriophorum, Hippuris vulgaris, Lythrum roseum superbum, Menyanthes trifoliata, Orontinum, Peltandra, Ranunculus, Rumex, Sagittaria, Scirpus, Zizania, and many similar plants do well in ponds and lakes. The best method of planting aquatics is to bind their roots in some good fibrous loam and drop them into the water. The weight of the soil will keep the plant steady till root action commences. Callas may be planted in the same manner. Lawns and tennis grounds should be well swept and rolled previous to mowing. The verges should be trimmed. Box edgings should be clipped, and all made tidy. General work. — Beds and borders containing spring flowering plants and bulbs must be kept clear of weeds and decaying foliage. Fork the soil lightly to give a tidy appearance. Prick off annuals as they become ready, and gradually harden those that were raised earlier. All bed- ding plants that are forward enough should be grown under as cool conditions as possible. Lobelia and plants of that class may still be boxed up and grown on in heat. Keep all the flowers picked off these plants. Place slender Hazel or Bamboo stakes to support the flowers of the taller-growing Narcissi of the King Alfred type, or they may break with their own weight. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Planting. — The soil is now in a splendid con- dition for working, therefore every opportunity should be taken to make up arrears in planting. Potatos. — Proceed with the planting of early, mid-season and late varieties, exercising great care in the preparation of the sets as well as in placing them in the ground. Each Potato should be planted with a good, sturdy shoot, about 1 inch in length, in well-prepared trenches or deep drills. Do not use a dibble for planting Potatos. See that sufficient space, according to the variety, is allowed both between the tubers and the rows, so that, when in full growth, they will obtain the benefit of sun and air. Succes- sional varieties in pits and frames must be earthed up when the growths are from 3 to 4 inches in height. Cardoons. — These plants require a long season of growth. They should be planted in a rich soil, and, during their growing season, be given an abundance of water at their roots. Prepare trenches, as for Celery, 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide, and, after breaking up the bottom soil, nearly fill the trench with well-decayed farm- yard manure. Do not sow the seeds until the end of April or the beginning of May, otherwise a large percentage of the plants will flower prematurely. It will be necessary to allow a distance of about 20 inches between the plants. Sow three seeds together, and when it can be determined which is the strongest of the three plants, the other two can be removed. Celery. — Harden off the earliest plants that have been pricked out into boxes, so as to pre- pare them for planting out. Prick out seedlings from late sowings, putting them on a warm bed. Winter Greens. — Sow the main batch of these thinly broadcast in beds on an open site, which should be netted to prevent birds stealing the seeds. Make another sowing at the end of this month or the beginning of May, especially of Broccoli and Savoys. Onions raised under glass and thoroughly hardened must be planted out on well-prepared ground, at a distance of from 12 to 15 inches between the plants, and from 15 to 18 inches be- tween the rows. Surplus plants which have not been pricked off, if planted out somewhat thickly, will be found to do well and ripen early. Turnips. — Sow small quantities of early varie- ties of this vegetable once a fortnight. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Bouvardias. — Robust plants may be quickly cultivated if 1-inch portions of stout roots are laid in pans of sandy soil, covered with glass, and placed over a mild bottom heat. Stem-cuttings root readily, but give more trouble, and seldom prove so satisfactory as plants raised from root cuttings. Old plants that are to be retained for another year should be pruned and repotted after they break into growth. Shake away the greater portion of the old soil, and prune the roots so that the plants may be kept in comparatively small pots. A suitable potting medium consists of a mixture of fibrous loam, leaf-mould, dried cow dung and silver sand. After potting, which must be done firmly, place the plants in a house having a warm, moist atmosphere. Strobilanthcs Dyerianus. — This plant should be potted in a light soil and grown in a brisk heat and plenty of atmospheric moisture. To obtain well-coloured examples, care must be taken that the plants receive no check whilst growing. Cuttings may be rooted readily. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and its varieties are useful either as bush plants or for training along the roof of an intermediate house. Under stove culture, they are apt to grow too freely to flower well. Although the individual flowers are evanescent, they are produced very freely, and plants of a goodly size continue in flower for a long period. It will be found more s it- able to grow the double and semi-double flowered kinds under the rafters, as the weight of their flowers will cause them to hang down- wards. Cuttings of this shrub root freely in heat, and quickly form flowering plants. Cyclamens. — As it is not customary to culti- vate the plants a second year, except, perhaps, in the case of anv that it is especially de- sirable to keep, the old plants should be thrown away as soon as they cease to be ornamental. Seedlings intended for furnishing next season's flowering plants will now require larger pots. See that they are not over-potted at this stage, and keep the corms well above the surface il, which should be similar to that used for the last potting. Clerodendron fallax. — This plant must not be allowed to become pot-bound until it is in its flowering pot. Seedling plants of this I dendron are usually the most satisfactory. Zonal Pelargoniums. — Cuttings should now be inserted to supply plants for autumn and winter flowering. Select good firm cuttings and insert them thinly around the sides of 5-inch pots. Place them in an intermediate hots: > they will soon form roots, and as soon as this takes place, pot them singly into small pots. After this is done, place the plants in a frame where they will receive plenty of light and air. For the first few days the frame must be kept closed, but afterwards, whenever the weather permits, ventilation may be afforded freely. All flower-buds must be removed until the latter part of August. THE APIARY. By On Dysentery in bees. — Damp conditions and bad ventilation are the principal causes of this disease, which is not uncommon among bees during a wet spring. It may also be caused by giving the bees unsuitable food. When ch sen- tery is present in a colony of bees, it may be known by (1) the bees voiding their ex- crement, which is of a muddy colour, on the comb and the alighting board. Bees in a healthy condition discharge their excrement when on the wing. (2) The bees appear weak and display a general loss of energy. (3) On opening the hives and raising the quilts a dis- agreeable odour is noticeable. The remedy con- sists in removing the colony to a dry, warm and well- ventilated hive. Provide the bees with some sealed honey as food, or, failing this, a syrup made with good candy, and allow the bees to remain undisturbed. The wax moth. — The wax moth is like~y to make its appearance in apiaries where the bee- keeper leaves little pieces of comb and wax lying about and empty combs in unused hives. The moths soon find these, and deposit their eggs, which hatch and thus infest the colony, the wax providing the larva? with food. The presence of the wax moth may be detected by the presence of excreta, which resembles gunpowder. This may be observed on the tops of the frame. If the colonies are strong and the bee-keeper is vigilant, the pest may soon be ex- terminated. Earwigs. — Earwigs and ants may be pre- vented by placing the legs of the hive in saucers containing paraffin. Wasps. — Keep a sharp look-out for these pests and destroy any that are found. 248 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Apxil 17, 1£09. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of 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. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be caiejulto mark tlie paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editor does not hold himself responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.- The Editor will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c, but he cannot be responsible for lossor injury. Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, APRIL 20- Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet, and Nat. Auricula and Primula Soc. combined Show at Hort. Hall, West- minster (Prizes for Daffodils and Carnations. Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. Eric Drabble, D.Sc, on " Pansies "). Devon Daffodil and Spring Fl. Sh. at Plymouth (2 days). Shropshire Hort. Soc. Spring Fl. Sh. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21— Roy. Hort. Soc. of Ireland Spring Fl. Sh. at Dublin. Roy. Meteorological Soc. meet. Ipswich Spring Fl. Sh. Roy. Hort. Soc. Examination in General Horticulture. THURSDAY, APRIL 22- Midland Daffodil Soc. Exh. at Bot. Gardens, Birming- ham (2 days). Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 48"5°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday., April 14 (6 P.M.): Max. 60°; Min. 47". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden London —Thursday, April 15 (10 a.m.): Bar. 292; Temp. 58°; Weather— Sunshine. Provinces.— Wednesday, April 14 (6 p.m.): Max. 66" Cambridge: Min 43c Scotland, E. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY— Herbaceous and Border Plants, Lilies, and Hardy Bulbs, Ferns, Greenhouse Plants, &c. ; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. WEDNESDAY— Perennials and Herbaceous Plants, Lilies, Gladiolus, and other Hardy Bulbs, at 12 ; Palms and Plants, Ferns, &c, Seeds, 100 dwarf trees, &c, at 4 ; at 67 & 68, Cheap- side, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. THURSDAY— Specimen Gold, Silver, Green, and other Hollies, Conifers, Rhododendrons, and other stock, at The Nurseries, High Beech, Essex, by order of Messrs. Paul & Son, by Protheroe & Morris, at 18. FRIDAY— Choice Imported and Established Orchids in variety, Orchids in Flower and Bud; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45. The British Flora is from time Plant to time increased by the addition Invaders, of new plant species which find their way into this country by other than natural means. The majority of these intruders, many of them weeds of cultivated ground, appear only at intervals, and have no permanent effect upon the flora ; a few, finding the con-' ditions congenial, become established, and may even compete successfully with native plants on their own ground. This has been the case, for instance, with the American Pondweed, or Water Thyme (Elodea canadensis), which was introduced into Ireland about 1836, appeared in England about 184 1, and has increased so rapidly that it often proves a source of trouble by blocking streams and ditches. It is now ubiquitous in rivers, streams, and waterways all over the country, competing successfully with most British aquatic species. The plants do not fruit in this country, but they succeed in spreading, owing to their extremely vigorous vegetative growth, branches being constantly detached and carried by the cur- rent, or other means, to give rise to fresh colonies. The success of such plant invaders depends on their adaptability to climatic con- ditions, and their capacity for spreading is regulated by their means of dispersal. Local floras abound in records of plants which are either certainly aliens or are strongly suspected of alien origin ; but it is comparatively seldom that anything defi- nite is known as to their first appearance. It is, therefore, of some interest to record the appearance, or reappearance, of a little plant which is of greater botanical interest than the majority of intruders. Azolla caroliniana is a small aquatic Fern, a member of the group of Ferns known as Hydropterids, owing to the water-habitat of the four genera included in it, only one of which, Pilularia globulifera, is a member of the British flora. Two of the genera, Azolla and Salvinia, are small, floating aquatics, commonly grown in botanic gardens, and more rarely in greenhouses in private gardens. The species A. caroliniana is a native of the United States, and has already been re- corded from streams near London as an escape from gardens. It has recently ap- peared in Berkshire, in a small tributary of the Thames, where it is apparently compet- ing successfully with its neighbours. Along the banks, where the current is slowest, Azolla has established itself in abundance, and in places appears to be oust- ing the Duckweed (Lemna minor), which, presumably, preceded it, and which flourishes elsewhere in similar positions. During the past summer the colonies of Azolla increased rapidly, and the plant now extends up the smaller ditches and rivulets for some distance. Despite the severe winter, it still appears vigorous and uninjured by the cold, although the plants show a tendency to frag- ment into small pieces, and the foliage has become reddish-brown instead of green. It will be a matter of some interest to see if it resumes growth in the spring, and if so, it would appear to be only a matter of time for it to spread down to the Thames and thence to other localities. The little plants multiply freely by vegeta- tive means, new branches being constantly formed and detached from the parent, and even if the winter should prove to have been too severe for the leafy parts, there is the possibility that sporocarps were formed and these may survive. The appearance of such plant visitors, even when introduced by undoubtedly artificial means, as in the case of Azolla, leads to a consideration of the many interesting features in the constitution of the British flora, and ultimately to an examination of the factors which determine geographical distribution in general. In his Origin of the British Flora, Mr. Clement Reid concludes that the present flora of Britain is entirely composed of plants which reached this country after the passing away of the more or less Arctic conditions which prevailed during the Glacial Period, and since the final separation of England from the continent of Europe is believed by geologists to have also taken place about that time, the plant species which found their way across the Channel from Western Europe were those which possessed the most effec- tive means of dispersal by various natural means. It is still held by a few observers that cer- tain isolated members of the flora, for in- stance, the so-called Lusitanian flora of South Cornwall and South-west Ireland, which includes several species of Heath which do not now occur wild nearer than Portugal, represent survivors from the sub- tropical flora which is known to have existed in Britain in pre-G!acial times; but sime in- dications of Arctic conditions have been found as far south as Bovey Tracey, in Devonshire, the evidence, on the whole, seems to favour the truth of the general statement made above, that the British flora consists essen- tially of a selection of the species occurring also in North-western and Western Europe, which are best equipped in various ways for distribution by natural means. It is customary to designate as alien plants such species as have been introduced through the agency of man, although their appear- ance may now be general throughout a large area. Such aliens may occur as escapes from gardens, as Azolla no doubt has done, and, in these cases, their origin is rarely in dispute. Among many examples of this kind may be noted the red-spurred Valerian (Centranthus ruber), naturalised on walls and cliffs in many places in the south of England, but almost always in the vicinity of houses. It is a native of Southern Europe, and is rarely found in this country north of Birmingham. The Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is regarded as a true native in the south of England, but occurs elsewhere as an escape from gardens, as does the allied species Vinca major. Geranium phaeumi, a native in Belgium, but not occurring in Northern France and Ger- many, is found in many places in England, and there seems to be no geographical reason why it should not be regarded as indigenous; but it is almost invariably confined to the neighbourhood of villages, and in all recorded stations in England it is probably of garden origin. Many other plants might be cited which have had a similar origin, and to these may be added others which appear as the result of seed impurities in imported agricultural seeds. Many of the latter establish them- selves as common cornfield weeds, and some of our most familiar field and hedgerow plants belong to this class. A few alien species appear on the coast, near seaports or docks, brought as seeds in ballast or cargo. The facts are often difficult to trace in the case of old-established weeds, the test that is usually applied being the nature of the sur- roundings in each case. If a plant occurs in- variably associated with artificial conditions, such as are induced by cultivation, and is never recorded from a perfectly natural habitat, the case is strong against it being a native, since it would be necessary to assume that it had disappeared from the intervening areas in natural surroundings, and such cases of extinction are rare. In all, over 900 species of such plant in- vaders have been recorded, of which about 330 are believed to be due to arboriculture and horticulture. Apr:i. 17, 1S03.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 249 Our Supplementary Illustration gives a view of the lake in the Melbourne Botanic Gar- den. This botanic station is situated on the banks of the River Yarra, about a mile from the city of Melbourne. It adjoins the grounds of Government House and the Public Domain, of which it forms a part. The older portions of the garden contain numerous fine specimens of Palm, Conifer, especially Araucaria, various Oaks, Elms, and other deciduous trees, Grevil- leas, of which G. robusta forms a splendid pic- ture when in flower, and numerous native trees and shrubs. An extensive " Fern gully " has been formed, and this is a feature of much interest. In the lower portion of the grounds, near the river, is the beautiful lake, occupying about 14 acres, spanned in places by rustic bridges, and dotted with charming islands which, being planted with ornamental trees and shrubs, afford a very picturesque effect. A portion of the native vegetation has been allowed to remain, and this adds much to the interest of the garden. It will be seen from the illustration that Cyperus Papyrus grows freely around the water's edge. In fig. 107 is repro- duced a photograph of a bed of succulent plants also growing in the Melbourne garden, which is under the care of Mr. W. R. Guilfoyle. The Flowering of the Almond. — The lateness of the present season has been strik- ingly illustrated by the flowering of the Almond trees in the London district. The first flowers on a tree situated in a favourable position in Wandsworth, five miles south-west of London, expanded fully on Thursday, April 1, as against March 23 last year, March 20, 1907, February 28, 1906, March 7, 1905, and March 21, 1904. Royal Horticultural Society. — The Council of the Royal Horticultural Society have accepted the offer of the following prizes, to be competed for in March, 1910, from the Royal (General Dutch Bulb Growers' Society at Haar- lem : — Division I. (for amateurs and gentle- men's gardeners). — Class 3 (18 Hyacinths, dis- tinct) : 1st prize, £6 6s. ; 2nd, £5 5s., with four other prizes. Class 4 (12 Hyacinths, distinct) : 1st prize, £5 5s. ; 2nd, £4 4s., with three other prizes. Class 5 (six Hyacinths, distinct) : 1st prize, £2 2s. ; 2nd, £1 10s., with two other prizes. Class 6 (four pans containing Hyacinths, 10 roots of one variety in each pan, the blooms of the bulbs in each pan to be of distinctly different colour to those of the other three pans) ;, 1st prize, £4 4s. ; 2nd, £3 3s., and two other prizes. Division II. (for trade growers). — Class 7 (col- lection of 200 Hyacinths in at least 36 varie- ties, grown in pots or glasses) : Prize, the Gold Medal of the General Bulb Growers' Society at Haarlem. Class 8 (collection of 200 Hyacinths in 20 varieties in pans, 10 roots of one variety in each pan) : Prize, the Gold Medal of the General Bulb Growers' Society at Haarlem. For Classes 3, 4 and 5 each bulb must be in a separate pot, size optional. Classes 3, 4, 5 and 6 must all be single spikes ; no spikes may be tied to- gether. Exhibitors may only compete in one of the classes numbered 3, 4 and 5. All bulbs must have been forced entirely in Great Britain or Ireland. The bulbs used in Classes 6 and 8 should be of varieties most suitable for out- door bedding purposes. Floral Art at the Berlin Exhibition. — The display of floral designs in connection with the International Horticultural Exhibition held in Berlin, was one of more than ordinary in- terest. Judged from a purely artistic standpoint, the arrangements set up by M. Lauchaume, Paris, stood far in front of everything else. The Parisians appear to be peculiarly gifted in the art of producing pleasing effects by means of flowers and foliage, whether it be for the ornamentation of tables, halls or rooms, or for personal adornment with sprays, bouquets, or garlands. In his colour effects, M. Lauchaume was often daring, but never at fault. Nothing could be richer or more elegant than a tall, loose stand fully 7 feet high built up with big leaves of red and yellow Croton, orange-coloured Clivias, salmon-red Cattleyas, large spikes of Cymbidium, and long, well- flowered pseudo-bulbs of Dendrobium Wardia- num, the whole held together with fronds of Adiantum tenerum Farleyense and Asparagus plumosus. Another elegant floral trophy was composed of Yellow Arums, Iris Susiana, pink Roses, long spikes of Odontoglossum and Phalae. nopsis, with sprays of light-green Japanese Acers and Fern fronds. It is difficult to ade- quately describe these arrangements, they need to be seen to be properly appreciated. The Ger- mans appear to employ flowers and foliage rather as emblems or symbols of plant lore than for their mere decorative effect. They express by means of certain flowers or leaves some emotion, as Ophelia did when she gave Rue and Rosemary : " There's Rosemary, that's for remembrance ; pray you, love, remem- ber." To some extent we make a like use of flowers, the wreath of Orange blossom at wed- dings, the Mistleto at Christmas feasts, and the Primroses on Good Friday being of this cha- racter. Flower lore is, however, rapidly disap- pearing with us, and in most of our uses of flowers and foliage we are merely decorative, sentiment being unconsidered by either florist or employer. In Germany many of the floral de- signs have a sentimental meaning. Perhaps the prettiest is the spray of Myrtle worn on the head of the bride. According to mythology the plant received its name from Mvr- sine, a favourite of Minerva ; and when she was changed into this shrub it was consecrated to Venus. Among the Berlin exhibits there were many dainty arrangements of Myrtle leaves and flowers. The catkin-laden branches of the Goat Willow are largely employed in wreath making. The significance of Willow is for slighted or forsaken lovers. " In love the sad forsaken wight the Willow garland weareth." It is pro- bable that the use of Pine branchlets for gar- lands, crowns, wreaths, &c, has been copied from the Greeks, who wore them in their Olym- pian games. The use of Poppy heads, which occurred frequently in wreaths and big crosses, is difficult to understand, unless they signify eternal sleep. Juniper, Ivy, Bay, Douglas Fir, Erica carnea, Daphne Mezereum, Grey Lichen, Cypress, Lilac, and Alder all entered largely into the compositions of wreaths, crosses, columns, and shields. Lily of the Valley, Violets, Roses and Forget-me-Xots were much used in the general floral designs. There were excellent effects with Orchids, Lilies, Arums, Azaleas, Primulas, Lilac, and other favourite florists' flowers, but generally German art in this direc tion was not really first-class. A design in which variegated Kale leaves were used in combination with Cattleya flowers was somewhat grotesque. Both Viburnum Opulus (Snowball) and Hydran- gea were largely used for wreaths and crosses as well as in table decorations, but invariably the flowers were only half-developed and of a soft green colour, a condition in which they appear to be preferred. Primula obconica was much in evidence. Stocks also were used for wreaths. Perhaps the plant most generally employed in all the compositions, whether of foliage or flowers, was Selaginella Watsonii ; the variegation appears to please the German taste. This plant was also used to form the groundwork in the groups of. plants arranged in the big exhibi- tion halls. The principal German exhibitors of floral designs were Messrs. Steahl & Falcke, Berlin. Mr. Max Brust, Berlin, Mr. Heinrich Kruger, Berlin, and J. C. Schmidt, Berlin. This florists' show was opened on the 7th inst., after our report of the main exhibtion had been despatched. Horticultural Club. — The next house dinner of the Club will take place on Tuesday, the 20th inst., at 6 p.m., at the Hotel Windsor. Mr. E. A. Bukyard will give an address on " The Colours of Plants." Royal Meteorological Society. — A meeting of this society will be held at the Insti- tution of Civil Engineers, Great George Street, Westminster, S.W., on the 21st inst., at 7.30 p.m. The following papers will be read : — (1) " Per- colation, Evaporation and Condensation," by Mr. Baldwin Latham ; (2) " The Meteorological Con- ditions in the Philippines, 1908," by the Rev. Jose Algu£. A New Use for Eucalyptus Trees.— In recommending that Eucalyptus trees be more extensively planted on Sugar estates in the West Indies, the Journal of the Jamaica Agricultural Society mentions that the leaves possess a pro- perty which makes them useful for cleaning purposes. If the leaves are boiled, the result- ing decoction will soften any incrustation of lime that may have formed, so that it can easily be removed. Raffia and Raffia Wax.— When Raffia, or Roffia, as it was first called, displaced the old "Cuba bast" — the inner bark of the West Indian Mahoe tree (Hibiscus elatus) — as a tying material for garden purposes, little or nothing was known of its origin. After a while, however, it was discovered to be the produce of the Mada- gascar Palm Raphia Ruffia, imported from the Mauritius. Raffia consists of the thin cuticle or skin of the leaf, and, notwithstanding its thinness, is very strong. The natives of Madagascar tear it into fine thread-like strips, and when dyed (chiefly in red, yellow, or black | use it for making mats. In England, Raffia has been used, and probably is used still, for making ladies' hats. In more recent time Madagascar Raffia has had competitors in some of the West Tropical African species of Raphia, the cuticle of the leaves of which is similar to that of the Madagascar species, both in strength and ap- pearance. Twisted into cord, the natives use it for the making of hammocks. Judging from a recent consular report from Madagascar, tht Raphia Palm seems to have been attracting some attention as a wax-producing species. It appears that, when collecting the leaves for preparing the Raffia fibre, the natives bring them into camps, where, after the fibre is extracted, they are left lying about, often in considerable quan- tities. So far back as 1905, a colonist, while ex. amining these abandoned leaves, discovere'd that, when shaken, they yielded a white substance, which, upon being boiled, yielded wax. The natives were, at the time of its discovery, induced to prepare about 100 lbs. of this wax, which was offered for sale in the market, and sold in lots at Is. per lb. The prepara- tion of the wax has never been repeated, nor any shipment made, as it has been considered that the resultant wax is too small in quantity, and the cost too high for it to become a com- mercial article, a very large number of leaves being required to produce even one "ound of wax. The facts prove, however, that -wax is present, though it may be only in small quanti- ties, in other species of Palms besides the two well-known sources Ceroxylon andicolum and Copernicia cerifera. 250 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 17, 1909. The Grafting or Budding of Lilac— It may not be generally known, writes a cor- respondent, that Lilac worked on Privet stocks is not to be recommended for plants intended for forcing. The common Lilac, Syringa vulgaris, is much better as a stock, resulting, in three to four years, in fine bushes or standards fit for forcing. Besides this advantage, Lilacs on the common form live longer than those grafted on the Privet. ing varieties tit the show Auricula, Carnation, and white ground Picotces. In 1876 at Manches- ter Simonite exhibited in a competitive class for 24 Carnation blooms, and he won the 1st prize, twenty-three out of the twenty-four varie- ties being his own seedlings. He also exhibited Picotees at the same show, and secured eleven First-class Certificates for these flowers. At that time he was a working cutler, making table knives at his own house for the large Sheffield firms. His garden was a small strip of ground green-edged Auricula placed into commerce by this raiser is Shirley Hibberd. Others are Henry Wilson and the Rev. F. D. Horner. There is no grey-edged flower to his credit, but he has raised many good white-edged varieties, of which Heather Bell is the best. Frank is dis- tinct and good: both flowers have a violet- coloured ground. Venus is a good \vhi;e-edged flower, but it is little known. Among self- coloured Auriculas of Mr. Sivonite's raising still in cultivation are Ruby, a red self ;. FlG. 107. — SUCCULENT PLANTS ON A ROCKERY IN THE MELBOURNE BOTANIC GARDEN. (See page 249.) The late Ben. Simonite (see p. 239).— Writ- ing on the Auriculain 1876, the Rev. F. D. Horner penned these words: — "Where our florist fathers rested in the evening of their day is the point we start from in the morning of our own, and we should ever have this purpose tefore us in our floral pursuits to leave something added, something better than we found." Mr. Horner took up the work left by his father, Dr. Horner, of Hull, and Mi. Simonite took up that left by his father, John Simonite. As early as 1873 the younger Simonite had done good work in rais- on a bleak hillside, but he was indefatigable, working early and late. The soil was of poor quality, and Mr. Simonite fetched fresh mould from a distance of two miles, carrying it in a sack on his back. Owing to the deleterious at- mosphere around Sheffield, many fine varieties of his raising never found their way into general cultivation. The green-edged flower Dr. Hardy failed with Mr. Simonite, but another grower raised 24 plants, and the variety was distributed. Mr. Simonite's last appearance in London was at the Auricula exhibition in 1908. The best Raven, a dark self of very good quality; and1 Mrs. Douglas, of violet colour. National Auricula and Primula Society (Midland Section). — We are asked to draw at- tention to the alteration of the dates of the show of this society from April 28, 1909, to May 5- and 6. This has been found necessary on ac- count of the extreme lateness of the plants this season. The hon. show secretary is Mr. Tom J. Stevens, 74, Harbury Road, Cannon Hill, Birmingham. April 17, 1803.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 251 Timber for Aeroplanes. — The best wood ■for making aeroplanes has been found to be that of the black Spruce, Picea nigra. Regard- ing the value of British-grown timber of this tree, it may be of interest to refer to an article written by Mr. A. D. Webster, which appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle, February 2 and March 2, 1895, under the heading of " Quality of British-grown Coniferous Timber." " Picea nigra ; ages (when cut) varying from 30 years to 50 years ; timber nearly white, sometimes yel- lowish-white, soft, long of grain, very light, and readily indented. Lasts well when kept dry and in an equable temperature, but it is of little or no value, comparatively speaking, for out-of-door work." The timber referred to was grown at Penrhyn Castle, in Wales. " Chrysanthemums for Garden and Greenhouse." * — Great advances have been made during the last few years in the cultiva- tion of the early-blooming and decorative sections of the Chrysanthemum. It is not every flower lover who has the necessary skill and time to devote to the cultivation of the large show varieties. Mr. Crane's purpose in writing this book has been to show that beau- tiful displays of Chrysanthemums may be obtained without much trouble or expense. He has revised the long lists of varie- ties, • and the descriptive notes accompany- ing each variety make his list valuable. The book is comprehensive, and begins by de- scribing various methods of propagation. Then follow accounts of outdoor culture, greenhouse culture, market culture, varie- ties and selections, and miscellaneous mat- ters, such as insect pests and diseases, hints on exhibiting, window culture, &c. The market men are told that they have of late years made a great mistake in confining their attention to a few varieties, and those of Japanese origin. Mr. Crane might, however, with advantage, have reduced greatly the num- ber in his portentous list. Publications Received. — Familiar Wild Flower-, by F. Edmund Hulme, F.L.S., F.S.A. New edition, with SUO coloured illustrations. (Part I.) To be completed in 43 fortnightly parts. (Lon- don : Cassell & Co., Ltd) Price 6d. — Trees and their Life Histories, In Percy Groom, D.Sc, &c. (Part I.) To be complet-d in 13 fortnightly parts. (London : Cassell & Co., Ltd.) Price Is. — The Country Home. (April.) (London: Archibald Constable & Co., Ltd.) Price 6d.— Twenty-S xth Annual Report of the Metro- politan Public Gardens Association for the year 1908. Price 6d— Kew Bulletin of Miscel- laneous Information, Appenaix If. (1909.) Containing Catalogue of the Library. Additions received during 1 90S. (London: Wyman & Sons, Ltd., Fe:ter Lane, E.C) Price 4d. — Ontario Department of Agriculture. Bulletin 169 : Legume Bacteria. Further Studies of the Nitrogen Accumulation in the Leguminous:, by S. F. Edwards, M.S , Professor of Bacteriology, and B. Barlow, B.S., Demonstrator in Bacteriology. Bulletin 170 : Mitchell-Walker Test Bottle. A new form of Babcock Test Bottle, by J. W. Mitchell, B.A., and W. O. Walker, M.A. (Ontario: L. K. Cameron ) — U.S. Department of Agriculture. Miscellaneous Papers : The Orange Thrips, by Dudley Moulton. Papers on Deciduous Fruit Insects and Insecticides. The Peach-Tree Barkbeetle, by H. F. Wilson Farmers' Bulletin 347 : The Repair ot Farm Equipment, by W. R. Beattie. Circular No. 108 : House Fleas, by L. O. Howard. (Washington : ■Government Printing Office.) — Cottage Gardens: Practical Hints on Cultivation and Manage- ment. (Second edition.) By Colonel the Hon. R. Stapleton-Cotton. (Birmingham : Cornish Bros., Ltd) Price 4d. — Quarterly Journal of Forestry. (April.) (London : Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co, Ltd.) Price 2s— 77>» Journal of the Riyal Horticultural Society. * By D. B. Crane. Edited by T. W. Sanders. Second edition. Price 2s. 6d. (March.) — Botany, by Elizabeth Healey. (Lon- don: Macmillan & Co., Ltd.) Price Is. Cd. — Estate Magazine. (April.) Price 6d. — Journal of the Kew Guild (1908.) — The County Council for the County Palatine of Lancaster. Education Committee, Agricultural Depart- ment. (Farmers' Bulletin No. 13.) Summary of Experiments of the Manuring of Potatos in Lancashire, by Edward Porter, B.Sc, F.A.C., (Glas ), and R. C. Gaut, B.Sc, N.D.A., Lecturer on Agriculture. — Beautiful Gardens and how to Maintain them, by Walter P. Wright. Enlarged edition. (London : Cassell & Co., Ltd , La Bcdle Sauvage, EC) Price 6s.— -Lawns and Greens, by T. W. Sanders, F.L.S. (London: Amateur Gardening Office, 118-9, Aldersgate Street, E.C.) Price Is. LAW NOTES. SALE OF POISONOUS SUBSTANCES FOR AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICUL- TURAL PURPOSES. The following are the regulations under the Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1908, issued at the Court at St. James's the 2nd day of April, 1909,+ affecting the sale of poisonous compounds used in horticulture and agriculture: — 1. A licence shall not be granted to any person unless the local authority are satisfied that he is fit to be entrusted with the sale of the poisonous substances. 2. In granting licences for the sale of poison- ous substances for use exclusively in horticul- ture, preference shall be given to nurserymen, florists, seedsmen and other persons whose busi- ness is specially connected with horticulture. 3. Applications for licences shall be in the form set forth in Schedule A. to these regula- tions. 4. Before sending an application for a licenet to the local authority the applicant shall publish notice of his intention to apply in two news- papers circulating in the district of the local authority, and shall also send notice by regis- tered post to the Chief Officer of Police of the Police area within which his premises are situ- ate. 5. A licence shall not be granted until after the expiration of at least 14 days from the re- ceipt of the application by the local authority, and the local authority, before granting a licence shall take into consideration whether in the neighbourhood where the applicant for the H< ire carries on or intends to carry on business the reasonable requirements of the public with respect to the purchase of poisonous sub-i are satisfied, and also any objections they may have received from the Chief Officer of Police or ftom any existing vendors of the substances to which the application relates. 6. A licence shall be in the form set forth in Schedule B. to these regulations. 7. A licence shall expire on such day in the year as the local authority fix, but may on appli- cation being made in the form set forth in Schedule C. to these regulations, be renewed from time to time for one year at a time, subject to the same provisions as in the case of the grant ot a licence, except that it shall not be necessary to publish or give to the Chief Officer of Police notice of the application. The renewal of a licence shall be in the form set forth in Schedule D. to these regulations. 8. A licence may be revoked or suspended for such term as the local authority think fit, if the local authority are satisfied that the licensee has failed to comply with the requirements of these regulations or of the Poisons Acts, or that the licensee is not a fit person to be entrusted with the sale of poisons. 9. A licensee shall, on being required to do so by any officer of the local authority or any police officer, produce his licence, and any renewal thereof. 10. The fees charged in respect of the grant and renewal of a licence shall be such as the local authority may determine, not exceeding in the case of the grant of a licence, 10s. 6d., and in the case of a renewal of a licence, Is. 6d. t Order in Council making Regulations under Section 2 of tlie Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 190S (8 Erlw. 7 c. 56], as to the Sale of certain Poisonous Substances for Agricultural and Horticultural Purposes, 11. A licence shall not authorise the licensee to sell or keep open shop for the sale of poison- ous substances except from or on premises (to be specified in the licence) within the area of the local authority which granted it, and for the purpose of these regulations, a municipal borough the council of which is a local au- thority for those purposes, and in Scotland a police burgh, shall not be treated as forming part of any county. 12. Every local authority shall keep a register of the licences granted by them for the time being in force, and any person shall, at all rea- sonable times, upon payment of such reasonable fees as may be fixed by the local authority, be entitled to inspect and to make copies of, or take extracts from, the register. 13. All poisonous substances shall be kept in a separate drawer or closed receptacle apart ftom any other goods, and poisonous substances shall not be sold upon the same premises as articles of food for human consumption unless the Local Authority are satisfied that convenient arrangements for their sale cannot otherwise be made, and in that case they must be sold at a separate counter. For the purpose of this regu- lation a part of a counter which is shown to the satisfaction of the Local Authority to be ade- quately separated from the rest of the counter shall be treated as a separate counter. 14. A poisonous substance shall not be sold except in an enclosed vessel or receptacle as re- ceived from the manufacturer, distinctly labelled with the name of the substance and the word "Poison," and with the name and address of the seller, and with a notice of the special pur- pose for which it has been prepared. 15. Liquid preparations shall be sold only in bottles, tins, drums, or casks of sufficient strength to bear the ordinary risk of transit with- out leakage. Each bottle, tin, drum, or cask shall have the word " Poisonous " indelibly printed, marked, or branded in easily legible characters in a conspicuous position apart from the label, and the label must bear the word "Poison." When sold in bottles, the bottles shall be of a distinctive character so as to be easily distinguishable by touch from ordinary bottles. 16. Solid preparations shall be securely packed in such a manner as to avoid, so far as possible, the risk of breaking or leakage from transport, and the package shall have indelibly printed, marked, or branded in easily legible characters in a conspicuous position notice that it must not be used for any other purpose. 17. All premises from or on which a licensee is authorised to sell or keep open shop for the sale of poisonous substances shall at all reason- able times be open to inspection by officers ap- pointed by a local authority. 18. For the purposes of these regulations the expression " poisonous substances " means the poisonous substances to which section 2 of the Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1908, applies for the time being, and the expressions " chief offi- cer of police" and "police area" have in Eng- land and Scotland the same meanings as in the Police Act, 1890, and the Police (Scotland) Act, 1890, respectively. PETREA VOLUBILIS. This member of the Verbenaceae is a native of tropical America, and is usually cultivated as a stove plant in botanical gardens in this country. Our issue for January 13, 1900, con- tained a Supplementary Illustration showing a splendid inflorescence which occurred on a plant in Sir Trevor Lawrence's garden at Bur- ford. In the same issue appeared a reproduc- tion of a photograph received from Sir Daniel Morris, which represented a white-flowered variety in the Newcastle Plantation, Barbados, where it is known as the " White Wreath." Our present illustration (fig. 108) depicts a fine plant of the type in full bloom in the Royal Botanic Garden, Peradeniya, Ceylon, where in succeeds admirably in the open ground. The purple flowers of this twining shrub are very beautiful, and the species might well be more generally cultivated in stoves as a climber. The plant being very subject to mealy bug, this pest must be kept in check, 252 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [April 17, 1909. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH'' GARDEN. The fine weather of the past week has been of great benefit. Watering has occupied a con- siderable portion of each morning, as the plants require much moisture in sunny weather, es- pecially the Carrots. The lights are allowed to remain open throughout the day, and we shall soon leave them open a little at night-time for the purpose of hardening both the Carrots and the Cauliflowers. We shall remove the frames and lights altogether next month, when they will y-" required for the Melon crop. The Cauli- flowers raised from seeds sown in February may be planted out-of-doors as soon as the ground is available for the purpose. The watering of second planting are thriving well, and the more forward will soon have their shoots stopped. Those raised from the sowing made at the end of March require potting into 3-inch pots and placing in a new hot-bed. It will be noticed that the leaves of the young Melon plants placed in frames that have been freshly tarred have curled. This is due to the fumes from the tar ; the remedy is ventilation and the removal of the plants from too close proximity to the boards. Turnips are growing well, and when the nights are warm ventilation can be afforded them. The applications of water should be moderate but frequent, for the purpose of inducing a quick, soft growth, for when growth is slow and the {Photograph by H. F. Macmillan. Fig. io8. — petrea volubilis growing in the royal botanic garden, peradeniya, ceylon. (See p. 251 ) at about the middle of May. The principal work in progress is that of attending to the ven- tilation and the watering of the different crops. Mats are still required at night-time, especially for the protection of Melon plants, and for seedlings of other crops. P. Aqualias, April 12. this crop must be done very carefully. We have sown another batch of Cauliflowers of the variety Lenormand. They will be ready to plant on the ground in the open upon which the Cos Lettuces were planted last week. The Melon plants are well established in their fruiting quar- ters. They will require to be shaded during the middle hours of the day for a few days, after which time they will be given a little ven- tilation for a few hours daily. As soon as fresh growth is observable, the plants will be afforded a good watering, which is generally sufficient for two or three weeks, especially during dull weather. The young plants intended for the tissues hard, the plants frequently run to seed. We have sown a batch of Turnip " Marteau " in well-prepared ground out-of-doors. This crop will require frequent waterings. We are cutting the Cabbage Lettuces that were grown with the Cos Lettuces under the cloches. They should have been ready by the end of March, but owing to the cold weather they are very late. The Passion Lettuces grown in the open are succeeding well ; they will soon require watering. We are pricking off seedlings of Celery " Chemin " for the earliest batch. Each light contains 140 plants. The main batch from the same sowing will be transplanted in the open HOME CORRESPONDENCE. ( The Editor does not hold himself responsible Jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Surrey School Gardens. — Since Mr. Caesar wrote (see pp. 209 and 226) his interesting de- scription of the development of school gardening at Hale, Surrey, 10 new centres have been added, and some 200 plots formed ; therefore 200 additional lads w ill receive garden instruction this season. The number of school gardening centres is now 100 at least. They are found only in what is termed the administrative county, which excludes boroughs like Kingston, Rich- mond, Wimbledon, Croydon, Reigate and Guild- ford. Of these I can speak for Kingston only, which has established four garden centres, each having 28 plots making a total of 112. These figures go to show that elementary school garden, ing is progressing. A. D. Profitable Onion Culture (see pp. 217 and 234). — There are few crops that can be grown so successfully on a large scale, on such a variety of soils, and under such varied cli- matic conditions, as that of Onions. One reason why Onions have not been more generally grown is the mistaken idea that it is impossible to grow them without the ap- plication of vast quantities of farmyard or stable manure; but we have been taught by Dr. Bernard Dyer and his assistant, Mr. F. W. E. Shrivell, that certainly at 'lonbridge larger and more economical market-garden crops, in- cluding Onions, have been grown by the aid of chemical fertilisers than could be produced by farmyard dung alone. At the same time, their experience, now extending over several years, in- dicates that it is very unwise to grow Onions without dung, however liberal the supply of chemical fertilisers. Market gardeners seldom use a dressing of less than 20 tons of dung per acre, costing in round figures £10 per acre — a quantity quite insufficient to grow the best crops. They often use as much as 50 tons, costing £20 per acre in one dressing. Dr. Dyer says it had long been his conviction that such heavy dressings must be wasteful, and that mar- ket-gardeners should use smaller dressings of purchased dung and spend a portion of the money thus saved on concentrated fertilisers, keeping the balance in their pockets. This con- viction did not involve any blindness to the par- ticular virtues of dung. Farmyard dunj, in- creases the store of humus or organic matter in the soil, and thus corrects the inherent physical shortcomings peculiar in the one extreme to sandy soils and in the other to heavy clays. It is probable that the beneficial effects of dung are in a considerable degree due to its influence on the mechanical condition of the soil, render, ing it more porous and easilv permeable to the surface roots upon the development of which the success of the Onion crop so much depends. Something may be due to moisture and to an increased temperature of the surface soil engen- dered by the development of so large an amount of organic matter within it, whilst the carbonic acid evolved in the decomposition of the dung, with the aid of moisture, serve to render the mineral resources of the soil more soluble. In selecting land for Onions, it is advisable to choose soil that is not likely to be affected much in the event of a prolonged drought, therefore it should contain a large amount of humus. It is next to an impossibility to raise a profitable crop of Onions unless there is a fairly good supply of moisture when the plant is making its strongest growth ; therefore, it is important that the gardener treats his soil from the start with that object in view, viz., to conserve an adequate supply of moisture for the plant to draw upon during the season of dry weather. For this purpose it is well to observe an old adage, that the watering of the Onion crop should be done in the winter. April 17, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. o c •? That is to say, the dung, whether a large or a small quantity, should be applied and dug into the soil during the winter season, so as to be well incorporated with the land by sowing time. The artificial manures may be applied just pre- vious to sowing the seed ; this will encourage the young plants to send down their roots into the decomposing organic matter of the dung, and will tend to prevent any ill-effects of drought. The following table shows the relative economy of different systems of manuring in the growth of spring Onions at Tonbridge in 1900 and 1901: — Annual Weight of Onions per acre. Annual manuring per cost of manure per acre. 1900. 1901. £ s. d. tons cwt. tons cwt. 25 tens London dung 10 0 (i 8 11 10 7 i'2\ tons London dung ... 5 0 11 V 0 11 11 12A tons dung, superphos- phate (no potash) and '? cwt. nitrate of soda ... 6 15 11 7 7 9 12 128 tons dung, superphos- phate (with potash) and 2 cwt. nitrate of soda ... 7 5 0 8 16 11 16 12£ tons dung, superphos- phate (n) potash) and 4 cwt. nitrate of soda 7 15 0 8 18 u 15 12* tons dung, superphos- phate (with potashl and 4 cwt. nitrate of soda ... 8 5 0 9 10 8 14 124 tons oung, superphos- phate (no potash) and 6 cwt. nitrate of soda 8 15 0 10 2 10 12 J24 tons dung, superphos- phate (with potash) and 6 cwt. nitrate of soda ... 9 5 0 10 0 11 8 No dung, superphosphate (no potash) and 8 cwt nitrate of soda 4 15 0 1 6 5 2 No dung, superphosphate [with potash) and 8 cwt. nitrate of soda 5 5 0 6 1 8 0 It will be seen that chemical fertilisers, used in addition to a moderate quantity of dung, pro- duced in 1900 a highly valuable return, and that it proved advantageous in that season to use as much as 6 cwt. of nitrate of soda per acre. Even 2 cwt. of nitrate per acre, in conjunction with superphosphate, potash salts, and a light dressing of dung, gave a better yield than the heavy dressing of stable manure, showing the danger of relying exclusively upon this manure. Chemical fertilisers alone, without the aid of dung, gave much less satisfactory results than when a moderate quantity was used in conjunc- tion with them. The great dependence of Onions not only upon phosphates and nitrogen. but also upon potash salts, is strongly shown in both years on the plot which has been through- out the experiments kept without dung. /. /. Willis, Harfenden. Having grown Onions in many parts widely separated in England, I can speak de- finitely of this bulb as furnishing a profitable garden and field crop, even at the low price of 2s. 6d. per bushel. In a Hampshire garden, over- lying the green-sand formation, I have grown with fair thinning of the plants, three bushels to the rod, which is equivalent to £60 per acre. Of course, this is less in weight than that given by A. D., who wrote of transplanted bulbs, but the cost of raising his 200 lbs. of bulbs takes a little off the total returns for the crop. I often wonder why the Englishman has need to pur- chase from Spain, Egypt, Bosnia, France, and other distant places Onions that he could grow easily at home. This is exactly a crop for the small holder and peasant cultivator ; and there are similar ones if we would but look around. F. M. 1 read with interest the articles on cultivating Onions for market in the last two issues of the Gardeners' Chronicle. Apparently, from A. D's article (p. 217), in few ways, except- ing the French system of vegetable culture, can fortunes be made so easily as by growing Onions. I can see only one difficulty, and that is in ob- taining customers to buy them. Mr. Martin (p. 234) may be assured that the system of cultiva- tion recommended by A. D. is to be preferred for many reasons, the cost of the frames being the only drawback. It results in a great saving of seeds, whilst sowing in frames is not dependent on the weather. The transplanted crop grows faster and therefore has a lonper season for ripening, and the ground is left fallow for a longer time after trenching. This enables it to be more thoroughly worked, whilst vacant ground can be easily kept, clean of weeds. Transplanting takes longer than seed sowing, but it can be undertaken when seed sowing could not be performed. Also, there is no thinning to be done. This is an operation that is some- times unavoidably delayed, to the detriment of the crop, and green Onions have no great value. F'or several years I have seen various varieties of Onions transplanted from frames and the same varieties sown direct on the bed. The ground in both cases has been treated precisely the same, but the difference has in every case been most marked, the crop from the trans- planted plants being nearly double that of the other, owing to the increased size of the bulbs. F. A. Edwards, Arlington Court Gardens, Barn- staple. Such communications as those of Mr. Kitley on this subject (see p. 234) consti- tute the despair of earnest people. They are the wet blankets of commerce and progress. Even if at one time good bulbs of English-grown Onions were not productive of high prices, may not the market methods adopted have been re- sponsible for the unsatisfactory results. At the present time, judging by the market returns pub- lished in the Gardeners' Chronicle, there are no English Onions in the market, except bulbs for pickling. Spanish and Dutch bulbs are quoted at from 15s. to 23s. 6d. per case or bag. No wonder that, with no other Onions iri shops or stores, I cannot purchase imported bulbs at less than from 2d. to 2Jd. per lb. These are deep, globular bulbs, and not flat ones. If French peasants can sell these Onions at a profit here prettily roped, so also can home growers. It is our imperfect methods of mar- keting which are to be blamed. A. D. Forced Strawberries at Pit House Gardens, Chudleigh. — I am sending a photo- graph (not reproduced) of Strawberries in pots, as cultivated in these gardens. The plants were layered the first week in September, 1908, and the photograph was taken on March 27, 1909. liach plant is carrying from six to nine good fruits, the individual berries weighing from 4 oz. to \\ oz. I am sending by the same post samples of the fruits. W . Worth, Pitt House Gardens, Chudleigh, S. Devon. [Some excep- tionally fine berries were sent by Mr. Worth. — Eds.] " Evergreen Hardy Vine (see p. 240) — Vitis striata is a fairly well known evergreen vine. One of its garden names is Ampelopsis semper- virens. This member of the vine family is a native of Uruguay, from whence it was intro- duced in 1881. The leaves are small, digitate, thick in texture, and of a very deep green tint. The plant is not quite hardy, even in the neigh- bourhood of London, but it is much the hardiest of any of the evergreen vines. W. Fencing in Public Parks. — The wooden rod hurdles used in the L.C.C. parks and open spaces must prove very expensive, considering how badly they are treated by the public. In some parks they are being replaced by a st\- bar wooden hurdle, which offer good practice for vaulting by children. The uncjimbable iron fencing made in 6 feet lengths would be much cheaper in the end and better for protecting newly-sown seeds, &C; When bolted together they are firm and not easily knocked down. John i 'arvile. Culture of Cucumbers. — Let me assure H. W. W. that he is in error in assuming that " all engaged in growing Cucumbers for market stop the young plants at the third or fourth wire of the trellis." I do not stop the plants in the manner //. W. W. describes, although a market grower of Cucumbers for many years past and one who has tried both the methods. Having experience of both ways, and a decided preference to the more natural method of culture, I ask H. W . W. if he has rea"lly tried the method which in my case he condemns. The plants that I referred to as giving a continuous supply of fruits into Octo- ber might have been cropped much longer. Most persons who cultivate Cucumbers on a large scale complain that the plants do not give more than one good " throw " of fruits in consequence of the weakening effects of the disease. In fact, instead of the plants bearing continuously for months together, it is now a question of weeks. Your correspondent has re- corded the interesting fact that plants have con- tinued in fruit for 15 months, but it would ha equally interesting to have details of the fuel bill and the value of the crop for the same period. The chief cultural error to which I re- ferred was that of allowing the main stem to grow for several feet unchecked and suppressing the whole of the laterals. E. II. Jtni SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. April 6. — Present: E. A. Bowles, Esq., M.A. F.L.S. (in the chair) ; Prof. G. S. Boulger, Messrs. A. W. Sutton, J. T. Arkwright, E. M. Holmes, W. Hales, J. W. Odell, C. E. Shea, W. Fawcett, G. Massee, J. Douglas, F. J. Baker, H. T. Giissow, A. Worsley, J. Frazer, G. S. Saunders, and F. J. Chittenden (hon. secre- tary). Visitors: Messrs. E. Laxton and J. II. Drummond, F.L.S. Gummosis in Lemon. — Mr. H. T. GCssow re- ported that the specimens of Lemon shown by Mr. Worsley at the last meeting had been examined microscopically. After dissolving the gum in warm water at each of the places where the gum exuded, a wound was noticeable ex- tending some way into the wood. The injured portions had no connection with each other, but were well defined nearly all round the stem. The distance between the two places where gum was seen oozing out was about 4 inches. The bark was peeled off and some of the gum was transferred with a sterilised needle to a cover glass, and was diluted with distilled water. After drying and finding this preparation it was stained for bacteria, and in every preparation a large number of them were revealed. The pre- sence of the bacteria does not certainly prove that the gumming was caused by them, but the examination plainly showed that the injury could not have been due to some cause or other within the range of the root. Mr. Worsley kindly sent me the root and stem of the^ dis- eased Lemon, and the roots were found to be perfectly healthy, with a good many fibres and small rootlets ; the stem just above the root showed next to a thorn an injury which ac- cording to additional information from Mr. Worsley, had first exhibited the gumming. The specimen examined was a seedling. It is frequently the case that bacteria gain entrance in the place of grafting, and cause profuse out- flow of gum in all kinds of stone fruits. A fine culture of the organisms has been made, and it will be used in infecting a young Cherry tree. The bacteria isolated from Cherries, Plums, and Peaches, which showed gumming bore great resemblance to those isolated from the Lemon. The withering and flagging, and the silvery ap- pearance of the shoots and leaves above the place of injury are certainly the natural results of the sap-conducting vessels being clogged by the gum Inheritance of characters in Pea seeds. — Mr. A. \Y. Sutton exhibited a long series of prepara- tions showing the seeds of plants raised by crossing a Pea which he found growing wild in Palestine (? Pisum arvense), with forms of the cultivated garden Pea (Pisum sativum), and with bicolor-flowered Peas (Pisum arvense I, &c. Twentv-two crosses were made in 1907, and of these four were immature in the seed in Fi and failed to germinate ; four died off before flower- ing in Fr; seven flowered but produced no seeds ; seven only produced any seeds in F2 (these latter were shown on cards 1 to 7i. In most cases it would appear that the plants were almost or quite sterile. Cards 8, 9 and 10 were the results of crosses made between the Pales- tine Pea and Pisum sativum by Mr. Darisishire, and grown at Reading. They practically confirm Mr. Sutton's experiments. Mr. Sutton also ex- hibited a growing plant of the wild Pea from Palestine, and a plant of Pisum quadratum ( ?) grown from seeds received from Kew. This plant much resembles the Palestine Pea in all respects except the foliage. He also exhibited a collection of the various forms of seeds of the garden Pea (Pisum sativum), and of bicolor 254 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. April 17, 1909. blooming types (Pisum arvense), &c. Among the remaining cards, some which showed that when Improved William 1st, with semi-wrinkled seeds, is crossed with a wrinkled Pea, the resulting types of seed do not follow the Mendelian ratio of 3 : 1, were particularly interesting. This Pea contains starch grains of similar form to those which are common to those found in round seeds, and not of the form found in wrinkled seeds, so that unless the wrinkled character of the seed were unconnected with the form of the starch grains the usual Mendelian ratio could scarcely be expected. Mr. J. H. Drummond contributed a series of specimens from his own herbarium and from the herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens, by the courtesy of the direc- tor, showing that the plant Mr. Sutton had col- lected in Palestine was in all probability Pisum humile of Bossier, and not Pisum sativum or P. arvense. Wild species of Asparagus and Rhubarb. — Mr. Sutton also exhibited plants of Asparagus (pro- bably Asparagus nlicinus) and Rhubarb (appa- rently Rheum Moorcroftianum) sent him from the Punjab by a correspondent. The roots of the Asparagus were tuberous, and were no doubt organs in which water was stored. The young leaves of the Rheum were cup shaped, the leaf-stalk springing from the base of the cup. Hippeastrum hybrid. — Mr. Worslev showed a flower of a deep dragon's blood red, a first cross between the two species Hippeastrum auli- cum and H. vittatum. The flower is of very good form and splendid colour. Polystichum sp. — Mr. J. Fraser showed speci- mens demonstrating the resemblance between Polystichum lobatum, Presl., and P. Lonchitis, Roth. If the pinnae of the latter were lobed or lobulate instead of being merely serrated, the two forms would be closely similar, judging from the size and form of the pinnae in the two cases. The comparison between Poly- stichum lobatum, Presl., and P. aculeatum, Sw., was less obvious. Seed from S. Africa. — Mr. E. M. Holmes re- ported that the seed exhibited by Mr. Veitch at a recent meeting was Voandzeia subterranea, often called Bambarra ground nut, and used in tropical and South Africa as food. Malformed Orchids, &c. — Mr. J. W. Odell showed some malformed Orchids, and some flowers of Auricula wherein the filaments of the stamens were becoming transformed into petals, thus showing the beginning of a double flower. Dendrobium hybrids. — R. G. Thwaites, Esq., Streatham, sent flowers of Dendrobium Thwaitesias X D. Wiganiae xanthochilum and D. Wiganiae X D. Wiganiae xanthochilum, both being white with a zone of purple on the disc of the lip. He wrote : " Of the first cross three have flowered like those sent, and of the second six plants have flowered. You will notice the pollen caps and stems are also white. I feel sure it would be quite useless to use those flowers for obtaining white hybrids, and it may be that the unsuccessful attempts to obtain white flowers (hybrids from apparently white parents) is due to coloured parentage somewhere behind the flowers used. These and other results, though apparently confusing, may later on assist in throwing light upon the question of albinism, as notwithstanding the contradictions which are appearing, I feel sure there is some logical law relating to it." D. Wiganiae is a hybrid between D. nobile and D. signatum, D. Wiganiae xanthochilum being a seedling out of the same pod, while D. Thwaitesiae represents the result of further crossing D. Wiganiae and D. Ainsworthii (nobile X aureum). The original parents are therefore either purple or yellow flowers, and the cause of the peculiarity is not apparent. UNITED HORTICULTUEAL BENEFIT AND PROVIDENT. April 5. — The monthly committee meeting ■was held at the Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, S.W., on this date. Mr. Thomas Winter occupied the chair. Nine new members were elected. The usual quarterly payments were granted. Any member not having re- ceived the annual report and balance sheet is requested to write to the secretary for a copy. NURSERY AND SEED TRADE ASSOCIATION. April 5. — The annual general meeting of this association was held at the offices of the asso- ciation, 32, Gresham Street, London, E.C., on this date. The members present included Mr. George Bunyard (Chairman), Mr. J. B. Slade (Messrs. Protheroe & Morris), Mr. H. W. W. Nutting (Messrs. Nutting & Sons), Mr. John Green (Hobbies, Ltd.), Mr. H. E. Silberrad (Messrs. Silberrad & Sons), Mr. B. B. Mailer (Messrs. B. Mailer & Sons), Mr. G. H. Barr (Messrs. Barr & Sons), and Mr. H. Simpson (Messrs. Cooper, Tabor & Co., Ltd.). The annual report and balance-sheet were sub- mitted to the meeting and accepted. The asso- ciation's financial position showed still further improvement during the past year. Mr. N. N. Sherwood, of Messrs. Hurst & Son, was re-elected president, Mr. W. J. Nutting treasurer, and Messrs. H. Simpson and G. H. Barr trustees. SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL. April 6. — The monthly meeting of this asso- ciation was held at 5, St. Andrew Square, Edin- burgh, on this date. The President, Mr. Why- tock, occupied the chair. There was a moderate attendance of the members. A paper was read by Mr. L. B. Stewart, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, on " Insectivorous Plants." Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay, exhibited a collection of Violas. These were raised from cuttings rooted in August and placed in a cool house in September. The varieties Bethea, Bul- lion, Kitty Bell and Snowflake flowered 10 to 12 days earlier than others of the collection. Mr. P. Keir, Edinburgh, exhibited Narcissus Emperor in pots. The bulbs were planted at different depths, but were all in bloom. Five new members were elected. A paper will be given at the meeting to be held on May 4 by Dr. W. G. Smith, Edinburgh, on " Economic Botany and its Application to Horticulture.'' ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL. April 7, 8. — The spring show of this society was held in the Waverley Market, Edinburgh, on these dates. The exhibition generally was equal to those of previous years, and this not- withstanding the very inclement weather of the previous month. As is usual at this spring show the nurserymen's exhibits made a good display. Messrs. Dickson & Co., Edinburgh, had a large exhibit, in which plants of Rhodo- dendron " Pink Pearl " formed the principal feature ; this firm also showed some very fine seedling Hippeastrums. (Gold Medal.) Amongst other local firms who set up large exhibits were Messrs. R. B. Land & Sons, Ltd. (Silver-gilt Medal), and Mr. John Downie (Silver-gilt Medal). Messrs. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, displayed an interesting exhibit of flowering shrubs and herbaceous plants (Silver-gilt Medal) ; Messrs. Barr & Sons, London, showed Narcissi (Silver-gilt Medal) ; Mr. R. E. Gill, Falmouth, exhibited cut blooms of Rhododen- dron (Silver Medal) ; Mr. Roche (gr. to Lady Annaly, Gowrain Castle, Kilkenny) showed St. Brigid Anemones (Silver Medall ; The Scottish Mushroom Co., Ltd., Edinburgh, displayed Mushrooms (Silver Medal) ; Mr. F. Lilley, Guernsey, showed a collection of Narcissi (Silver Medal) ; Mr. Forbes, Hawick, staged Alpine and hardy border plants (Bronze Medal) ; Messrs. Storrie & Storrie, Glencarse, staged Primulas (Bronze Medal) ; Messrs. Keeling & Sons, Bradford, showed Orchids (Bronze Medal) ; and Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay, Violas. A Certificate of Merit was awarded to a new variety of Narcissus named " The Sirdar," ex- hibited by Messrs. Barr & Sons. SCHEDULES RECEIVED. Horticultural Exhibition, to be held in connection with the Lincolnshire Agricultural Show at Louth on July 14, 15, and 16. Secretary, Mr. A. Bellamy, High Holme Road, Louth. National Carnation and Picotee Society's exhibition, to be held at the Royal Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, S.W., on Wednesday. July 21. Secretary, Mr. T. E. Henwood, 16, Hamilton Road, Reading. HARDY FLOWER BORDER. HYACINTHUS AZUREUS. This species is the old Muscaria praecox of gardens, a plant of miniature growth, and a habit that ever delights the eye. The small pyramids of turquoise-blue flowers usually ap- pear in February, and, despite the frost and the snow, the plant this year has not been much behind its proper season of flowering. The blooms are welcome both in the rock-garden and the Alpine house, where, if the plants are grown in pans, they are most effective. NARCISSUS MINIMUS. Narcissus minimus is a little gem too small for the open border, where its beauty would not be seen. It is better suited for growing in pans in a cold house. The small trumpet flowers are of a rich, deep yellow colour, and perfect in form. The species is unique among the early flowers of the year. NARCISSUS PALLIDUS PR/ECOX. Not merely is this plant one of the most fascinating of all Daffodils by reason of the rich colour and great variety of form and size of its flowers, but it is one of the best for early blooming, and it is absolutely hardy. The buds can endure fresh and heavy snows for a fort- night, and later continue to expand as though nothing had happened, although in the meantime growth was perfectly arrested. This Pyrenean species appears more at home in the woodland than in the garden. E. J . ©bttuavjj. William Burton. — We regret to record the death of this gardener at 37, Whitehall Park, Hornsey Lane, on Saturday, April 3. Mr. Bur- ton began his gardening career in 1848 in the THE LATE WILLIAM BURTON. nurseries of Messrs. R. Veitch and Son, Exeter. Later he was engaged for two years at Ashley Court, Tiverton, and afterwards at Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son's Wellington Road Nurseries, St. John's Wood, where he remained for 10 years. In 1862, when Messrs. Parker and Williams dissolved partnership, Mr. Burton entered the service of the late B. S. Williams as manager of the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Hol- loway. In 1888 he left the service of Messrs. B. S. Williams and Son, and engaged with Mr. John Russell, of Haverstock Hill. He afterwards retired from business. His remains were laid to rest in Islington Cemetery, Finchley, on Wed- nesday, April 7, in the presence of members of his family and a large number of friends. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. MISCELLANEOUS. A. W. Gamage, Ltd., Holborn, London, E.C. — Seeds, plants, sundries, &c. COLONIAL. C. A. Nobf.lius. Gembrook Nurseries, Emerald, Victoria, Australia — Fruit trees, &c. FOREIGN. Howard & Smith, Post Office Box 484, Los Angcies, California — Plants and seeds. V. Lemoine et Fils. Rue du Montet, 134, Nancy — Plants and seeds. April 17, 1909.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 255 MARKETS. CCVENT GARDEN, April 14. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 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 occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.] Cut Flowers. &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. I s.d. s.d. Acacia (Mimosa), Myosotis, per doz. p.doz. bunches 9 0-12 0 bunches 3 0-40 Anemone fulgens, Narcissus, Glo- p. dz. bunches 16-26 riosa, per dz. — double pink, p. bunches 10-16 dozen bunches 16-26 — ornatus 2 6-36 Azalea, per dozen O don to glossum bunches 4 0-50 crispum, per Calla aethiopica, p. dozen blooms 2 0-26 dozen 3 0-40 Pelargoniums, Carnations, p. doz. show, per doz. blooms, best bunches 6 0-80 American (var.J 2 6-36 — Zonal, double — second size ... 10-20 scarlet 6 0-90 — smaller, per Ranunculus, per dz. doz. bunches 9 0-12 0 bunches 4 0-60 Catileyas, per doz. Uoses, 12 blooms, blooms 12 0-15 0 Niphetos 16-26 Cypiipediums, per — Bridesmaid ... 2 6- 4 0 dozen blooms.. 16-20 — C. Testout ... 2 0-30 Daffodils, per doz. — Kaiseriu A. bunches 16-30 Victoria 2 0-40 Dendrobium nobile — C.Mermet ... 2 0-40 per dozen 2 6-30 — Liberty 3 0-50 E nc nans grandi flora, — Mme.Chatenay 4 0-60 per dz. blooms 2 6-36 — Mrs. J. Laing 2 0-40 Freesias (white), p. — Richmond 3 0-60 doz. bunches... 2 0-26 — The Bride 3 0-40 Gardenias, per doz. — Ulrich Brunner 2 0-40 blooms 16-26 Snowdrops, per dz. Hyacinths, Dutch, bunches 16-20 p. dz. bunches 4 0-60 Spirasa, per dozen Iris (Spanish), per bunches 5 0-80 bunch 16-20 Stocks, double Lilac (English), white, per doz. white, p. bunch 16-26 bunches 2 0-26 — mauve 2 0-30 Sweet Peas, per dz. Lilium auratum, bunches 2 0-00 per bunch — longiflorum ... — lane i f ol ium, 2 0-30 3 0-40 Tuberoses, per dz. blooms 0 3-04 rubruni — album ... 16-26 2 u- '1 6 — on stems, per bunch 0 9-13 Lily of the Valley, Tulips per dozen p. dz. bunches 9 0-10 0 bunches, single 6 0-10 0 — extra quality ... 12 0-15 0 — best double Marguerites, p. dz. varieties 12 0-24 0 bunclies white Violets, per dozen and yellow ... 2 0-30 bunches 16-30 Mignonette, per — Parmas, per dozen bunches 4 0-60 bunch 16-26 Cut Foliage, &c: Avei age Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Adiantum cunea- Galax leaves, per liim, dz. bchs. 6 0-90 dozen bunches 2 0-26 Agrostis, per doz. Hardy foliage bunches 16-20 (various), per Asparagus plu- dozen bunclies 3 0-90 mosus, long Honesty (Lunaria) trails, per do/. 3 0-12 0 per bunch 10-16 — — medm.,bch. 10-20 Ivy-leaves, bronze 2 0-26 — Sprengeri 0 9-16 — long trails per Berberis, per doz. bundle 0 9-16 bunches 2 6-30 — short green, Croton leaves, per bunch perdz. bunches 16-26 10-13 Moss, per gross ... 5 0-60 Cycas leaves, each 16-20 Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English) Daffodil foliage, p. small-leaved... 4 0-60 doz. bunches... 2 0-26 — French 10-16 Ferns, per dozen Ruscus racemosus, bchs. (English) 2 0-30 p. dz. bunches 18 0 — -- (French) 0 6-09 Smilax.p.dz. trails 4 0-60 Plants in Pots , &c. Ave rage Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Acacias, per dozen 12 0-18 0 Cyclamen, pr. doz. 9 0-15 0 Ampelopsis Veit- Cy peru s alterni- chii, per dozen 6 0-80 folius, dozen ... 4 0-50 Aralia Sieboldii, p. — laxus, per doz. 4 0-50 dozen 4 0-60 Daffodils, per doz. 5 0-80 — larger speci- Dracaenas, per doz. 9 0-24 0 mens 9 0-12 0 Erica persoluta — Moseri 4 0-60 alba, per doz. 12 0-24 0 Araucaria excelsa, — Wilmoreana ... 12 0-18 0 per dozen — large plants, 12 0-30 0 Euonymus.per dz., in pots 4 0-90 each 3 6-50 — from the ground 3 0-60 Aspidistras, p. dz., Ferns, in thumbs, green 15 0-24 0 per 100 8 0-12 0 — variegated ... 31. J-42 0 — in small and Asparagus, plumo- large 60's 12 0-20 0 sus nanus, per — in 48's, per dz. 4 0-10 0 dozen 12 0-18 0 — in 32's, per dz. 10 0-18 0 — Sprengeri 9 0-12 0 Ficus elastica, per — ten uis simus 9 0-12 0 dozen 8 0-10 0 Azaleas (Indian), p. — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 dozen 24 0-36 0 Genista fragrans, Boronia mega- per doz. 7 0-90 stigma, per doz. 24 0-30 0 Grevilleas, per dz. 4 0-60 — heterophylla... 12 0-18 0 Hardy flower roots, Cinerarias, per dz. 6 0-90 per dozen 10-20 Clematis, per doz. 8 0-90 Hyacinths, dz. pots 8 0-10 U — in flower 12 0-18 0'1 Hydrangea Thos. Cocos Weddelli- Hogg, per dz. 15 0-18 0 ana, per dozen... 18 0-30 0 1 — hortensis 12 0-24 0 Crotons, per dozen 18 0-30 0 , Isolepis, per dozen 4 0-60 6 0- 4 0- 8 0 6 0 Plants in Pots, Sc: Average Wholesale Prices (Contd.). s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen 15 0-24 0 — Fosteriana, dz. 18 0-30 0 Latania borbouica, per dozen ... 12 0-18 0 L i 1 i u in Ion g i- florum, perdz. 18 0-24 0 — laucifolium, p. dozen 12 0-24 0 Lily of the Valley, per dozen ... 18 0-30 0 Marguerites, while, per dozen ... 6 0-80 Mignonette, perdz. 6 0-80 Pelargoniums, show varieties, per dozen ... 18 0-21 0 Pelargoniums, Zonals Primulas, per doz. Rhodode ndrons, each Roses, H.P.'s, per dozen ... ... 12 0-18 0 — Polyantha va- rieties — Ramblers, each Selaginella, per dz. Spiraea japonica, p. dozen ... Stocks (intermed- iate), white, p. * dozen Tulips in pots, doz. 2 0-50 12 0-18 0 5 (i-io <; 4 0-60 8 0-12 0 7 0-80 9 0-12 0 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Apples(Australian), per case : — Dunn's Seed- ling 11 0-13 0 — Cleopatra ... 11 0-12 6 — Jonathan ... 10 0-13 0 — Ribston Pippin 12 0-14 0 — California Newtown Pip- pin, per case, 4 tiers... ... 8 0-10 0 — 4* tiers ... 7 6-86 — (American), per barrel : — Baldwin ... 21 0-25 0 — Nonpareils ... 18 0-21 0 — Oregon New- towns, per case 11 0-14 6 Bananas, bunch: — Doubles ... 9 0-10 0 — No. 1 „ ... 0 6-80 — Extra „ ... 8 0-90 — Giant „ ... 10 0-12 0 — (Claret) „ ... 5 0-76 — Jamaica „ ... 5 0-56 — Loose, pei dz, 0 6-10 Cape fruit, per box : — (.rapes, black.. 5 0-14 0 — white 5 0-10 0 — red 8 0-15 0 per case : — Plums 4 0-80 — Pears 3 6-10 0 Cranberries, per case 16 0 — Custard Apples ... 3 0-12 0 S.d- s.d. Grape Fruit, case 10 0-14 0 Grapes (Guernsey), Gros Colmars 0 10- 2 6 — ,, New 4 0 — — (Almeria), per barrel 14 0-16 0 Guernsey Figs, dz. 4 0-12 0 Lemons, box : — Messina, 300... 9 0-12 0 — Do. 360... 8 0-10 0 — (Naples), per case 18 0-24 0 Limes, per case ... 5 0 — Lychees, per box... 10-13 Melons, each ... 2 0-40 Nuts, Almonds, per bag 45 0 — — Brazils, new, perevvt. ... 50 0 60 0 ona, 1 a,: 32 0-36 0 — Cocoa nuts. 100 11 0-14 0 Oranges (Der.ia) — Californian seedless, per case — (Valencia) per case (4-20) — per case (714)..- — Jaffas — Palermo Blood — ,, Bitter — Muicia Blood, perca^i ''.'hi. .. Pineapple *, each ... — (Natal), perdz. Strawberries, lb.... 9 0-18 0 11 0-13 0 10 0-18 0 8 0-14 0 10 0-11 0 7 0-90 4 0-50 6 6-80 2 0- 3 6 4 0-00 2 0-60 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices, s.d. s.d Artichokes(Globe), per dozen — white, p ■ — per cwt. Asparagus, per bundle: — Sprue — Paris Green ... Beans, per lb. — (French!, p. ll>. — (Guernsey), per lb Beetroot, perbushel 10-16 Brussel Sprouts, £ bushel — bags Cabbages, per tally — per mat — Greens, per bushel Cardoon (French), per dozen Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bag ... — unwashed — (French), p. pad Cauliflower, St. Malo, per doz. 2 3-26 Celery, p. dz. rolls 12 0-15 0 Celeriac, per doz, 16-26 Chicory, per lb. ... 0 3£- 0 4 Cucumbers, per dz. 3 0-40 Endive, per dozen 10-16 Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles Kale, per pad Leeks, 12 bundles Lettuce (French), per crate Mint, per dozen bunches 2 0-23 •J 0- 2 6 36 — 0 6-08 3 0-36 10-11 0 9-0 10 10-11 2 0-26 2 6-36 5 0-70 4 0-46 1 6 — 8 0-10 0 3 0 — 3 6-40 2 6-36 2 6-30 17 0-24 0 6 0 — 2 6-30 2 6-40 6 0-80 0 8-09 n 6 0 8 0 8-09 Mushrooms, per lb — broilers — buttons, perlb, Mn tardand Cress. per dozen pun. 10- Onions, per bag ... 10 0-H 0 — (Valencia), case 10 0-12 0 — Dutch, pr. bag U 0-10 6 — pickling, per bushel 6 0 — Parslev,12bunches 3 0 — — i sieve 2 6 — Parsnips, per bag... 3 6 — Peas ibrencM, pkt. 0 5- 0 6 — (French), p.pad 3 6-50 — (English), dried, per dz. packets 2 6 Potatos, per lb. — (Algerian), per cwt. — (French), p. lb. Radishes (French), per doz. bunches 16-26 Rhubarb (English), forced, per dz. bundles Salsafy, per dozen bundles Seakale, per dozen punnets Spinach, per crate Stachys tuberosa, per lb Turnips, per dozen bunches — washed, p. bag 2 6-30 Turnip Tops, bag 2 0 — Tomatos (Tener- iffe), per bun- dle of 4 boxes 10 0-18 0 — p. 12 lb. basket 4 6-50 Watercress, per dozen 0 4-06 02 — 11 0-12 0 0 2i-0 3 10-13 4 0-46 12 il is (i 4 0-50 0 5 2 6 Remarks. — Oranges from Valencia and Denia are arriving in a bad condition; best samples are much dearer. French Apples continue to sell freely but at lower prices. Australian Apples are arriving in slightly increased quantities, and are generally cheaper. Forced Rhubarb from the Leeds district is now practically finished, as also are Gros Colmar Grapes. Mushrooms are plentiful. Vegetables generally are cheaper. E. H. R., Covent Garden, Wednesday^ April 14, 1909. Potatos. s.d. s.d. Lincolns— s.d. s.d. 3 6-43 King Edward ... 33-39 3 6-43 Blacklands 29-33 Dunbars— 3 0-36 Langworthy.redsoil 53-56 3 0-36 Up-to-Date, red soil 43-46 3 9-43 „ „ grey soil 30-39 3 9-43 Yorks- 3 0-36 Up-to-Date 39-43 Remarks. — Potatos are much dearer and supplies are shorter. Prices have a tendency to advance still further. Stocks in London are very low. Edward J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St. Pancras, April 14. 1909. Kents— Scottish Triumphs. Up-to-Date Lincolns— Royal Kidney British Queen Up-to-Date Maincrop Evergood COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. The warm sunny days preceding Easter developed flowrers rapidly, and supplies last week were abundant. Better prices were made on Good Friday than on Saturday. There were large consignments of cut flowers from the south of France, the Channel and Scilly Islands. Early on Saturday, 10th inst., there was a fair trade; later in the day larger quantities of flowers arrived and prices fell considerably. Good Roses on long stems were sold at 6s. per dozen bunches, whilst Daffodils realised no more than 6d. per dozen bunches. This morning (Wednesday) the Foreign Market was glutted with flowers. Pot Plants. Flowering plants have sold at fairly good prices. Azaleas are still remarkably good ; there are, in addition to plants in 5-inch pots, larger specimens which make from 7s. 6d. to 10s. 6d. each ; varieties of Azalea mollis do not sell freely. Rhododendrons in well-flowered plants are seen. Lilacs, although well flowered, have no great de- mand. Amongst Roses, there are some excellent plants of Dorothy Perkins variety. Dwarf Polyantha varieties are well flowered. Marguerites are again plentiful ; some of these plants have sold for 15s. per dozen. Other plants seen in quantity include Cinerarias, Spiraeas, Hydrangeas, Mignonette, Stocks, and Genistas. Hardy Flower Roots and Bedding Plants. There are large supplies of Pansies with expanded flowers. At the present time there is nothing that sells more readily than these pretty border flowers. Violas also sell well. Primroses, Polyanthuses, and double varieties of Daisies are also in demand. Large quantities of hardy border plants are seen, also summer bedding plants such as Zonal Pelargoniums, Calceolarias, and Marguerites ; a variety of tender plants in store boxes, and annuals in pots, including Sweet Peas, Tropa>olum canariense and Dwarf Nasturtiums sell readily for suburban planting. Cut Flowers. Carnations are plentiful again. Roses have developed rapidly, and their prices have fallen considerably. Blooms of I. ilium longiflorum are abundant. I noticed fine flowers of the variety grandiflorum this morning (Wednesday). Blooms of L. lancifolium rubrum are good. Of Lilac the ordinary mauve variety is ir.uch cheaper. Tulips are over- abundant, but supplies of this flower will soon fall off. The Darwin varieties are very fine, and will be available until the end of May. Parma Violets are still very cheap. Flowers of Spanish Irises in several colours are seen. Callis are over-abundant. In fact, supplies of all season- al.It Sowers are plentiful. A . H., Covad Garden, Wednes- day, April 11, l\> {>. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. [Cor>e$pnudetds ate requested to write the names of person* and places as legibly as nossihle. No charge n made for these announcements, but \j a small contribution is sent, to be placed in out , ollectiiiR />'<> \ <■ > the t.ardeners' Orphan Fund, it ;. ill be thank fully received, and an acknowledgment made in these coiuuins.~\ Mr. A. Beavan, for the pasl J years Foreman at High. wood Gardens, Roehampl »n, S.W., as Gardener to T. A. Harrison, Esq., H nd House, Shere, Surrey. tThanks for vour contribution of 2s. to the R.G.O.F. box.) Mr. A. T. Smith, previously Foreman at Wyastone Leys, Monmouth, as Gardener to H. P. Cross, Esq., Cot- terbrooke Grange, Northampton. Mr. G. A. Holmes, late Gardener to R. Hodgson, Junr., I |.. Molescroft, Beverley, as Gardener to F. Cos- tello, Esq., Everley House, Hessle, near Hull. Mr. J. Wren, for the past 3 years at Chesterford Park Gardens, Saffron Walden, as Gardener to Charles E. LMmsoale, Esq., Musden Manor, Buntingford, Herts. Mr. J. Lovatt, Gardener to Captain Hlnlake, Winger- worth Hall, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, as Gardener to tin same gentleman, Bucknell Manor, Bicester, Oxford- shire. (Thanks for contribution to R.G.O.F. Box.) DEBATING SOCIETIES. BRITISH GARDENERS' (London Branch).— The monthly meeting of this branch of the B.G.A. took place on Thursday, April 8. A debate on " Commercial and Co-operative Gardening " formed the principal business of the evening. Mr. J. Weathers, the general secretary, gave some interesting advice upon the business side of horticul- ture. A.J.H. BRISTOL AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. The last of this association's meetings for the session was held on April 8. Mr. C. H. Cave gave a lecture upon " Daffodils."* Mr. Cave said that lifting should be done in July, and all replanting finished by the end of August ; he gave a comprehensive list of varieties suitable for various purposes. H. W. WARGRAVE AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. — At a recent meeting of this association, Mr. W. Pope, of '* The Willows " Gardens, Wargrave, read a paper on " The Culture of the Amaryllis." He gave cultural directions with regard to resting the bulbs, their propagation, soils and general management . At the last meeting of the association an address on " French Gardening " was given by the hon. sec, Mr. H. Coleby. The chief points referred to by the lecturer were the system of peasant proprietors in France, the amount paid by English consumers for early produce from France, the various French gardens established in England, methods of working, the different crops raised and the best varieties of each, and lastly, "packing" for market. READING GARDENERS'.— A meeting of the Asso- ciation took place in the Abbey Hall on Monday, April 5. The chairman, Mr. A. F. Bailey, presided over a good attendance of the members. The lecturer for the evening was Mr. H. C. Loader (vice-chairman), who read a paper entitled " Our Association— Some of its Advantages." Mr. Loader spoke of the association as a partnership for the promotion of horticulture. 256 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 17, 1909. THE WEATHER. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending April 10, is furnished from the Meteorological Office : — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather,— During the greater part of the week the sky was almost cloudless, but some rain fell in Ireland and the west and north of Scotland on Sunday, and on Saturday a considerable amount of cloud was experienced in Ireland and Scotland, with a little rain in places. The temperature was above the average in all districts, the greatest divergence being 3-6^ in Scotland N., and the smallest 0-8° in England E. The highest of the maxima were recorded generally on the 9th or 10th, and ranged from 74° in England S.W., 73° in the Midland Counties, and about 70° in several other districts to 63w in Scotland N. The maxima were generally low on the east coast of England, on some days below 50°. The lowest of the minima, which were mostly registered early in the week, varied from 18° in Scotland E. (at Balmoral on the 6th), 22* in England S.W. (at Llangammarch Wells on the 10th) and 24° in the Midland Counties to 29w in Ireland, and to 39° in the Channel Islands. The range of temperature during the week was unusually large; at many inland stations it exceeded 40°, at Bawtry it amounted to 46*, Raunds and Marlborough 47°, and at Llangammarch Wells 48°. The lowest grass readings reported were 9° at Llan- gammarch Wells, 15° at Balmoral, 16° at Birmingham, and below 20° in some other localities. The mean temperature of the sea.— At nearly all stations except those on the east and south-east coasts of England the water was rather warmer than during the corresponding week of last year, the actual figures ranging from nearly 50° at Seafield and about 48u at Plymouth and Salcombe to below 44° on the north-east and north coasts of Great Britain and to 40-7* at Burnmouth, The rainfall.— Over the kingdom as a whole the week was without rain, and the few falls which occurred in the north and west were very slight. The bright sunshine.— Over the kingdom generally the week was among the brightest ever recorded, the percentage of the possible duration ranging from 89 in England E., 87 in England S.E., 82 in the English Channel, and above 70 in the" other English districts to 51 and 48 respectively in Scotland W. and N. The highest percentage of the possible amount reported from individual stations was 93 at Lowestoft, Yarmouth, Felixstowe, Tunbridge Wells, and Worthing. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending April 14, A remarkably good record of sunshine. — In the early part of the week the days were warm, while the night tempera- tures were below average. Since then the days have been of about a seasonable temperature, and the nights warm. On the warmest day the highest reading in the thermometer screen was 72°— which is a remarkably high temperature for so early in April. On the other hand, on the coldest night the exposed thermometer registered 10° of frost. At 2 feet deep the ground is now 1° warmer, and at 1 foot deep 2° warmer, than is seasonable. Rain fell on two days, but to the total depth of less than a quarter of an inch. There has been scarcely^any percolation through either of the soil gauges during the week. The sun shone on an average for 8^ hours a day, or for more than three hours a day longer than is usual at this period of April. The average record for the first three days was 11$ hours a day; on the sunniest of those days the sun was shining brightly for exactly 12 hours. The first few days of the week were calm, but since then the wind has been as a rule moderately high- The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. fell short of a seasonable quantity for that hour by as much as 10 per cent. On the first (Jour days of the week the atmosphere was singularly dry In fact, early in the after- noon on those four days the differences between the readings of an ordinary thermometer and one with its bulb kept constantly moist were respectively 16°, 18°, 19°, and 15°. E. M., Bcrkhamsted, April J4, 1909. ClmWm LorruhordtnU * . * The Editor will be glad to receive, for considera- tion, large photographs of horticultural subjects, suitable for forming Supplementary Illustrations to this Journal. Azalea Leaves Diseased : T. D. W. The leaf- galls are formed by the fungus Exobasidium rhododendri. Hand-picking and burning the infested portions is the only remedy. "Big Bud" on Black Currant Bushes: S. F. &° Co. The buds are infested with the Cur- rant bud mite, Eriophyes ribis. At this season of the year the mites are migrating, and it is during this time that they may be combated. The following remedial measures are recom- mended by the Board of Agriculture in a leaflet on this «" abject: — (1) The grower should cultivate from clean stock only, re- jecting bushes that show swollen buds. Cut- tings from infested plants should not be used. (2) Where the disease is limited to a few bushes these should be uprooted and burned. (3) Handpicking the swollen buds may, in an isolated area, keep the pest in check. (4) Hard pruning followed by the removal by hand of suspiciously large buds has often been tried, sometimes with fair results, sometimes with- out manifest improvement. (5) Fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas has been experi- mented with, but the results are not such as to justify a recommendation of this treatment, especially in view of the difficulties attending fumigation over a wide area in the open. (6) Dusting or spraying with a mixture of lime and sulphur. Very encouraging results — amounting in some cases to a cure — have at- tended the experiments of Collinge with the lime and sulphur treatment. The spray fluid used consisted of a mixture of 1 lb. of lime, 1 lb. of sulphur, and 20 gallons of water. This treatment to be successful must be thorough and repeated. More successful even than this was the dusting with lime and sulphur. One part of unslaked lime and two parts of flowers of sulphur should be mixed together and dusted three times on the bushes when they are wet, at the end of March or the beginning of April, again in the middle of April, and again in the first week of May. Cyclamen : A. W . P. Place the plants in a light position and keep them growing for a time after flowering to form stout corms. After- wards dry them off very gradually, but not severely. In August shake away the old soil and pot them into a suitable compost. Place them in frames until it is time to bring them into the plant house to develop their flowers. Cyclamens are not usually grown after the second year of flowering. See also a note in the " Plants Under Glass " Calendar on p. 247. Hyacinth Bulbs Failing to Root : A. S. The bulbs are badly infested with the bulb mite, which has destroyed the roots as they ap- peared. Names of Flowers, Fruits and Plants.— We are anxious to oblige correspondents as far as we consistently can, but they must bear in mind that it is no part of our duty to our subscribers to name either flowers or fruits. Such work entails considerable outlay, both ol time and money, and cannot be allowed to dis- organise the preparations for the weekly issue, or to encroach upon time required for the conduct of the paper. Correspondents should never send more than six plants or fruits at one time : they should be very careful to pack and label them properly, to give every information as to the county the fruits are grown in, and to send ripe, or nearly ripe, specimens which show the character of the variety. By neglecting these precautions correspondents add greatly to our labour, and run the risk of delay and incorrect determinations. Correspondents not answered in one issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following numbers. Fruits : F. C. E. Dredge's Fame. Plants: T. H. 1, Aerides virens ; 2, Den- drobium crystallinum ; 3, D. Pierardii. — li. B. Erica vagans.— J H. C. Ansellia congoensis, native of tropical Africa. — Scot. 1, Cbionantbus virginica ; 2, probably Exochorda Albertii ; 3, Psoralea pinnata. — H. J. W. 3, Calceolaria violacea. — T. H. Butea frondosa. — C. N. Co. Picea excelsa var. stricta. — R. T. 1, Ccelogyne fuliginosa ; 2, Eria convallarioides ; 3, Den- drobium transparens ; 4, Polystachya Otto- niana.— Cornish. 1, Stachys lanata ; 2, Centran- thus ruber; 3, Sempervivum tectorum ; 4, Sedum Sieboldii variegatum; 5, Mesembryan- themum spectabile ; 6, Sedum carneum variega- tum.— S. F. Adonis aestivalis. — H. H. 1, Poly- podium Dryopteris ; 2, Lastrea rigida ; 3, Adiantum pedatum ; 4, Asplenium trichomanes. — B. Dendrobium heterocarpum (aureum), and a light form of Cypripedium Leeanum. — F. G. Dendrobium luteolum. Peach Buds Dropping : A'. Y. Z. The trouble has been caused by some check. It is gener- ally the result of allowing the borders to become too dry during the winter. Pelargonium Leaf Spotted : F. E. S. &• Co. The plants are attacked by Botrytis cinerea. Spray them with a rose-coloured solution of permanganate of potash. Admit more fresh air into the structure in which they are culti- vated. Pineapple Nectarine : /. D. The tree is affected with " silver-leaf " disease. Not much is known about this complaint, but it has been attributed to a fungus, Sterium purpureum, which is said to enter through the roots and grow upwards into the stem. It has been asserted that deleterious substances given off by the fungus are carried up in the sap to the leaves, and there act in a disintegrating man- ner upon the cells of the leaf, so that they become widely separated, and with large air spaces between them. These air spaces give the pale colour to the foliage, whence the name " silver-leaf." No cure for the disease is known. Plants for Competition : Col. R. H We are unable to assist you in this matter. Potato Scab : Wessex. Both sawdust and sea- weed are to be recommended for preventing scab in Potatos. The main cause of this com- plaint is the placing of farmyard manure in the rows when planting. Rose Fortune's Yellow: A. E. S. This Rose, when cultivated under glass, may be termed evergreen, and when close pruning is not practised after flowering, the older leaves drop freely. If the plant is allowed to become dry at the roots, or a too dry atmosphere is main- tained in the house, the leaves on the current season's flowering shoots will drop. The plant should be well watered and fed with manurial stimulants during the season of active growth and flowering. Cut the shoots hard back when flowering is finished. Strawberries : W . W. There is no disease in the plant, although it has failed to develop many leaves or flowers. The trouble must be due to some cultural error, which only a per- son on the spot could determine. Tomatos Diseased : G. P. The plants are affected with sleepy disease (Fusarium lyco- persici). The fungus which causes the disease' flourishes in the soil and enters the plant by the root. During its development it passes through three stages, the first of which usually lasts about a week, the stem at the end of that time being much decayed and covered with a gelatinous mass. During the last stage the spores are resting and preparing to attack the young plants another year, or whenever a suit- able opportunity presents itself. The plant can only be attacked by the fungus in the last stage of its existence. Diseased plants never recover, and therefore no attempt to save the plant is successful. As the disease grows in- side the plant it is useless to spray with a fungicide. All diseased plants should be up- rooted immediately the disease is noticed and burned. If it is not practicable to remove the soil in which the plants have been grown, it should receive a liberal dressing of gas-lime. This should be allowed to lie on the surface for 10 days, and should afterwards be thoroughly incorporated with the soil. After this the soil should remain for at least 10 weeks before anything is planted in it. It should be soaked with water once a week. Lime should be mixed with the soil in which Tomatos are grown. Tulips Failing to Flower : /. Be/is. As other varieties have succeeded under exactly the same conditions, and the variety you mention failed for two season's, it is obvious it is not suitable for forcing. Wild Garlic : Macedcm. Mow the Grass very closely. This will prevent the leaves of the Garlic developing and thus cause a check to the bulbs. At the same time dress the land with nitrogenous manures, which will favour the development of the Grasses, so that in time they will crowd out the intruder. VVireworms in Soil: /. S. The larvae may be trapped with Potato or Beetroot placed in holes and covered with soil. Mark the position of the traps with a stick. Superphos- phate applied as a dressing to the land is use- ful for destroying wireworm. In small areas a quarter of an ounce of bisulphide of carbon applied to each square yard of soil is effec- tual in combating this pest. Vaporite will also destroy wireworm in certain condition's. Communications Rf.ciiived.-S. F. W. — de T4.r. — A. D. — Louis G., Brussels— H. R. W., Stuttgart-H. M. V.— • R. I. L.-T. W. C— W. E. G.— B. L.— G. W. K.— G. B. L. W. T.— Th. H. L.— E. M.— W. T., Carlisle (next week) — T. W. C. (next week)-R. Diimmer-W. J. B S. W. F. , — T. W. B.— D. R. D— J. R. P. & S._ A. C. (Thanks for Is. sent for R. G. O. F.l-H. S.— W. B. H.— A. C. B.— W. J. W. -W. A. C.-G. W.-E. C— J. G., Eaton— F. A. —J. C G. M.— D. & Co — E. W E. R.— A. S.— Mrs. E. —A. D. W.— W. D.— F. M. 'J "o "3 o fa A u 6) c >- (0 U c £ a. o. 9 (A < OS H p < W « P O « t/3 z w D <^ O u 5 H O td a z W (J K w H < E a h Ap-jil 24, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 257 THE NOt 1,165.— SATURDAY, April 24, 1909, CONTENTS. Acetylene gas refuse as a manure 264 Alpine garden, the — Red-flowering Saxi- frages with crusted foliage 258 Ampelopsis, an ever- green 267 Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal ... 265 Books, notices of — Journal of the Kew Guild 265 Publications received, 265 Botanical garden in Java, a 265 Bulb show at Hillegom 265 Caraations, perpetual- flowering 267 Colonial notes— An experimental sta- tion in Montreal... 258 li e neh "garden, notes from a 2G6 Garden pictures, an ex- hibition of 265 G r iselinia littoralis, hardiness of 267 Iiilac, grafting the .. 267 N uraery notes- James Veitch & Sons, Chelsea 266 Obituary- Laird, Samuel ... 272 Miller, Willium ... 271 Orchid notes and glean- ings- Odontoglossum cris- pum xant notes Mrs. F. M. Ogilvie Pinus muricata Poisonous compounds, the sale of Rhododendrons at Tre- mough, Cornwall ... Rosary, the— Fragrant Roses Societies — Cornwall Daffodil and Spring Flower Devon Daffodil and Spring Flower Royal Horticultural... Spring flowers in the Maritime Alps Tap union, an adjust- able ... Tmvn planting Vacant lands as gardens Vanda ccerulea, a fine specimen of Week's work, the — Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden ... Kitchen garden, the . Orchid houses, the Plants under glass ... Public parks and gar. dens 257 260 265 267 259 ■271 267 265 262 267 263 262 263 ■.(;■.! ■ B I 26S 271 269 258 WHE> ILLUSTRATIONS. Miller, William, the late Odontoglossum x Theodora Odontoglossum xanthotes Mrs. F. M. Ogilvie Pinus muricata in the Royal Gardens, Kew, 259 ; foliage and male inflorescence of, 260 ; branch with cones Vanda ccerulea, a fine plant of (Supplementary Illus- tration). SPRING IN THE MARITIME ALPS. rHEN Mons. Eraile Burnat undertook lie compilation of that great work, the Flore dps Alpes Maritim.es, which will be one of the very finest and most reliable European Floras, he wisely included not only the range of mountains, partly in Italy and partly in France, commonly called the Maritime Alps, but also the adjoining French Department of Alpes Maritimes. Napoleon fixed the limit between the Mari- time and the Ligurian Alps at the Col d'Altaire, under which passes the railway from Turin to Savona ; and this opinion was endorsed by the Italian Geographical Con- gress of 1892, because the pass forms the most clearly-defined depression in the ranges round the Gulf of Gei.oa, and, as remarked by the great botanist and mountaineer, John Ball, in his celebrated Alpine Guide, there are geological reasons which favour this arrangement. The truly Alpine district west of this pass is separated from the lower Ligurian moun- tains, which are more Apennine in character, by the famous Col di Tenda, over which the great road runs from Nice to Cuneo and Turin. This Alpine region may be called the Argentera district, after the Punta dell' Ar- gentera (10,883 feet), the highest point of the whole range ; but there are many peaks which rise to 9,000 and 10,000 feet. The Chestnut zone in the Maritime Alps has the most varied flora, because many plants of the distinct Mediterranean group are found growing side by side with those which have descended from the mountains, in addition to many which are only found in this particular zone. The Maritime Alps have the advantage of being accessible perhaps a month earlier in summer and later in autumn than the Swiss Alps. Visitors to the French or Italian Riviera in spring, which is at its best in April and May, especially from the point of view of vegetation, could not do better than return via the Col di Tenda to Turin, and spend a week at that charming spot, San Dalmazzo di Tenda, on the way. From the Italian side of the frontier, say, from San Remo or Bordighera, or nearer Genoa, one might spend an intermediate week both pleasantly and profitably, as far as plants are concerned, at one of the picturesque hill villages of Liguria, such as Pigna or Bajardo. Pigna is prettily situated l,(M)')feet above Bordighera, among Olives and Sweet Chestnuts. The Chestnuts begin to appear about 400 feet above the sea, and extend to 3,000 feet on Monte Toraggio. At this alti- tude their place is taken by Pines, which, in their turn, give way to Larches, which mount the summits of the mountains. The top limit of Olive trees is about 1,800 feet in this dis- trict. Visitors should take with them Air. Bicknell's excellent little Flora of Sun Remo and Bordighera (1896). Pteris cretica is well established on the banks of a stream near Pigna. Though this Fern is found in Asia. Abyssinia and America, in Europe it is chiefly confined to Italy, Sar- dinia. Sicily and Crete. C'heilanthes odora is another Mediterranean Fern frequently seen in the district. The three handsome Lilies. L. croceum, L. pomponium and L. Martagon, occasionally adorn some of the grassy slopes in this neighbourhood, L. pomponium growing even at a height of 0,000 feet on some of the mountains. Monte Toraggio, though not more than 6,400 feet, is a fine rugged mass, beautifully proportioned, and it lends itself to exquisite effects of colour. The lower slopes are covered with dense thickets of Oak and brush- wood. Some of the wooded valleys remind one of the combes of Exmoor or the Quantock Hills; but they are deeper and more exten- sive. At 5,000 feet are the highest " alps " — an alp is a mountain pasture used in summer. Early in June, before these alps are mown, they are bedecked with Gentians, Anemones, Cerinthe minor, Orchis globosa, O. ustulata, and O. sambucina, Narcissus poeticus, Pedi- cularis comosa and P. gyroflexa, and a host of other brilliant flowers. On the highest slopes grow great patches of Pasony (P. pere- grina Mill.) and the mauve flowers of Aster alpinus. On the rocks above grow various Saxifrages, including the endemic Saxifraga cochlearis and the still more beautiful S. lin- gulata. But the Tenda district is of most interest to botanists. San Dalmazzo, beautifully situ- ated at the junction of two lateral valleys with the main valley, is the place to stay at. It can be reached on the south from either Nice or the frontier town of Ventimiglia, whence the drive up the long Roya valley is shorter, and the main Tenda road is joined at Breil. If economy be an object, a somewhat primitive diligence may be taken the whole distance for three francs. The drive from Ven- timiglia occupies six hours, but the route is very interesting, especially to the artist, botanist, and geologist. The fact that the Franco-Italian frontier is very irregular, so that one must pass from Italy into France and vice versa several times, adds to the interest. The narrow Gorge of Saorge, which the river has cut out of the limestone, is a prominent feature in the landscape. In June some of the rocks are festooned with the wax-like blossoms of Saxifraga cochlearis ; while Alys- sum halimifolium is abundant by the roadside. The hotel at San Dalmazzo is new, and the rooms are good and clean. A step across the road leads into the shade of an ancient Chest- nut grove, with brilliant flowers on all sides. These comprise various Campanulas, Astrari- tia major, Thalictrum minus, Epipaetis atro- rubens, and Cephalanthera rubra 2 feet high, bpipactis atrorubens seems to hybridise freely here with E. latifolia. The rocks by the road- side above the hotel are the home df Pinks and Helianthemums of different species, l.ilium croceum and the white-rayed Orlaya grandi- flora. Below the hotel across the river are screes and limestone cliffs, where many rare plants are found, including Micromeria Piperella, Asperula hexaphylla, Tin m. •lea dioica, Potentilla saxifraga, and Mcehringia. Among the thickets and rocks above the road to Briga the handsome spikes of Delphinium fissum rear their heads, but, fortunately, are not easily found. Telephium Imperati, that puzzler to systematic botanists, grows on the roadside wall and among the broken lime- stone. It has for companions the handsome Inula montana, the woolly Micropus erectus, Trigonella monspeliaea, T. gladiata, whose strong scent in the herbarium is so powerful, Frvum nigricans, the elegant Vicia onobry- chioides, and manv other sun-loving plants H. S. r. (To be continued.!. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM XANTHOTES MRS. F. M. OGILVIE. A small, undeveloped plant of Odontoglos- sum crispum xanthotes in Mrs. Ogilvie's garden has proved to be one of the most gorgeous varie- ties of xanthotes that has yet been seen. It has been named after Mrs. F. M. Ogilvie. Imagine a snow-white bloom with finely-formed over- lapping petals, and place upon the sepals three twin coalescent blotches of the most brilliant orange-yellow with a large oblong ovate lip carrying a large similar blotch and some spots, and you have a mind's picture of this lovely variety. In addition, the channel and column are similarly marked. The title " Bonnyanum xanthotes " would ex- actly fit the plant. The illustration in fig. 110 affords a good idea of the flower. de B. Crawshay. 258 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 24, 1909. COLONIAL NOTES. ♦AN EXPERIMENTAL STATION IN MONTREAL. In Montreal and vicinity there are about one- lialf million square feet under glass devoted to commercial floriculture and vegetable forcing. It is not necessary for me to state that a number of problems of great interest to florists could be worked out at considerable saving to the trade at some suitable place erected for the purpose. So far as I know, no aid has been sought for such work in this province. Yet you have at your service, without any cost and without any effort on your part, a range of greenhouses thoroughly up-to-date in every par- ticular, given by Sir Wm. C. Macdonald, of your city, and situated at Macdonald College, P.Q., where experiments in your interests are conducted. This is a gift of which florists and gardeners should be proud, for we shall now be able to keep pace with those engaged in similar work in parts of America, and who receive more or less State, or provincial aid. Our houses are well known to most of you. They "comprise four 100-feet houses built in block, with glass partitions dividing each span of 21§ feet, and these houses are again divided, giving eight divisions, each under thermostatic con- trol. What was in mind when developing the plan was to assist those who intend to make a living by cultivating plants under glass, so that they will be able to get the largest possible crop at the least pos- sible expense, and thus supply plants at the lowest rate. In order to conduct effective ex- periments, crops must be grown on a commercial scale, and marketed in a commercial manner. A considerable quan- tity of each crop must b& pro- duced and placed upon the market. This process must be continued for a number of years, in order that reliable in- formation may be obtained. In our experiments the busi- ness end is kept always in view, not by assuming what we might have got, but by ac- tually placing our produce on the market and competing with growers in general. It always seemed to me that many of the provincial and State-aided experiment sta- tions cut off their work at the business end, simply because some grower feels that to place such goods on the market would infringe on his business. The idea is entirely wrong from every standpoint. It is possible to abuse the practice, but if honestly carried out no one suffers. The only fault I can find with the greenhouses is that they are only about half large enough to carry on efficient work. As an educational in- stitution we have to devote considerable space to demonstration and for the practice of students. Our intention at the start was to erect several styles of construction, but on close investigation it was decided that the difference in form of up- to-date construction, so far as utility goes, is slight, and that a whole range of uniform con- struction, such as the average grower might put up, would be more valuable. Possibly, our experiments to determine some of the best styles of bench are the first of the kind. We have the solid side benches, 2^ feet high, in some cases filled with earth up to the cultivated soil, in other cases with rough excava- * Extracts from an address by Prof. W. S. Blair (Macdonald College, P.Q.). before the Montreal Gardeners' ■anil Florists' Club. tion stone, and in others with cinders. Some of the benches have 2g feet sides, with openings into 2^-ineh tiles, laid closely together below the bench soil, and below these again there is simply soil, excavation stone or cinders. In other benches with 2^ feet sides there are 4-inch open- ings in line 4 inches apart, and 18 inches below the top of the bench, leading into the excavation rock or cinder, which fills the centre of the bed. There are low benches, with simply 8-inch cop- ing, and also elevated benches. These benches are arranged differently in various houses. The object is to determine the most suitable style of bench for different crops, and the best arrange- ment of these benches in the house. In the construction of the benches, we aimed to take up as little space as possible with the thickness of the bench sides. The benches are all made of cinder concrete, reinforced with wire. The bench sides, except of the elevated benches, were made of cement slabs, 3 inches thick at the bottom, and 2 inches at the top ; they are 2 feet 8 inches wide, and 5| feet long. These were made on the flat, and electric weld wire placed in the middle of the slab, allowing 4 inches to pro- ject at each end of the slab. After they were tions. Experiments for the purpose of getting more definite information as to the physical pro- perty of soils best suited to greenhouse crops will be commenced as soon as possible. The best time for benching up different crops has not been determined in our northern dis- tricts, therefore we intend to devote some time to the subject. The selection of cuttings from the most productive plants in order to increase the yield will be studied from a commercial basis. If florists are shown by concrete experiments an increase in bloom equal to 25 cents a plant they will surely pay some attention to this important matter. Then we have the problem of getting pure fresh air into our houses during the cold winter months, when no ventilators can be opened. The question of the amount of moisture in the air during the winter months is also worthy of study. Experiments to determine the temperature at which we can develop different crops most economically during winter is one on whrh several thousand dollars could profitably be ex- pended. There are countless experiments that may be expected to throw light on problems connected with commercial horticulture. But limited space, the need for continuing each experiment over a number of years, and the fact that several dif- ferent experiments cannot be conducted at one time in the same house, will operate to make progress in such matters less quick than we could desire. FlG. 1 10. — ODONTOGLOSSUM XANTHOTES VAR. MRS. F. M. OGILVIE. (See page 257.) well set, they were lifted and taken to the house, set in place, and the wire at the ends hooked to- gether. Thin concrete was then run in between the joints by putting up boards to hold it, and the whole braced on the inside by an occasional cement beam to prevent spreading. We have not been long enough at the work to give any information on the relative merit of these benches, but hope to do so in course of time. The question of the best soil for greenhouses will receive our attention. An experiment that we propose to take up is the growing of a crop on the benches, principally in the summer, for the purpose of leaving fibrous roots in the soil, and by having a rotation of crops, save renewing the bench soil so often. This is impracticable with some crops, but it seems possible that quick-growing, heat-loving plants may be so treated. The physical condition of the soil for various crops has not received the attention the subject deserves ; in this connection we intend to make experiments in which the soil has been incor- porated with chopped alfalfa in varying propor- THE ALPINE GARDEN. WITH RED-FLOWERING SAXIFRAGAS CRUSTED FOLIAGE. From the European Alps and Pyrenees there have been obtained a few interesting members of the genus Saxifraga, which form a distinct sec- tion, having crusted leaves and red flowers. Red flowers are not uncommon in this genus ; they are to be found in the oppositifolia group, as well as in those species belonging to the Megasea sec- tion. These few species, however, combine crusted foliage, red flowers and partly red stems, and are placed by Engler in the section " Kabschia," which includes such well-known garden plants as S. Burseriana and S. apiculata. They are all somewhat similar in habit, and in the form of their flowers, the principal dif- ferences between the species being found in the foliage and inflorescences. They might well be considered widely-divergent geographical forms of one variable species ; but, for garden pur- poses, they are distinct. Given a well-drained, sunny position, in stony soil, they are quite hardy on the rockery ; but, like many early- flowering Saxifragas, may be seen to better ad- vantage when grown in pans and given the shel- ter of a cold house when in flower. The five species comprising the group may be divided naturally into two sections, three having a spicate or subspicate inflorescence, while the other two have branching ones : — Spicate or Subspicate Inflorescence. S. porophylla S. Frederici-Augusti (thessalica) 8. Grisebachii Branching Inflorescence. S. media (calyciflora) S. Stribnryi It seems strange that the two with branching inflorescences should form the two geographical extremities of the group, S. media being found in the Pyrenees, while S. Stribnryi comes from Bulgaria. S. porophylla. — This species is a native of the Italian Alps, where it is found growing on calcareous rocks. The plant forms rosettes of mostly spathulate leaves, one-half to three- April 24, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 259 quarters of an inch in diameter, and produces flower-stems 2 to 3 inches high. These are densely villous and glandular. They are coloured red toward the top, like the flowers, which are sometimes shortly pedicillate, and somewhat bell-shaped, with a contracted mouth, while the calyx is large and almost encloses the corolla. S. Frederici-Augusti (S. thessalica). — This species is evidently the more eastern form of S. porophylla, of which it is sometimes quoted as a synonym. It is found in Greece and Mace- donia. This species differs from S. porophylla in having narrow, acute, strap-shaped leaves, in dense rosettes, one-half to three-quarters of an inch in diameter; they have chalk pits on their margins. The flower-stems in both species are about the same in height, but in S. Frederici- Augusti the flowers are almost sessile. The plant flowers towards the end of April. The name Frederici-Augusti was one of several is figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle, February 21, 1903, p. 123. There is a variety in cultiva- tion with flowers having longer pedicels than the type. S. media (S. calyciflora). — A native of the Pyrenees, where it grows on high, calcareous rocks. The leaves are slightly spathulate and acute. The flower-stems are about 3 inches high, and bear a corymbosely-branched inflorescence, having flowers on relatively long pedicels. The stems, branches and sepals are covered with glandular hairs, and in this species also the calyx is larger than the corolla. S. media is figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 7315. S. Stribnrvi. — This is a recent introduction, having been received from the Belgrade Botanic Gardens by Mr. Farrar. At Kew it came up amongst seeds of S. Grisebachii, which seems to show that the two plants grow together. Although only lately introduced to cultivation, it S. Bertolonii. — This plant was distributed by Mr. F. Sundermann, of Linden, as a hybrid between S. Frederici-Augusti and S. porophylla, but it has more the appearance of a cross be- tween Frederici-Augusti and S. Grisebachii. It is identical with the variety with longer pedicels which appeared amongst seedlings of S. Grise- bachii. The stem is red, with green-tipped bracts, and the inflorescence is nodding. W. I. THE ROSARY. FRAGRANT ROSES. I have always regarded the want of fragrance in a Rose, however beautiful it may be in colour and form, as a serious defect. Such Roses, for example, as Baroness Rothschild, Spenser, and Fig. hi. — pinus muricata, with spreading habit, in royal gardens, kew. (See page 260.) [Photograph by E. J. Wallis, formerly wrongly applied to the yellow-flowered S. apiculata. S. Grisebachii (S. media var. montenegrina). — This Macedonian species is undoubtedly the finest plant in the group, and is a valuable gar- den plant, flowering in March or sometimes earlier. The silvery leaves are produced in handsome rosettes 2 to 2i inches in diameter, while the stems reach a height of 9 inches or even more. At the top is the nodding inflorescence of purplish-crimson flowers, having yellow sta- mens. The coloured stems are furnished with green-tipped, bract-like leaves, and are covered vith white hairs. The flowers remain attractive for a long time before they gradually lose their brilliant colouring. This plant was given an Award of Merit at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society in the spring of 1903, and was found by Stribnrv, after whom it is named, on the rocky mountains of Backovo, in Bulgaria, in 1893. The rosettes of leaves are similar to those of S. Grisebachii, while the inflorescence resembles that of S. media, but it is more branched. The whole stem, branches and flowers are covered with glandular hairs, and more or less tinged with red. There are several recorded hybrids of these species, three occurring in the Pyrenees between S. media X S. aretioides, viz. : — S. ambigua. — Nearest to S. media, with sepals and petals red. S. Lapeyrousei. — Nearest to S. aretioides, with green sepals and yellow petals. S. luteo-purpurea. — Intermediate between the parents. It has red sepals and 3Tellow petals. Her Majesty, however attractive in other respects, lose a great deal in the estimation of many persons by their lack of this attribute. To my mind perfume in a flower is almost as- valuable as colour. There are many cultivators who hold the opinion that Roses which have not, in some degree, the essential element of fragrance- are not worth cultivating. It is much to be regretted that some of our finest dark crimson varieties, such, for example, as Duke of Edin- burgh and its numerous variations, have so little attractiveness in this special direction. The extinction of such scentless pale pink Roses as those which I have indicated need not be regretted so long as we possess more decided' pink varieties of a widely different description, such as Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Mrs. John- Lping, and Mme. Gabriel Luizet. 2oQ THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [April 24, 1909. Most of the hybrid perpetual Roses have fragrance, many of them, however, only to a limited extent. Among the sweetest of these are Marie Banmann, Beauty of Waltham, Crown Prince, and Captain Hayward. The last-named variety was raised by Henry Bennet, and is, perhaps, the most richly fragrant of them all. .Mr. Cranston's Crimson Bedder, which I culti- vate in my garden, is a beautiful, luxuriant, and fragrant Rose. Most of the China, Moss, and Provence varieties possess a delicate aroma. Among these may be mentioned Mme. Laurette Messimy, i en Mali, and Duke of York; Cramoisie Superieure, Anne Marie de Montravel (sweetest in my estimation of the dwarf Poly- ; ill lias, and possessing an odour peculiarly its own). White Bath and Blanche Moreau, the queens of the Moss section; and the eminently beautiful Crested Moss. Very fragrant alike in flower and foliage are the Austrian, Persian, and Penzance Briars. The Penzance Briars are fas- cinating long after they have ceased to bloom. Nearly all the finest Noisettes and Teas have a fragrance which is at once delicate and refined. Of the former may be instanced LTdeal, Lamarque, and the superb Marechal Niel. Of luhrid Noisettes, by far the sweetest (and most profuse in flowering) is Mme. Alfred Carriere. The perfume of Gloire de Dijon is very pleasing ; so also is that of Bouquet d'Or and Belle Lyon- naise Of Tea Roses, perhaps the most attrac- tively fragrant are Souvenir d'un Ami, and Sou- venir de S. A. Prince. Niphetos and Mme. Bravy have exquisite perfume, while Catherine Mermet. Bridesmaid, the Bride, and Muriel Grahame have a fragrance of a very peculiar character, resembling that of a ripe Peach. The most odorous of the Bourbon Roses are Mrs. Paul, Acidale, and Mme. Isaac Pereire. The variety Mrs. Paul was raised at Cheshunt in 1891. It is very vigorous ; the flowers are unique in colour, and have a perfume resembling that of the variety named after "Viscountess Folkestone. The most fragrant of all Roses are the hybrid Teas. The most fascinating are La France, Caroline Testout, Cheshunt Hybrid, Duchess of Albany, Camoens, Viscountess Folkestone, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, White Lady, Bessie Brown, and Reine Marie Henriette. David B. Williamson. a stout spine. The most interesting fea- ture about the cones is the length of time they remain on the branches. Some of the trees at Kew bear cones which must have developed more than a quarter of a century ago. Other Pines have the same character, that frequently ravage the forest regions of the Far West. The cones have undoubtedly the power to preserve the seeds alive during a con- flagration of this kind, and then, by releasing them, to enable a new generation to rise on the ashes of the old trees. But it requires a larger PINUS MURICATA. There are few more interesting hardy Conifers than Pinus muricata, and this in spite of the fact that as a tree to grow for ornament it is not, perhaps, in the very first rank, nor in stateliness of growth does it equal such species as P. Laricio or P. Coulteri. It will thrive in positions where most members of its tribe would die, even in exposed places in the Channel Islands, where it has to withstand the effects of salt laden winds. In inland situations it forms a dense and rather bushy tree with a thick, rugged trunk. In its native habitat in the coast regions of California it grows, according to Sargent, usually 40 to 50 feet high, and occasionally it rises to twice that height. Its power of withstanding sea winds, under cultivation in the British Isles, is an in- herited one, for, according to the same authority, it often occupies positions " on steep bluffs and bold headlands in full sweep of the ocean spray." Pinus muricata was first introduced to Europe by Hartweg, in 1846, although it had been dis- covered by Coulter 15 years previously. The leaves are produced in pairs, each pair being clasped at the base by a persistent sheath ^ inch long; the leaves are from 4 to 7 inches long. The cones measure from 2^ to 3J, inches in length ; they are ovoid in the main, but often oblique through the restricted development of the less exposed side; the scales are armed with Fig. ii2. — pinus muricata: foliage and male inflorescence nat. STAMEN AND POLLEN GRAIN MAGNIFIED. notably P. insignia and P. tuberculata, but nono perhaps so strikingly as P. muricata. The theory has been advanced that this character has tctJi evolved to enable the species to survive the fires that faith than some of us possess to accept all is implied in the theory. The illustration (in fig. Ill) of a single speci- men growing at Kew in the vicinity of the April 24, 1909 ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 2G1 Pagoda shows this Pine in an unusual and, 1 think, attractive form. It has assumed a low- spreading shape, and although the tree is of con- siderable age it is at its tallest only 10 feet high. The branches spread over the ground 30 feet or more and form an irregular mass of rich, ever- green foliage of a pleasing and uncommon aspect, although quite the opposite of a typical well-grown tree. It is in perfect health, and its curious mode of growth is no doubt due to the attacks (at an early stage of its career) of a boring larva which kills many of the winter buds and thus prevents the formation of a leading growth and induces an excessive branching. The process is analogous to the well-known practice of cultivators, who " pinch " the growths of many plants when young, to make them assume a bushy habit. During a visit to the Edinburgh Botanic Garden I was shown a similar instance in the case of Deodar. A group of Deodars, planted many years ago, now form a spreading mass only a few feet high and make a very pleasing effect. lit this case, I believe, the leading growths were originally destroyed by rabbits. IF. J . Sea n . Fig. 113.— branch of pinus muricata bearing cones which remain attached for many years. 262 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 24, 1909. TOWN PLANTING. (Continued from page 220.) Trees intended for planting in towns, and especially alongside streets and footpaths, should be specially prepared in the matter of trans- planting and pruning. As tree guards are a necessity in protecting trees by the sides of streets, the trees must have their stems free of branches, therefore the buds and branches on the stems, for a distance of 6 or 7 feet, need to be removed, whilst surplus lead- ing shoots and ungainly branches should at the same time receive attention in pruning. The tree also needs to be frequently transplanted in order that an abundance of fibrous roots may be pro- duced, and every effort made to produce healthy, vigorous specimens suitable for the ungenial surroundings of their permanent quarters. In street planting it is advisable to plant trees that are from 12-14 feet in height, and if these, for some years previous to their final shift, have been specially prepared in the way of frequent transplanting and careful pruning, little fear for their future welfare need be entertained. Autumn or early spring planting is to be recommended, the former time being in most cases preferable. As little time as possible should be allowed to elapse between the time the tree is lifted in the nursery and its plantation in the new posi- tion. Spread the roots out to their full extent around the stem and avoid planting too deeply ; the nursery line on the stem serves as the best guide for the depth at which to plant. Planting too deeply under the mistaken idea that it will secure the tree in the ground is a fruitful source of decay and ultimate death of many street trees planted in the Metropolis, and it is not uncommon to see whole avenues of trees that have made little or no progress for many years owing to this cause. After a tree has been placed in an upright position on the prepared site and the roots properly dis- posed, the soil should be filled in and trampled firmly both amongst and over the roots. It may be well to warn planters against the pernicious practice of allowing leaves, packing materials, or grassy turf to come in contact with the roots of newly-planted trees. In dry situations a saucer- shaped hollow may be left around the stem of the newly-planted tree, while mulching applied during dry and warm summers is to be recom- mended. The planting of shrubs should be car- ried out with as much care as in the case of trees. It is preferable to trench land in which shrubs are to be planted rather than to make a separate pit for each shrub. Fencing and staking. — In order to prevent damage, newly-planted trees should be fenced and "staked at once. Of fences or guards there are many kinds; they are made of wood, wire, or iron. The iron tree guard has many advantages over those of wood or expanded metal, and being made in two sections it can be readily placed in position after the tree has been planted. For trees from 12 to 14 feet high the guards need not exceed, say, 7 feet in height, ami preference should be given to those in which the uprights are bent outwards at the top, for this not only lessens the risk of inter- ference with the branches, but is pleasing in appearance. Sometimes it may not be con- sidered necessary to protect town trees, par- ticularly such as are growing in side streets or squares, but in every case firm staking is neces- sary in order to prevent damage from wind. Wooden tree guards consist of about half-a- dozen poles or uprights, about 7 feet long, joined together around the tree trunk by means of wire. When compared with those of iron they have, however, several disadvantages, for they may be climbed with ease and they do not last long. Where it is found sufficient to stake the trees without having recourse to guards, Ash poles from 2 to 3 inches in diameter and 10 feet high should be driven firmly into the ground as close to the stem as possible. The tree should be tied with specially prepared tar rope, which should be crossed between the stem and stake to prevent damage by " lhafing. From time to time it will be necessary to see that the band of string does not become too tight. On rare occasions only is it necessary to stake shrubs, but this is some- times needed in exposed positions or in the i of shrubs of unusually large size. .1. I). Web d r. The Week's Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS, By E, Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Melons. — As soon as the fruits on the earliest batch of plants show signs of ripening, the atmo- sphere must be kept drier and more air admitted, the amount of ventilation being determined by the prevailing weather. Do not allow the root- ing medium to become dry too quickly, or the. flavour of the fruits will be impaired. The ap- pearance and flavour are both improved by gathering the fruits a few days before they are required for dessert, storing them in a cool room. Raise a fresh batch of plants so as to have them ready to replace the older ones when they have ripened their fruits. Before planting afresh, the house should receive a thorough cleansing. If woodiice have been trou- blesome, it will be better to clear out all the old soil and manure and then to thoroughly saturate everything with boiling water. Woodiice often cause canker in Melons by injuring the stem of the young plant. After the glass and woodwork have been washed and the walls coated with lime- wash, the house will be ready for planting. This season of the year good crops of Melons may be grown in unheated pits. Hero of Lockinge is a suitable variety for this purpose. Make up a hot-bed of stable-litter and half- decayed leaves, and tread these materials firmly. Towards the head of the pit place mounds of soil on the hot-bed, using loam, mixed with a little old mortar rubble, and crushed bones if the soil is poor. Close the pit early in the afternoon, after spraying the plants with lukewarm rain- water. Stop the points of the leading shoots when they have reached to a foot or thereabouts of the limits of the pit, and when three or four female flowers are open on each plant these should be artificially pollinated about midday. During this stage, keep the atmosphere dry. Cover the lights with mats at night-time, and add fresh litter around the outside of the pits occasionally to maintain the atmospheric temperature at 70°. Ventilate the structure early in the morning to allow the products of fermentation to escape. Strawberries in pots. — Plants which have not, yet been brought into the forcing house will be benefited by receiving diluted manure water at intervals. Remove any dead leaves or weeds that appear in the pots, but do not take them out of the plunging material until they are to be brought indoors. Late, vines. — Attend to the disbudding of late vines before the shoots become large. It must be remembered in the case of late vines that, in order to have the grapes in a good condition over as long a period as possible, an abundance of healthy foliage is necessary, but nevertheless overcrowding cannot be permitted. Give the borders a soaking with diluted liquid manure before the vines open their flowers. Do not leave Strawberries to ripen in late vineries if it can be avoided, as red spider is almost certain to be pre- sent on the Strawberries, and this pest would infect the vines. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Mushrooms. — It is now time to make the beds that are to furnish the summer crop. They should be formed in the coolest place available, none being more suitable than a thatched shed on the north side of a wall or building. The beds are best made on the floor, and if the house is sufficiently wide there should be a central path. In forming Mushroom beds at this season of the year, the manure cannot be made too firm, and it is best not to remove very much of the short litter. In the case of Mushroom beds now in bearing, the structure containing them should not be kept at a higher temperature than 50° or 55°. Beds which have been in bearing for some time should be given copious waterings with diluted liquid manure made from farmyard dung. The paths may be damped with this liquid manure, and the walls, roof, and other bare spaces should be syringed with clear water of the same temperature as the atmosphere of the house two or three times each day. s French Beans. — Plants which are cropping Mri will now succeed best it afforded merely the temperature of an ordinary greenhouse. Thoroughly syringe the foliage twice daily, and. apply manure water at every other watering. Plants raised in small pots may be safely planted out in cool frames, provided the frames are closed early in the day and the lights are covered with protective material at night-time. To ensure a continuous supply until the outside crop is in bearing, one more sowing may be made under glass. Sow the seeds in the frame in which they are to be cultivated. At the same time make a sowing in small pots and transplant the seedlings later into a sheltered border in the open. Lettuce. — Continue to plant out in various parts of the garden plants which have been for- warded under glass, protecting them from slugs, and birds. Fine cinder ashes should be freely used as a preventive of slugs, and black cotton, if stretched fairly tight about 2 inches above the young plants, will provide a defence against, birds. Make further sowings of both Cabbage and Cos varieties about once every 10 days or a fortnight. A suitable position will be found on the centre of the ridges between the rows of Leeks and Celery. Parsley. — Plant out on well-prepared ground those plants which have been raised in heat. To ensure the best results, allow plenty of room — not less than from 10 to 12 inches — between the rows and plants. Make the ground very firm, and apply a thorough dusting with fresh soot. Leeks. — The earliest plants should now be suffi- ciently advanced to be planted out in the trenches. When this has been done means should be taken to draw up the plants so that a. long length of blanched stem will be obtained. This is best done with brown paper collars, which can either be purchased or made at home. Late sowings will need to be pricked off, prior to planting, on a finely-prepared open piece of ground. II ocing. — The soil around all crops should be- frequently hoed, not only to check the growth of weeds, but to break the surface, which is now encrusted. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By J. W. Moorman, Superintendent of Victoria Park, London. Holiday-time in the parks. — During the past- fortnight, the playing fields and grounds have been much occupied by the public, principally school children. On Good Friday and sub- sequent days it appeared in Victoria Park as if every child for many miles around had made its way there. It was a matter of wonder how such a crowd could play together without injuring themselves in their gambols. Such times as these impose a great deal of work on the working staff. Each morning a general clearing up has had to be done.® It is better for this work to be undertaken by fair- sized gangs of men rather than allow the men to work one or two together. The best tool for gathering the larger pieces of paper is a sharp- pointed piece of iron or steel, fixed to a wooden handle. With this a large field can be quickly cleared of litter, but for the smaller rubbish and for clearing paths, &c, the birch broom must be utilised. Refreshment rooms. — The catering is done by contractors, who are required to adopt a tariff of prices fixed by the Council, and no beers, wines, or other alcoholic drinks are permitted to be sold. Most of the larger L.C.C. parks have also first-class refreshment rooms, in which the prices charged are rather higher than in the ordinary rooms. Public meetings in parks. — In some 25 parks and open spaces under the control of the L.C.C, and in those under the control of the Office of Works Department, including Hyde Park and Regent's Park, speakers are allowed to address the public in certain places. In the L.C.C. parks meetings can be held without obtain- ing permission, but sanction must be ob- tained before literature can be sold, whilst before a collection can be taken, it must be shown that it is not for the profit or gain of an individual, but for the benefit of a society. In some cases, music is allowed to be used at these meetings, whilst in other cases it is forbidden. Those who wish to have music must go to the sitef that are reserved for the purpose, and thus they do nut annoy other persons. April 24, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Strawberries. — Employ the Dutch hoe freely between the rows on tine days to destroy seedling weeds, which at this season germinate in great numbers. When the soil is perfectly clear of weeds, apply a dressing of soot and lime about the plants to ward off slugs. After the ground has been made tidy place some clean straw about the plants, but do this before the flower-spikes are far advanced. The straw, besides preventing the fruits from becoming gritty, acts as _ a mulching, and in hot, dry weather is of especial value in preventing the evaporation of moisture from the soil. Very early plants in warm corners or sunny borders will need to have the flowers protected from frost ; if glass lights can be spared they are very suitable for the pur- pose, and will have the effect of hastening the development of the fruits. They can be tem- porarily arranged on wooden supports, or even on large flower-pots. They will need to be re- moved during warm rains or, failing this, arti- ficial watering must be practised. Get the nets and the necessary supports in readiness as work in the fruit garden is not so pressing now as it will be when the Strawberries are expected to ripen. It is more economical to purchase good nets than to buy those of inferior quality merely because they are cheap. In these gar- dens we erect wooden supports or poles about 4 or 5 feet high, and fix a piece of wire netting 3 feet deep all around the ground to be enclosed. On the top we place ordinary fish netting, the lower part of the net meeting the wire netting. This prevents the nets from lying on the ground, and from getting torn. Raspberries. — The soil in the rows between the Raspberries should be hoed the same as advised for Strawberries. The Raspberry is a gross- feeding plant, therefore a heavy dressing of farmyard manure should be placed about the stools if this has not already been applied. As the young shoots develop, they should be thinned, leaving sufficient only to furnish fruit- ing canes for next season, unless new stools are required for planting. Even in this case do not leave very many, or the permanent canes will be weak and unfruitful. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Miltonia vexillaria. — Plants of this well- known Orchid are fast pushing up their flower- spikes, and the young pseudo-bulbs should be making roots from their base. Woodlice are very fond of these roots, and if not diligently sought after and killed, they will destroy every root immediately it becomes visible. These pests may be trapped by laying some pieces of vege- table, such as Potato, Turnip, or Carrot on the surface of the compost. Numbers may also be caught after the plants have been watered, when they frequently appear on the top of the soil. Now that the plants are growing quickly, some •of the leaves will be seen to adhere to each other so firmly as to check growth. When this is ob- served, the leaves should be liberated with a smooth piece of thin wood, or the handle of an ordinary budding knife, taking care at the same time to see that none of the tender young spikes is in any way checked in the axils of the leaves. M. vexillaria thrives well in a cool, light position in the intermediate house. Where no such convenience exists, some growers cultivate the plants in the Cattleya house. As soon as the temperature of the Odontoglossum house rises to 55° by night without the aid of fire heat, the plants should be removed from the warmer house, and if one end of the Odontoglossum house is warmer than the other, let them be placed in that position. From the present time until the flowers open, plants of this Milton ia will require much moisture, both at the root and in the atmosphere. Maxittaria. — In the cool intermediate house ■such plants as Maxillaria grandiflora, M. venusta, M. fractiflexa, M. picta, M. callichroma, M. tenui- folia, M. prsestans, M. ochroleuca, M. Amesiana, M. lepidota, M. striata, M. phcenicanthera, M. scurrilis, M. Turneri, and M. nigrescens should be examined as to their need for more pot room or potting material. Such species as M. San- deriana, M. fuscata. M. Hubschii, M. leucaimata. M. luteo-alba, and others that are now showing for bloom should not be disturbed until they have flowered. Maxillarias may be cultivated in pots or shallow pans, but such species as M. Sanderiana and M. Lindenii, which sometimes push their flowers in a downward direction, like Stanhopeas and Acinetas, should be grown in teakwood baskets. No crocks should be used for drainage, as they would prevent the spikes from coming through the bottom of the basket. All species of .Maxillaria grow well in a mixture of Osmunda and Poly- podium fibre in equal t parts. The materials should be cut up moderately fine and mixed well together. We use no Sphagnum-moss, but mix plenty of very small crocks with the compost. The pots are about half-filled with crocks for drainage, and the plants potted firmly. Re- potted plants must be afforded extra shade from strong sunshine. For several weeks, until the plants are well rooted, merely water around the edges of the pots. Shading cool Orchids. — The inmates of the cool houses will require to be shaded whenever the sun shines on the root, this being especially necessary where canvas blinds only are used. As regards lattice-wood blinds, these do not afford sufficient protection for the Odonto- glossums of the 0. crispum type, as the light admitted through the laths causes the foliage to become far more of a bronzy-red than is desirable. To counteract this, a good plan is to lightly " stipple " the roof glass with a mix- ture of flour and water. The preparation should be painted on when the sun is shining lull on the glass, that the mixture may dry quickly; it is important that the glass should be quite clean and free from dust. This mixture will keep the glass perfectly cool even during the hottest day in summer. Should rain fall before the stippling is well dried on the glass, stop up the stack pipes which lead from the gutters of the roof into the soft-water tanks, or much valuable water will be spoiled. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Fibrous-moled IJriji'iiia ■■'. — The old plants. of Begonia Gloire de Sceaux, B. Mrs. Heal, and similar kinds which have been rested and pruned, have made sufficient growth for the supply of cuttings. If such cuttings are inserted during the next few weeks they will furnish plants to flower next winter and spring. Violets. — Plants should now be propagated to obtain young stock for planting in the frames next October. Some cultivators prefer to employ cuttings, whilst others raise their plants from runners. The former method has the advantage that plants so raised do not produce many run- ners during their cultivation in the frames. Whichever method of propagation is adopted the procedure is very similar. Cuttings or runners are firmly planted out-of-doors in a well-prepared plot of ground, placing the double-flowering varieties at distances of 10 or 12 inches apart. Single-flowered varieties are nearly always pro- pagated from runners, and they should not be planted at closer distances than 15 inches. The soil should be kept moist and the leaves may be sprinkled occasionally with water until root action has commenced. Following this stage, the surface of the ground should be loosened with the hoe at frequent intervals, and the plants should be sprayed frequently towards the close of each afternoon, this latter practice being a useful preventive of red spider. It will be as well to select a site for the plants which is slightly shaded from the mid-day sun, but in no case is excessive shade advisable, its effects being to induce the plants to make fleshy leaves, and thus the ripening of the crowns is hindered. Gerbera Jameson ii. — It is only in the most favoured localities that the beautiful " Transvaal Daisy " can be expected to thrive out-of-doors, but in all districts it is an admirable plant for pot culture in the greenhouse, or it may be planted in frames extending by the side of glass- houses. Seeds may now be sown in moderate heat, and a good proportion of the seedlings may be expected to flower in their second year. Pot plants now flowering should be removed to a cool frame when the flowering stage has passed. After they have been there for a short time, they may be placed out-of-doors on a base composed of ashes, where they may remain during summer and autumn. Gerbera flowers, when cut. are very elegant for vase decoration, possessing un- commonly attractive tints, and having a capacity for lasting fresh for a considerable time. Balsam. — Seeds may be sown thinly in well- drained pans of light, porous soil, which should be placed in a warm house. Prick off the seed- lings into small pots as soon as they are large enough to be handled. Do not allow the plants to become pot-bound until after the final potting. In the process of potting, it is advisable to keep the stem rather lower in the soil than is usual in the case of most plants. Do not pinch the lead- ing growth. Let the surroundings be kept always moist. AcJiimene. — These plants should now be moved into a cooler house, exposing them to a greater degree of light and air, which will tend to strengthen the growths. Some means of support is needed for plants in pots, and slender birch twigs, if placed just inside the rim of the pot, will answer the purpose very well. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Summer bedding plants. — These should be re- moved to cool frames in order to harden them gradually. On sunny days the lights should be entirely removed, placing them in position again at about 5 p.m. If the ground intended for planting Calceolarias is vacant, these plants may now be planted. Place them rather closely to- gether, unless it is intended to mix other plants with them at a later date. Violets. — Cuttings that were rooted two months ago are sufficiently developed to be placed in the open. Select a rich piece of land and mix plenty of soot and bonemeal with the surface soil. The planting should be done with a trowel, plac- ing the plants in lines drawn at about 18 inches apart. A space of 15 inches may be allowed be- tween each plant in the rows, excepting in the case of such single-flowered varieties as the Prin- cess of Wales type ; these require to be placed 18 inches apart. Plant firmly, and should the weather at the time of planting be dry, sprinkle the foliage occasionally, with water. After mak- ing the ground tidy, place a label against each variety. Among the more useful varieties for all purposes are Princess of Wales (rich violi t), La France, Admiral Avellan. Wellsiana, Comte de Brazza, Marie Louise, Neapolitan, and Lady Hume Campbell. Amaryllis Belladonna- — Fork the ground lightly around the bulbs of these plants and apply* a sprinkling of soot and bonemeal. If the ground is in a warm, dry situation, afford copious waterings at intervals. Agapanthus umbellatus. — The present is a suitable time to overhaul these plants. Clear away any dead or decaying foliage, and remove the old soil down to the roots, replacing it with some fresh loam. Ram the soil as tightly as pos- sible. The Agapanthus, when planted in green tubs, are excellent subjects for placing on terrace walks or around the edges of ornamental water. Lobelia cardinalis. — The plants should be placed in their summer quarters, and any which have remained out-of-doors all the winter should be given a little fresh soil, containing some fine leaf -mould. Lilium. — The various species of Lilium will be starting into growth, especially those growing on sunny borders. A dusting with soot will help to keep slugs from the plants. Slugs may also be trapped with cabbage leaves and similar bait. General work. — Bulbous plants that have finished flowering may be planted in the wild garden, or amongst shrubs. Plants of Cerasus, Lilac and species of Prunus that have been forced should be pruned rather severely and planted out-of-doors in moderately rich soil. They will make useful plants for forcing again in two years. It is time to graft Rhododendrons, and to sow seeds of these plants and Azaleas. Trans- plant Mignonette from boxes for flowering early out-of-doors. Where Sarracenias are cultivated in the open the plants should be afforded some Sphagnum-moss. Pinguicula, Darlingtonia and Drosera are insectivorous plants requiring simi- lar treatment. They associate well with the cotton grass, Eriophorum angustifolium. 264 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 24, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming^ should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London, Communications should be written on one side only of thk papkr, 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. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending neivspapers should be carefulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does not Undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editor does not hold himself responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.- The Editor will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c, but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sendittgto the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, APRIL 27— Huntingdonshire Daffodil and Spring Fl. Sh. in Corn Exchange, Huntingdon. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28— Nat. Auricula Soc. (Midland Sec.) Exh. Roy. Hort. Soc. Exam, of School Teachers in Cottage and Allot. Gard. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich — 48'9°. Actual Temperatures: — London. — Wednesday, April 21 (6 p.m.): Max. 58°; Min. 39". Gardeners'' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden London — Thursday, April 22 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 297 ; Temp. 5y ; Weather- Sunshine. Provinces. — Wednesday, Apiil 21 (6 p.m.): Max. 55° Ireland N.W.; Min 42° Durham. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY— Perennials, Border Plants, Liliums, and other Bulbs, Ferns, &c, by Protheroe & Mocris, at 67 S: 6S, Cheapside, E.C., at 12. WEDNESDAY— Herbaceous and Border Plants, Liliums and other plants and bulbs, at 12 ; Palms, Plants, Ferns, &c, at 4 ; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. FRIDAY— Imported and Established Orchids, Orchids in flower and bud, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Mums, at 12.45. In recent years the use of aeety- Acetylene lene gas for lighting purposes in Gas Refuse comltry houses has greatly in- Manure. creased. The generator is usually situated in the garden, and therefore the gardener is required to look after it. Acetylene generators yield a large quantity of refuse, and, judging from the enquiries which from time to time are ad- dressed to us as to the manurial value of this waste material, there seems to be considerable doubt as to its composition. The fact that it is composed almost entirely of slaked lime has led to its being regarded as of equal value to lime for use as a manure. That it is not quite the same as lime is obvious to the senses both of the eyes and nose. These differences are due to the presence of small quantities of impurities in the original calcium carbide used in the preparation of the gas. The impurities may greatly reduce the value of the refuse for manure, and even make it positively injurious to plant life. The following experiments, carried out at the Wye Experimental College, seem to indicate that this is the case. In the first place an experiment was conducted as follows : — Twelve 5-inch pots were filled with soil containing a large proportion of leaf-mould. The pots were divided up into six lots, each lot containing two pots. To the soil of one of the lots 1 per cent, by weight of the dry, powdered refuse was added, and thoroughly mixed with the soil. Four more of the lots treated received 10 per cent., 20 per cent., 30 per cent., and 50 per cent, of the' refuse respectively. The sixth lot received none, and therefore it acted as a check or control. In each pot eight Mustard seeds were sown, the pots being stood in a cool house. After 14 days the pots presented the follow- ing appearance : — In the pot in which no refuse was used, and also in that which contained 1 per cent., all the seeds had germinated, and 16 well-developed seedlings were showing. In that to which 10 per cent, was added only two seedlings had appeared. They were both small. In the other three lots no seeds had germinated. After 15 days one plant had died in the pots containing 1 per cent., one more seed- ling had appeared in the pots with 10 per cent., and one in those containing 20 per cent. The plants were now distributed as fol- lows : — The control pots had 16 seedlings. The pots containing 1 per cent, of refuse, 15 seedlings, slightly smaller than those in the control pots. In the pots containing 10 per cent, there were three seedlings, in those containing 20 per cent, one seedling, and in those with 30 per cent, and 50 per cent, there were no seedlings. On the 17th day the condition of affairs had altered as follows : — In the control pots 16 plants showed the rough leaf, in the pots containing 1 per cent, of refuse there were 13 plants showing rough leaf and one weakly seedling ; in those containing 10 per cent, there were three seedlings, whilst there were none at all in the other pots. On the 21st day the experiment was stopped, as it was thought that no further germination would take place. At this stage only lots known as 0 per cent., 1 per cent., and 10 per cent, contained plants. There were 16 plants in lot 0 per cent, and 13 in lot 1 per cent. The plants were equal in size and appeared equally healthy. In lot 10 per cent, there were only three seedlings of small size, none of them showing rough leaf. These experiments are not extensive enough to base any conclusion upon, but they indi- cate that carbide refuse has a marked effect on germination. This process is almost entirely stopped where 20 per cent, is present in the soil, greatly lessened and retarded with 10 per cent., and slightly so even with only 1 per cent. The seedlings which died showed a shrivelling of the hypocotyl close to the Boil, closely resembling damping off, but the fungus which causes this disease was not present. It was now desired to see if the refuse had a bad effect on older plants. For this purpose Mustard plants showing two rough leaves were used. The same pots were used as in the experiment already described. All the plants were removed from the pots except that three plants were left in one each of the pots of lots 0 per cent., 1 per cent., and two in one of the 10 per cent. In one each of the vacant pots of all the lots, three of the Mustard plants were planted. The arrangement was now as fol- lows : — Lot 0 per cent, contained one pot with three transplanted plants and one pot with three of the original plants. Lot 1 per cent, was the same as 0 per cent. Lot 10 per cent, was the same, except that there were only two origi- nal plants. Lots 20 per cent., 30 per cent., and 50 per cent, each contained one pot with three transplanted plants. On the third day the condition of the plants was as follows : — Those in lots 20 per cent., 30 per cent., and 50 per cent, had all shrivelled at the base of the stem, fallen over and died. In the other lots all the plants were growing. On the 15th day the plants in lot 0 per cent, were all healthy. The average height in both pots was about 7 inches. Lot 1 per cent, was similar, except that the average height of the plants was only about 5 inches. Lot 10 per cent, by this time was showing the effect of the refuse. In the trans- planted pot there were three plants about 2 inches high. Unlike the plants in the pre- ceding lots, their cotyledons had entirely withered. In the original pot the two plants still survived. They were about H inches high and carried very dark green leaves. The final observations were made on the 35th day : — In lot 0 per cent, the plants we»e in full flavour. The average height was 22 inches, the transplanted plants being a little the smaller. Those in lot 1 per cent, were similar to the 0 per cent, plants, but were smaller, the transplanted plants having an average height of 20 inches, whilst the original ones measured 17 inches. The plants of lot 10 per cent, were not in flower, and were considerably smaller. The three transplanted plants ranged in height be- tween 10 and 5 inches, whilst in the original pot the two plants were only 6 inches and 2 inches high respectively. From this experiment it is seen that the amount of growth was inversely proportional to the amount of carbide refuse present. Even 1 per cent, had a bad effect, whilst 20 per cent, completely prohibited growth. From this it appears that care should be exercised in the use of the material as a manure. We do not know if any definite cultural experiments have been made in the garden, but the refuse has been applied to various garden crops during the last live years and no marked improvement of the crop has been noticed, although the soil was one which should respond to lime — being sandy and heavily dunged. In some oases bad results have followed its use. On two occa- sions .Strawberries have failed badly after treatment with the refuse. Until further experiments have been carried out cultivators are recommended to use great caution. Our Supplementary Illustration repre- sents a specially well-cultivated specimen of Vanda ccerulea in the gardens of Brougham Hall, Penrith. Mr. W. Anton, the gardener, informs us that the photograph was taken on December 18 last. The plant had 12 racemes, which bore an aggregate of 109 flowers, all perfectly de- veloped. The sepals and petals were pure white on opening, but a tinge of blue developed with age, the lip being deep blue. The specimen be- ing cultivated in the cooler end of one of the hottest houses, the atmospheric temperature is about equal to that which Orchidists term an intermediate house. Apkii. 24, 1S03.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 265 Royal Horticultural Society.— In respect to the Orchids at the coming Temple Show, we are requested to state that attention has been drawn to the possibility of misunderstanding arising from the use of the word " unre- stricted " in Classes 1, A and B. It must, there- fore, be clearly understood that the word is gov- erned by Rule 4, which gives 200 square feet as the maximum. In other words, Classes 1, A and B, are unrestricted in size only, so long as they do not exceed the 200 square feet per- mitted by the rule. Journal of the Kew Guild.— Somewhat belated, but none the less interesting, this little brochure relating the doings of Kew men past and present appears for the sixteenth time. Much of its contents is necessarily of most interest to members of the Guild, such as the record of the social gatherings, the report of the sports club and the information concerning the alleged grievances of the present staff. But the doings of those members now working in remote parts of the world are of quite a different character. Letters from these men give the reader an idea of the gardening in such places as the White Nile, in Honolulu, Lucknow, and Rho- desia. One member writes from a point 220 miles south of Khartoum. He is the only white man in the district, " looking to break the monotony, in the advent of tourists." The frontispiece is an excellent portrait of Mr. George Massee, Chief of the Cryptogamic Section in the Herbarium at Kew. The accom- panying text is from Mr. MasSEe's pen and re- cords, in characteristic style, the chief events in his career. Another illustration is a group of the permanent staff taken in December, 1906. The same picture was reproduced in the Gardeners' Chronicle, January 6, 1906. No fewer than six of the group, namely, Sir W. T. T. Dyer, Mr. W. B. Hemsley, Dr. D. H. Scott, Mr. J. F. Duthie, Mr. W. Hackett, and Mr. J. Stocks have since retired from Kew. We learn that the journeyman gardeners now have half their wages withheld during sickness, but it may be assumed that on some occasions such sick- ness may be caused by working in high tempera- tures such as that which is maintained in the Palm House. The number of visitors to the garden in 1908 was 2,710,220. The obituary list includes Mr. George Nicholson, who was cura- tor of the -aniens from 1886 to 1901, and Mrs. R. Warh, who, as Miss Jessie Newsham, worked as a student at Kew for 16 months. Exhibition of Garden Pictures. — At tne New Dudley Gallery ill Piccadilly an exhibition of garden pictures will be on view from the 20th until the 29th inst. The exhibition will contain landscapes in water-colour by Miss Alswen* Montgomerie, water-colour drawings of the Isles of Scilly by the Misses Dorrien-Smith, and sketches at home and abroad by Lady Mabel Sowerby. The drawings by the Misses Doriuen- Smith are specially interesting to gardeners and others who have visited the famous gardens at Tresco Abbey. Seedsmen and the Sale of Poisons. — According to the Glasgow Herald, considerable • correspondence has passed between the secretary of the North British Branch of the Pharmaceuti- cal Society and the Dalkeith Town Council con- cerning the new Poisons and Pharmacy Act. All the registered chemists in Dalkeith had inti- mated to the secretary that they were prepared to sell the poisonous substances referred to in the Act, and, therefore, he held, the occasion for granting licenses to any other persons did not arise. He submitted that the Town Council had acted somewhat prematurely in disposing of any ■application for a license under the Provisional Order, which had not been formulated, and he suggested that the matter should be reconsidered. The clerk made a statement at a meeting of the Town Council on the 12th inst. in connection with the granting of applications of Dalkeith seedsmen, and it was agreed that these mer- chants should have their licenses confirmed on fulfilling the conditions now made known in the schedule, as it was felt by the councillors that these firms who had been trading in the articles in question for a long period could not now be reasonably prevented from supplying the de- mands of their customers. Gardeners Royal Benevolent Institu- tion.—In aid of this Institution Mr. Edward Sherwood will give a new musical play on May 12 neat entitled " In Cyderland." The play has been written by Mr. R. Cary Tucker, and the music is by Mr. Edward Sherwood. The per- formance will take place at the Cripplegate Theatre, Golden Lane, London, E.G. A full or- chestra, by the courtesy of " The Hurst & Son " Musical Society will be present, under the direc- tion of the composer. Tickets may be obtained from 3s. to 10s. 6d. each from Mr. N. N. Sher- wood, Dunedin, Streatham Hill; Mr. G. J. Ingram, 175, Victoria Street, Westminster; or Mr. Edward Sherwood, 152, Houndsditch. Re- membering that the funds of the Royal Gar- deners' Benevolent Institution are greatly in need of help, we hope as many of our readers as can will help Mr. X. X. Sherwood to make this event successful. Shipwrights Patent Adjustable Tap Union. - Our attention is directed by a correspon- dent to this patent tap union. It has been de- signed to obviate the tendency of the ordinary hose union to blow off the tap. The union con- sists of upper and lower plates drawn t' by two small thumb-screws, one on each side of the union; between the plates a moulded band of rubber is fitted, and being enclosed on the upper, lower, and outsides, it expands when the plates are drawn together on the inner side against the surface of the tap. forming a joint which is per- fectly watertight and one that will stand any pressure without allowing the union to be blown off the tap. Perhaps some of our readers have i tins new union i. trial? Jamaican Plants for Glasgow. — The Glasgow Parks Committee have accepted an offer by Professor F. O. Bower, of Glasgow Univer- sity, to send to the corporation a collection of rare plants from the island of Jamaica, which he intends visiting in July to study the Fern flora. The Bulb Show at Hillegom. — The 30th anniversary of the Hillegom section of the Gen- eral Society of Dutch Bulbgrowers is now being celebrated by a flower show in the open ground in the Hof Gardens, at Hillegom. The show was opened on Thursday, April 8, by the Mayor of Hillegom. On account of the late season, but few flowers were then fully deve- loped, but the arrangement of the beds and bor- ders showed that the exhibition will be interest- ing when the flowers are at their best. The show will remain upon until May 8. Hyacinths, Tulips, and Narcissus are expected to be in full bloom before that time. A Botanical Garden in East Java. — In an interesting note, dated January 18, written by Mr. Buysman, from Hortus Tenggerensis, Lawang, Java, the writer states : — We are now experiencing the rainy season, and almost every day the water pours down, not continuously, but mostly in showers A dry day, however, is a rare thing now ; nevertheless, the tem- perature has not been lower than 16° C, and the lowest daily maximum observed was 18^° C ; the mean for December was 19.05° C. Ve tkms grows rapidly. Among European plants, the common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) grows as luxuriantly here as in Europe; the same is the case with Bellis perennis, except m the rainy season, when the Daisy does not fl iwer. Ceratonia Siliqua (the Carob tree) ci a ies to grow in the rainy season, but starts again in the dry season. Many European plants grow very slowly when sown in the open, but do well when cultivated in pots and protected from rain. Of Lilies, L. longiflorum and L. tigrinum do best. Spesies of Iris rarely flower. Melilotus species grow well, but only M. italica has flowered up to the present. Tropaeolum majus, Mirabilis Jalapa, and Thunbergia alata are weeds of the roadside; as also are Oxalis sensi- tiva and Isoloma longiflorum. These plants must be escapes from cultivation. The same is the case with Cyphomandra betacea, known here as terong blanda (Dutch Solanum). This latter plant is largely cultivated in Java. Furcrjea gigantea is beginning to escape from gardens, as is Moiitbretia crocosmoeflora. Verbena hybrids, Dahlia variabilis and Tritoma Uvaria flower the whole year round. Escaped Roses are seen everywhere. Begonia ricinifolia is always flower- ing, with stems of 1 to 1^ metres m height; Gar- denia florida flowers the greater part of the year. Cannas are common in gardens everywhere; Wheal. Barley, Oats, and Rye all do well, even in the rainy season. They produce an abundance of seeds, but thej are not cultivated, because Sugar, Coffee, and Rice at present pay better. I presume, however, that these grains will be culti- ere long, as trials have been made here on at'elatively large scale, with good results. Euro- pean Grasses flourish and produce abundance of ripe seeds. Narcissi, Hyacinths, and Tulip species do not flower, but they produce luxuri- ant foliage. N. Pseudo narcissus, howi flowered this year in the drj season, and, see- ii. that the flowers were normal, it is curious that it blooms so seldom. Papaver Rhceas, Esch- scholt/.ia californica, and hundreds of othi nuals flourish. The must interesting feature, however, is the growing and flowering of suc- c ulents in this most humid climate. Publications Received. Arnold Arbore* turn. Harvard University. A map showing bow the trees are grouped in this famous arboretum. — The Academy of Natural Sc ences of Phila- delphia Annual Reports, 1908. Uganda Pro- tectorate Annual Report on the Botanical, Forestry, and Scientific Department for the year ending March 31, 1908, by M: T. Have (Uganda : Government Press, Entebbe) — Trans- vaal Department of Agriculture Annual Report, 1907-8. (Pretoria: Government Printing and Stationery Office). — Twenty-First Annual Re- port of the Agricultural Experiment Stations of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College for 1908, by W. R. Dodson, Director. (Baton Rouge : The New Advocate, Official Journal of the State of Louisiana). — The Western New York Horticultural Society Proceedings of the Fifty-Fourth Annual Meeting, held at Rochester, NY., Wednesday and Thursday, Jan- uary 27 and 23, 1909. (Rochester, NY. : Demo- crat and Chronicle Press). — The Queensland Agricultural Journal. (March.) (Brisbane : Department of Agriculture and Stock). — Thirty- Ninth Annual Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario, 1908. (Toronto: Ontario Department of Agriculture). — Imperial Depart- ment of Agriculture for the West Indies Re- ports en the Botanic Station, Agricultural Instruction, and Experiment Plots, Grenada, 1907-8. (Barbados: Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies). Price 3d. — Bird Notes and News. (London: 3, Hanover Square, W ). — The Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales. (Sydney; Government Printer), Price 6d.— 77ie Cultivation and Preparation of Para Rubber, by W. H. Johnson. (London : Crosby, Lockwood & Son). Price 7s. 6d. net. — 26G THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [April 24, 1909. — Report on the Meteorological Observa- tions made at Victoria Park, Swansea, daring the year 1908, by Daniel Bliss, Superintendent of Parks, Swansea. — The Forest Flora of New South Wales, by J. H. Maiden. Vol. IV., Part 3. (Sydney : Government Printer). Price Is.— Journal of the Royal Society of Arts. (April.) (London: George Bell & Sons). — The Agricultural Journal. (March.) (Cape Town : Cape Times.) Price 6d —Proceedings of the Agri- Horticultural Society of Madras, July to September, 1908. (Madras: Higginbotham & Co.).— New York Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, N.Y. Bulletin No. 307 : Potato Spraying Experiments in 1907, by P. 0. Stewart, G. T. French, and P. A. Sirrine. Bulletin No. 308 : Methods of Paying for Milk at Cheese-Factories, by L. L. Van Slyke. Bulletin No. 309 : Variety Test of Strawberries and Cul- tural Directions, by 0. M. Taylor. Bulletin No. 310 : Directors' Report for 1908, by W. H. Jordan. Bulletin No. 311 : Potato Spraying Experiments in 1908, by F. C. Stewart, G. T. French, and F. A. Sirrine. Bulletin No. 312: The Tussock Moth in Orchards, by W. J. Schoene. Bulletin No. 313 : Inoculation and Lime as Factors in Growing Alfalfa, by H. A. Harding and J. K. Wilson. Published by the Station.— Fifth Re- port of the Board of Commissioners of Agri- culture and Forestry of the Territory of Hawaii for the year ending December 31, 1908. (Honolulu: The Hawaiian Gazette Co., .Ltd.). — Conservation of Hawaii's Natural Resources before the Legislature Session of 1909. ( Hono- lulu : The Hawaiian Gazette Co., Ltd.). — Fiel .' Experiments at the Harper-Adams Agricul- tural College, Newport, Salop, and in Stafford- shire. Joint report for season 1908. (Newport, Shropshire: Bennion Home, Smallman & Co., Ltd., Printers, &c.l. — Proceedings of the Aca- demy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Vol. LX., Part III. July to December, 1908. (Philadelphia : The Academy of Natural Sciences). NURSERY NOTES. white band extending down the centre. Oving- ton is a scarlet flower, of fair size ; Nysa is a good, dark-crimson flower of capital form ; Marcus is also crimson, and unexcelled in the form of the flower ; this variety has obtained an Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, and is shown in fig. 114. Neila is scar- let, with a white band on two of its segments ; Julian is a very large crimson variety, having an orange-coloured tint, with white rays and cen- tral band on each of the segments. Gamos is of an orange-scarlet tint, with a yellowish-green tinge at the base of the segments ; Idothea is a finely-formed crimson self ; Queen Alexandra has a white flower flamed with bright scarlet. Seed- ling No. 9 is one of many derived from one seed-pod. It has a light-red flower with greenish rays and a decided orange tint. Hfra is a very large crimson variety with a yellow- tinge in the middle of the segments ; Optima is a scarlet self, with a band of white on all the segments excepting the lowermost. Ravenna is of royal scarlet colour; Lodore is a flower of a HIPPEASTRUMS AT CHELSEA. On a recent visit to the Royal Exotic Nursery in the King's Road, Chelsea, the chief establish- ment of Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., I was especially interested in the Hippeastrums, which were opening nicely into bloom. These plants are accommodated in a light, span-roofed house 60 feet in length and 22 feet in width. In the middle is a central bed 7 feet in width, with a narrow gangway for the convenience of the gar- dener in applying water, and inspecting the plants. There are likewise other beds of 3^ feet in width, for the plunging of younger bulbs. Beneath the beds are hot-water pipes to heat the plunging materials. The plants that were in bloom were chiefly those of crimson, scarlet, or pink colours, and many of the. lighter-coloured varieties were showing colour in the bud and would soon be expanding. These handsomely- formed cross-bred Hippeastrums are the de- scendants of the Brazilian species H. Leopoldii, which gave the fine form to the race. The species has creamy-white flowers with a crimson centre, the tips of the segments being white. H. Leopoldii was crossed with H. X Empress of India, a hybrid raised in Holland, and from this cross the present race has descended. The efforts of the firm are now largely directed to the production of a good yellow-coloured variety, and indications of that colour are to be noticed in some of the newest varieties, but only in a minor degree. Among fully-expanded flowers the following varieties were conspicuous : — Sybil is a large flower with a white ground netted with crimson and furnished with a white lower segment ; Cerebus, flowering for the first time, is a handsome crimson flower, but is not of a first-class shape, the segments being narrow, and the points too pronounced. Lavacea is a pure crimson self, without the least trace of other colour, and it is cf perfect form. The variety Acme develops an immense scarlet flower, the wide segments having a mens for sitting-room and dinner-table adorn- ment. Fine specimens of D. Goldiana stood at the back of the bed, and smaller ones of D. San- deriana were dotted about. The main stock of Orchids is cultivated at the Langley nursery. In the Orchid house at Chelsea there were some plants in bloom, including Odon- toglossum crispum, Cymbidium Lowianum, sev- eral Dendrobiums ; Pleione pogonioides, a low- growing Chinese species, bearing light-purple flowers ; Maxillaria luteola, and a great number of forms of Cattleya Schroderae. The Rockery house was delightfully furnished with Adiantums in great variety, Asparagus plumosus, ornamental-leaved Begonias, &c. Anthuriums formed an interesting display. Many of the plants were furnished with their showy spathes, especially the species A. Sclier- zerianum and its varieties. Others in bloom in- cluded Duvivierianum, Madame Dalliere, Roth- schildianum, and Wardii, also varieties of A. Andreanum. The show house was gay with many of the finest varieties of Camellia, FlG. II4. — HIPPEASTRUMS AT CHELSEA. At back, Enid, white with a little red colour in centre; at front, Omar, red with white stripes; to the left-hand, Romola, orange-scarlet ; and at right, Marcus, crimson. deep crimson tint, having a tinge of purple in it. Tamos has a white flower rayed with scarlet — a very fine variety ; Adia is white, with some faint red lines on the segments ; Vidette is a dark crimson-coloured variety, with segments greatly reflexing ; Quirites has prettily-tesselated segments of a crimson colour. Titan is a large- flowered variety ; the upper segments are white, striped with crimson, the lower segments white with the points well reflexed. There are three other varieties, in addition to Marcus, shown in our illustration, namely, Enid, a white flower with slightly coloured centre ; Romola, a self- coloured flower of orange-scarlet tint ; and Omar, a red flower with white stripes. The plants are in splendid condition, with strong vigorous foliage. They are well rooted, most of the bulbs being seedlings 2£ years old and flowering for the first time. The best varieties and species of Dracaenas, perfect plants in most instances, filled one of the small houses. I noted the narrow-leaved varie- ties The Queen, Duchess of York, Doucettii, Ernestii, and marginata rosea in excellent speci- Rhododendron indicum, and N. sinense Staphy- lea colchica, finely-grown and flowered Lilacs, Viburnum Opulus, Streptosolen Jamesonii (ad- mirably flowered for the time of year), Prunus in variety, Narcissus, Tulips, Lily of the Valley, and Mignonette. F. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH'' GARDEN. The Carrots in the frames have been cleaned and thinned. The frames are now ventilated day and night. If the Cauliflowers are growing very fast among the Carrots the lights car. be raised by placing them on 5-inch pots or bricks. In this case a good watering must be given before the lights are tilted, as it is very difficult to apply water after the lights have been arianged that way. This method is only practised in small gar- dens ; in larger ones cultivators prefer to lift the frames and lights a few inches from the ground. We are now planting one Cauliflower under each cloche. April 24, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 267 The Cos Lettuces under the cloches require careful shading in the middle of the day, but this must not be excessive or it will cause the Lettuces growing between the cloches to become drawn. The space under the rim of the cloche must be kept well opened for ventilation. We are just finishing our planting of Cos Let- tuces in the open ground. These plants were raised on hot-beds early in January, and are as forward as those raised in December, which are late, owing to the bad weather which prevailed in February and March. Endive "La Rouennaise" is now being planted in beds measuring 12 feet wide and 70 feet long. The ground has been well prepared and manured. The plants are set 10 inches apart each way. Care is taken not to set the plants too deeply. The first batch of Melons is now well estab- lished, and they are given ventilation in the middle of the day. We have lined the frames with hot manure to maintain a good heat in the beds. Melon plants intended for the main batch are doing well. We stop them at different times in order that the fruits may not ripen all at once. We have received the manure for the making of the hot-beds, as we expect to start the final plant- ing early next week. This operation will be the chief work next month, and must be carried out as quickly as possible. The Passion Lettuces which were planted in the unheated frames are now hearting, and will therefore require plenty of water. The Turnips growing in frames must be given ample ventilation during the day and night as the frames and lights will soon be removed for the Melons. The soil must always be kept moist. We are now pricking off for the second time our strongest Tomato plants, putting 100 plants in each light. The soil is made very firm at the roots, and the plants are set deeply to induce new roots to grow from the stem. The lights are kept closed and shaded for two or three days after the planting is done. /'. Aquatias. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Perpetual - flowering Carnations. — In his excellent article on Perpetual-flowering Car- nations (see p. 241), Mr. Weston mentions the variety Harlowarden as being the best of its colour. Another crimson variety of compara- tively recent introduction is Gwladys. This plant flowers very freely, and the blooms are perfect in form, being even larger than those of Harlowarden. The variety has long, strong stems, smooth-edged petals, and rich Clove scent. J. Johnson. Griselinia littoralis. — I notice that several writers in the Gardeners' Chronicle have re- cently referred to this plant. E. M. states on p. 234 that he has seen many plants of this species killed by frost. My experience here is that even small seedlings are perfectly hardy. I have twice planted G. lucida var. macrophylla in the open, and each time it has been killed by frost, (r. J. P. Mayor, Lanullen, St. Tudy, Cornwall. Grafting or Budding the Lilac. — In the Gardeners' Chronicle for April 17 is a valuable caution from a correspondent against using Lilacs worked on Privet stocks for forcing pur- poses. Apart from other considerations, my ex- perience of the Lilac when grafted on the Privet stock is that the plants are apt to die suddenly without any apparent cause, whether employed for forcing or for planting out-of-doors. Nearly all the dwarf, bushy plants sent to this country from abroad, which are intended for flowering in pots, are grafted or budded on the common Lilac, and they usually make effective specimens. It is, however, necessary to keep a sharp look-out for the removal of suckers, and doubly so if the plants are afterwards placed in the shrubbery border where suckers quickly detract from the vigour of the specimen. Such being the case, I much prefer Lilacs on their own roots, though they are sometimes difficult to obtain in this form. Continental nurserymen are notoriously fond of grafting, whether this is necessary or not, but in the catalogue of Mons. Lemoine et Fils occur the following words: — "Our Lilacs are not grafted." As this firm raised nearly all the double-flowered forms and some of the single ones, the fact that they have discontinued graft- ing is strongly in favour of plants on their own roots. II'. The Vacant Land Cultivation Society. ■ — The work of this society during its first sea- son has been so successful in actual, tangible re- sults, that it confidently appeals to the public for help. From landowners or their agents, we solicit the loan of unused and vacant plots of land, no matter where, in the metropolis or country. We agree to deliver up such lands within seven days, whenever called upon to do so by the owners or their agents. From seedsmen, growers and mer- chants we solicit seeds and plants, hoes, shovels, spades and rakes for the use of our cultivators. From bait-stable proprietors we ask contributions of manure and street-sweepings. From those able and willing to subscribe money in large or small amounts we solicit donations, on the assur- ance that none will go in the usual form of charity, but to provide opportunity for the heads of poor families to grow their own food by their own work, without any stigma attaching to them of receiving alms. The society requires £2,000 for the present season's work. Joseph /■'■/-, Hon. Sec. Himalayan Rhododendrons at Tremough, Penryn. — There is now a magnificent display of Himalayan Rhododendrons at Tremough. Penryn, Cornwall, where Mr. R. Gill has specialised in these beautiful plants for a great many years. One of the early owners of Tre- mough was the late .Mr. Shilson, who formed the lovely garden at Trevarrick, St. Austell, now in the occupation of Mr. Martin P. Hiuhins, of Sweet Pea fame. Mr. Shilson was a great lover of Rhododendrons, and his name is commemo- rated in the splendid hybrid Rhododendron Shil- sonii, which was obtained from a cross between 11. barbatum and R. Thomsonii. Among many beautiful Rhododendrons which I noted at Tre- mough during my visit at mid-April were tin' following: — An unnamed cross between R. Griffithiauum and R. Johnsonii, a large flower of charming colouring, blush with bright rose edge, Triumph (Aucklandii x Thom- sonii), a noble hybrid with immense carmine flowers: R. barbatum, a grand scarlet flower; Duchess of Corn .vail, carmine-rose, fine pyramidal truss ; a form of R. Thomsonii with a red calyx, the flower bearing a strong resemblance to Lapa- geria rosea : Nuttallii, having huge white flowers with faint lemon suffusion ; < lountess of Hadding- ton, blush-coloured with long tube ; several forms of Shilsonii, with very rich, decided colours, and the small but charming blush-coloured ciliatum. Mr. Gill has a good stock of young plants of such interesting Rhododendrons as Wightii argenteum, glaucum and racemosum ; likewise of that splen- did plant Embothrium coccineum. He imports seed of Rhododendrons from the Himalayas. The Tremough Rhododendrons ought to be good until nearly the end of May this year, as the season is late. The place is within three miles of Fal- mouth, w. J', ir. Common Musk. — Is there such a thing now as a Common Musk with the old Musk perfume? Many friends of mine contend that there is not, and I myself am sceptical. T. Smith, Newry. Evergreen Ampelopsis. — I enclose a frag- ment of a plant which I believe is an evergreen species of Ampelopsis. The plant has grown for some 20 years here against an east wall, the soil being very poor. It has never received protection during cold weather. G. J. P. Mayor, Lamel- hit. St. Tudy, Cornwall. [The specimen sent is Yitis striata. This species was not included on p. 240 in the list of tender evergreen species, for although in a few favoured places in the south- west counties it can be grown successfully on a wall, it is not generally hardy, and will not suc- ceed out-of-doors in the neighbourhood of Lon- don. It is a native of the most southern part of Brazil, on the borders of Uruguay, and forms a neat growing plant with small compound leaves. In a few gardens in Cornwall fine examples exist, notably at Tregothnan, near Falmouth. A few years ago, in September, a specimen in that gar- den was heavily laden with small black fruits of handsome appearance. The species has several synonyms and has been called Cissus striata and Ampelopsis sempervirens. It is probable that the evergreen species mentioned on p. 240 will thrive in any garden where V. striata is known to succeed. — Eds.] Onions for Market. — I regret A. D. should think me a wet blanket. I only wrote as I did because his ideas so completely coincided with my own enthusiastic mistake. Many seedsmen inform the public in their catalogues that the best White Spanish type is the only good sort for a general market crop. I did not believe them, to my sorrow. Some of my regular custo- mers would not even look at a sample. I sent them to Birmingham, and took London advice. The Bristol men told me they had not touched an English Onion all the season. They said they had " plenty of Dutch." It would be calami- tous if we grew an immense English supply of the wrong sort of Onion. I thought myself of capturing the market. My bulbs were fine samples; but I was unsuccessful. F. Kitley. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. April 20. — An excellent display of flowers was seen at the meeting held on Tuesday last in the Society's Hall, Vincent Square, the building being filled even to the annexes with ex- hibits. Flowering bulbs were numerous, also Roses, forced shrubs, Carnations, Orchids, Cine- rarias, Rhododendrons, and hardy spring flowers ally. The Floral Committee granted two First- class Certificates and eight Awards of Merit. The Orchid Committee conferred one First-class Certificate and five Awards of Merit. The Narcissus Committee granted a First-class Cer- tificate to Narcissus " Queen of the West." The annual exhibition of the National Auri- cula and Primula Society was held on the same day ; a report of this show is given on p. 270. At the three o'clock meeting in the lecture- room a paper on " Pansies " v. as given by Mr. Eric Drabble, D.Sc. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman), and M< is. C. T. Druery, Jno. Green, R. Hooper Pearson, C. R. Fielder, George Gordon, J. H. Barr, J. F. McLeod, W. Howe. W. Bain, Chas. Dixon. Chas. E. Pearson, Ed. Mawlev, Chas. E. Shea, J. T. Bennett-Poe, W. Cuthbertson, W. P. Thomson. Jas. Douglas, E. H. Jenkins, George Paul, E. T. Cook, and R. C. Reginald Nevill. Several exhibits of forced Roses were shown. Mr. Geo. Mount, Canterbury, staged in his usual excellent style, a collection of popular varieties, having such beautiful kinds as Dean Hole, Mrs. John Laing, Richmond, Ulrich Brunner, Mrs. R. G. Sharman Crawford, Fran Lilla Rautenstrauch, a German variety with pale, conical blooms lightly tipped with rose, and Liberty, in first-class condition. (Sil- ver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, exhibited pot Roses, several being tall pillar varieties. These latter included the beautiful Waltham Bride variety and Yeilchenblau, the so-called blue-flowered Rambler, a vigorous grower with blooms a poor shade of violet. We also noticed a batch of the beautiful Aennchen Miiller, which formed the subject of our Supple- mentary Illustration in the issue for June 1, 1907. There were also seen Lyon Rose, with plump buds of a coppery-rose tone, and Mar- guerite. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons. Colchester, staged cut blooms of many- varieties of Roses, an epergne filled with the beautiful Fortune's Yel- low variety being noticeable. Some excellent blooms of this delicate Rose were also shown by Lady Cowpei!, Panshanger, Herts, (gr. Mr. Staward), who also exhibited a collection of Violets. 268 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 24, 1S09. Messrs. Frank Cant & Co., Colchester, showed an assortment of Rambler Roses trained up tall stakes. All the plants were freely flowered, the selection of varieties including Lady Gay, Hia- watha, Mrs. F. W. Flight, Minnehaha, and Crimson Rambler. Messrs. Geo. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, showed a number of small plants of a dwarf, perpetual-flowering Wichuraiana variety named Agate, also others of a single variety named Sea Shell, one of the parents of this latter variety being a Tea variety. The group con- tained prettily-flowered Cystissus, one labelled Firefly being very fine. Another interesting plant was Osteomeles anthyllidifolia, with pin- nate leaves and Olearia-like inflorescences. Mr. G. Prince, Oxford, exhibited Roses, some as pot plants. Blooms of Mrs. Ed. Mawley, Mrs. Longworth. a new H.T. variety, Florence Pem- berton. and other varieties were shown in excel- lent condition. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, had many Roses in an exhibit of mis- cellaneous flowers. A white sport from the beau- tiful Killarney variety attracted attention. Car- nations shown by this firm were of the high quality usually seen in their exhibits of this popular flower. They also made a feature of Acacias in assortment, and large plants in bloom of Meterosideros floribunda, Chorizema cordata, Ericas, and Grevilleas. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. W. H. Page, Hampton, had one of his usual magnificent exhibits of Carnations asso- ciated with Lilium longiflorum and red Roses. It was a grand display, all the flowers alike showing excellent culture. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Wm. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, Lon- don, N., also presented a fine assortment of these flowers, the blooms being staged with taste and the varieties representative of the best in commerce. Adjoining the Carnations, the same firm showed forced shrubs in assortment, the \vli.>k- providing a wealth of blossom. (Silver Flora Medal.) Many interesting flowers were shown from the garden of Sir Edmund Loder, Bart., Leonards- lee, Horsham, Sussex (gr. Mr. W. A. Cook). Amongst several species of Magnolias was a flower of the rare M. Campbellii ; Camellias were equal to those grown under glass, the old C. Donckelaarii being especially fine ; blooms of C. reticulata were 8 inches across. Rhododendrons included R. Fosterianum, one of the most fra- grant of the family ; also R. Gibsonii, R. Aucklandii, R. multiflorum, and R. ciliatum. The beautiful Narcissus King Alfred was repre- sented by exceptionally large blooms, and equally good was N. maxiimis. There were also plants of Primula rosea, P. denticulata, P. cashmeriana, and many other spring flowers. (Silver Bank- sian Medal.) A large table was filled by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, with Italian Hyacinths in blue and white-flowered varieties. These are excel- lent for furnishing cut flowers. At intervals were arranged vases of Freesia Leichtlinii, which, with small Ferns and Palms, afforded relief to the Hyacinths. In the centre was an unnamed species of Cineraria. (Bronze Flora Medal.) A Bronze Flora Medal was also awarded to Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, for an exhibit of Zonal Pelargoniums. Messrs. James Carter & Co., High Holborn, London, adopted a pleasing style in exhibiting their plants of Schizanthus. Instead of the or- thodox table arrangement, they furnished a cir- cular kiosk with hanging baskets of these flowers, and grouped them on the floor and about the sides. The standards were entwined with Smilax. The whole formed a bower of flowers. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, King's Road, Chelsea, showed Cinerarias of much beauty ; some were of beautiful shades of blue, others had rose, mauve, white, and pink blossoms. They were compact specimens, with healthy foliage and huge flower-trusses. The variety Fantasy has revolute florets of deep, rosy, mauve colour. Most interesting was Cineraria fiaves- cens, raised from Cineraria Feltham Beauty x Senecio aurirulatissimus ; the buds are quite yellow and the expanded blooms are a shade of lemon, almost cream. Messrs. Veitch also showed hybrid Gerberas, varieties of Hippeas- trum, the floriferous Malvastrum hvpomodarum (see Gardeners' Chronicle, June 20, 1908, fig. 176), and a batch of Clerodendron myrmeco- philum. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May & Son, The Nurseries, Edmonton, showed baskets of Pansies, Ver- bena Miss Willmott, Statice profusa, the dwarf-habited Roses Phyllis and lime. N. Levavasseur, and large-flowered Clematis of the Marcel Moser and Miss Bateman varieties. Arranged amongst the flowering plants were decorative Ferns. Another exhibit shown by this firm consisted of hardy Ferns. Amongst these were crested forms of exceptional merit of the common Scolopendrium. (Silver Flora Medal.) Colonel Holford, Westonbirt, Gloucestershire (gr. Mr. Chapman), showed varieties of Hippeas- trum, one receiving an Award of Merit (see Awards) Harvest Moon is of beautiful form, white flushed with rose ; Mirabel is a rosy cerise shade and Phoebus brilliant scarlet. Hardy flowers were plentiful, several exhi- bitors arranging their plants in temporised rock-gardens. Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Col- chester, staged a rockery, somewhat similar to their exhibit at the previous meeting, and planted it with choice species of Iris, Saxifraga, Anemone, Primula. &c. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, also showed an exhibit of this kind, having many subjects of interest to cultivators of hardy plants, including a fine batch of plants of Primula pul- verulenta. (Bronze Banksian Medal.) Similar exhibits were arranged by Mr. H. G. Pulham, Elsenham, Essex; Mesrs. John Peed & Son, Forest Hill, Norwood; Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Dover; Messrs. Geo. Jackman & Son, Woking, Surrey (double-flowered Primroses and Primulas cashmeriana and denticulata were ex- cellent in this exhibit) ; Misses Hopkins, Mere Gardens, Shepperton-on-Thames ; and Miss Alice Smith, Barnham, Bognor, Sussex. Other exhibitors of hardy garden and Alpine plants were Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co., Maid- stone, whose double-flowered Primroses were noteworthy ; Messrs. Joseph Cheal & Sons, Crawley, Sussex; Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, Kent (this exhibitor showed a fine dark form of Pri- mula rosea, the pretty Calypso borealis, Shortia uniflora, &c.) ; The Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery, whose Aubrietias, Primula nivalis, Doronicum Clusii Cassandra calyculata, and Orobus azurus were all well cultivated (Bronze Banksian Medal) ; Messrs. Phillips & Taylor, Bracknell, Berks, (this group included a good strain of Auriculas) ; and Messrs. Baker's, Wolverhampton. This last-named firm showed a fine Aubrietia labelled J. S. Baker, also Poly- anthuses, a batch of Trilliums, and the red- flowered Primula Cockburniana. Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, exhibited Tritonia Prince of Orange. The blooms are of regular form and not unlike a pale-coloured Nasturtium. Named varieties of Polyanthus were shown by Messrs. Storrie & Storrie, Glencarse, Perth- shire. Pansies and Violas in variety were shown by Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay (Bronze Bank- sian Medal), and Messrs. Carter, Page & Co., 52, 53, London Wall, London. AWARDS. First-class Certificates. Bougainvillea Rosa Catelina. — As shown, this plant appears to be a variety of B. glabra, and may, therefore, be expected to possess the good habit of that species. The purple colour of the type is next to eliminated from the bracts, which are a shade of rose. A large flowering branch was shown by Colonel Petre, Westwick House, Norwich (gr. Mr. G. D. Davison), who stated that the variety was obtained from Las Palmas, Grand Canary. Primula Forrestii. — This is an interesting new species from the high alps of Yunnan, China (9,000 to 11,000 feet 'altitude). The species pos- sesses many points of uncommon interest. The root-stocks are described by Mr. Forrest, who collected this species and others for Mr. A. K. Bully, as growing in the cre- vices of dry, shady limestone cliffs, where they become 2 to 3 feet in length. Only a few inches of the tapered root-stalk are generally enclosed in the crevices of the rock, the remaining part of the plant being pendulous for almost its full length, a few inches of the growing apex only being turned out and upwards. It is estimated that some of the native plants are from 50 to 100 years old. The plants shown by Messrs. Bees, Ltd., were about 2 inches high, and bore simple, ovate-elliptical leaves with crenate margins. The flowers were borne on erect scapes, and were deep yellow with orange-coloured eye. Both flowers and foliage were fragrant. The older leaves were mealy on the under surface. The species is de- scribed as perfectly hardy in Cheshire. Awards of Merit. Auricula (Alpine) Ad mi rat ion. — A grey- edged flower with sulphur-coloured centre. Auricula (Alpine) Claud Halcro. — This flower has a yellow centre and crimson petals falling to bronzy-red at the margin. Auricula (Alpine) Robert Bruce. — A grey- edged flower with sulphur-coloured centre. Auricula (Alpine) Ulleswater. — A very large purple-edged flower with whitish centre. Carnation " Lad:/ I 'oventry." — This is a mag- nificent variety of the Souvenir de la Malmaison type, the flowers being of extra large size, and carmine-lake in colour. One plant, which was cultivated in a 3-inch pot, was 2 feet in height and bore a flower of immense size. The blooms are very fragrant. Shown by Messrs. W. Cutbush & Sons. Hippeastrum Gracchus. — This is a deep crim- son flower without any sign of another colour. It is the richest and deepest in tint of this type yet exhibited. Shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd. Hippeastrum Pinkie. — This flower has excel- lent form and good substance in the imbricated petals. These are of glistening white, but marked with rose-coloured veins, the colour occa- sionally suffusing between the veins. The centre ' of the flower is pale green. Shown by Col. Holford, CLE., C.V.O., Westonbirt, Tetbury (gr. Mr. A. Chapman). Saxifraga decipiens hybrida gra ndi flora. — ■ Those who know the moss-like Saxifragas and can recall a plant having somewhat of the habit of S. caespitosa, may form a good idea of the habit of growth of this novelty. In other re- spects it may be compared to a large, free-flower- ing plant in the way of S. " Guildford Seedling," except that the plant promises to flower more freely. The plants exhibited were but 4 inches or 5 inches in height, the richly-coloured flower stems harmonising with the blood-crimson of the flowers. This variety represents an advance on all crimson-flowered Saxifrages hitherto known. From Mr. Kitley, Bath. Narcissus Committee. Present : H. B. May, Esq. (Chairman) ; Miss E. Willmott, and Messrs. W. Poupart, W. A. Milner, Henry Backhouse, P. D. H. Williams, P. R. Barr, F. H. Chapman, Arthur R. Goodwin, Christopher Bourne, G. W. Leak, J. D. Pearson, W. F. M. Copeland, J. T. Bennett-Poe, Robert Svdenham, W. W. Fowler, James Walker, H. A. D"enison, C. T. Digby, R. W. Wallace, Walter T. Ware, John Pope, and Chas. H. Curtis. There were many good collections of Narcissus. One of the largest and most comprehensive groups was staged by Miss F. W. Curry, Lismore, Ireland. Notwithstanding their long journey by sea and land, the blooms appeared fresh and good. Among the many excellent varieties, we noticed Maggie May, Queen of Spain, Horace, Dante, and Lycidas of the Poeti- cus section ; Lord Kitchener, a handsome variety of the Leedsii group ; King Alfred, The Geral- dine, Lady of the Snows (a white Ajax kind), Lady Margaret Boscawen, and Apricot. (Silver- gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, London, showed, in addition to a re- markably good collection of unnamed seedlings, the giant white Leedsii Lord Kitchener and the unrivalled Peter Barr, also Loveliness, Mascotte, and Torchlight, while the bicolored Seraphim was in every respect excellent. A superb variety of the Engleheartii type was seen in Red Emperor ; Czarina is a giant flower of the Leedsii class. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Pope & Son, King's Norton, displayed many good kinds of Narcissi such as OlympuS (a choice yellow Ajax variety). White Lady, Ber- nardine (with a rich orange crown). Will Scar- lett, J. B. M. Camm, Ben Simonite (a fine- April 24, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 269 bicolor), Sebastian (of the Leedsii section), Boat- swain (a flower with soft yellow trumpet), Judge Bird (a bicolor flower of large size), Torch, Gonzola, Weardale Perfection, and a large num- ber of promising seedlings. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Hogg & Robertson, Dublin, also ex- hibited a choice assortment of these flowers, their extensive display being composed of stan- dard varieties and novelties. King Alfred was especially good. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wisbech, staged a collection of well-grown Narcissi, the varieties including King Alfred, Silver Strand, Wear- dale Perfection, Primrose Queen, Lucifer (with a fine orange-coloured cup), King's Norton (a big yellow self), Harmony (white), Fireflame, and Crystal Queen. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. G. Churches,, Alverstoke, and Mr. W. Watts, St. Asaph, also displayed exhibits of these flowers, a Silver Banksian Medal being awarded in each case. First-class Certificate. Narcissus Queen of the West. — A yellow Ajax Daffodil of fine proportions and of that rich yellow colour so desirable for a market variety. It may be likened to a glorified flower of Golden Spur in regard both to its colour and form. The handsome crown is more widely ex panded than in the older variety. An Award of Merit has been previously granted the variety, and on this occasion the Committee gave the higher award of a First-class Certificate. Shown by Messrs. Walter T. Ware, Ltd., Bath. Orchid Committee. Present: J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., (in the Chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec.), de B. Crawshay, H. Little, W. Boxall, J. Forster Alcock, Stuart Low, F. Sander, R. G. Thwaites, W. Cobb, J. Cypher, W. H. Hatcher, J. Charles- worth, H. G. Alexander, W. H. White, A. Dye, H. Ballantine, Gurnev Wilson, J. Wilson Potter, W. Bolton, H. A. Tracy, W. Waters Butler, and F. J. Hanbury. Colonel G. L. Hoi.ford, CLE., C.V.O., Westonbirt, Tetbury, Glos. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), staged a selection of fine hybrids raised at Westonbirt, including Odonto- glossum Phoebe " Westonbirt variety," a fine white flower evenly blotched with deep ruby- red ; Lrclio-Cattleya x Dorothy var. fulgens, a pretty salmon-tinted flower having an orange ground ; and L.-C. Dorothy splendens. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., Bur- ford, Dorking (gr. Mr. W. H. White), showed a selection of rare Masdevallias, including M. deorsa. M. pachyantha, varieties of M. ignea, \I. Shuttleworthii, M. Shuttryana, M. leontoglossa, M. Chamberlainiana, and M. Fraseri. (See also Awards.) H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn. Stamford Hill (gr. Mr. Thurgood), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for an effective group, in which were several varieties of Odontoglossum crispum with finely-blotched flowers, and a selection of good hybrids. Among species noted were Cyrtopo- dium punctatum, Odontoglossum Edwardii, two good specimens of Epidendrum Wallisii, On- cidium Marshallianum, 0. leucochilum, O. con- color, white forms of Cattleya intermedia, and a plant of C. citrina with six flowers. Messrs. Charles worth & Co., Hay wards Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a select group consisting chiefly of fine hybrids, and all splendidly grown. Amongst the best plants were Odontioda Bradshawia? with flowers of a light shade of scarlet ; the fine pure white flowered Brasso-Cattleya " Queen Alexandra " ; Odonto- glossum ardentissimum xanthotes, snow-white with some orange spots on the lip ; the rare white-flowered Trichopilia Backhousiana ; a very beautiful home-raised, heavily-blotched form of Odontoglossum crispum ; the dark scarlet Renan- thera Imschootiana ; Diacrium bicornutum ; Cattleya Trianse Edgar Knight, a variety of the Imperator class with a deep violet-purple lip showing but little yellow in the throat ; Aerides Fieldingii and other species. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a group which included another specimen of their new Odonto- glossum Dreadnought. The central plant was a grand specimen of Miltonia Bleuana Sander's variety with six flower-spikes. Amongst others noted were Laelio-Cattleya Dominiana magnifica; Lselia Cholletiana with four flower-spikes; Odon- toglossum crispum Thompsonii, bearing large white flowers finely blotched with purple. We also noticed a remarkable white form of 0. cris- pum with very firm substance in the petals ; Vanda coerulescens, Polystachya bracteosa, Scuti- caria Steelii, and other uncommon species. Messrs. Jas. Cypher & Sons, secured a Silver Flora Medal for a group rich in Dendrobiums. D. infundibulum was finely flowered ; other species were D. atroviolaceum, D. nobile virgin- ale, D. Apollo grandiflorum, D. Devonianum, and D. Dalhou-nobile. We also noted the white Chysis bractescens, Miltonia Warscewiczii, Cattleya intermedia alba, and various Brasso- Cattleyas. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a group in which were several distinct forms of Cattleya Schroderae of the coloured type ; also a clear white variety of this plant. The Dendro- biums comprised good examples of D. barbatu- lum, D. Devonianum, D. Jamesianum, and D. Wardianum of a specially fine type, one specimen bearing 125 flowers. Others noted were Cym- bidium Lowianum concolor, C. Lowgrinum, a Schroderae Silvia James, a fine flower of a pale lilac tint. J. T. Bennett-Poe, Esq., Holmewood, Ches- hunt (gr. Mr. Downes), exhibited cut spikes of Cymbidium Colmanse Holmewood variety. H. S. Goodson, Esq., Putney (gr. Mr. Day), showed Cattleya Mendelii Goodson's variety and Odontoglossum Rolfea? Ernestii. Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr. Mr. H. J. Chapman), showed Odontoglossum crispum Millicent, a beautifully-blotched home- raised variety; also a fine form of 0. percultum. De B. r';tAWSHAY, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. .. .ables), showed his very beautiful new hybrid Odontoglossum Theodora (see fig. 115), a very fine dark blood-red Odontioda Charles- worthii, and Odontoglossum Vulpex (Pescatorei X Vuylstekei). AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Odontoglossum Theodora (Sossii ruhescens X trium jihans), from De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Stables). — One of the most remarkable of Odontoglossums, and comparable to the handsome 0. Smithii in its compact habit and size of flower. The sepals and petals are of a clear canary-yellow ground colour, the sepals showing little yellow except on Fig. 115. — odontoglossum x Theodora. Awarded R.H.S. First-Class Certificate on Tuesday last.) large specimen of Masdevallia Pourbaixii. pretty plants of Ionopsis paniculata, and Cirrhopetalum Amesianum. Monsieur Mertens, Ghent, secured a Silver Flora Medal for a group of select hybrid Odonto- glossums, including 0. Lawrenceanum, 0. Wiga- nianum, 0. amabile, 0. illustre, and 0. percul- tum. Mr. A. W. Jensen, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group consisting of good forms of Cattleya Mendelii. Two of the plants carried 21 and 23 flowers respectively. With the Cattleyas were several good plants of Odontoglossum crispum, one having rose-tinted flowers bearing many small brownish spots, similar to the punctatissimum class. The Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace (gr. Mr. Hunter), showed Odontoglossum crispum virginale Blenheim variety. Mrs. Temple, Leyswood, Groombridge (gr. Mr. Bristow), sent Lselio-Cattleva Mrs. Temple (L.-C. Hy. Greenwood X C. Mossia>). Henry Little, Esq., Baronshalt, Twickenham (gr. Mr. Howard), showed Cattleya Mendelii Baronshalt variety, a good flower of peculiar colour with a purplish-crimson lip, showing but little of the usual yellow disc. W. James, Esq., Chichester, showed Cattleya the tips and as shading between the closely-ar- ranged bars of reddish-claret colour. The petals have a wide margin and are tipped with canary- yellow, the central two-thirds bearing bars of confluent reddish-claret blotches. The lip has a broadly ovate fimbriate blade, white with a slight tinge of lavender, the base having a yellow crest, in front of which is a horseshoe-shaped reddish-brown blotch. Awards of Merit. Lalio-Catt/eya Goldcrest (C. SeJiroderce x L. C'owanii), from Col. G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander).— A beautiful hybrid bearing an erect inflorescence of many pretty flowers of a clear chrome-yellow colour, with darker veining on the lip. Cattleya Robert de Wavrin (Schroderce X SrliiUeriana), from Col. G. L. Holford. — A large flower of fine substance, the sepals and petals being white, tinged with pale rose ; the broad labellum is deep rose, with a yellow disc from which light crimson veining, derived from C. Schilleriana, extends to the front. OdontogJossum loochristiense aureo-fulvum , from Sir Trevor Lawrence. Bart., K.C.V.O., Burford (gr. Mr. W. II. White).— A finely- formed flower with bright yellow sepals and petals distinctly barred and blotched, with dark- 270 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 24, 1909. reddish chocolate. The lip is white with a yellow crest around which are some brown spots. Miltonia Bleuana Sander's variety, from Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans. — A grand form with large, almost circular, white flowers, the petals having their bases tinged with violet ; the lip a distinct mask of reddish lines. The plant bore six spikes. Epi-Laelia Lionetii (L. purpurata X E. atro- purpureum), from Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Haywards Heath.— A singular hybrid, pro- ducing an erect inflorescence, after the manner of E. atropurpureum (macrochilum), bearing flowers greatly resembling in shape those of that species, and of a bright rose colour. Botanical Certificate. Pleurothaliis Birchenallii, from Messrs. Charlesworth & Co. — A singular species, bear- ing spikes of long reddish-purple flowers with narrow, white petals resembling P. Scapha. Oneidium barbalum, from Gurnet Wilson, Esq., Glenthorne, Haywards Heath. Cultural Commendation. To Mr. H. G. Alexander, Orchid grower to Col. G. L. Holford. for a notable specimen of Catt- leya Enid " Westonbirt variety," with seven flowers on a spike. The same award was given for a fine plant of Odontoglossum Pescatorei, with 153 flowers on three spikes, shown by this exhibitor. Mr. W. H. White, Orchid grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., showed three finely- flowered plants of Dendrobium crepidatum, and was granted a Cultural Commendation. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: A. H. Pearson, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. P. D. Tuckett, J. Vert, H. Parr, A. Dean, 0. Thomas, J. Lyne, W. Bates, G. Wythes, F. Perkins, J. Davis, J. Mclndoe, W. Crump. C. Foster, G. Hobday, W. Fyfe, A. R. Allan, J. Harrison, and W. Poupart. A collection of Pineapples, including very small fruits of the Queen variety and larger examples of smooth Cayenne were displayed by The South Africa Constantia Fruit Co. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, set up an interesting and meritorious group of " April " Cabbage some 150 in number. These were from a -sowing made early last August, and were speci- ally planted 9 inches apart in the open to fur- nish early heads. All were small, very conical, and quite firm. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Ladv Cowper, Panshanger, Herts, (gr. Mr. Staward), staged a collection of seven dishes, distinct, of frame-grown Potatos. They were good samples, but much the finest wes Mid- lothian Early Kidney. Other varieties were Sharpe's Express, Duke of York, Sharpe's Victor, Britannia, Tweedale, and Early Balfour. The same exhibitor showed excellent Canadian Wonder Dwarf Beans and Dainty Scarlet Turnip- rooted Radishes. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Sir Edmund Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Hor- sham, Sussex (gr. Mr. W. A. Cook), showed heads of late Broccoli. Competitive Classes. Mr. J. Poupart, Brentwood, staged five large flat bundles of Asparagus. Two of these were in competition in a trade class, and secured a Silver Knightian Medal. Mr. E. Beckett, Aldenham House Gardens, was the only exhibitor of two dishes of Dwarf French Beans, having the varieties Canadian Wonder and Ne Plus Ultra, both in excellent pods. The exhibit secured the first prize. There was no other competitor. NATIONAL AURICULA & PRIMULA. (SOUTHERN SECTION.) April 20. — The annual exhibition of this Society was held at the Horticultural Hall, Vin- cent Square. Westminster, in conjunction with the fortnightly exhibition of the Royal Horticul- tural Society. Owing to the cold weather, the season for these flowers is late, and few growers of the Auricula had their plants in bloom. The number of entries was much fewer than on former occasions, and very poor competition re- sulted. The Society has lost by death several prominent members, whose exhibits were missed on this occasion, notablv Mr. Martin Smith, Mr. Charles Turner, and Mr. Ben Simonite. In the larger classes for Auriculas Mr. James Douglas easily surpassed his competitors, his flowers being much superior to any of the others. Show Auriculas. Twec.il/-four Auriculas in not fewer than twelve dissimilar varieties. — There were three competitors in this class, viz., Mr. James Douglas, Great Bookham, Surrey ; Mr. W. M. Shipman, Altrincham ; and Mr. J. H. Wilson, Handsworth, Sheffield, the prizes being awarded in the order of their names. Mr. Douglas had by far the finest flowers. He staged Mrs. Phil- lips, Prince Charming (a very commendable ex- ample), Henry Wilson, Marmion, Seedling Grey Edge, Queen of Sheba (one of the best in the collection), Sultan, Rev. F. D. Horner, Ouida, Dinham, Lovebird, Favourite (2) (this variety was in good form), Harrison Weir (2) (also shown well), Queen of Spain, Geo. Lightbody, Shirley Hibberd (good), Abraham Barker, Eucharis (2), Abbe Liszt, and Colonel Champneys. In the 2nd prize exhibit were good examples of Mikado, Acme, Shirley Hibberd, and Dinham. Mr. Wilson's best examples were Heroine, Cleo- patra, and Ruby. Twelve show Auriculas of dissimilar varieties. — Mr. James Douglas and Mr. W. Smith, Bishops Stortford, contested in this class, the former winning, but not so easily as in the larger class. Mr. Douglas had Dido, Abbe Liszt, Favourite, Beauty, Harrison Weir, Westhumbla, Lovebird, Mrs. Phillips, Marmion, Conservative, Prince Charming, and George Lightbody. The 2nd prize group contained good specimens of Abbe Liszt, Harrison Weir, Dr. Hardy, and Snowdon. Six show Auriculas, dissimilar. — Mr. J. T. Bennett-Poe, Ashley Place, London, S.W., was the only exhibitor, and he was awarded the 1st prize. His varieties were Richard Headly, Mrs. Henwood, J. Hanniford, Mrs. Phillips, Rev. F. D. Horner, and Vesta. Four show Auriculas, dissimilar. — There were two exhibits, staged by Mr. Bennett-Poe and Mr. F. W. Price, Beckenham, who were awarded 1st and 2nd prizes respectively. The premier four were Prince Charming, Rachel, Mrs. Phillips, and Mrs. Henwood. The best single specimen of a green-edged variety was Abbe Liszt, shown by Mr. Douglas ; the best grey-edged • variety Stately, shown by Mr. W. Smith ; the best white-edged variety Acme, shown by Mr. F. W. Price ; and the best coloured flower, Favourite, shown by Mr. Douglas. For seedling varieties never before exhibited, the 1st prizes were awarded as follow : — Green- edged, Harbinger ; grey-edged, Grey Friar ; and fancy, Majestic ; all shown by Mr. W. Smith. The premier show Auricula was Queen of Spain, a maroon " self " variety, shown by Mr. Douglas. Alpine Auriculas. Twenty-four Alpine Auriculas in not fewer than twelve varieties. — There were two competi- tors, vi2., Mr. James Douglas and Messrs. Phillips & Taylor, Bracknell. Mr. Douglas won the 1st prize easily with Admiration, Dazzle, Rosy Morn, Mrs. James Douglas, Janet, Sweet- ness (new), Brightness, Argus, Phyllis, Purple Glory, Robert Bruce (very finely shown), Janet, Firefly, Ettrick, and Mrs. Markham. Twelve Alpine Auriculas, dissimilar. — The same two competitors as in the last-named class, with Mr. W. M. Shipman, contested this class. Mr. Douglas again won the 1st prize, followed by Messrs. Phillips & Taylor. In Mr. Douglas's collection was Phyllis, the premier Alpine Auricula in the show. Six Alpine Auriculas, dissimilar. — There were four competitors in this class, Lady Cowper, Panshanger, Herts, (gr. Mr. Staward), was awarded the 1st prize, for very fair speci- mens of Seedling Maggie, Blue Bell, Argus, Rosy Morn, Teviotdale, and Flora Mclvor ; 2nd, Mr. F. W. Price, Beckenham. Polyanthuses. These flow7ers also were not up to the usual exhibition standard, owing to their backward- ness. In the class for 12 varieties Mr. Watts, St. Asaph, was awarded the 1st prize, and Messrs. Titt & Son, Windsor, the 2nd prize, these two being the only exhibitors. Messrs. Titt & Son took the 1st prize in a class for 12 Primroses, of dissimilar varieties, having some excellent plants. Mr. Watts showed the best specimen Prim- rose in a pale yellow variety with a deep orange- coloured " eye." The best group of Primrose and Polyanthus plants arranged for effect and occupying an area of 4 feet by 3 feet, was shown by Mr. Mortimer, Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey. All were seed- lings of an exceptionally fine strain. 2nd, Messrs. Storrie & Storrie, Glencarse, Perth- shire, with named varieties. Awards. The Certificate of the Society was awarded to each of the following Auriculas : — Sweetness. — An Alpine variety of fine form, the colour being purple shading to lilac. Queen of Spain. — A self show variety, colour maroon. Both these were shown by Mr. J. Douglas. Harbinger. — A green-edged show variety, ex- hibited by Mr. W. Smith." Bracknell. — An Alpine variety with a large yellow eye, shown by Messrs. Phillips & Tay- lor. Alexander Dean. — An Alpine variety of deep maroon colour, with a yellow centre. Shown by Mr. F. W. Price. A non-competitive exhibit of Polyanthus was shown by Mr. John Crook, The Avenue, Cam- berley, Surrey. CORNWALL DAFFODIL AND SPRING FLOWER. April 15. — On account of the backwardness of the season, it was found necessary to postpone the date of the show from March 30 to April 15. This alteration suited exhibitors, for the entries exceeded those of any previous show, and the exhibition was certainly the best that has ever been held. The displays of Daffodils were quite equal to those of previous seasons ; the exhibits of hard-wooded flowering shrubs were superb, Violets were exceptionally fine, and the collec- tions of spring flowers generally were varied and interesting. The show was held in the great Market Hall, Truro. The weather was fine and the exhibition was attended by a large number of visitors. The Hon. John Boscawen has occu- pied the post of hon. secretary since the incep- tion of the society 13 years ago. In the class for 30 varieties of Daffodils, the 1st prize was won by Mr. E. J. Williams. Among the best specimens shown by this ex- hibitor were White Queen, Horace, Incognita, Lucifer, Lady Margaret Boscawen, King Alfred, and Homespun. 2nd, the Rev. A. T. Boscawen, whose exhibit was held by many to surpass that which received the 1st prize. For 30 varieties of Daffodils, not necessarily in commerce, the 1st prize was awarded to Mr. J. C. Williams. This stand was one of the most remarkable features of the exhibition. It in- cluded a collection of seedling varieties, num- bered but not named. Amongst them were some beautiful bicolor trumpets, a fine golden trum- pet, an improved White Queen, and several very fine flat-crowned flowers with pale, dark yellow, and glowing orange-crimson centres. Miss Clarice Vivian won the 1st prize for six Magni-coronati varieties, and for the same num- ber of Medio-coronati flowers. This lady also showed the best collection of three varieties of the Leedsii section, the best six Parvi-coronati flowers, and won the 1st prizes in several other classes. Other successful exhibitors of Narcissi included Miss Mabel Williams, Col. Noel- Usticke, Mr. P. D. Williams, Mr. E. H. Wil- liams, and Mr. C. Dawson. In the class for 20 hard-wooded flowering shrubs or creepers, equal 1st prizes were awarded to Mr. T. B. Bolitho and Mr. C. Hext. Mr. Bolitho's collection contained by far the rarer varieties and included Buddleia madagascarensis, Acacia cordata, Chorozema Lowii, Cerasus Wat- tereri, Acacia verticillata, Magnolia stellata, Boronia heterophylla, Hardenbergia monophylla, Calceolaria Burbidgei, Spirsea arguta, Andro- meda formosa, Sutherlandia frutescens, Grevillea Preisei, Skimmia Fortunei, Lotus peliorhynchns, Camellia reticulata, Prunus pendula, Jasminum primulinum, Embothrium coccineum and Boronia megastigma. April 24, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 271 Nurserymen's Exhibits. The nurserymen provided a very bright dis- play with their exhibits. Messrs. R. Veitch & Son, Exeter, received an Award of Merit for Rhododendron Dr. Stocker. They also staged Azalea obtusa alba, A. Marie Louise, Prunus spinosa flore pleno, Grevillea sulphurea, G. orni- thopoda, Brachysema Drummondii, Kennedya rubicunda, as well as rock plants and Hippeas- trums. The Devon Rosery, Torquay, showed a fine collection of pot Roses, including the varieties Mollie Sharman Crawford, John Cuff, Dorothy Page Roberts, and Elizabeth Barnes. Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, Kent, exhibited an interesting assortment of Alpines and received an Award of Merit and Cultural Commendation for Calypso borealis. Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, London, provided a superb show of Daffodils, including the varieties Mrs. G. H. Barr, Peter Barr, Fair Maiden, Horace, The Bride, Weardale Perfection, Mountain Maid, Katharine Spurrell, Monarch, Albatross, Reso- lute, Buccaneer, and Admiral Togo. Messrs. Cartwright & Goodwin also showed a very fine selection of Daffodils, amongst which were noticed Goldseeker, Yellowhammer, Home- spun, Outpost, and Alice Knights. Messrs. Cutbush & Son staged Adonis amu- rensis flore pleno, Tulipa pulchella, Anemone vernalis, Ranunculus amplexicaulis, and main other spring flowers. Messrs. Heath & Sons, Cheltenham, exhibited Saxifrages, Glaucium flavum tricolor and Lathy rus cyaneus. A Cultural Commendation was given to Mr. T. H. Archer Hind for varieties of Helleborus. Mr. J. H. Watson showed a collection of Acacias grown in the open; they included A. hastulata, A. Drummondii, A. acinacea, A. ovata, A. armata, A. arinata angustifolia, A. diffusa, A. floribunda, A. melanoxylon, A leprosa, A. hsematophylla, A. longifolia mucro nata, A longifolia magnifica, A. ulicina, A. ver- ticillata, A. Riceana, and A. juniperina. (EMHtttavi). DEVON DAFFODIL AND SPRING FLOWER. April 20. — A very successful show, under the auspices of the above society, was held in the Guildhall, Plymouth, on this date. The entries, both in the open classes and those restricted to growers in Devonshire, were numerous, and the exhibits generally were of a high order of merit. In judging the Daffodils the new classification was adopted. The following exhibitors were prominent prize winners in the classes for Narcissi: — Mrs. Tyacke, Miss Clarice Vivian, Messrs. Pope & Son, and Mrs. Christy. In the class for 12 hardy spring flowers, the 1st prize was won by Mr. H. W. Grigg with a fine stand, which contained Leucojum testivum, Fritillaria imperialis, F. verticillata, F. obliqua, F. meleagris alba, Triteleia uniflora, Iris bucha- rica, Scilla italica, Muscari conicum album, Ane- mone Robinsoniana, Erythronium giganteum, and Tulipa florentina major. The best six bunches of Anemones were shown by Mr. Soltatj-Symons, and the best six bunches of Anemone fulgens by Mrs. Coryton. In the classes reserved for residents in Devon- shire the following exhibitors were successful in obtaining 1st prizes : — Mr. Soltatj-Symons, Mrs. Gage-Hodge, Mrs. Pahlby, Miss Hinchcliff, Miss G. Hawker, Hon. Mrs. Colborne, Mr. T. Batson, Mr. H. G. Hawker, Mrs. Duke Yonge, Mrs. J. J. Mallock, Mr. R. Watts, Mrs. Batnbridge, and Mrs. A. Froude. Messrs. Robert Veitch & Son, Exeter, showed a fine collection of plants, among which were Lotus peliorhynchus, Eriostemoh neriifolius, Correa cardinalis, Exoehorda Albertii macrantha. Acacia Drummondii, A. arinata, Gerbera Jame- sonii, Prunus triloba, Pimelea spectabilis, Mag- nolia stellata, Hibbertia dentata, and numerous rock plants. The Devon Rosery, Torquay, staged a splendid selection of pot Roses in full bloom, embracing many of the newer varieties. Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, London, arranged a display of Daffo- dils, amongst which were many new varieties. Messrs. John Webber & Sons exhibited a col- lection of miscellaneous plants. William Miller. — The death of William Miller, who for upwards of 40 years was gar- dener to the Earls of Craven, at Combe Abbey, Warwickshire, occurred on the 16th inst. at Berkswell. Miller belonged to an old school of Scotch gardeners who received their early tuition under Fleming, at Trentham, in Staffordshire. He was born at Knockdow, in the parish of Indeijchoalin, Argyleshire, on November 29, 1828. His father was then gardener to James Lamont, of Knockdow, having commenced service in this family as a gardener in 1821. He served three genera- tions, extending over a period of 52 years, and died on August 3, 1873, in his 85th year. In an autobiographical note, which William Miller contributed to these pages in the year 1875, he states that he was educated at the parish school, Toward, until he was 14 years of age, when he was sent to teach two orphan granehildren be- longing to a wealthy sheep farmer in the neigh- bourhood. At the end of this service he was put to work under his father, who was then manager en the Lamont estate, already mentioned. THE LATE WILLIAM MILLER. Plantations of Larch, Scotch Fir, Spruce and Oak were being plentifully made at that time on this and other estates on the west coast, for pur- poses of shelter and timber. Although still a lad, Miller could measure land. When a piece of land was set out for planting, he was frequently sent to survey it, and to work out the number of plants that would be required. Subsequently Miller was appointed foreman in the Lamont gardens in succession to his elder brother John. After serving for a time in this capacity, he en- tered the gardens at Erskine House, on the Clyde, the seat of Lord Blantyre. The gardener at that time was George Shiels. He had the best walled garden in the West of Scotland. The bothy at Erskine was a good one for those days, and in the evening the young men read assi- duously. It was here that Miller commenced horticultural drawing, which he pursued ever afterwards. How he succeeded may be seen in the flower garden which he designed at Combe Abbey, and in various designs for flower gardens which he has contributed to this journal, and to the Paris Exhibition of 1900. He only remained at Erskine for one year, and then, having no situation to go to of a suitable character, he entered for the winter the Andersonian Univer- sity at Glasgow. In the following spring he went as journeyman to Dysart House, where Mr. John Laing, the founder of the nursery of John Laing and Sons, Forest Hill, was then gardener. Dur- ing the time Miller was at Erskine, John Laing succeeded in flowering Rhododendron Dalhousia; for the first time in this country. It was John Laing who sent Miller to Trentham. At the end of two years he left Trentham for Gowran Castle, Ireland, to become head gardener to Viscount Clifden, where he re- mained four years. In 1859, Fleming, of Trentham, sent for Miller to take up the bailiff- ship on the Trentham home farm. Miller wrote afterwards that he often repented most bitterly that ever he left the service of such a kind and indulgent family. The post at Trentham proved to be hedged with difficulties of a personal rather than professional character. Leaving Trentham again in the spring of 1861, he worked under Mr. Eyles in the new gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society at South Ken- sington for three months, and then, with the- help of several friends, including Fleming, of Trentham, he obtained an appointment as head gardener at Combe Abbey. The late Earl of Craven was a man of great taste, fond of horti- culture and of improving his estate ; he possessed a good knowledge of trees. Miller's first duty at Combe was to erect new forcing-houses. He afterwards com- menced a series of improvements in tin pleasure grounds, and this work was continued for many years. Large trees were transplanted, and many Conifers and other new trees and shrubs were planted. Extensive green drives were formed and trees and hedgerows were cleared away in order to open up views and increase the interest of the pleasure grounds and park. In the 'sixties Miller was a frequent exhibi- tor at the competitive horticultural ex- hibitions. Some of the best shows in this country were then held at the Royal Botanic Societv's Gardens, Re- gent's Park. In 1867. 1868, and 1869 Miller won successively the gold medals offered by this Society for the best collections of fruit. During a week-end visit the writer spent with Miller about ten years ago ;it Combe, he related a great many interesting details connected with his service there. He could look up to Poplars 60 feet in height which he had planted. He could point to the most interesting flower garden and say that it had been formed not only by him self, but from plans which he had designed. The flower garden por- trayed an idealistic tree growing from an ornamental vase, nearest the house, and spreading in fanci.al curves over the space the garden covers, some of the branches terminat- ing in little beds, similar in form to the Shamrock leaf ; and others resem- ble the flower-head of a Thistle. The vase and its ornamentation was planted in semi-carpet-bedding style, and the branches of the trees were like so much tracery, the beds being only from three-quarters of a foot to about 1^ feet in width. The planting of such beds can only suitably be done with neat-habited plants, and Pelargoniums and other showy species were most effective. By the sides of this tracery there were two long beds in which a very bright dis- play was made by hardy perennial and summer- bedding plants, dispo'sed in a mixed pin- cushion system, thus affording a feature in the same view of entirely different style. In every direction the features at Combe had been formed or developed by Miller. He was not only a practical gardener but a student as well. Whenever he could obtain leisure he might be found in his room studying works upon horticul- ture or botany, or drawing new plans; ! studied British botany closely, and in tnis re- spect the flora around the large and magnificent lake at Combe offered considerable facilities. _ A few years ago Miller resigned his position at Combe* Being well over 70 years of age at the time, he might reasonably have claimed some rest after an exceedingly energetic and bus;, life, but instead he preferred to commence a business and nursery at Berkswell, near Coventry, 272 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 24, 1909. where he has since practised as a land- scape gardener. For 40 years past Miller has been a frequent and valued correspondent to this journal. His brother John, who will be remem- bered as gardener at Worksop Manor, Notting- hamshire, and Ruxley Lodge, Surrey, died in 1902 at the age of 80 years. John had four sons, who adopted gardening as a profession. William leaves several sons, but all have selected other occupations. One of them, Mr. Hugh Miller, a civil engineer, contributed several articles on the use of motors in horticulture to this journal in the spring of last year. Samuel Laird.— The death of this gardener occurred at Arbroath. For nearly two years deceased had been in indifferent health, but it was onlv within the past month or two that his illness took a serious turn. Mr. Laird was for 23 years head gardener to the late Earl of South- esk at Kinnaird Castle, and he had held a simi- lar position at Dunninald Castle. Nine years ago he commenced business as a seedsman and fruiterer in Arbroath. Mr. Laird, who was 68 years of age, was a native of Newcastle, Co. Down, Ireland. He leaves a widow and family. * , * The Editor will be glad to receive, for considera- tion, large photographs of horticultural subjects, suitable for firming Supplementary Illustrations to this Journal. Editor and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communica- tions, and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters 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 distinct, and much unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters are misdirected. Alleged Misrepresentation: Sussex. You will have to prove misrepresentation as to the character of the place and that you were thereby induced to take the situation. Subject to this, you should succeed in obtaining damages at least sufficient to cover the expenses of your removal both going and coming, assum- ing that you decide not to stay. A jury might give you even more than this. You should get a' local solicitor to draw the claim and work up the evidence. A-RAUCARIA : C. J. L. It has not been deter- mined if the plants were grown in pots, and the roots, therefore, injured by the severe re- striction. This is scarcely a likely explanation of the failure of the poor specimens. Black Currant Bud-mite : W. P. It. Mr. A. H. Pearson's remedy, which he described in communications published in this journal on May 21, 1904. p. 298, and May 13. 1905, is as follows : — Spray the bushes at intervals of 10 days during May and June with a mixture of soft soap. Quassia, and water, at the strength of 2 ounces of soft soap and 4 ounces of Quassia to each gallon of water, applied by means of the Knapsack sprayer (Vermorel's). Bushes that were slightly affected before the spraying will probably be found to be quite free' from the pest at the end of the season, but if they are not, Mr. Pearson stated they will certainly be clean after such treatment in two seasons. In the autumn, when the leaves have fallen, the bushes should be very carefully inspected, and. if any big buds are found, remove them to the fire. Blue Flower : B. L. The Muscari would be the better plant both as regards its perma- nent character, and the class of soil you men- tion. The plant is by no means fastidious, but owing to its free increase by means of offsets should be planted thinly if desired to form a permanent group. We are assuming that you require the plant to grow alone and not in actual association with the Chionodoxa. It would not be suited for such an association. Should you require a third subject you might with advantage select Hyacinthus azureus, a pretty plant with turquoise-blue flowers that appear in February or early in March. Blue Primroses : IF. H. H. There appears to be nothing remarkable in the flowers received, but they were so withered on arrival that it is impossible to see exactly what they have been. Camellia Leaves Spotted : J . D. C. There is no disease present in the foliage; the injury is due to some external cause, probably scorch- ing. It is not advisable to plant Camellias against a wall ; the radiation of heat from the bricks dries up the young shoots, and in time kills them. Compensation for Improvements: Northern. (1) The amount of compensation to be awarded under the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1908, is " such a sum as fairly represents the value of the improvement to an incoming tenant," and such sum would be fixed by arbitration under the Act quite independently of whether there is a new tenant forthcoming or not. (2) The tenant, on leaving can claim compensation for " repairs to buildings necessary for the proper cultivation or working of the holding other than repairs which he is himself under an obli- gation to execute, provided that the tenant, before beginning to execute any such repairs, shall give to the landlord notice in writing of his intention, together with particulars of such repairs, and shall not execute the repairs unless the landlord fails to execute them within a reasonable time after receiving such notice." We certainly do not consider that the tenant could recover the cost of glass broken during his tenancy. (3 )Ask a local solicitor to ar- range a mortgage for you. Correction. — Messrs. R. B. Laird & Sons, Ltd., inform us that our reporter was in error in stating that a Silver-gilt Medal was awarded for their exhibit at the Edinburgh show. The exhibit was entered on the understanding that no award would be made. Crocus : Mrs. S. E. One of the most effectual means of keeping sparrows from destroying Crocus flowers is to stretch black cotton across small sticks driven into the ground at various intervals about the Crocuses. The cotton should be 4 to 6 inches above the flowers, and form an almost invisible network above them. The birds coming in contact with the cotton, are thus frightened and fly away. Poison is the other alternative. It is well known that the Dutch yellow Crocus is sterile, but its de- finite history is unknown. It is supposed to be derived from C- aureus, a native of South- eastern Europe. C. aureus is a smaller and more refined flower than the common yellow Crocus, and it produces seeds. Cucumbers: C. V. !>., Holland. The variety referred to on p. 234 is known in tins coun- try as Butcher's Disease-resisting Cucumber. Cyclamen: .-1. S. Cyclamen persicum is stated to have been first cultivated in' Europe at Lille in 1731, having been introduced from Persia. There is, however, doubt as to its origin, because the plant is not found w'id m Persia; it probably came originally from Syria. Tin- fiorisl s Cyclamen is a cultivated form of C. latifolium, a native of Syria. The first authority for the name C. persicum is Miller, in his Gardeners' Dictionary, 1768. Euonymus Shoots Killed : E. W . The damage has been caused by frost ; the injury is com- mon in most parts of the country this season, even in suburban gardens around London. Forestry Periodical: T. IF. C. There is no such publication as you require. The book you mention will be of service. Tree and Shrub Culture, by William Dallimore, is a cheap but valuable w-ork on the subject. It may be ob- tained from our publishing department. Marguerite Leaf-miner: Constant Reader. The foliage you send is attacked by the Mar- guerite leaf-miner. The female punctures the leaves and deposits her eggs in the interior. Directly the young caterpillars are hatched, they commence to feed upon the leaves, and tunnel about between the two surfaces in their quest. Subsequently the caterpillar becomes a chrysalis, thus completing the cycle. Preven- tive measures would include the spraying of the plants with quassia extract or other dis- tasteful liquid, in order to prevent the females from depositing their eggs upon the leaves. When plants have been so sprayed at intervals, it has been found to be very effective. Re- move badly-affected leaves and burn them. Market Measures: Correspondent. A bundle of Asparagus contains, approximately, 150 shoots; a bag of green vegetables weighs 40 lbs. Carrots are not packed in pads, but are sold in bundles, containing 12 roots. A tally of Cabbages is 60 heads. Horse-radish is sold in bunches of 12 sticks. Turnips are bunched, 12 to 15 roots forming a bunch. The sieve varies ; it is practically equivalent to one bushel. In weight it may be esti- mated at 40 to 50 lbs., according to the pro- duce. Names of Flowers, Fruits and Plants. — We are anxious to oblige correspondents as far as we consistently can, but they must bear in mind that it is no part of our duty to our subscribers to name either flowers or fruits. Such work entails considerable outlay, both of time and money, and cannot be allowed to dis- organise the preparations for the weekly issue, or to encroach upon time required for the conduct of the paper. Correspondents should never send more than six plants or fruits at one time : they should be very careful to pack and label them properly, to give every information as to the county the fruits are grown in, and to send ripe, or nearly ripe, specimens which show the character of the variety. By neglecting these precautions correspondents add greatly to our labour, and run the risk of delay and incorrect determinations. Correspondents not answered in one issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following numbers. Plants: Foreman. Bifrenaria Harrisonise, often known in gardens as Ly caste Har- risonise. — F. F. A good type of On- cidium Marshallianum. — T . II. 0. 1, Brassia brachiata ; 2, Catasetum maculatum ; 3. <>n- cidium flexuosum ; 4, O. sphacelatum. — T . T . 1, Pulmonaria officinalis; 2, Valeriana Phu aurea; 3, Nephrolepis Todeaoides ; 4, Adian- tum decorum; 5, Selaginella Wildenovii ; 6, Asplenium bulbiferum. — Anxious. 1, Daphne Mezereum ; 2, probably Acacia Farnesiana ; 3, Dracaena Sanderiana ; 4, Begonia subpeltata ; 5, B. metallica. — A. G. Dendrobium hetero- carpum (aureum). — A'. /•;. L. 1, Mesembryan- themum blandum; 2, M. inclaudens : 4, M. Brownei ; 5, Teucrium fruticans. — Header. 1, Leedsii type ; 2, Bicolor Empress ; 3, Emperor ; 4, Incomparabilis Queen Bess ; 5, apparently one of the discarded varieties of the incom- parabilis type: 6, probably a poor bloom of the variety Sir Watkin. * Perennial Buckwheat: T. IF. C. The only perennial species of the Buckwheat family in cultivation is Fagopyrum cymosum (Beech- wheat). It is a strong growing plant, reaching to a height of from 5 to 6 feet, and is a rial ive of the Himalayas. Both the other species, F. esculentum and F. tataricum, are annuals or biennials. To Prevent Bees Swarming : Tt. 0. F. The following methods will discourage swarming. but we do not know of any certain means of prevention : — (1) By the caging of the queen in a " pipe cover " cage, afterwards examining the hive and cutting out all queen cells. This latter operation needs care, for often one cell is missed and all one's calcu- lations are upset. After about eight days ex- amine the hive for queen cells and release tin- queen. (2) Some give increased space by extracting from the brood combs, and if the machine be not worked too swiftly, the brood will not be injured. (3) The removal of frames containing honey and replacing frames fitted with full sheets of foundation. This is a valuable device, for the queen requires more breeding space, and this provides the requi- site room. (4) Tiering up too rapidly will cause swarming, but oftener than not more space is not allowed in time, and the bees, feeling cramped, are induced to swarm. Where very large apiaries exist, beekeepers often omit the use of the queen excluder, so the queen roams at will over the whole hive, if so disposed, and the number of swarms does not exceed two or three per cent. Communications Received.— Captain D. S.— W. E. G.-R. I. L. — R. L. C— T. H.— A. C. B,— Bot. Soc. of Edinburgh— 5. A.— W. A. C— Croydon Hort. Soc— D. & Co.— F. T.— G. M.— J. E.-J. G. W.— T. L.-H. L. & Co.- J. V. & Sons— E. R.— Nat. Rose Soc— A. O. W.— Roy. Meteoro- logical Soc— H. F., Port Elizabeth- S. Pickering— A. G. — F. VV. C— H. W. W.— J. M.— C. T. D.— J. D. G.- G. V. W.— E. G.-Ed. A., Paris. For Market Reports sec page si' May 1, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 273 THE (tSiirtrtncrs'Cbioniclc No. 1,166.— SATURDAY, May 1, 1909. CONTENTS. Acetylene gas refuse as a manure 232 Appointments at Kew... 281 Books, notices of — Familiar Wild Flowers 282 Grape Culture up to Date .- 280 Publications received 282 Brussels International Exhibition 282 Carnations, perpetual- flowering, good crim- son varieties of ... 284 Croquet ground, dimen- sions of a 288 Cucumbers, the culture of 284 Currant bushes, the im- portation of 280 Florists' flowers — Some of Mr. Haydon's Narcissi 277 Flowers in season ... 281 Gerberas, hybrid ... 273 Hardy flower border— Anemone blanda sythiniea 278 Hyacinths, methods of propagating 283 Lawn Tennis court, plan of a 288 Orchid show in America 282 Park, new, for Bishop's Stortfora 281 Pictures at the Kew Dudley Gallery ... 281 Plants, new or note- worthy— Epicattleya Wolteri- ana 274 Primula Forrestii ... 274 Rose White Killarney Season, the, in Mid- Wales ... Selborne Society Societies — Colchester Rose and Horticultural Horticultural Club ... Huntingdon Spring Flower Ipswich Horticultural Manchester and N. of England Orchid ... Midland Daffodil ... Royal Horticultural (ScienliticCommittee) Soil, partially sterilised, and its effects on plant growth Spring in the Maritime Alps Thuja Lobbii as a hedge plant Tradescant's tomb Trees and shrubs — Magnolia stellata Prunus tomentosa ... Vegetables — Early Cabbage Water gardening Women's garden or park, a proposed ... Week's work, the — Apiary, the Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden - Kitchen garden, the... Orchid houses, the ... Plants under glass ... 283 281 2*5 285 287 285 285 286 280 284 275 277 284 281 27.-) 27U 275 276 282 279 279 278 278 278 279 279 ILLUSTRATIONS. Hyacinth propagation by notching the base of the old bulbs (Supplementary Illustration) Narcissus "Queen of the West" Nymphom James Brydon Primula Forrestii, a plant of, 274 ; in its native home 275 2S3 277 Rose White Killarney.. Water-garden scene in,Messrs. Wallace's nursery . 282 276 HYBRID GERBERAS. UNDER the title " Hybrids of Gerbera Jamesonii," an important account of Hybrid Gerberas is given by Philippe de Vilmorin in a recent issue for March of the Eevuc Horticole. He first dis- cusses the genus Gerbera, then the .species G. Jamesonii, giving descriptions of its varieties, and deals afterwards with the hybrids, presenting conclusions of a scien- tific and practical character. Mons. P. de Vilmorin has set forth the origin of a novelty which already has assumed consider- able importance and is likely to become a feature among special cultures in some parts at least of the Riviera. He points out the duty of recording the history and origin of novelties when making them known, and de- sires to be the chronicler of these new plants so enthusiastically remarked upon at a re- cent exhibition of the Soeiete d'Horticulture de France. This, he says, is not difficult, be- cause he has received sufficient information from Mr. Irwin Lynch and M. Adnet to throw light on the birth and development of these plants. For the most part he allows the originators of the Hybrid Gerbera to speak for themselves. Tlie genus Gerbera is dedicated to the German botanist, Gerber (Gronov., in Linn. Gen. ed. 2, p. 16, 1737). It belongs to the Composite, Durand placing it in the tribe Mutisiacea?. The species are distributed in Africa from Abyssinia and Madagascar to the Cape, being especially abundant in South Africa. They are found also in South America (in Chili, the Argentine, and especi- ally in Brazil), in the Himalaya, Japan and China. In the last-mentioned country Fran- chet describes four species. The In&ea. Kew- ensis mentions 37 species, and the supplements add 15. Apart from G. Jamesonii, the greater number of the species by them- selves possess but little horticultural in- terest. G. Anandria. Schult. Bip. of Japan resembles a small Daisy of bluish-white colour, and is rather dull. G. asplenifolia, Spreng. of South Africa, has violet flowers carried on long, woolly peduncles, with short leaves resembling those of a Fern. With re- gard to G. viridifolia, Schult. Bip., which is one of the parents of the magnificent hybrids, M. de Vilmorin remarks that there is some doubt as to the description, because the plant has been lost. Mr. Lynch describes it as having flower-heads about 2 inches across, white inside, with pale yellow exterior tinted with lilac towards the tips of the rays. In the Prodomus this plant occurs under the name of Lasiopus viridifolius, D.C., described as having yellow ray florets slightly red below. Three varieties are given : hirsutus, medius and oblongifolius. Gerbera aurantiaca must also be cited. It was introduced by Mr. Max Leichtlin, is allied to G. Jamesonii, has red flowers, the ray florets being yellow be- neath. It flowered at Kew for the first time in 1905. The importance of these species. ..1 those cited by Mr. Lynch (Flora <<«'/ Sylva, L905, p. 208, cum tab.), and of those that we know by herbarium specimens, is rendered evi- dent by the success obtained in crossing Ger- bera Jamesorii with Gerbera viridifolia, one of the most insignificant species in appearance. G. Jamesonii was introduced into England in 1887, and flowered first with Mr. Tillet at Norwich, then at Kew, and other places. Under the head of varieties it is stated that the wild plant, according to Mr. Lynch, varies from intense red to coral-pink, and also yel- low, as in the form named Sir Michael. This important fact must be noted in view of the variations produced by hybridisation. Under the head of forms obtained in cultivation must be placed Gerbera Jamesonii " Bril- liant,'' raised by Lynch by crossing typical Jamesonii and Sir Michael. In this cross the red of Jamesonii is rendered clearer and more brilliant by the yellow of Sir Michael. M. Sprenger, of Naples, who was one of the first to be interested in Gerbera, has obtained, by variation of the type, G. Jamesonii atrosan- guinea, with blood-red flowers. To him also we owe the form named illustris, with flowers larger and more brilliant than those of the type. G. Jamesonii transvaalensis is given without description by Mr. Lynch as of Bel- gian origin. M. .Sprenger has informed the author that he has attempted cross-fertilisa- tion between Gerbera and Gazania without success. M. Adnet, before commencing his work upon the hybrids, had already obtained from typical Jamesonii very distinct varia- tions of pale red, salmon and light fawn (chamois). These evidently, from a phyto- genetic point of view, are in accordance with the variations indicated by Mr. Lynch. The Hybrids. But to obtain an absolute break from the tvpe it v as necessary to have recourse to hybridisation. This was done by Mr. Lynch, who, in a letter recently received by Mons. P. de Vilmorin, owned himself entirely respon- sible for that work. It is a responsibility, the author says, that many would have been very happy to assume. The first attempt was be- tween G. viridifolia and G. Jamesonii, the resulting plants having flowers that varied from white to deep pink ; another cross before- tnontioned between Gerbera Jamesonii Sir Michael and G. Jamesonii having given the plant named " Brilliant." Afterwards G. Sir Michael and the first hybrids were inter- crossed, and all the new forms between them. From that moment it might be said that almost the complete scale of colours was ob- tained, as was proved by the plate published in Flora and Sylva in 1905. In the article which accompanied this plate Mr. Lynch gave details, corroborated, moreover, by informa- tion which M. Adnet has given to M. de Vil- morin, demonstrating the facility and almost the necessity for crossing. " I knew," says Mr. Lynch, " that many of the Composites are sterile with their own individual pollen. It is the case with Gerbera. At all events, the female organs first mature and are recep- tive before the pollen is ready.'' But to return to the history of the hybrids. Mr. Lynch's collection, already very rich and getting too considerable for the means of a botanic garden, being of considerable horti- cultural interest and having obtained one of the highest awards at the Temple Show in 1904, was disposed of to an English horticul- tural establishment. Unhappily, from cir- cumstances which have nothing to do with our present subject, the collection was dis- persed, and all the work might have been lost, especially as we have seen that ('•. viridifolia had disappeared, and from that time has not been re-introduced.* But some plants had been preserved in the Botanic Garden at Cambridge, which, crossed and multiplied afresh, have reproduced the greater part of the forms and colours of the first hybrids and crosses. The other important point is that M. Adust, who for several years had devoted himself in iiis establishment of " La Roseraie," at the Cap d'Antibes, to the culture of Gerbera Jamesonii, was deeply interested in the new hybrids. Of Mr. Lynch's dispersed collection he could obtain only four plants — at first three with pink flowers, viz., a light pink, a deep pink, and one intermediate between these two ; later he procured one of a dull yellow, rather insignificant in itself. In 1906 Mr. Lynch sent to M. Adnet three plants with pink flowers and some seeds of crosses between pink and white and yellow and white. Such is the origin of M. Adnet's large collec- tion, and of which the specimens he exhi- bited last autumn have given him such a just renown. Up to the present M. Adnet has made 2,700 crosses, all with a registered num- ber giving the colour of both parents, and he possesses nearly 25,000 hybrid plants repre- senting the fourth generation of his seed- lings. It is interesting to note that on account, no doubt, of the disturbed hybrid character of the forms employed by him, and because also of the variability of G. Jamesonii, he has obtained wonderful re- sults : thus, a light pink crossed by a deep pink has given him, even in the first year, both white and yellow flowers. L. (To be continued.) * It may here be remarked that a plant, no doubt to be regarded as conspecific, has been recently introduced to Kew. It is, however, quite different, having broader leaves and ray-florets distinctly coloured purple below. The Cambridge plant had an advantage, perhaps, in being- practically colourless, though dirty and very poor indeed for a white. 274 THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE. (May 1, 1909. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. PRIMULA FORRESTII, BALF. FIL. (See figs. 117 and 118.) This is a handsome new species which was discovered by Mr. George Forrest on the eastern (lank of the Lichiang range in N.W. Yunnan at an altitude of 9,000 to 11,000 feet. It has been raised by Bees, Ltd., from seed sent home by Mr. Forrest. Writing of it in Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, for April, 1908, where the species was described and figured, Mr. Forrest says that it " is a curious as well as a beautiful species, and a lover of dry, stony situations. The flowers are large and numerous, of a rich deep shade of orange, and fragrant. The foliage is densely coated with glandular hairs, and, in the fresh state, has a peculiar, but not unpleasant, aromatic odour. The plant is specially adapted to the situation in which it is commonly found, i.e., the crevices of dry, shady limestone cliffs, in having a long, extremely tough, woody rootstock of 2 to 3 feet in length. The base of the rootstock is very tapered, generally only a few inches being enclosed in the crevices of the rocks. From this point the plant is pendulous for almost the full length of the remain- der of the rootstock, a few inches of the growing apex being turned out and upwards. The rootstock, for two-thirds of its length, is covered with the induvise of previous year's foli- age, which, at the apex, form a dense matted mass, with the fresh foliage and flowers arising from the centre. Judging from the length of the rootstocks of specimens seen growing, allowing two whorls of leaves for one year's growth — a liberal estimate — some plants must reach the age of 50 to 100 years. Another feature which pointed to great age in the species was that the cliffs behind some of the larger specimens were scored and worn to the depth of fully an inch by the motion of the plants in the wind." To this ac- count of it may be added that the golden farinose, under surface of the young leaves increases the effectiveness of the plant. Of its cultivation, Mr. Forrest writes : " There is not the slightest doubt in my mind as to the hardiness of the species, but it will not do with damp. The most sunny and dry situations are what you should try, and do not forget to give it plenty of lime. The situations in which I found the species in greatest luxuriance were the crevices and ledges of dry limestone cliffs." The plant belongs to the small section Bullatae of the genus Primula — a section restricted, as we know it, to the mountain ranges of Eastern Tibet and North-west Yunnan, and of which no species is yet in our gardens. Its nearest allies are P. bullata. Franch., and P. bracteata, Franch. From the latter its farinose leaves and long scape separate it, and from the former it is distinguished by the densely pubescent scape, pedicels, and calyx. The plant is an acquisition to horticulture. It whets the appetite for more of the novelties which the enterprise of Mr. Bulley and the skil- ful exploration of Mr. Forrest have brought to this country, and which we long to see in general cultivation. It was exhibited by Bees, Ltd., at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on April 20, when it received a First-class Certifi- cate. /. B. B. EPICATTLEYA WOLTERIANA. Kranzl. (Epidendrum aurantiacum i x Cattleya SCHRODER^E ? ). ' This hybrid is a medium-sized plant of no striking peculiarities in habit. The pseudo-bulbs are about a span high (15-17 cm.), one-leaved ; the leaves oblong, blunt, of the same length, and 3-3.5 cm. wide. The spikes in the two speci- mens I have seen are two-flowered ; the pedicels are 6 cm. (about 2^ inch) long, pale green, with or without a darker somewhat purplish hue. The flowers are 7-7.5 cm. (3 inches) in Fig. 117. — primula forrestii, a new species from china: flowers yellow. (Awarded F.C.C. at R.H.S. meeting on the 20th ult.) May 1, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 275 diameter, and in the two flowering specimens I examined, two varieties differing somewhat in size and colour were to be observed. The sepals are lanceolate, acute ; the petals are oblong or rhombic, thrice as wide as the sepals and a little shorter. The lip is entire without any trace of division and funnel-shaped. The colour of the bigger flowers is exactly what we call salmon colour, the smaller have the same ground colour, but there is a purplish hue upon the whole flower, especially on the sepals and the border of the lip. In the purely salmon-coloured form the lip has two mauve- purple stripes on its base, and the column has also two stripes of the same colour and a corresponding mauve-purple sign at its base, whilst the other form (the smaller with the purplish hue) has no trace either upon the lip or column, the latter being pure white. It is a question whether such a hybrid should be described as bigeneric. Epidendrum auran- tiacum is one of the species so near Cattleya that Reichenbach, in the sixth volume of Walper's Annals, placed the plant among the true species of this genus, for evidently no bet- ter species he could find for connecting together Cattleya and Epidendrum. Nevertheless, it is better to follow precedent, especially in ques- tions of no systematical but merely horticultural interest, and therefore I keep Cattleya distinct from Epidendrum. For this reason I have adopted the generic name Epicattleya. The plant was raised by Mr. Paul Wolter, Magde- burg, Wilhelmstadt, from the parents I have named, and flowered there for the first time. It may be assumed that adult and vigorous plants will produce more and L .haps still bigger flowers than those which have yet appeared. The seeds were sown in 1903, and the two plants flowered after five years and some months. Fr. K ranz/in, Berlin. THE CHEMISTRY OF HEATED AND OF PARTIALLY STERILISED SOILS. Some communications appeared in the Gar- deners' Chronicle, Aug. 10 and Aug. 31, 1907, on work which was in progress on the question of the influence of bacteria on the germination of seeds, and on the root- formation of trees. The subject has since been pursued, and most of the results will be found in the Journal of Agri- cultural Science. The view originally taken, that bacteria affected the germination of seeds, has been definitely disproved, and it has been shown that the inhibitory action of heated soils is due to the heating having resulted in the for- mation of a toxic substance, which is a soluble organic, and, probably, nitrogenous compound. The amount formed increases with the tempera- ture of heating from 60° to 2C0° C, and it appears to be present to a certain extent even in soils which have not been heated above ordinary atmospheric temperatures. The inhibitory action on the germination of seeds is roughly propor- tional to the amount of this toxic substance pre- sent. The treatment of soils with antiseptics results in a chemical change, independent of any bacterial change, similar to that produced when the soil is heated to 60°-70°. The heating of a soil, and, in a lesser degree, the treatment of it with an antiseptic, results in a considerable increase in the soluble organic and nitrogenous matter present in it, and such soils, therefore, are more favourable than ordinary soils for the growth of plants, and for an increased nitrogen assimilation by them. This is, ap- parently, a sufficient explanation of the results hitherto published of the behaviour of plants in such soils. It appears, however, that the sub- stance which is toxic towards germination, and which is formed by the heating or treatment of soils, is really toxic also towards plant growth, and, if the heated soils are used for growing plants before that toxic substance has been eliminated, then the plants grow less vigorously, instead of more vigorously, in the heated soils. It has been found that the toxic substance becomes destroyed by oxidation under those circumstances usually prevailing in cultivation, but, when destroyed, there is still left in the heated soil much of the extra organic matter which had been rendered soluble by the heating. Heated soils, therefore, may behave in diametri- cally opposite ways towards plant growth, according to the conditions to which the soil has been subjected after the heating. There is no evidence at present to show that the phenomena observed with these heated ■or treated soils are due to bacterial operations, and not simply to ordinary chemical changes. Spencer Pickering. TREES AND SHRUBS. VEGETABLES. EARLY CABBAGE. Early Cabbages are always appreciated ; but in seasons when green vegetables are scarce, they MAGNOLIA STELLATA. Tins Magnolia was awarded a First-class Certi- ficate by the R.H.S. on March 19, 1878, and it is probable that that was the first occasion on which plants of this species were publicly exhibited in England. It was exhibited by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons under the name of M. Halleana, a name given in honour of Dr. G. R. Hall. Mr. S. D. Parsons, a nurseryman of Flushing, U.S.A., describes its introduction in a letter to The Garden (June 15, 1878). He says that " he had long been trying to find a suitable man to send to Japan, but owing to difficulties attending the entry of foreigners into Japan he had been unable to securo the right person." One day in 1862, how- ever, Dr. Hall entered his office and offered his collection of Japanese plants, which he had brought with him in Wardian cases. Many choice shrubs appear to have been contained in Fig. ii8. — primula forrf.stii growing in yunnan, china, alt. 9,000 to 11,000 ft. (See g. 274 ) are doubly welcome. \Ye commenced cutting nice heads of " Flower of Spring " on April 1, at which time also the variety " April " was ready. These two varieties, with " Favourite," have withstood the severe weather of the past winter excellent, and they are three fine Cabbages in other respects, being of excellent table quality. The seeds were sown on August 20, and the seedlings pricked out into plots on October 15 and 15. Other good Cabbages are Early Heart- well (sown now, this furnishes fine heads for summer use) and Carter's Model. I would re- commend Mammoth Beefheart. By judicious se- lection and careful management, a supply of young Cabbages may be had all the year round. They should be planted thickly on a warm bor- der in the autumn, and, after the Cabbages are cut, the borders can be planted with early crops of Peas, Carrots, Potatos and Turnips. If the ground has been well prepared and manured for the Cabbages little more will be necessary for these other crops beyond digging. W. A. C. these cases, including Thuya dolobrata, Japanese Maples, the double-flowered Deutzia crenata, Hydrangea paniculata, Cupressus obtusa, Picea polita, and two Magnolias, one of which was M. stellata (syn. Halleana). An interesting mention, with regard to this collection, is made of Lilium auratum, a few bulbs of which were sold to a firm in Europe for $80 a bulb. Although Magnolia stellata has been known in this country for upwards of 30 years, very little was done to popularise it until half that period had passed, and it is only in late years that it has become fairly well known in gardens. The flowering period is April, and, in the absence of frost, the pure white, star-like blossoms, 3 inches across, have a charming effect. The blossoms are borne with such freedom as to hide the branches. At Abbotsbury Castle, in Dorsetshire, is one of the oldest and finest specimens in the country. When selecting a position for planting, it is advisable to choose a spot sheltered from the east, so that when the flowers are frosted the 276 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 1, 1909. sun will not shine on them until they have thawed. The plant is well adapted for forcing into bloom. In addition to the type there- is a variety with pink flowers. II-. D. PRUNUS TOMENTOSA. Although this is by no means a new shrub, it is only within the last five years that its value as an ornamental plant has been appreciated. The plant is a native of Northern and Western China, and was first brought to notice by Bretschneider. It was introduced to European gardens from Japan, where it is cultivated. Prunus tomentosa has a wide distribution, for it has been found by various travellers in the mountainous districts of places so widely separated as Manchuria, Szechuen, and Kashmir. Under cultivation it forms a well-developed bush, 5 to 6 feet high and as much through, a considerable amount of growth being formed annually. The bark is NATURAL DESIGN IN WATER GARDENS. Notwithstanding the attraction a mere ex- panse of water has for most people, there is a greater pleasure in the cultivation of aquatic plants on the margins of a brook, pond, or lake if these are grown with an artistic sense of the fit- ness of their surroundings. There is no class of vegetation that suffers more if deprived of the background of its natural surroundings, than aquatic plants. Nymphseas are beautiful under any circumstances, but when grown artificially in tubs or square cement tanks they lose much of their attractiveness. Compare, for example, a Water Lily grown under such conditions and a similar plant revelling in a sunny spot in a well- designed pool or lake with rustling sedges and rushes in the background and glowing tints of Spirseas, Water Iris, and other plants of a similar nature pushing their vigorous growth into the Mimulas, Myosotis and Polygonums. In th* shallow water may be cultivated Sagittarias, Acorus, Ranunculus, Typhas, and in the deeper portions floating plants such as Nymphseas, Villarsia and Nuphars. If these and similar plants are disposed in proper positions the effect will be not only one of the most beautiful in the garden, but it will be reflected in the water below. Although a perfectly natural design is best for the water garden, it is not necessary to under- value the introduction of such aquatics as Nymphaeas into the water portions of a scheme where the design is necessarily formal. The stately formality of certain styles of landscape gardening has its uses, and where an expanse of water is edged with a geometrical design in stone the addition of some Water Lilies is a decidedly attractive embellishment. Nevertheless, such an arrangement remains merely an embellishment, FlG. lit). — A WATER GARDEN IN MESSRS. WALLACE'S NURSERY AT COLCHESTER. brown in colour and tomentose. The leaves are ■ more or less elliptic and rather sharply acumi- nate. The flowers are borne in April, appearing about the time that the leaf-buds burst. They are usually produced singly from both sides of each bud on shoots of the previous season, and are white, slightly flushed with pink, especially in the bud stage. The fruit is of a shade of orange-scarlet and in shape resemble an Apricot, but is only about the size of a small Cherry. So far fruits have not been produced in any great quantity in this country, but in China and Japan the plant is stated to be cultivated exclusively for its fruits. When in full bloom the species forms an exceedingly ornamental shrub. The petals are very delicate and liable to be damaged by storms ; during unsettled weather the flowers are very fugitive. The stock may be increased by means of cuttings or layers. W. D. \. water ! It is not that the plant itself is less beautiful, but there is a sense of the unfitness of things in the former case that detracts from its charm. Were these points so well understood generally as they ought to be there would be much less of the incongruous in modern gardening. Streams of water now running to waste might be utilised for producing effects of the most charming de- scription. By damming the streams at suitable points and by effecting some slight excavation, it is possible to provide breadths of water that in themselves possess some attraction. But the banks and margins may be clothed with Japanese Iris, groups of Astilbes and Spiraeas, American Bog Lilies, such as Liliums canadense, parda- linum and others ; Trollius, such species of Primula as love moisture, including P. japonica, P. denticulata, and others ; Calthas, Rodgersias, and the effect can never be equal to that afforded by a more natural garden. The illustrations at figs. 119 and 120 represent views taken in the nurseries of Messrs. R. Wallace and Co., Colchester. Their water gar- den shows what combinations and effects may be obtained by making the most of favourable cir- cumstances. Everything that is possible under circumstances necessitating the production of plants for commercial purposes has been done to effect an arrangement rich in beautiful grouping. In fig. 119 may be seen the vigorous growth of Rumex hydrolopathum, Astilbe, and Iris Kaemp- feri, all in the background, whilst the foliage of Iris cuprea in the foreground are some of Mons. Marliac's Nymphaeas. In fig. 120 a fine specimen of Nymphaea "James Brydon" planted three years ago has for its background a clump of Acorus and Iris foliage. O- May 1, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 277 FLORISTS' FLOWERS. SOME OF MR. HAYDON'S NARCISSI. Among the names of the pioneers in the im- provement of the Daffodil, that of Rev. G. P. Haydon will always stand high, especially for the many Trumpet varieties which he has pro- duced since 1895. Among the chief of these may be mentioned The Pearl of Kent, C. H. Curtis, his own namesake G. P. Haydon, Lord Medway, The President, and Benenden. Exceptional interest, therefore, attaches to the records of the parentage of his seedlings, which are, with Mr. Haydon's sanction, given here- with. Seedlings from Seed Saved in 1895. M. Cross.— Mme. de Graaff s X Monarch a . — Beatrice Barlow, Bella, Bugler, C. H. Curtis, Drummer Boy, Dr. Kumura, Duke of Kent, Duchess of Kent, Fanny Haydon, Gwen- dolen, Hatfield Beauty, Heliodora, Kuroki, Mme. Kuroda, Marchioness Oyama, Miss Sato, Okapi, Our Nellie, Pearl of Kent, Philippe de Vil- morin, Pyramus, Stourmouth, Wearmouth. N. Cross.— Monarch $ X Mme. de Graaff shown, or it is scooped out, as will be iUus- trated in a later number. Immediately after the bulb is scored in this manner, the wounds are exposed so as to dry them. In former times they were exposed to the sun's rays, but it is the practice now to apply some absorbent material, such as ash or lime, which prevents the exudation of sap. It is usual to set apart a portion of a bulb store for use as a " nurse-room," in which the for- mation of the bulbils takes place and their de- velopment continues until they are ready for planting. Our illustration shows a part of one of these rooms in the nursery of Mr. F. de obtained by the other treatment. In October or November the bulbils are detached and planted in ground which is liberally dressed with cow-dung in the preceding year. In the follow- ing season the bulbs do not flower, but merely produce foliage. They are lifted with the other bulbs in June, placed in the bulb stores and spread out on laths to dry. When this is accomplished they are cleaned of the foliage and loose leaf scales, and stored in a well-ven- tilated room until planting time in the follow- ing autumn. As soon as they are of a proper flowering size, which takes usually three years, they are ready for the market. Before they are sold each bulb is inspected. Those that are suit- able are packed in paper bags or cases amongst husks of Buckwheat. Haarlem, the city of the Counts of Old Hol- land, as is well known, has long been occupied with the raising of flowering bulbs, and every field and meadow about the city is now cultivated as a bulb farm. It is the narrow strip of sandy ground situated immediately behind the dunes that has proved exceptionally suitable for such culture. Tulips, and particularly Narcissi, can be propagated and grown for commercial pur- poses in many parts of the British Isles, and in the Scilly Islands and in Ireland, but in the case of Hyacinths the whole of the commercial output, for Europe at the least, is raised in Holland. The bulb fields during the latter part of April always present a glorious sight, but a visit to the district in autumn is not less interesting. Along the banks of the canals and rivers, strips of land are covered with bulbous plants. The country from Leiden to Beverwyk, 12 miles north of Haarlem, is one continuous bulb farm 30 miles in length. Even around the Hague many orchards have been destroyed, the trees grubbed up, and bulbs planted in their stead. Until about 1860 bulb cultivation in Hol- land was limited to the immediate neighbour- hood of Haarlem, the country beyond being either meadow or orchard land, but bulb-culture has proved to be more profitable. The farmer, therefore, became a bulb-grower, and his sons soon adapted themselves to a commercial life. They learned foreign languages and travelled in other countries for the purpose of disposing of their stocks. For the photographs we are in- debted to Mr. Piet Ammerlaan, Amsterdam. (To be continued.) HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himselj responsible for the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) The Season in Mid-Wales.— With refer- ence to Mr. Markham's note on p. 245, the following remarks may be of interest. Scotch, Cottagers', and Asparagus Kales are plenti- ful and good. Broccoli have withstood the severe weather well, and without any pro- tection. We cultivate the following varieties of this vegetable: Self-protecting Autumn, Snow's Superb Winter White, Frogmore Protecting, CattePs Eclipse, Late White May, and June King. They have all been grown between Potatos planted 3 feet apart. Spinach (Green Beet) has furnished plentiful crops during the winter ; the prickly-seeded kind will soon be plentiful. Of Celery, the variety Major Clarke is keeping well. Turnips Chirk Castle, Black Stone, and Orange Jelly have been, and still continue, in good condition. Autumn-sown Peas were ruined by the severe weather in March. Broad Beans are later than those sown in January outside. Autumn-sown Onions of the- Giant Rocca variety are very good ; of Ailsa Craig we lost quite 50 per cent, of the plants. Onions and Parsnips sown outside in February promise well. Of autumn-planted Cabbage, Ellam's Early Dwarf is late, but quite healthy, and will be ready to follow late Kales. Fruits of all kinds are very satisfactory. Hybrid Perpetual and climb- ing varieties of Roses are breaking well, but Tea Roses have been damaged by the cold weather. Rose Beauty of Glazenwood, or Fortune's Yellow, growing on a south wall and with no protection during March, will soon be a glorious sight. Retinospora Sanderse, a beautiful coloured Conifer, refuses to grow here ; probably the plant requires shelter from wind, as it appears quite hardy. Ribes, in five varieties, are charming just now. Euonymus trees are badly damaged, particularly the green variety. The shoots of Escallonia are badly browned, but the plants will soon be green again with new growth. Veronicas, except the variegated variety of V. Andersonii, which is cut to the ground, are un- harmed ; our plants include V. salicifolia, V. Burkii, V. Traversii and V. cupressoides. Con- toneaster angustifolia is cut badly by the frost. The flowering shrubs were unharmed, although 284 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE [May 1, 1909. without protection : Olearia Haastii, 0. nitida. Rhododendrons, including the variety " Pink Pearl " ; Stuartia pentagyna, Caryopteris Mas- tacantha, Elaeagnus macrophylla, Buddleia globosa, B. variabilis, Choisya ternata, and Cassinia fulvida. The shoots ot Cistus in several varieties have been killed by the frost, but they have been pruned and are breaking freely. Styrax japonica, Edwardsia grandiflora, and Azara microphylla are, I am afraid, damaged beyond recovery. The foliage of Rhododendron elegantissima is quite brown, but the buds appear to be alive. R. praecox, which lost all its foliage, is now in flower. R. odoratum is quite hardy with us, although a very shy bloomer. Carpenteria californica, which was lightly pro- tected, is quite green. These trees and shrubs have all been 'planted within the last five years. The soil is a stiff clayey loam, which has been well drained and worked ; all are growing at an exposed altitude of 600 feet. Yucca filamentosa, Tricyrtis hirta nigra, and Opuntia Rafinesquii, planted in prepared soil, have withstood the winter well. Pampas Grass, planted four years ago as offsets, are damaged, but not severely. Specimens of Romneya Coulteri have been cut to the ground ; they were weak when planted. The shoots are now breaking through the soil again. A plant of Lilium auratum platyphyllum. which developed 44 flowers last season, is now 6 inches high, the only protection it has had being an inverted flower-pot. A patch of Anemone hortensis plena is now a blaze of colour, whilst several varieties of A. coronaria will be charming for some weeks to come. Plants of Meconopsis integrifolia, raised from seed sown in a cold frame last June and planted out in October, are healthy and strong. Seeds sown in the open air last August appear to be doing well. Our first Almond tree to flower opened its blossoms on the 17th inst. J. E.. Welshpool. Crimson Carnations. — Mr. Weston and Mr. Johnson take different views (see pp. 241, 267) as to which variety of perpetual-flowering Carnations should be regarded as the best crim- son variety. Having tested all varieties from the old General Maces to the new variety known as Black Chief, I think that this latter variety is to be recommended with confidence. A seedling from Harlowarden, Black Chief has a stronger stem and more robust habit of growth than its seed parent. It possesses a rich Clove scent, which Harlowarden does not, and it is capable of pro- ducing almost double the crop of bloom. Gwladys is a beautiful variety, but it is too slow in growth, producing its main crop of flowers in spring. When a flower is cut from this variety it takes more than seven months before the same growth will produce another bloom. Harlowar- den will do so in six months, but Black Chief re- quires only five months. Harry Fenn and The President require a better winter climate than we possess, Governor Roosevelt is too slow, whilst Harvard, the American novelty, produces large flowers, but they are somewhat few. Black Chief is the best crimson perpetual-flower- ing Carnation up to the present date. Montagu C. Allwood. Culture of Cucumbers. — Mr. Jenkins states (p. 253) that I am in error in assuming that " all engaged in growing Cucumbers for market stop the young plants at the third or fourth wire of the trellis," adding that he himself does not do so, " although a market grower of Cucumbers for many years," thereby proving the truth of the old axiom' about there being " an exception to every rule." All market growers of Cucumbers that I am acquainted with stop their young plants as I described in order to hasten the production of fruit-bearing laterals, and to have good Cu- cumbers earlier than would otherwise be tke case. The individual laterals are stopped, as a rule, immediately beyond the second joint, and no fruits are allowed to develop on the main stems of the plants. Mr. Jenkins says (p. 193), " When the second or third rough leaf has been made the seedlings may be planted out." Young plants, however, are as a rule shifted from 3-inch pots into others having a diameter of 6 inches, and are not planted on the ridges until they have developed five or more rough leaves, the plants being grown on in the meantime in a position pretty close to the roof glass. In order to secure good crops of saleable fruits over as long a period as possible, liberal top- dressings of suitable manures should be afforded before applying water at the roots two or three times in the week. The top- dressings are given in addition to a fresh compost of good loam and manure in about equal parts at intervals of a few weeks. Mr. Jenkins asks if I have tried the method which he advocated on p. 193. I have not, simply because it would not result in so great a profit as the one I now prac- tise, and is wholly unsuited for commercial purposes. I have grown Melons extensively in the manner described by Mr. Jenkins for several years when in private practice, and with very satisfactory results. But satisfactory as this system was in a private establishment, I am satisfied that it would not do for market growers. With regard to my fuel bill, the cost was practically nothing, inasmuch as the plants were grown, as stated at p. 234, in boxes over a flue in the back wall of a three-quarter span pine stove, which, during the winter and early spring months, contained fruiting plants. H. W. W . Acetylene Gas Refuse. — I have been using this in my garden for six years, and though I have not put it to any kind of scientific test, I have had no reason to think that its effects were other than those of ordinary dressings of lime. I might add that the weeds grow freely on the piece of waste ground where my man washes out the tins. If there were any seriously injurious effects from the refuse one would have thought it would be seen here more than anywhere, but the grass does not appear to be affected by the liquid which runs over it. Chas. E. Pearson. Thuja Lobbii as a Hedge Plant. — There can be no doubt as to the general excellence of Thuja Lobbii as a hedge plant as recommended by E. M., p. 245; but by far the most orna- mental, evergreen hedge is furnished, in my opinion, by Thujopsis dolabrata. Here at Rotherfield Park we have some hedges formed of this Conifer which never fail to command admiration. The plant does not, perhaps, equal T. Lobbii in rapidity of growth, but it makes a very dense and excellent hedge. The only prun- ing necessary is an annual cutting of the side growths with a knife ; they should not be clipped with shears. Cupressus Lawsoniana also makes a good hedge. IF. 11. 0., Alton, Hunt*. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. The following circular letter is being distri- buted from Wisley : — Royal Horticultural Societv's Laboratory, Wisley, Ripley, Surrey, April, 1909. In view of the great severity of the weather in the past winter (1908-9) in certain parts of the country and the large number of new plants recently introduced to our gardens, it is desirable to collect all available information concerning the damage done by frost in order that it may be made public in the Royal Horti- cultural Society's Journal. Will you, therefore, be so good as to fill in the forms sent herewith and return them to me at your convenience? Additional forms will be sent with pleasure if required. No doubt the extent of the damage done will not be apparent until the midde or end of May, but may we be allowed to suggest that notes of the apparent damage should be made at once and checked subsequently at the time the plants should be in full growth. In some cases it will be impossible to answer all the questions, but any exact information that can be given will be of immense service in draw- ing up the report and will be of great value to the Fellows of our Society. Yours truly, Fred. J. Chittenden. Schedule of Queries. 1. Locality of garden. 2. Height above sea level. 3. Is the surrounding country open or is the garden sheltered by hills, &c. ? 4. Is there any large body of water near? 5. Has the garden suffered any great damage from frost during the winter of 1908-9? If possible, please say how the amount of damage compares with that experi- enced in previous severe winters. 6. What are the lowest temperatures re- corded during the winter, with dates? (1) On grass (2) In screen If the thermometers are placed in posi- tions other than these please give exact situation and exposure. 7. Have the thermometers been verified at Kew? 8. If not, are the thermometers ordinary minimum thermometers or " Six's "? 9. How do the temperatures compare with those experienced during other winters? 10. How long did the frosts last? 11. Was snow on the ground at the time? If so, about how much? 12. What was the general character of the autumn months in the district? 13. What is the nature of the soil and sub- soil? 14. Please give any further particulars regard- ing the climatic conditions that you think may be of service in drawing up the report. [Two further forms accompany this one ; one is intended for the enumeration of plants that have received injury, and the other for the enumera- tion of newly-introduced plants.] Scientific Committee. April 20.— Present : Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A., F.L.S. (in the chair) ; Sir Daniel Morris, G.C.M.G., Prof. Church, F.L.S., Messrs. A. Worsley, G. Massee, A. W. Hill, J. Douglas, C. Druery, J. T. Bennett-Poe, J. W. Odell, W. Cuthbertson, and F. J. Chittenden (hon. secre- tary). Fatsia injured by gnawing animals. — Mr. J. W. Odell reported that he had examined the plants of Fatsia in the garden of Mr. Kingsmill, at Harrow Weald, who had sent specimens of the injured stems to be examined by the committee, and found that the injury had been caused by the long-tailed field mouse, which had gnawed off the bark of some of the branches all round for a considerable length. Double Auricula. — Mr. Druery called attention to a double-flowered Auricula of an exceedingly dark purple colour, shown by Mr. J. Douglas. The plant had been raised by Mr. C. B. Green, of Acton, from seed bought of Mr. Douglas. The example was particularly interesting, since Mr. Douglas stated that never before in his experi- ence had a double Auricula been raised from seed of his plants. Sir Daniel Morris raised the question of whether such a variation as this suddenly occurring from seed could rightly be called a sport. The discussion of the proper application of this term was deferred. Various plants. — Mr. Worsley showed flowers of Tulips which he had received under the name of Tulipa Fosteriana from Holland, and com- mented upon the amount of variation in colour which these showed, especially in the presence and absence of the dark blotch at the base of the perianth segments. He considered that the plant approached very closely to Tulipa Eichleri. Sir. Worsley also offered some remarks upon a plant shown at the previous meeting, which he had identified as Urceolina miniata, a native of the Peruvian Andes. From Mr. A. W. Sutton came an unnamed Composite, apparently a native of Tropical Africa. In appearance the flowers somewhat resembled those of a Cineraria, but did not seem identical with any known species. Mr. Sutton was asked to show the plant again when ripe fruit could also be seen. Sir Daniel Morris remarked that he had recently seen, in a garden in the New Forest, a white-flowered shrub about 5 feet or 6 feet in height, which there passed under the name of Leucopogon Cunninghamii, but which was really Spiraea Tunbergii. He desired to know whether Leucopogon Cunninghamii was hardy in England. Presentation to the Library. — Prof. A. H. Church presented three books which he had had privately printed, being catalogues of some 6,000 manuscripts, scarce pamphlets, &c, contained in the library of the Royal Society, and dating from about 1606 to the beginning of the nineteenth century, containing many interesting references to well-known botanists and other scientific men of this and foreign countries, to which Prof. Church briefly referred. Prof. Church was heartily thanked for these interesting additions to the library. May 1, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 285 MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. April 1. — Committee, present: E. Ashworth, Esq. (Chairman) ; and Messrs. R. Ashworth, H. Thorp, Z. A. Ward, F. W. Ashton, A. Warbur- ton, J. C. Cowan, W. Holmes, A. J. Keeling, C. Parker, W. B. Upjohn, and P. Weathers (hon. sec). A. Wakburton, Esq., Haslingden (gr. Mr. Dalgleish), exhibited Cattleyas (Bronze Medal), a group of Odontoglossums (Silver Medal), and an- other of Cypripediums (Bronze Medal), the com- bined display receiving a Silver-gilt Medal. From this collection the following plants received awards, viz., First-class Certificate to Odontioda Goodsonse Vine House variety and Odontoglos- sum crispum var. Inoticus. Cattleya Schrdderse var. Countess Deepore, C. S. var. Matador, and C. S. var. White Queen received Awards of Merit. H. J. Bromilow, Esq., Rainhill (gr. Mr. Mor- gan), was awarded a Silver Medal for a group of Cypripediums. C. x Hopkinsonianum, a hy- brid between C. bellatulum and C. Mastersianum, received an Award of Merit. Messrs. Moore, Ltd., Leeds, were awarded a Silver Medal for a fine display of Dendrobiums. Mr. W. Shackleton, Gt. Horton, near Bradford, was awarded a Bronze Medal for a small group of plants consisting of Cypripediums and Odontoglossums. Odontoglossum crispum Shackleton's variety received an Award of Merit. J. McCartney, Esq., Bolton (gr. Mr. Holmes), was awarded a Silver Medal for a group of Cattleyas ; a fine white variety named Cattleya Schroderae alba var. Mrs. J. McCartney was awarded a First-class Certificate, whilst Cattleya Schrodera var. Model received an Award of Merit. Mr. ,T. Robson, Altrincham, was awarded a Silver Medal for a miscellaneous display, in which were some well-grown plants of Dendro- bium and Odontoglossum in great variety. Mr. A .W. Jensen, Linfield, Sussex, exhibited a number of distinct forms of Cattleya Schroderaa and some choice forms of Cattleya Mendelii. Mr. A. J. Keeling, Bradford, was awarded a Bronze Medal for a group in which were many interesting plants. Cypripedium X Eurybel re- ceived an Award of Merit, and a similar award was given to a good form of Dendrobium Cam- bridgeanum. G. S. Ball, Esq., Burton, Westmoreland (gr. Mr. Herdman), received Botanical Certificates for Bulbophyllum Lobbii var. Siamensis and Cirr- :hopetalum picturatum. P. II". HORTICULTURAL CLUB. THE COLOURS OF PLANTS. April 20. — At the usual monthly meeting of •this club, at the Hotel Windsor, on this date, Mr. W. J. Jefferies presiding, Mr. A. E. Bunyard gave an interesting lecture on the under- lying causes of colour and change of colour in plants. By means of a number of lantern slides, some representing flowers in their natural colours, and others prepared microscopic sections of the colour-producing plant cells, he showed the many subtle ways in which colours are widely varied by minute modifications of the colouring matter, or even only of its rearrangement. In the first place, he explained that we recognise colours by virtue of the varying powers pos- sessed by the colouring materials of absorbing white light, e.g., sunlight, and breaking it up, as in prisms, into those constituent tints which are seen in the rainbow or in the spectrum. When so broken up, these components are partly ab- sorbed and partly thrown off or reflected, and it is by virtue of the reflected rays, and not the absorbed ones, that our eyes are affected and we see the colour concerned. Thus a red body absorbs all the rays of the spectrum except the red; these, reflected, fall upon the eye and give rise to the sensation of redness. He then went on to explain that the colouring matter in plants is of two kinds, sap, or liquid colours, and " plastids," or minute microscopic bodies of a granular nature. In one very remarkable slide representing a section of a flower petal, he showed how these two kinds, say, one yellow, the other red. may be associated in separate but adjoining cell layers in definite patches, and in such a fashion that, when both were exactly superimposed, a very intense colour appeared ; while a less exact coin- cidence would allow the lighter tint to appear between the darker one, and in this way produce more or less marked gradations of tint. Mr. Bunyard next explained that the chief colouring matter of plants, viz., the chlorophyll, contained in the green granules to which leaves owe their colour, is associated with a yellow- colouring matter termed Carotin. In foliage the yellow colour of the Carotin is masked by the predominating green chlorophyll, but when the green chlorophyll decomposes in the autumn the yellow tint becomes visible, and, in conjunction with other pigments, produces the brilliant reds and yellows of the autumn land- scape. Another interesting point brought out by the lecturer was the practical identity of blue and red sap colours, the. acidity or alkalinity of the sap holding the pigment in solution deter- mining the colour (blue or red) of that pigment. Hence a very slight change in the composition of the soil or in the plant itself may lead to a change from red to blue flowers, or vice-versa as is seen in the much-discussed cases of the Hydrangea. A further series of slides illus- trated the peculiar forms taken by the coloured plasters (chromoplasts) in the epider- mal layers of fruits, the Melon displaying under the microscope curious arrangements of rods and ribbons, while in other cases the matter takes the form of minute crystal-like bodies. Flowers usually contain chlorophyll in their in- cipient stages, but eliminate it later as they as- sume their distinctive colours ; in the green flowers, however, such as green Roses and Dah- lias, this elimination does not occur; in them the chlorophyll persists. Mr. Bunyard referred to the well-known fact that a colour which may be entirely absent in the flower may betray its presence elsewhere in the plant's system, and stated that varieties even when not in flower may thus be recognised. Such examples may be found in the white Lilac, the leaf-buds differing from those of the coloured Lilacs by an absence of a tint in the foliage which the latter invariably show. In the subse- quent discussion Messrs. Druery, Cuthbertson, Pearson, Barr, Sanders and Dr. Shillitoe took part. IPSWICH AND EAST OF ENGLAND HORTICULTURAL. April 21. — The annual spring flower exhibi- tion of this society, otherwise known as the Daf- fodil show, was held at the Public Hall. Ipswich, on this date. The show was marked by excep- tional success, both as regards the number and quality of the exhibits. The classes were divided into those for amateurs, with no restriction as to the number of gardeners employed, amateurs employing no regular gardener, and ladies' classes. In a group of classes for amateurs, Mr. F. L. Bland took a prominent place. He was awarded the 1st prize for 24 varieties of Nar- cissus, the collection including Seagull, Alba- tross, lime, de Graaff and Lucifer ; 2nd, Mr. W. P. Burton, with a collection which con- tained good blooms of Glory of Leiden. For 12 varieties of Narcissus, exhibitors in the previous class not being eligible, Major Cautley was placed 1st, his finest varieties in- cluding Lucifer and Duke of Bedford. Mr. F. L. Bland was again successful for one bloom each of 12 varieties of Narcissus. Wear- dale Perfection was shown in good condition in this exhibit. 2nd. Major W. 0. Cautley, Now- ton, Bury St. Edmunds. Amongst the classes for yellow Magni-coronati varieties, Mr. Donald Warnes won the 1st prize, his exhibit including a specially good specimen of Glory of Leiden. Mr. Bland was 1st with the sulphur varieties, and also the white and yellow, his example of Weardale Per- fection being awarded Major W. 0. Cautley's prize offered for the best bloom in the section. The next three classes were devoted to varie- ties of the Incomparabilis, Barrii conspicuus and Leedsii sections. Major Cautley was 1st in two classes, and Mr. Bland was 1st for three bunches of Barrii conspicuus. The last-named gentle- man secured Major Cautley's Silver Medal offered for the best bloom in these classes with a fine example of the variety Seagull. Mr. F. L. Bland offered a Silver Medal for the best bloom of Parvi-coronati, which was won by Mr. G. H. Saville. Mr. Saville, who does not employ a regular gardener, won remarkable success with his exhibits of Narcissus. He won the 1st prizes offered for the Sir Watkin variety, for a collection of Narcissus, and for one bloom e;ich of six varieties of Narcissus. For a vase of 12 Daffodil blooms of any one variety, .Mr. Robert Death was successful' with fine blooms of Emperor. Mr. R. Dow was 1st for six bunches of spring flowers. Pot plants. — The open classes for pot plants were responsible for some of the most brilliant effects in the show. There were four semi-circu- lar groups of miscellaneous plants, and these formed a most creditable display. Mr. W. P. Burton's group was much the best, both in arrangement and quality. Mr. Notcutt won two 1st prizes for Palm's ; the best Lilacs were shown by Mr. F. Porley, and the best Clivias by Mrs. Luther Holden. There was keen competition in the classes for Azaleas. Mr. W. F. Paul won the 1st prize both for Azalea indica and Azalea mollis, his plants being full of bloom. Some attractive pots of Cinerarias were shown by Mr. R. Dow, who beat both Mrs. Luther Holden and Mr. W. F. Paul. For Cineraria stellata, Mr. Porley was 1st ; but Mr. W. Pipe also staged some good examples. Mrs. W. H. Burroughes was 1st for both Spiraea japonica and other varieties of Spira-a. Mr. W. F. Paul showed some finely-grown Calceolarias, taking 1st honours ; and Mr. W. Pipe's Schizanthus were beautiful specimens. Mr. V. D. Colchester won easily with his fine Tulips. Mr. R. Dow's three pots of Hyacinths and also his Narcissus were a long way ahead of anything in the frame classes. There was some very fine Mignonette to be seen. Trade Exhibits. Non-competitive exhibits formed an attrac- tive feature of the show. Mr. R. C Not- cutt, of Woodbridge and Ipswich, had a very fine exhibition, effectively displayed, which con- sisted largely of hardy spring flowering shrubs, slightly forced and in full bloom. Also several varieties of Roses in full bloom. Mr. Notcutt had, in addition, an exhibit in the form of a rock-garden. Messrs. William Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London, N.. showed Carnations, the more notice- able, perhaps, being the new Souvenir de la Mai- maison variety named Lady Coventry. Mr. Charles H. Buck, Tresco Nurseries and St. Matthew's Street, Ipswich, showed some ex- cellent results of the French system of gardening. Messrs. Fred Smith & Co., Suffolk Seed Stores, Woodbridge and Ipswich, had a well- arranged exhibit, in the centre of which were fine blooms of Emperor Narcissus. Mr. R. H. Bath, the Floral Farms, Wisbech, and Mr. Frank Lilley, of the Bulb Nurseries, Guernsey, showed bright groups of bulbous and other spring flowers. COLCHESTER ROSE AND HORTICULTURAL. April 22. — This society having abandoned their summer exhibition for this year, held in- stead a spring show on this date. Cut flowers were remarkable for their excellent quality and the exhibits of plants were also good, especially Roses from the celebrated Colchester rosarians. In the class for a group of foliage and flowering plants, Mrs. H. de Larpent, Holwood, London Road, Colchester (gr. Mr. G. W. Richardson), was awarded the 1st prize ; Mr. Diaper, Priory Street, Colchester, being placed 2nd. In the similar but small class G. H. Goody, Esq., Colchester (gr. Mr. G. H. Spurgeon), won the 1st prize ; 2nd, E. J. Sanders, Esq., Col- chester (gr. Mr. J. Wood). Excellent Roses were staged by Messrs. F. Cant & Co. in a class for 12 of these plants, many being of the Rambler type. Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons were awarded the 2nd prize. In the smaller class for Roses the awards were re- versed, Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons being placed 1st and Messrs. F. Cant & Co. 2nd. The classes for bulbous flowers were in some cases weakly contested, but in others splendid blooms w-ere staged. Major W. 0. Cautley, Nowton, was awarded the 1st prize for 12 varie- ties of bulbous plants. Mrs. Cheshire had the 286 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 1, 1909. best bulbous plants growing in bowls or vases. Mr. Sanders had the best collections of Polyan- thus and Primroses. Table decorations were a feature of the exhibi- tion, and all were tastefully arranged. The 1st prize was won by Miss A. F. Harwood ; this lady employed Solomon's Seal and Gypsophila largely. 2nd, Mr. Turner, Colchester. The class for decorated bowls or vases was strongly contested. Mrs. 0. G. Orpen, West Bergholt, was placed 1st with a charming ar- rangement of Azalea mollis and Narcissus Leedsii. Honorary Exhibits were numerous. Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Colchester, showed fine bulbous and Alpine plants; Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons had a fine display of Roses ; Messrs. Prior & Sons, Colchester, staged excellent Roses and other flowers; Mr. R. C. Notcutt, Wood- bridge and Ipswich, exhibited forced shrubs in vi riety; Messrs. W. Cutbush & Sons, Highgate, displayed Carnations, including their new variety named Lady Coventry; Mr. Chas. Turner, Slough, showed Auriculas; and Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay and Mark's Tey, "Violas. MIDLAND DAFFODIL. April 22, 23.— The Midland Daffodil Society's 11th annual exhibition was held at the Botani- cal Gardens, Edgbaston, on the above dates. The weather on" the first day was wet, and greatly interfered with the attendance of visi- tors to the show, which was visited by a deputa- tion from the Royal Horticultural Society, con- sisting of Messrs. H. B. May, E. A. Bowles, A. Kingsmill, and C. H. Curtis. Mr. Peter Barr, who was present, declared the exhibition to be the best Daffodil show in the world. It certainly was one of the best held at Birmingham, and the all-round quality of the flowers, especially new seedlingB, was surpris- ingly good. Mr. E. M. Crosfield is to be con- gratulated upon winning both the " Bourne " and the " Cartwright " Challenge Cups for seedlings and new varieties, as well as the 1st prize in the open championship class and 1st prizes in all classes in which he exhibited. The new system of classification of Daffodils drawn up by the Royal Horticultural Society was used, and came in for some criticism. In the evening Mr. Robert Sydenham enter- tained the principal exhibitors, judges and visi- tors to dinner at the Grand Hotel. An interest- ing discussion on the classification and regis- tration of Daffodil names was opened by the Rev. Joseph Jacob. Cut Flowers (Open Classes). The premier class was one for a collection of 50 varieties of Daffodils. There were four en- tries, and the 1st prize of five guineas was awarded to Mr. E. M. Crosfield, Cossington, Bridgwater, whose flowers were of an unusually high standard of excellence. A few of the best varieties were Prelude, Draco, Hamlet, Sachem, Northern Light, Cassandra, Incognita, Lucifer, Homespun, Horace, Pilgrim, Honeybird, and Cohort. Messrs. Cartwright & Goodwin, Blakebrook, Kidderminster, won the 2nd prize ; their exhibit contained exquisite flowers of Monarch, King Solomon, Hamlet, Homespun, Admiral Togo, Diamond, Circlet and Incognita. 3rd, Messrs. Pope & Son, King's Norton. Messrs. Cartwright & Goodwin were awarded 1st prizes in each of the following six classes : — (1) Twelve distinct varieties of long- trumpet Daffodils ; (2) six distinct varieties of short-trumpet Daffodils ; (3) 12 distinct varieties of large-cupped Daffodils; (4) 12 distinct varie- ties of small-cupped Daffodils ; (5) six distinct varieties of flat-cupped Daffodils ; and (6) three distinct varieties of double Daffodils. The same exhibitors shared equal 1st with Mr. F. H. Chapman, Rye, in a class provided for six distinct varieties of N. poeticus. It is difficult to particularise where flowers were so numerous and the quality uniformly high, but the speci- mens exhibited by Messrs. Cartwright & Goodwin were models of good culture and refine- ment and artistically arranged. In a class for six varieties of Daffodils se- lected from moderate-priced varieties, such as Emperor, Golden Spur, Empress, Victoria, Sir Watkin. Mrs. Langtry, &c. there were four com- petitors, and the Rev. T. Buncombe, Black Tor- rington, N. Devon, gained the 1st prize with beautifully-fresh flowers of Barri conspicuus, John Bain, Emperor, Leonie, Flora Wilson, and Frank Miles. 2nd, J. A. Kenrick, Esq., Ber- row Court, Edgbaston (gr. Mr. A. Cryer). Amateurs' Exhibits. In the section reserved for amateurs the lead- ing class was for 25 varieties of Daffodils, and eight good exhibits were placed before the judges, who awarded the 1st prize to Mr. N. Y. Lower, Presteign, for a beautiful set of flowers, in which the following varieties were of out- standing merit: — Horace, Homer, Gloria Mundi, Weardale Perfection, Blood Orange, Chaucer, Glory of Leiden, Albatross, Mine. Plemp, Lucifer, Cresset, and J. B. M. Camm. 2nd, Mr. H. B. Young, Metheringham, whose best flowers were Lucifer, Gloria Mundi, Wear- dale Perfection, Leonie and Barrii conspicuus. The Rev. T. Buncombe, who obtained the 3rd prize in this class, beat 10 competitors in a class for nine distinct varieties of long-trumpet Daffodils. He showed very clean, shapely blooms of Mme. de Graaff, "Victoria, Emperor, Weardale Perfection, Glory of Leiden, J. B. M. Camm, M. J. Berkeley, and Empr«ss. Mr. H. B. Young was a close 2nd, and the Rev G. P. Haydon, Canterbury, 3rd. In a class for nine distinct varieties of large- cupped Daffodils the Rev. T. Buncombe again took the lead with exceedingly good flowers, ex- cept two. namely, Artemis and Minnie Hume. 2nd, the Rev. G. P. Haydon, who succeeded in winning 1st prizes in the undermentioned classes : — (1) Nine distinct varieties of small- cupped Daffodils ; (2) three distinct varieties of flat-cupped Daffodils; and (3) three distinct varieties of double Daffodils. The Rev. T. Buncombe had the best exhibit of three distinct varieties of bunch-flowered Daffodils in the varieties Aspasia, Irene and El- vira. 2nd, J. A. Kenrick, Esq. gr. Mr. A. Cryer). Messrs. Pope & Sons offered five prizes for six distinct varieties of Daffodils, none of which was of a greater value than 3s. per dozen bulbs. 1st, Mr. H. B. Young, with beautiful flowers of Horsfieldii stella superba, Sir Watkin, C. J. Backhouse, praecox grandiflorus, and Minnie Hume; 2nd, Mr. N. Y. Lower. Six classes were provided for exhibitors, who had never won a 1st or 2nd prize at any of the Society's exhibitions, and several creditable dis- plays were made, especially by Mr. H. R. Dar- lington, Potter's Bar, who won 1st prizes for (1) six varieties of small-cupped Daffodils ; (2)^ six varieties of small-cupped Daffodils ; (3) distinct varieties of double Daffodils ; and (4) three dis- tinct varieties of bunch Daffodils. Mr. F. W. Mitchell, Warwick, beat Mr. H. R. Darlington and three other competitors in a class for 12 distinct varieties of Daffodils. Single Blooms. The most successful prize-winners in this sec- tion were Messrs. E. M. Crosfield, P. D. Wil- liams, C Dawson and J. Mallender. Seedlings and New "Varieties. The Bourne Challenge Cup was offered for 12 distinct varieties of Daffodils raised by the exhibitor, and although only four en- tries were made, compared with eight a year ago, the quality of the flowers was particularly good. The winner of the Cup on the present occasion was the redoubtable Mr. E. M. Crosfield, who showed exquisite flowers of Crystal, Pixie, Honeymaid, Gaybird, Casilda, Flashlight, Frostbound, Tara, Renee, Ecru, Phantasy, K.G. 5 and Pedestal; 2nd, Mr. P. D. Williams, St. Kevern, Cornwall, for a very choice collection of flowers, shown mostly under numbers. The next class was for six varieties of Daffo- dils raised by the exhibitor, but not in com- merce. The 1st prize was awarded to Mr. T. Batson, Beauworthy, who showed the follow- ing varieties : — Downcast, Melissa, Chryseis, In- fanta, Adria, and Aktis ; 2nd, Messrs. Pope & Son. Mr. F. H. Chapman was the only competitor in a class for three seedling Daffodils raised by the exhibitor and not in commerce. Only those who had not previously won a prize for seed- lings were eligible to compete. The varieties ex- hibited by Mr. Chapman were much admired. They were Henry James, Spindrift, and Signal. The Cahtwright Challenge Cup. This was offered for 12 distinct varieties of Daffodils that have not been in commerce more than four years. Last year's winner, Mr. E. M. Crosfield was again placed first. He showed refined flowers of Herod, Chandos, Radiant, Artus, Ecru, Helm, Silver Sheen, Ber- nardino, Bedouin, Pedestal, Phantasy, and Honeymaid ; 2nd, Messrs. Cartwright & Good- win ; 3rd, the Rev. G. P. Haydon. In a similar but smaller class Messrs. Pope & Son beat Mr. F. H. Chapman. Miscellaneous Cut Flowers. Mr. R. Usher (gr. to J. A. Kenrick, Esq., Harborne) carried off the first prizes in classes for (1) six varieties of Darwin Tulips and (2) six varieties of Spanish Irises. Mr. A. Cryer (gr. to J. A. Kenrick, Esq., Berrow Court, Edg- baston) beat the above exhibitor and Messrs. Pope & Son in a class for 12 distinct varieties of hardy flowers. Plants Grown in Pots. Daffodils and Tulips in pots were well repre- sented, Mr. A. Cryer taking the lead in classes for (1) 12 pots of Daffodils (bunch-flowered sec- tion excluded, (2) six pots of bunch-flowered (Polyanthus) Daffodils, and (3) 12 pots of single Tulips. Mr. R. Usher was successful in the classes provided for (1) six pots of Daffodils and (2) six pots of single Tulips. Mr. A. Cryer took 1st prizes in two classes for Daffodils grown in moss-fibre without drain- age. Table Decorations. The 1st prize for an arrangement of cut hardy spring flowers arranged on a round table 2^ feet in diameter, suitable for a drawing-room, was won by Mr. John Sceaney, Harborne, with a dainty arrangement of small Daffodils relieved with Asparagus. The best bowl of cut Daffodils came from Messrs. Pope & Son ; Mr. John Sceaney was 2nd. Cups and Medals. Messrs. Barr & Sons' Daffodil vase, offered to the most successful amateur exhibitor in certain classes, was won by the Rev. T. Buncombe. The medals offered by the Birmingham Botani- cal and Horticultural Society were awarded as follow : — The large Silver Medal as champion prize in the open classes was won by Messrs. Cartwright & Goodwin, and the large Bronze Medal by Messrs. Pope & Son. The large Silver Medal offered to the most successful exhibitor in the amateur classes was won by the Rev. T. Bun- combe, and the Bronze Medal by the Rev. G. P. Haydon. Silver and Bronze Medals were offered in an- other section, and these were won by Mr. A. Cryer and Mr. R. Usher respectively. Honorary Exhibits. Gold Medals were awarded to Messrs. Baer & Sons, for Daffodils; and Messrs. Bakers, for Alpine plants. Silver-gilt Medals to Mr. H. D. Phillips, for new Daffodils ; to Mr. C. Dawson, for new Daf- fodils; to Miss Currey, for Daffodils; and Messrs. Sutton & Sons, for Cinerarias, Stocks, &c. Large Silver Medals to Messrs. J. R. Pearson & Sons, for Daffodils ; to Sir Josslyn Gore- Booth, Bart., for Daffodils; to Messrs. Gunn & Sons, for hardy plants and shrubs ; and Mr. S. Mortimer, for Carnations. Small Silver Medals to Messrs. R. H. Bath, for Daffodils; and Messrs. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., for Daffodils, &c. AWARDS TO NOVELTIES. First-class Certificates to Narcissus Homespun, from Mr. H. D. Phillips, Olton Birmingham ; N. Great Warlev, from Mr. W. T. Ware, Bath ; N. Queen of the West, from Mr. W. T. Wake, Bath. Awards of Merit to Narcissus Bedouin, from Mr. E. M. Crosfield, Bridgwater; N. Cossack, from Mr. C. Dawson, Penzance ; N. Red Chief, from Mr. C. Dawson, Penzance ; N. Poeticus St. George, from Messrs. Barr & Sons, London ; N. White Slave, from Mr. H. D. Phillips, Olton; N. Giraffe, from Messrs. Cartwright & Good- win, Kidderminster; N. Poetaz Scarlet Gem, May 1, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 287 from Messrs. Camwright & Goodwin ; N. Red and Gold, from Messrs. Camwright & Goodwin. E.H.S. Awards. The Awards made by the deputation from the Royal Horticultural Society to competitive and non-competitive exhibits were as follow : — Gold Medals to Mr. E. M. Crosfield, for Daf- fodils ; to Messrs. Cariwright & Goodwin, for Daffodils; to Mr. C. Dawson, for new Daffodils. Silver-gilt Flora Medals to Messrs. Barr & Sons, for Daffodils; to Messrs. J. R. Pearson & Sons, for Daffodils. Silver-gilt Banksian Medals to Mr. H. D. Phillips, for new Daffodils ; to Sir Josslyn Gore-Booth, Bart., for Daffodils; to Messrs. Bakers, for Alpine plants ; to Messrs. Sutton & Sons, for Cinerarias, Stocks, &c. ; to Mr. P. D. Williams, for seedling Daffodils in Class 31 ; to Messrs. Pope & Son, for Daffodils. Silver Flora Medals to Miss Currey, for Daffo- dils ; to Mr. F. H. Chapman, for Daffodils. Silver Banksian Medals to Mr. S. Mortimer, for Carnations ; to Messrs. Gunn & Sons, for hardy flowers; to Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., for Daffodils; to Robert Sydenham, Ltd., for Daf- fodils, &c. ; to Messrs. Hogg & Robertson, for Daffodils and Tulips ; to Messrs. W. H. Simpson & Sons, for Daffodils; to Mr. N. Ellison, for Ferns. Award of Merit to Daffodil Lowdham Beauty, from Messrs. J. R. Pearson & Sons, Lowdham. Special Commendation to Mr. W. T. Ware, for Daffodils. HUNTINGDONSHIRE SPRING FLOWER. April 27. — The fourth show of the above society was held at Huntingdon, on this date. Both the number of visitors and entries consti- tuted records. The cup offered by Messrs. Barr & Sons for a collection of Daffodils was won by A. R. Darling, Esq., Potter's Bar; 2nd, J. Cator, Esq., Woodbastwick. Trade exhibits contributed much to the success of the show. Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, London, Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wisbech, Messrs. J. R. Pearson & Sons, Lowdham, Mr. J. Mallen- oer, Bawtry, Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Stam- ford, Mr. Perkins, Huntingdon, Messrs. Lax- ton Bros., Bedford, and Mr. G. Reuthe, Kes- ton, displayed showy groups of spring flowers- Lady de Ramsey showed Tree Carnations. MARKETS. Plants in Pots, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices (Coittd.), s.d. s.d. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending April 28. A shiwerv and sunny week, — All the days and nights of the past week have been more or less warm for the time of year, but on the warmest day the temperature in the ther- mometer screen at no time rose higher than 6Jy, and on the coldest night the exposed thermometer showed only 8° of frost. The temperature of the ground is now lp warmer at 2 feet deep, and 2° warmer at 1 foot deep, than is seasonable. Rain has fallen on each of the last 6 days, but to the total depth of less than % of an inch. For the last rive days theie has been no measurable per- colation through the bare soil gauge, and for the last three days no percolation at all through that on which short grass is growing. The sun shone on an average for 8 hours a day, which is more than 2J hours a day longer than is usual at this period of April. On the sunniest day the sun was shining brightly for 12 hours. The wind has been, as a rule, moderately high, and mostly from some point between south and west. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon fell short Df a seasonable quantity for that hour by 3 per cent. E. M., Btrkhamsted, April 28, 1909. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mr. G. Wagstaffe, decorator at Belvoir Castle Gardens, Grantham, as Gardener to J. Wilson, Esq., Anlaby, Hull. Mr. J. Gough, late of Booton, as Gardener at Heyden Hall, Reepham. Mr, G. Phillips, for the past 14 years Gardener at Sundorne Castle, Shrewsbury, as Gardener to Sir William Mather, Bart., Bramble Hill Lodge, Bramshaw, New Forest, Hants. Mr. J. K. Hoare, late of Iwerne Minster, Grenehurst Park, and South Lodge, as Gardener at Stanmer Park, Lewes. Mr. H. W. Dawes, late Foreman in the employ of Sir Wm. Hart-Dykk, Bart., Lullingstone Castle, Dartford, Kent, and previously Foreman at Ration Park, Eastbourne, as Gardener to H- H. C. Horsfall, Esq., Penn's Hall, Birmingham. CCVENT GARDEN, April 28. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 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 occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.] * Cut Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. 12 Anemone fuigens, p. dz. bunches — double pink, p. dozen bunches Azalea, per dozen bundles Calla tethiopica, p. dozen Carnations, p. doz. blooms, best American (var.) — second size ... — smaller, per doz. bunches Cattleyas, per doz. blooms Cypripediums, per dozen blooms.. Daffodils, per doz. bunches Dendrobium nobile, per dozen ... 2 Bucnaris granditlora, per dz. blooms 2 Freesias (white), p. doz. bunches... 2 Gardenias, per doz. blooms 1 Gladiolus, per doz. bunches ... 12 Gypsophila ele- gans, per doz. bunches Hyacinths, Dutch, p. dz. bunches Iris (Spanish), per dozen bunches Lilac (English), white, p. bunch — mauve Liliuin auratuin, per bunch — lougillorum ... — lane i f ol ium, rubrum — album ... Lily of the Valley, p. dz. bunches — extra quality ... Marguerites, p. dz. bunches white and yellow ... Mignonette, per dozen bunches s.d. s.d. 6-2 6 0-5 0 0-4 0 6-3 6 0-2 0 0-12 0 0-15 0 6-2 6 10-16 2 6-30 6-3 6 0-2 6 6-2 6 0-18 0 3 0-40 2 0-30 6 0-80 6- 2 G 0-3 0 0-3 0 6-3 6 6- 2 G 0-2 6 0-9 0 0-15 0 Cut Foliage, Adiantum cunea- turn, dz. bchs. Agrostis, per doz. bunches Asparag us plu- mosus, lung trails, per doz. — — medm.,bcu. — Sprengeri Berberis, per doz. bunches Croton leaves, per bunch Cycas leaves, each Daffodil foliage, p. doz. bunches... Ferns, per dozen bchs. (English) — i French) 2 0-30 3 0-50 8tc. : Ave s.d. s.d. 6 0-90 16-20 Myosotis, per doz. bunches Narcissus, Glo- riosa, per dz. bunches — ornatus Odon toglossum crispum, per dozen blooms Pelargoniums, show, per doz. bunches — Zonal, double scarlet Ranunculus, per dz. bunches Roses, 12 blooms, Niphetos — Bridesmaid ... — C. Testout ... — Kai serin A. Victoria — C. Mermet ... — Liberty — Mine.Cliatenay — Mrs. J. Laing — Richmond — The Bride ... — Ulrich Brunner Snowdrops, per dz. bunches Spiraea, per dozen bunches Stocks, double white, per doz. bunches Sweet I'eas, perdz. bunches Tuberoses, per dz. blooms — on stems, per bunch s.d. s.d. 10-16 1 0- 1 G 2 0-26 5 0-60 6 0-90 4 0- 1 6- 2 6- 2 0- 6 0 2 G 4 0 3 0 2 0-40 2 0-40 3 0-50 3 0-50 2 0-40 3 0-60 3 0-40 2 0-40 16-20 5 0-80 2 0-26 20-6 0 0 3-04 0 9-13 Tulips, per dozen bunches, single 6 0-10 0 — best double varieties ... 12 0-24 0 — Darwin varie- ties 6 0-12 0 Violets, per dozen bunches .. 1 G- 3 0 — Parmas, per bunch 3 0-40 rage Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Galas leaves, per dozen bunches 2 0- 2 G Hardy foliage (various), per dozen bunches 3 0-90 Honesty (Lunaria) 8 0-12 0 per bunch 10-20 Ivy-leaves, bronze 0 9-16 — long trails per bundle 2 6-30 — short green, perdz. bunches 10-13 Moss, per gross ... 16-20 Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English) 2 0-26 small-leaved... — French 2 0-30 Smilax. per dozen 0 6-09, trails 4 0- G 0 10-16 2 0-26 0 9-16 16-26 5 0-60 4 0-60 10-16 Plants in Pots, Ac. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. I Acacias, per dozen 12 0-18 0 Aiupelopsis Veit- chii.per dozen 6 0-80 Aralia Sieboldii, p. dozen 4 0-60 — larger speci- mens 9 0-12 0 — Moseri 4 0-60 Araucaria excelsa, per dozen ... 12 0-30 0 — la rge plants, each 3 6-60 Aspidistras, p. dz., green 15 0-24 0 — variegated ... 30 0-42 0 Asparagus, plumo- sus nanus, per dozen 12 0-18 0 — Sprengeri ... 9 0-12 0 — ten u is si mns 9 0-12 0 Azaleas (Indian), p. dozen 24 0-36 0 Boronia mega- stigma, per doz. 24 0-30 0 — heterophylla... 12 0-18 0 Calceolarias, her- baceous, per dozen 6 0-80 Cinerarias, per dz. 6 0-90 s.d. s.d, 8 0-90 12 0-18 0 18 0-30 0 4 0-50 4 0-50 9 0-24 0 Clematis, per doz — in flower Cocos Weddelli- ana, per dozen... Crotons, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Cyclamen, pr. doz. 9 0-15 0 Cy per u s alterni- folius, dozen ... — laxus, per doz. Dracaenas, perdoz. Erica persoluta alba, per doz. 12 0-24 0 — Wilmoreana ... 12 0 18 0 Euony in us, perdz., in pots 4 0-90 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, per 10C 8 0-12 0 — in small and large 60's ... 12 0-20 0 — in 48's, per dz. 4 0- G 0 — choicer sorts... 8 0-12 0 — in 32's, perdz. 10 0-1H 0 Ficuselastica.p.dz. 8 0-10 0 — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 Fuchsias, per doz 8 0-10 0 Genista fragrans, per doz. ... 6 0-80 Grevilleas, per dz. 4 0-60 Hardy flower roots, per dozen Heliotiopiums, per dozen Hydrangea Thos. Hogg, per dz. — hortensis Isolepis, per dozen Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen — Fosteriana, dz. Latania borbomca, per dozen Lilium longi- florum, per dz. — lancifohuin, p. dozen- Lily of the Valley, per dozen Marguerites, white, per dozen M ignonet te, per dozen s.d. s.d 10-20 6 0-80 10 0-15 0 12 0-24 0 4 0-60 15 0-24 0 18 0-30 0 12 0-18 0 12 0-18 0 12 0-24 0 18 0-30 0 6 0-80 5 0-70 Pansies, per box of 24 plants, each P e I arg on ium s, show varieties, per dozen — Ivy leaved — Zonals Primulas, per doz. Rhodanthe, per dz. Rh ododendrons, each Roses, H.P.'s, yet dozen — Polyantha va- rieties — Ramblers, each Selaginella, per dz. Spiraea japonica, p. dozen Stocks (intermed- iate!, w h l i e, crimson, and pink, per doz. 2 0-30 12 0-18 0 6 0-80 5 0-70 4 0-60 5 0-60 2 0-50 12 0-18 0 i ! u L8 0 5 0-10 6 i 0- 6 0 8 0-12 0 6 0-70 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. Apples (Tasman- ian), per case : — Cox's Orange Pippin ... — Alexander — Prince Alfred.. — (Austral ian), per case : — Dunn's Seed; ling — Cleopatra — Jonathan — Ribston Pippin — California Newtown Pip- pin, per case, 4 tiers — 4* tiers — (American), per barrel : — Nonpareils ... — Oregon New- towns, percase Bananas, bunch; — Doubles — No. 1 „ ... — Extra ,, ... — Giant „ ... — (Claiet) „ ... — Jimaica „ ... — Loose, pei dz. Cape fruit, per box — Grapes, black-. — white ... — red per case : — Plums... — — Pears Cranberries, p. case s.d. s.d. 13 0-14 0 8 6-90 9 6-10 G 11 0-13 0 10 6-12 0 10 0-13 0 10 6-12 6 8 0-96 8 0-96 18 0-20 0 11 0- 14 0 9 0-10 0 fi 6- 8 0 8 0- 9 o 10 0- 12 0 5 0- 7 6 5 0- 5 6 0 6- 1 0 5 0-14 0 5 0- 10 0 8 0-15 0 4 0-80 3 6-10 0 16 0 — Custard Apples ... Grape Fruit, case Grapes (Guernsey), Gros Colmars — ,, New — (Almeria), per barrel Guernsey Figs, dz. Lemons, box : — Messina, 300 .. — Do. 360... — (Naples), per case Limes, per case ... Lychees, per bos... Melons, each Nuts, Almonds, per bag — Brazils, new, perewt. — Barcelona, bag — Cocoa nuts, 100 Oranges (Det'.ui .. — California n seedless, per case — (Valencia) per case (420) — percase (714i... — Jaffas — Palermo Blood — Murcia Blood, per case (200)... Pineapples, each ... — (Natal), per dz. Strawberries, lb.... — second quality s.d. s.d. 3 0-12 0 9 0-11 0 0 10 3 6 2 6 4 0 14 0-16 0 4 0-12 0 8 0-11 0 8 0 10 6 18 0-25 0 5 0 — 10-13 2 0-40 28 0-40 0 35 (I 40 0 ao 0-32 o 11 0-14 0 9 0-22 0 II 0-12 0 1(1 0-1.K 0 III i -is 0 10 0-12 0 7 0-10 0 6 6-90 2 0-3 4 0-60 2 0-26 10-16 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices s.d. s.d Artichokes(Globe), pel -inzril — white, p. bushel — per cwt. Asparagus, per bundle : — Dijon — Giant — Spanish — Sprue — Paris Green ... Beans, per lb. — (French), p. lb. — (Guernsey), per lb — 2 0-26 2 0-26 3 6 — 1 0- 1 fi 5 0-76 14-16 0 6-08 2 0-26 10-11 0 9-0 10 0 10- 1 0 BeetVoot.perbushel 2 6-30 Cabbages, per tally 5 0-70 3 6-40 per 2 6 — 8 0-10 0 3 0 — 6 0 — 5 0 — per mat i — Greens, bushel Cardoon (French), per dozen Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bag ... — unwashed — (French), p. pad 2 6-30 Cauliflower, St Malo, per doz Celeriac, per doz. Chicory, per lb. ... Cucumbers, per dz. Endive, per dozen 10-16 Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles Kale, per pad Leeks, 12 bundles Lettuce (French), per crate — Cos, per dozen Mint, per dozen bunches 1 6- 1 6- 0 3J- 1 6- 17 0-21 0 6 0 — 2 6-30 2 6-36 3 6-50 6 0-80 d. s.d. Mushrooms, per lb. 0 8 — — broilers ... 0 6 — — buttons, perlb. 08 — Mustarcianii Cress, per dozen pun. 1 0 — Onions, per bag ... 9 0 10 0 — (Valencia!. case 9 0-11 0 — Dutch, pr. bag 8 0-96 — pickling, per bushel 6 0 — Parsley, 12buncb.es 6 0 — — J sieve 4 0-50 Peas"(French), pkt. 0 4-05 — (French), p.pad 3 0-46 — (English), dried, per dz. packets 2 6 — Potatos (Guernsey), per lb 0 2* — — (Algerian), cwt. 11 0-12 0 — (French), p. lb. 0 2-0 2J — Teneriffe, cwt. 10 0-11 6 Radishes (French), per doz. bunches 13-16 Rhubarb (English), forced, per dz. bundles ... 0 6-09 — Natural ... 2 3-29 Salsafy, per dozen bundles ... 4 0-46 Seakale, per dozen punnets ... 12 0-18 0 Spinach, per crate 4 0-50 Stachys tuberosa, per lb 0 5 — Turnips, per dozen bunches ... 2 6-30 — washed, p. bag 2 6-30 Turnip Tops, bag 2 6-30 Tomatos (Tener- iffe), per bun- dle of 4 boxes 10 0-18 0 — p. 12 lb. baskcl 4 0- 5 0 Watercress, p. doz. 0 4-06 Remarks.— Forced Strawberries are plentiful and cheaper, 2s. 6d. per lb. being an average price. Supplies of fruit from Cape Colony have practically finished ; there are a few Plums, Grapes, &c. left from the last consign- ment. Australian and Tasmanian Apples have been received in small quantities; prices for these fruits remain about the same as those of last week. Lemons are slightly cheaper, but sound packages of Oranges continue to set at advanced prices. French Asparagus is more plentiful and much cheaper. Forced Rhubarb is practically finished for the season. Trade generally is quiet. E. H. A'., Cuvtnt Garden, Wednesday, April 28, 1909. 288 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 1, 1909. Potatos. s.d. s.d. 3 6-43 3 6-43 3 0-36 3 0-36 3 9-43 3 9-43 3 0-36 s.d. s.d. ... 3 3-39 ... 3 0-33 Lincolns— King Edward Blacklands ... Dunbars— Langworthy, red soil 5 3-56 Up-to-Date, red soil 4 3-46 „ „ grey soil 3 0-39 Yorks — Up-to-Date 3 9-40 is very slow, and supplies are larger in consequence prices are lower. — , Covent Garden and St. Pancras, April Kents— Scottish Triumphs.. Up-to-Date Lincolns— Royal Kidney British Queen Up-to-Date Maincrop Evergood Remarks. — Trade than the demand ; Edward J, Newborn 28, 1909. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. Plants for window-boxes are in demand. Large numbers of Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums are used for this purpose, especially the varieties Galilee and Madame Crousse. The plants are rather larger than those formerly used for win- dow-boxes ; Zonal Pelargoniums in 48 and large 60 pots are also largely used for this work, the semi-double-flowered kinds being most favoured. Raspail, Ville de Poitiers, Mrs. Lawrence and King of Denmark are the leading varieties seen. Hermione is the favourite semi-double white, and Albion and Snowdrop the best single white- flowered varieties. Paul Crampel is the best scarlet. The old Henry Jacoby is also in demand, and I find some buyers favour King Edward VII., but plants of this variety do not succeed in a poor soil. Mrs. Cannell appears to be the best single salmon. Intermediate Stocks are very good : there is a demand for the pink variety, but those with crimson and white flowers sell most readily. Mignonette has been over-plentiful, but I have not seen any spring-raised plants, and these are more suitable for window-boxes. Marguerites are remarkably good : plants of a moderate size are most in demand. Heliotropiums are good, particularly the dark-flowered variety. Fuchsias are well flowered. Plants of the ordinary market size are worth about 10s. per dozen, but extra tall plants have sold readily at 18s. per dozen. Herbaceous Calceolarias in dwarf, well-flowered plants are seen, but they do not meet with a brisk demand. Cinerarias are abundant, but if the warm weather continues they will soon be over. Many growers have finished with Azaleas for the season. Spiraeas are abundant. The pink varieties have not proved such good market plants as was anticipated. Rambler Roses in various sizes are well-flowered ; I noticed some very fine specimens of Cant's Blush. Bulbous-flowering plants will soon be past. Hardy flower roots are abundant, but some growers have almost cleared their stocks. Pansies are abundant : there has been a good demand for these plants. There is also a fair demand for Violas. Cut Flowers. The large consignments of Daffodils will soon be over, and then trade for other flowers will improve. There was a large demand for Roses on St. George's Day, and last Thursday and Friday their prices increased, but this week they are cheap again. Many Carnations are either wasted or sold at low prices. Gladiolus The Bride and the blush pink variety are seen on the stands. Irises (Spanish) from the Channel Islands are abundant, and their prices are much lower. Parma Violets are over for the season. There is a great falling off in consignments of other flowers from the South of France. Supplies ot Callas and Liliums are abundant. Darwin Tulips are very good, and there are large quantities of Parrot Tulips, but these latter are cut without foliage. Ordinary Dutch Tulips are almost finished for the season. A. //., Covent Garden, Wednesday, April 28, 1909. DEBATING SOCIETIES. BRITISH GARDENERS' (Richmond Branch).— The first outing of the members of this branch will take place on Saturday, May 1, when a visit will be paid to Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons' Nursery at Combe Wood, Kingston. The party will assemble at the Star and Garter Hotel, Richmond Hill, at 1.30 p.m. BRISTOL AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'.— The annual meeting of this association was held on Thursday, April 22, at St. John's Parish Rooms. Mr. A. O. Shelton ; presided. The annual report and balance sheet showed that the society is in a more favourable position than in previous years. Colonel Carey-Batten was again elected president. Mr. Shaddick was elected chairman for the ensuing season, and Mr. Hayball, vice-chairman. The other officers were also appointed. Mr. E. T. Parker offered a silver medal to the most successful exhibitor at the meetings during the coming session. Six new members were elected. READING GARDENERS'. -The final meeting of the spring session took place in the Abbey Hall, on Monday, April 19, there being a large attendance of the members. The president. Mr. Alderman F. LS. Parfitt, occupied the chair. The evening was devoted to competiiions in floral arrangements. This being " Hospital'Might," flowers brought by the members were next day sent to the Royal Berkshire Hospital. More than 100 bunches of cut flowers were contributed. A collection on behalf of the Hospital realised a sum of more than £3. WINCHESTER GARDENERS'.— At the meeting held on April 20 in the Oddfellows' Hall, a lecture on *' French Gardening " was given by Mr. W. F. Giles. Mr. W. Cardy presided. Views of "French" gardens were shown by means of a lantern ; and varieties of forced vegetables were illustrated. Mr. Giles reminded his hearers that French Gardens entailed a great expense for materials, labour, and manure. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. SCHEDULES RECEIVED. Forest Gate and Stratford Chrysanthemum Society's 18th annual exhibition, to be held on November 4, 5, 6, at the Town Hall, Stratford. Secretary, Mr. A. J, Palmer, 19, Thorngrove Road, Upton Park, E. Haywards Heath Horticultural Society's 21st annual flower show, to be held on Wednesday, July 28, in the Victoria Park, Haywards Heath. Secretary, Mr. Geo. Prevett, The Rosary, Haywards Heath. * . * The Editor will be glad to receive, for considera- tion, large photographs of horticultural subjects, suitable for forming Supplementary Illustrations to this Journal. Editor and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communica- tions, and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters 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 distinct, and much unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters are misdirected. "Big-bud" in Currant: D. 0. The buds are infested with Phytoptus ribes, the mite causing " big-bud." See reply to W. P. P., p. 272, in the last issue; also to S. F., p. 256, in the issue for April 17. Bulbs Failing: 0. W. W. The bulbs have failed to form a satisfactory root-system. This may be due to an unsuitable rooting medium, or some other condition which only those on the spot could determine. Compensation for Encroaching Trees : Brae- side. Your proper course is to give notice to the owners of the adjoining land requiring them to cut back the trees so as to prevent their overhanging your premises, and if they do not comply with this notice within a reason- able time, you can cut back the overhanging branches yourself. If you cannot reach the branches from your own land, you should ask permission to enter on the adjoining land for the purpose, and if this permission is refused, the Court would grant you an injunction against them. (2) The question of encroaching roots is a point on which legal authorities have somewhat differed from time to time ; but the balance of legal opinion is in favour of your having a right to cut away the roots in the same way as the branches referred to above. (3) Unless the adjoining owners refuse to have the matter put right, you would not have much chance of obtaining damages, as you need not have put up with the annoyance for so long, but you would probably be con- tent with an injunction to prevent any further continuance, and unless there were exceptional circumstances, the adjoining owners would have to pay your costs. You will find these matters fully discussed in a lecture given by .Mr. H. Morgan Veitch before the Royal Hor- ticultural Society, which was reported verba- tim in Vol. XXXIII. of the Royal Horticultural Society's Journal. Ferns in Competition : H. F., Fort Elizabeth. The wording of the schedule is not sufficiently definite. " Six Adiantums, distinct," may be taken to mean six distinct species, or merely six varieties or species, in which Adiantum cuneatum and the variety elegans would count as two plants. The compilers of the schedule, rather than the judges, are to be blamed. Lawn Tennis Court and Croquet Ground : //. P. The following particulars are taken from the Calendar of Garden Operations : — The diagram will illustrate the amount of ground required, and the lines that are usually made and kept in a tennis court : — c 78 : feet c H 42 | feet H ■i. S3 c 78 [feet c Plan of a Lawn Tennis Court. The lines A B and B A indicate a double court for three or four players ; S S, S S, a single court for two players ; A A and B B are the base 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. The net should be 3 feet high in the centre, and 3 feet 6 inches at the posts, which are put 2 or 3 feet outside the line, to allow of the net dropping. For the purpose of playing the game of croquet, a well-rolled level grass lawn not less than 30 yards long by 20 yards wide is required. A full-sized croquet ground measures c. J yards long by 30 yards wide. The following diagram will show what is needed : — 8 yards 8 yards • a a ■4- 40 v.ii-.ls Plan of a Croquet Lawn. In the line through the centre of the ground, 8 yards from the boundary at either end, put the croquet pegs, and at 16 yards from either end a hoop. Let the corner hoops be placed; in a line with the pegs, and 7 yards from the pegs. Names of Plants : IT. /. F. 1, Cupressus Law- soniana var. aureo-variegata ; 2, Pseudotsuga Douglasii ; 3, Cupressus obtusa var. filifera ; 4, Pseudotsuga Douglasii var. glauca ; 5, Erica lusitanica (codonodes). — Enquirer. 1, Pyrus (syn. Cydonia) japonica; 2, Pulmonaria offici- nalis ; 3, Coronilla Emerus ; 4, Garrya elliptica ; 5, Cedrus Deodara. — P. P. Juniperus Sabina. Yet, this plant is poisonous, and if it is eaten, in large quantities by domestic animals during; pregnancy it produces abortion. — A. H. 1, Adiantum cuneatum elegans ; 2, A. tenerum ; 3, A. Pacotii ; 4, A. trapeziforme ; 5, A. con- cinnum latum ; 6, Dendrobium chrysotoxum. — /. S. Magnolia conspicua. — 11". E. Chrysosple- nium oppositifolium. — Orchis. Bifrenaria Har- risons?.— P. B., Cork. 1, Erica mediterranea ; 2, Cytisus albus ; 3, Berberis stenophylla ; 4, Magnolia conspicua ; 5, Forsythia viridissima ; 6, Pyrus japonica. — F. P. 1. Odontoglossum Lindleyanum ; 2, Oncidium pubes ; 3, Oncidium divaricatum ; 4, Brassia verrucosa. — A. W. T. 1, Juniperus chinensis variegata; 2, Pulmona- ria officinalis ; 3, Orobus vernus ; 4, Polygala Dalmaisiana. — H. P. 1, Spiraea confusa ; 2, Diplopappus chrysophyllus. — IF. M. B. 1, Trillium grandiflorum ; 2, Erythronium Dens- canis ; 3, Epimedium Perralderianum ; 4, Bry- onia dioica ; 5, Spiraea arisefolia. Peach Leaves : T . B. There is no disease pre- sent in the leaves : they are, however, very- thin, and such as would be found on an ill- nourished tree. The specimens arrived in a> bad condition, being improperly packed. R.H.S. Examination : Jas. 67. Particulars of these examinations may be obtained on ap- plication to the Secretary, Royal Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster. Scum on Ponds : H. P. The lowly forms of vegetation causing the scum would be killed by the sulphuric acid, but this would also harm the fish. Try the effect of a weak solu- tion of copper sulphate or the Bordeaux mix- ture at half strength. Communications Received.— Lady G. D.— Prof. B. B.— J. D. W. — W. M. B— B. M.— B. G. B.-C. S. & Co.— W. W.— R. P. — T. H.— R. C. M.— A. B. J., Kew— M. C. A.— H. H. B. B., New South Wales— J. P.— Philippe de V.— S. W. P.— W. G. B.— E. P.— H. M. S.— H. M., Paris— B. & Sons— P. M. G. B.— A. L., Manila- A. D.— W. R. D.— Old plants —J. W. L.— E. W.-A. D. W.— S. A.— R. T. L. V.— Dis- gusted (You should have sent your name and address with the communication. This is not necessarily for pub- lication hut as a guarantee of go^d faith. We are unable- to write to you.) Supplement to the " Gardeners' Chronicle." Propagation of Hyacinths by means of Bulbils (notching method). i. Bulbs before and after preparation by notching. 2. Bulbils commencing to form in the channels. 3. Further stage showing numerous bulbils. 4. Examining the bulbs. 5. Showing young bulbs ready for planting. Printed by Temple Press Lid., London , E.C. May 8. 19C9.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 289 THE (Sarticncrs'Cbronidc No. 7,767.— SATURDAY, May S, 7909. CONTENTS. Acetylene gas refuse .. 290 Agriculture iu the Transvaal M97 •Books, notices of - Botancal Magazine 297 Gaid ii Lite Year- Book . . 298 Journal oi the i looper Research Labora- tory 29H Rose Annual 2Ud Cupressus macro carpus as a hedge plant 299 Klodea canadensis L>yy Exhibition at Ghent, forthcoming .. 290 1- 1 irlsts' flowers — Cactus Dahlias 292 Daffodils at Kidder- minster '2.12 Flowers in season 29d " French " garden, notes from a 294 Gerberas, hybrid 290 Goodaore, Mr., present- ation to 299 Hippeastrums at Dun- sanv Gardens 299 Hyacinths, the propaga- tion of m Irises, notes on 293 Megaclinium purpureo- rachis 293 Mendel's Law and its application to horti- culture, lecture on ... 802 Obituary- Hill, J. G 3:4 Plant diseases, a tabu- lar list of 237 Plants, new or note- worthy— Rhododendron adeno- podiuin ... •- 291 Plants, sensitiveness of, to gases 296 Primula Forrestii ... 299 Scat, stone, in Kew arboretum 298 Societies— Royal Horticultural .. 299 Tregothnan 289 Uganda, an unsatisfac- tory report from ... 298 Vanilla cultivation in Hawaii 293 Week's work, the— I low r irden, the ... 29.". Fruits ■ 1 ler glass ... 291 Hard} iruii garden ... 291 Kitchen garden, the... *jv4 Orchid houses, the ... 295 Plants under glass ... 295 Wild flowers, exhibits Of 297 ILLUSTRATIONS. Auricula Claud Halcro 21H Carnation Lady Coventry 2«7 Megaclinium purpureo-rachis *-'.»:( Primula Forrestii 299 Propagation of Hyacinths by the scooping method (Supplementary Illustration) Rhododendron adenopodiutn 211 Rhododendron grande at Tregothnan 2dJ Saxifraga Clibranii l Tregothnan, Cornwall '- •' TREGOTHNAN. THE beautiful grounds of Tregothnan are approached on the Probus side by a drive four miles in length from the lodge to the mansion. This drive is bordered on either side by Evergreen Oaks, and skirts on the right hand a creek of the Fal, where at high water swans may he seen swimming placidly on the still surface. The house is a noble, well-proportioned building, and, with its mellowed stonework, presents a statelj appearance when seen from the broad lawns •on a sunny day. From the front of the man- sion a charming view is obtained of the Fa] winding its way between wooded banks. The grounds are spacious and afford a variety oi prospects of great beauty. Here, beneath lofty deciduous trees, the sward is carpeted in' the springtime with Primroses; there groups of Yuccas and Cordylines display their foliage; there, again, giant bushes of the Himalayan Rhododendrons and tall Acacias brighten the scene with their blossoms. whilst the water garden, surrounded by pic- turesque vegetation, presents an attractive picture. Camellias are grown more exten- sively at Tregothnan than in any other garden in England. In the capacious grounds, prettily diversified by hill and dale, there must he fully a thousand huge bushes, bear- ing flowers from purest white to richest crim- son, and spreading veils of colour around them with their fallen petals. The stable wall, 80 yards in length and 25 feet in height, is completely covered with trained Camellias. Against the house C. reticulata has reached a height of 14 feet, and in the spring is covered with hundreds of great semi-double, rose-pink blossoms. Recent winters have t>een exceptionally severe in the south-west, and every garden where te:ider plants are grown has sufl' red serious losses. At Tre- gothnan the following species have died : — Adenandra linearis, Boronia polygafifolia, Buddleia ficifolia, Cassinia leptophylla, Camarina tenuissima, Dianthus arboreus, Echium candicans, Erica Cavendishii, E. coronata, E. Savileana, E. Spenceriana, Euca- lyptus tereticornis, Euryops virgineus, Gene- tyllis fuchsioides, Hakea petrophylla, H. sa- lignus, Leschenaultia formosa, Luculia gra- tissima, Myoporum hetum. (dander, Poly- gala grandis an I I*. mixta. However, such a large quantity of rare plants find a con- genial home there that at the present time the gardens possess a larger collection than almost any garden in England. This win- ter 12 degrees of frost hare Keen registered on two occasions, but no harm appears to have been done. Lady Falmouth is an enthusiastic gardener and spares no trouble to obtain every rare ami tender plant ceed well at Tregothnan. A group of A. dealbata, about 40 feet in height, backed by Evergreen Oaks, forms a lovely picture in March, when their heads are a cloud of gold standing out against the dark background. Other Acacias grown are. A. armata. A. calamifolia, A. cordata. A. cultriformis, A. decurrens, A. diffusa, A. latifolia, A. longi- folia (20 feet in height and 15 feet through). A. linifolia, A. melanoxylon, A. pyenanthera, A. Riceana and A. verticillata. There is a fine example of the Fan Palm, Trachycarpus (Chamserops) excelsus. Around this plant numerous self-sown seedlings have sprung up. From the summer-house an exten- sive view is obtained of the river and sur- rounding country. On the wide lawn fronting it is a fine group of about 30 plants of Yucca gloriosa, there are also colonies of Azaleas, .Magnolias and Cordylines, whilst the trees on either side are fringed with Rhododendrons. The water garden is formed by four ponds, one [Th tograph by S. Wyndham Fitxhcrbcrl. FlG. 123. — TREGOTHNAN, CORNWALL. that is likely to succeed at Tregothnan. Many examples have been received from Kew of late years. In Mr. YVilliam Andrews she possesses a highly-efficient head gardener, whose solicitous care for his charges leaves nothing to be desired. Of Himalayan Rhodo- dendrons there is a fine collection. A speci- men of R. Falconeri was, three years ago, 23 feet in height and 30 feet in diameter. This is well furnished with foliage to the ground level, and is probably the finest ex- ample in England. A few years ago it bore fully 2,000 bloom trusses. There is also a splendid plant of R. grande (argenteum) about 18 feet in height and 24 feet through. This has borne 300 flower trusses, and in that year it was a beautiful picture in the closing davs of March (see fig. 124). There are also ex- cellent specimens of R. Griffithianum (Auck- landii) and many other species. Acacias sue- lower than the other. They are edged by Gun- neras, Bambusa. Arums. Phormiums and Eryn- gium pandanifolium. and form a charming fea- ture in a dell flanked by tall Firs. The woods are margined with Benthamias, members of the Prunus family and Heaths, while Daffodils are planted by the thousand in the grass. The house is adorned with climbing plants, whilst others are grown on high walls in the vicinity. Many tender shrubs are given the prot- of a wall. Among the climbers are Akebia quinata, Berberidopsis corallina, Brachysema lanceolata, Bucklandia populnea, a Himalayan plant with large, handsome leaves; Cassii corymbosa, Clematis indivisa lobata, a lo\ ebj sight in the early spring; Clianthus puniceus, Hibhertia Reidii, Kennedya nigricans, K. ru- bicunda, Mandevilla suaveolens, Sollya hete- ropnylla (the Australian Bluebell creeper), Stauntonia latifolia and Trachelospermum 290 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 8, 1909. (Rhyncospermum) jasminoides, which pro- duces its small, scented, white blossoms for months together. Against the front of the house the fragrant Gum, Eucalyptus citrio- dora, has reached a height of over 20 feet. The Boronias and Grevilleas succeed excel- lently in front of walls. Boronia elatior is 6 feet high and 4 feet through, B. hetero- phylla is about 2 feet less in height and B. megastigma 3 feet, while of the Grevilleas G. alpina, G. longifolia, G. pendula, G. Preissii and G. sulphurea are doing well. The mem- bers of the Heath family have a little gar- den to themselves. They include Erica gracilis, E. hyemalis, E. magnifica, E. per- spicua nana and E. persoluta, whilst the larger E. mediterranea grows into great bushes. The Epacris race is also very orna- mental. Of these there are E. ardentissima, E. candidissima, E. delicata, E. magnifica and E. Vesuvius, which is often bright pink with bloom at Christmas. Among other shrubs are the pink-flowered Abelia floribunda from Mexico, which does well in the south- west, even without wall protection, the South (lower in March, Cinnamomum Boisseri, the Lily of the Valley tree, Clethra arborea from Madeira, the hardy Japanese Orange, Citrus trifoliata, Cytisus elegans, the South African Diosma capitata and D. ericoides, Daphne in- dica, D. hybrida Daupbinii, Drimys Winteri (from the Straits of Magellan), which bears its ivory-white blossoms in profusion, and the smaller-flowered D. (Tasmannia) aromatica ; Edwardsia (Sophora) chrysophylla and E. grandiflora, the Australian Eriostemon linifo- lius and E. neriifolius, the Chilian Eucryphia cordifolia, Japanese Euonymus fimbriatus, a handsome shrub, but rare in gardens, whose young leaves are of a brilliant crimson colour, giving it the appearance of being in flower ; Eutaxia myrtifolia from Australia, the Brazi- lian Feijoa Sellowiana, Garrya elliptioa, very decorative in the winter when covered with its drooping catkins, Gnidia carinata from the Cape of Good Hope, Lagerstroemia indica from China, the New Zealand Leptospermum sco- parium, the Chilian Lomatia ferruginea, an exceptionally handsome foliage shrub, which has proved quite hardy, Metrosideros lucidus ■jrf %. 9k Garichrnit,.: [Plntofraph bv S. Wynihvn Fitzbcrb-.rl. FlG. 124. — RHODODENDRON GRANDE AT TREGOTHNAN, l8FT. IN HEIGHT, AND BEARING 3OO FLOWER TRUSSES. African Adenandra fragrans, with rose-col- oured blossoms, Agapetes Mannii, Andromeda floribunda, 6 feet in height and 8 feet in dia- meter, Anopterus glandulosa from Tasmania, Aralia quinquefolia, a handsome foliage shrub, Aralia papyrifera, with leaves 2 feet 6 inches in length, Banksia integrifolia and B. reticulata. Bauera rubioides, a little shrub from New South Wales with pink flowers. Beaufortia splendens, a native of Australia with scarlet blooms, the New Zea- land Brachyglottis repanda, the rare Bow- keria Gerardiana from South Africa, which bears white, Calceolaria-like flowers ; Buddleia Colvilei, nearly 20 feet in height, which blooms profusely every summer ; B. salieifolia, a rare plant, Calceolaria violacea, a great bush 6 feet across, which was badly injured two winters ago ; C. integrifolia, which creates a brilliant effect in July ; Cantua dependent from the Peruvian Andes, Callistemon lopan- thus and C. salignus from Australia, Casua- rina quadrivalvis and C. tenuissimus also Aus- tralian plants. Cedralia serrata, Ceratonia Siliqua, Chorizema Lowii, which is often in from New Zealand, Mitraria coccinea from the island of Chiloe off the coast of Chili ; Michelia (Magnolia) fuscata, whose purplish flowers are deliciously scented, Olea fragrans, the rare Olearia insignis, O. myrsinoides and O. Solan- dri from New Zealand, Osteomelas anthvlli- difolia, said to be a native of the Pacific islands; the Australian Pimelea spectabilis, the New Zealand Pittosporums, P. crassifo- lium, P. eugenoides, which blooms freely, P. Mayii, 30 feet in height, P. Tobira and P. variegatum ; the South African Polvgala Dal- maisiana, Rhapiolepis Decouri, Senecio Greyii, S. natalensis and S. rotundifolius from the Cape, the Chilian Tricuspidaria lanceolata, better known as Crinodendron Hookeri, and the newly-introduced, white-flowered T. de- pendens, Veronica Gauntletii and V. Hulke- ana, the most beautiful of all the New Zea- land shrubby Veronicas ; the Australian West- ringia triphylla and Xanthoceras sorbifolia from China. The foregoing list will give some idea of the number of rare plants from foreign climes grown successfully at Tregothnan. Among other subjects that are cultivated ir the open are Strelitzia Regina?, Iris fimbriata or chinense, Musa japonica and Pourettia mexicana. The fine, large-flowered form of Rosa laevigata is grown, and Fortune's Yellow Rose does well. Muehlenbeckia complexa has covered an old tree stump to a height of over 20 feet, and several examples of Clematis montana clamber aloft over trees. Among the notable trees is a fine specimen of the rare Pinus Montezumre. Cape bulbs, such as Ixias and Sparaxis, are grown, and the Aga- panthus does well in the open. The rare Gladiolus tristis and its self-coloured form known as concolor or sulphureus are largely represented. The glasshouses, which are kept in the best of order, include vineries and houses devoted to Figs, Roses, Carnations, Crotons, Palms and a general collection of greenhouse plants. S. IT. Fitzhcrbert. HYBRID GERBERAS. (Concluded from p.igc 273.) Colours. — M. Philippe de Vilmorin re- marks: " I give here word for word what M. Adnet has written to me on the question of colour " : — The scale of colours is of incom- parable richness. I had commenced an en- deavour to identify the tints, making use of the ripertoire de couleurs of the Chrysanthe- mum specialists. But I was obliged to give it up ; there were too many of them. It might have been necessary to give them numbers, could they have been conscientiously num- bered, and had it not been absolutely impos- sible to the keenest eye to catalogue them at sight. It would have been necessary every time to have recourse to the repertoire, but every comparison requires from five to ten minutes, if one wishes to do it well. It is necessary to know how to limit oneself, and also to make the abundance of tints classify themselves into groups. This is how I regard the question. 1. Pure White. — Colour clear, unique. Then all the scale of whites ; greenish white, and yellowish white leading insensibly by de- grees to yellow. 2. Yellow. — Proceeding from scarcely yel- low to Buttercup yellow by an absolute grada- tion of tints. 3. Orange. — Here also there is an infinity of tints in gradation, sinking insensibly to orange red, very near to typical Jamesonii. 4. Salmon. — Obtained by crossing yellow and pink. Here also the scale is extensive between light and dark. 5. Pink. — In this colour there is a scale of gradation of vast extent. Crosses between pale pink and white have given me pinks of palest tint, more tender, for example, than the outside petals of a ' Malmaison ' Rose. The pink tint disappears by deepening to the deepest pink colour, passing a number of in- termediate shades, arriving at — 6. Cherry Red. — Ruby red, pure red in a word, a red in which there is no trace of yellow, and which, to my mind, will be the most esteemed by the florist by reason of its richness and purity. 7. Violet Red. — A new tint, my best achievement, the one I like the best, and which I hope will lead to deep violet. Variation. — With respect to variation M. de Vilmorin states that it is almost infinite, as one might well expect in a plant < > strongly disturbed in character. Many of them are without practical importance, and are rather monstrosities to be eliminated. It is desirable, Mai 8, 19C9.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE 291 however, to note them, and we have to thank M. Adnet for making the record. 1. Disc. — Discs are red, pink, white or yellow, with the centre green ; there are red flowers with pink disc, pink flowers with white disc, yellow flowers with disc of paler or deeper yellow, yellow flowers with red disc, &c. 2. Form of the Flower. — The range of variation in the form is as great as that of the colour of the flower. One finds, so to speak, all dimensions and all dispositions of the ligule. Certain plants present broad ligules, imbricating as in a Daisy, and taking away the starry lightness of the type ; on the contrary, there are flowers with ligules so slender that they are almost filiform ; others have trumpet-shaped ligules more or less spreading, sometimes curving in the horizon- tal plane and giving the flower a helicoid appearance. Certain flowers have their flowers of the same peduncle more or less separated. 5. Dwarf Form. — Certain colours, especi- ally the yellow, give a large proportion of dwarf plants, which produce themselves fairly true from seed. Foliage. — The slender and graceful pe- duncles of Gerbera proceed generally from a rosette of spreading leaves, rather insignifi- cant. The hybrids from this point of view present some variations worthy of remark. In general, the leaves are more erect, longer, less divided, thicker and more coriaceous than the type. Their lower surface is often furnished with short and stiffish hairs, their edges are irregularly undulated, and there are some of a shining green, as if varnished. Lastly, AI. Adnet ha* observed some indi- viduals of which the peduncles present the rudiments of leaves, and of these he is care- fully observing tho descendants: if the occur- FlG. 125. — RHODODENDRON ADENOPODIUM FLOWERED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN EUROPE BY M. MAURICE DE VILMORIN. FLOWERS PALE ROSE COLOUR. ligules recurved on their longitudinal axis so that their extremities show the lower surface. One also finds more or less tubular ligules, some even with laciniated ligules or slashed in the form of an arrow head. 3. Doubling. — This, which may seem to be an improvement for many flowers, is not so for Gerbera, of which lightness is the first quality. The plant seems, however, to have a tendency to doubling, either by the appear- ance of ligules on the disc, or by the forma- tion of a collarette between the latter and the normal ligules. In the last case the col- larette, which may be of one or several rows, is often of lighter colour than the flower — light pink in the flowers of deep pink, and almost white in the flowers of pale pink. 4. Fasciations. — Fasciations are very fre- quent, as could be remarked in the set ex- hibited by AI. Adnet in the month of Novem- ber, 1908. It is not rare to find two or three rence can be fixed, it will constitute a definite advance. Hardiness. — I do not here speak of their power of resistance to cold, which is, natur- ally, not great, but rather to their power of resisting moisture. Rotting off, which is one of the great difficulties in the culture of Ger- bera Jamesonii, is much less to fear in the hybrids, which, from this point of view, are distinctly superior to the type, Conclusions. — The conclusions to be drawn from this brief account are of two kinds — the scientific and the practical. From the scientific point of view it is necessary to note the disturbance produced in the species by the introduction of the pollen of Gerbera viridifolia ; not only has the number of colours been multiplied, so to speak, indefinitely, but numerous individuals have been found with flowers larger than those of the parents : others are more floriferous, though of shorter flowering season than the two types in the cross. Though the method by which the first hybrids were obtained at Cambridge is known, it is extremely difficult either to establish the descent of each form, or to study the in- fluence of each parent from the point of view of the transmission of its special characters. It is, therefore, probable, in spite of the very precise notes taken by M. Adnet through four generations of hybrids, that we shall be un- able to find any precise fact by which, in Ger- bera, the laws of Alendel can be studied. We must wait until the different colours are fixed, producing themselves true from seed, and that, I believe, will soon be done. If we now pass to the horticultural side of the question, we see in the hybrids of Ger- bera one of the most interesting introductions of recent years. It is impossible to describe the elegance, the lightness, the originality, distinctness, or the colours so varied and deli- cate of this pretty Composite. Recently, even the violet colour, which, if I mistake not, was wanting in the forms produced by Air. Lynch, has made its appearance with Alons. Adnet. As cut flowers, those of Gerbera are valu- able, provided that they are gathered fully open, when the male organs are well deve- loped; the flower-heads last two or three weeks in water, and make bouquets of in- comparable charm. During this winter the Parisian florists have commenced to receive them from the south, and the welcome that these flowers have been given is a sure guarantee of their success in the future. L. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. RHODODENDRON ADENOPODIUA1. Tins Rhododendron (see fig. 125) is one of the many new species brought into notice by recent exploration in Central China. It appears to have been first discovered by L'Abbe Farges in Eastern Setchuen. From seed forwarded by this gentle- man in 1901 AI. Maurice do Vilmorin raised the plant which has recently flowered at Les Barres, and from which the illustration at fig. 125 has been prepared. The species was subsequently found by Air. E. H. Wilson in Western Hupeh, whilst collecting plants on behalf of Alessrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons. Young plants raised from seeds sent home by this collector are now in cultivation at the Coombe Wood Nursery of Messrs. Jas. A'eitch & Sons and at the Royal Gardens, Kew. The species was named and described by Franchet in the Journal de Botanique for 1895, p. 391. According to Wilson, R. adenopodium forms a bush 4 to 10 feet high. The leaves are 3 to 6 inches long, oblong lanceo- late with an acutely-pointed apex, coriaceous, smooth above, but covered beneath with a close white tomentum. The inflorescence is described by Franchet as few-flowered, bearing from four to six flowers only. The plant may, however, prove more floriferous under cultivation. The corolla is bell-shaped, and has five rounded lobes. The blooms are stated by AI. de Vilmorin to be nearly as fine as those of R. x kewense. I have not seen the flowers, but they are described by AI. de Vilmorin as of pale rose, and from 2j to 3 inches across. A distinctive character of the plant is the hairiness of the flower-stalks and seed vessels. The specimens at Kew and Coombe Wood are but a few inches high, so it is proba- ble that a few years will elapse before flowers are produced in this country. AI. de Vilmorin's plant flowered in an unheated glass structure, but the species will probably prove hardy in the South of England, especially if protection is given the plants when young. W . /. Bean. 292 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 8, 1909-. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. CACTUS DAHLIAS. Until as late as the second week in May young plants may be shifted into 5-inch pots. It is not advisable to have Dahlia plants too large at the time of planting out, as large plants suffer more severely from the check of transplanting, and hence, should dry weather prevail just after they .have been transferred to their flowering quarters, they suffer more from the drought than do plants of moderate size. The best are those about 14 inches high, with stout shoots that are grow- ing freely. Very small plants often grow freely and are very healthy, but much time is lost be- fore they reach the flowering stage. In other respects the small plant has much to recommend it, especially in the case of double-flowered varie- ties grown for producing specimen blooms, as the growth is unchecked from first to last — an important matter in Dahlia cultivation. Of the two I greatly prefer a small, actively-growing plant to one that is larger but somewhat hard in the wood and root-bound. In most seasons, by the time such a plant has made sufficient roots to support its abundant foliage, the little plant has made a very good foundation, and pro- bably in a week or two outstrips the bigger one. An assortment of vermin usually accompanies the Dahlia to its summer quarters, and for six weeks after planting the various pests give an immense amount of trouble. Much of this may be avoided by dipping the plants in a suitable in- secticide the day before they are transferred to the open ground. The damage caused to Dahlias by thrip is enormous. The unhealthy appear- ance of so many young Dahlias is caused by this pest, which is apt to infest the plants practi- cally throughout the whole period of their growth. Thrip may often be found on the plants late in the autumn, but the damage caused by them is not so much in evidence when the heavy dews and rains of autumn appear. If the land was deeply 'dug during April, all that is needed now is to prepare it for planting. Dah- lias thrive in a heavy soil, provided it has been sufficiently worked and exposed to the influence of the weather. When the weather is wet day after day the grower who has a heavy soil can- not successfully compete with one whose land is light and friable. Our system is to turn up the soil, and, after it has been allowed to dry for one day, the clods are broken. The plot is then re-dug and left rough again on the top, and the process is repeated until the whole of the land is brought into a suitable condition. It is inadvisable to prepare the land in small patches just where each plant is to be placed. I have often seen this done during bad weather, the intention being to finish digging between the rows at some future time. In most cases this proceeding results in certain parts of the land never getting tilled at all. I am referring, of course, to heavy land. In the case of light soil, cow manure should be employed, taking care to bury it well. This may be applied until near planting time, but earlier is better. The following varieties of Cactus Dahlias are to be recommended : — Mrs. Walter Baxter. — The most reliable of the dark varieties. The habit is dwarf, free in flowering, and the blooms are of the best form. C. E. Wilhins. — This is a lovely pink variety, although the blooms do not remain long in a perfect condition. For this reason it is advis- able to grow several plants to ensure a supply of the best flowers. Harold Peerman. — Unlike the preceding variety, this lasts well, and is very reliable, being free in blooming and of great depth of flower. The colour is a pure shade of yellow. Ivernia. — The flowers of this variety are of great size and the habit good. The colour is a bright fawn. This variety needs but little thin- ning. Rev. Arthur Bridge. — The blooms of this variety develop quickly and fade quickly. It is of the loveliest colour, being yellow and tipped with deep rose pink. The stem being rigid, it is one of the best varieties for bunching. Flame. — This is a plant easily cultivated, pro- ducing reliable little flowers. It is fine in floret, and has a pretty centre. The name is indica- tive of the colour. Foxhunler. — Scarlet flowers have become rare amongst Cactus Dahlias, of which this is a use- ful variety, although but little known. It has straight, narrow florets. Helium. — One of the largest of Cactus Dah- lias, although it has none too many florets. The bloom, however, has a capital centre, and never comes shallow. The plant is a very gross grower, and may be allowed to carry three buds instead of one only, as is usual. Mrs. F. Grinsted. — This dwarf variety especi- ally requires a good, deep root medium. The colour is a purplish shade of crimson. Mrs. W. H. Baby. — A free-flowering, white variety. Although not quite pure, it is one of the best white Dahlias yet produced. Hyacinth. — A good variety, but one which flowers in an erratic manner, and it may not have a single bloom out on a show day. Owing to this fault we plant this variety in as many stages and aspects as possible. Ruby Grinsted. — A beautiful salmon pink flower of very great depth, and one that lasts well. It is rather later in flowering tha-n the majority, and should be obtained as forward as possible at the time of planting. Eureka. — A large, rather coarse flower. The colour is a rich, velvety-crimson. Kathleen Bryant. — This is a rather weakly- grower, but it produces excellent flowers of dark- crimson colour. William Marshall. — Though not new, it is still one of the best kinds. Colour orange and yellow. Nelson. — A huge flower, but very uncertain in its behaviour. It should be given a trial in all collections, because where it does succeed it is magnificent. Other first-rate sorts include Victorian. Sirius, J. B. Riding, Faunus, T. A. Havemeyer, Recam, Lustre, Mercury, and Brutus. Decobative Varieties. It is doubtless a fait that some flowers with the finest florets have but indifferent stems. However, the exhibitor cares not much about the stem, provided the bloom be good. It is a very different matter when one wishes to use them as cut blooms. There are plenty of Cactus Dahlias having good blooms and stout stems. The following varieties possess both these desir- able qualities, although the form of some of them is what is termed by exhibitors " heavy." Dorothy. — A lovely pink flower, possessing a stiff stem and with flowers of exhibition quality. Mrs. .7. Emherson. — One of the fancy Cactus Dahlias. The flower-stems are long and stiff, and the flower is of large size. It is shy in flowering, but otherwise it is a variety of great merit. Celia. — A beautiful, rich pink colour, excel- lent in the late autumn. The flower-stems are perfectly erect. Caradoc. — This is one of the best-stemmed yel- low Dahlias. The flowers are quite equal to the best exhibition type. E. Cadman. — A free-blooming variety with red flowers. Rosa Starr. — Another of the pink varieties: it possesses all the qualities necessary for a gar- den Dahlia. Dreadnought. — One of the largest, and, as a flower irrespective of exhibition points, pro- bably the most popular. The blooms are a shade of crimson-maroon. Of older sorts suitable for garden purposes may be given : — Zoe, William Jowett, Wm. F. Balding, T. G. Baker, Primrose, Mrs. S. Gas- kill, Khaki, Mrs. E. Mawley, Mrs. Brousson, Thus. Parkin, and Star. All these varieties have stiff-stemmed flowers. The shoots should be thinned a little at in- tervals, and the roots be given a moderate supply of water during dry weather. Hairy Stredwicb. WORCESTERSHIRE DAFFODILS. A few days after the Birmingham Daffodil show, I was afforded an opportunity of inspecting Mr. Arthur Goodwin's Narcissi, which are grown in a garden on the high ground near Kiddermin- ster, commanding an extensive view over the Severn Valley, and situated at an altitude of 500 feet above sea-level. The soil, which is of fertile loam interspersed with small nodules of sandstone, is excellently adapted to Daffodil culture, as the plants were all in the most per- fact health and bore flowers of very large size. Messrs. Ca.rtwright and Goodwin were very suc- cessful at Birmingham, winning the Champion prize for the greatest number of points and ex- hibiting several remarkable flowers, among which were Giraffe, Scarlet Gem, a new seedling between Horace and Jaune a Merveille, and the double Red and Gold, all of which received Awards of Merit, as well as Chloe, Lemon Star, Inga, and Evangeline. Mr. Goodwin must, at the present moment, have fully 50,000 seedlings raised from the best varieties, that have not yet flowered. M. J. Berkeley, a variety that some- times proves difficult to grow, was in the best of health with deep blue-green foliage, and was bearing seed ; Golden Spur, fertilised with special pollen, had the seed-pods well formed. A batch of Lucifer seedlings were flowering for the first time, some being very brilliant in th?> colouring of their cups. Glory of Noordwijk, Weardale Perfection, and Emperor were bearing enormous flowers, and Lady Margaret Boscawen was ex- ceptionally fine ; a seedling between the last- named variety and N. calathinus, bearing three flowers on a stem, was very pretty. A cross between Madame de Graaff and Minnie Hume showed a distinct break in having the trumpet edged with apricot. A very beautiful picture was presented by thousands of the delicate, white Waterwitch with drooping blossoms swaying in the breeze. Madame de Graaff was doing very well, and Princess Ena (Award of Merit, R.H.S.) was very similar in appearance. A beautiful flower with a Mat, white perianth and green- centred cup edged with glowing orange, was a hybrid between N. Bernardii, from the Pyrenees, and a variety of N. poeticus. Circlet, which ob- tained an Award of Merit from the R.H.S. in March, and has a wide, overlapping, white peri- anth and spreading, yellow cup. was present in numbers. Of trumpets. Mis. .1. H. Veitch is one of the best yellows; Cornelia, of the same colour, is fine in quality and large; and Cleopatra, anqther golden trumpet, is a striking flower, while Ailsa, the whitest of the white trumpets, is a beautiful flower. Musidorus is a good late variety raised by Mr. Engleheart from N. poeti- cus of Liniueus. Others of Mr. Engleheart's raising were Commodore, a very healthy grower' of good habit ; Resolute, a hybrid from Grandee ; Sceptre, and the double Argent. One of the best of the parvi-coronati section was Ethelbert, raised by Mrs. Backhouse, of Hereford, and shown at Birmingham. There was a very lovely collection of Minnie Hume and triandrus seedlings with scarcely a bad flower amongst them, mostly with two blossoms on the stem ; and some pretty seedlings between Mine, de Graaff and Minnie Hume. A cross between King Alfred and N. triandrus was flowering in its third year and bearing pale yellow trumpet flowers of exquisite shape. Elvira, a poetaz, was being fertilised with the pollen of brightly-coloured varieties of N. poeticus and perfectus ; an incomparabilis, with very flat, broad perianth, was being used as a seed-bearer. An unnamed seedling, with. May 8, 1909.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 293 pure white, overlapping perianth 4£ inches across and deep yellow cup edged with orange-scarlet, should make a sensation when distributed. Other notable flowers were Giraffe, a hybrid between Princess Mary and Mme. de Graaff ; Evangeline, with white, broad-petalled perianth and rich yellow cup ; Alton Locke ; Fusilier, very bright ; Ariadne, white spreading perianth, lemon cup; Fairy Queen, a lovely, pure white, one of the most beautiful of all Daffodils ; Beacon ; Ceres, a cross between Grandee and N. poeticus ; the popular Citron, Arnold Rogers (a flower of high merit) ; Homespun, Incognita, Seagull, Albatross, Blackwell, Catharine Spurell, and J. B. M. Camm. F. MEGAGLINIUM PURPUREO RAGHIS, wildem. At the meeting of the Orchid Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, on April 6, a very remarkable Megaclinium (see fig. 126) was shown by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., as M. Bufo. The only illustration of M. Bufo known to us is the small figure showing a por- tion of an inflorescence in the first volume of the Gardeners' Chronicle, (1841, p. 348). This was taken from the original plant which flowered with Messrs. Loddiges, and dif- fers much from the plant shown by Sir Trevor Lawrence. This newer plant has since been iden- tified at Kew as Megaclinium purpureo-raehis, Wildem. It is a very remarkable species, the flowers on each side of its flattened purple rachis being concealed whilst in the bud stage by curi- ously-formed bracts; lately the bracts reflex as the flowers in succession approach maturity. The flowers are yellowish, spotted with purple. The genus is a singular one, peculiar to Tropical Africa, and it is not surprising that the flowering of Megaclinium Bufo in 1841 should have been regarded as an event of considerable importance. The note which accompanied the illustration was as follows: — " Vegetable Reptiles. The Megaclinium Bufo or Toad Orchis is thus described in the Botanical Ttegister. Let the reader imagine a green snake to be pressed flat like a dried flower, and then to have a row of toads, or some such speckled reptiles, drawn up along the middle in single file, their backs set up, their tore legs sprawling right and left, and their mouths wide open, witli a large purple tongue wagging about convulsively, and a pretty considerable approach will be gained to an idea of this strange plant, which, if Pythagoras had but known it, would have rendered all arguments about the transmi- gration of souls superfluous. The figure will show that the language of this account is justified by the plant itself, which is really one of the most strange-looking things that we have in gardens. We only regret that the queer motion of the tongue cannot also be shown." The moving labellum is peculiar to the genus, and Mr. Worthington G. Smith's drawings of the parts show their arrangement in this species. BACK X-3 FlG. 126. — MEGACLINIUM PURPUREO-RACHIS, AS SHOWN BY SIR TREVOR LAWRENCE, BART., AT THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S MEETING ON APRIL U LAST NOTES ON IRISES. IRIS GRANT-DUFFII AND ITS ALLIES. Will any reader of the Gardeners' Chronicle who has succeeded in inducing I. Grant-Duftii to flower give his experience? It was one of the very few Irises that baffled the late Sir Michael Foster. I remember his telling me, as he gave me some roots, that he had grown them for 25 years from the time that General Grant Duff gave them to him, and that he had never had a flower. These plants I still have, and others im- ported from Palestine, but I have never yet seen a flower. I. Aschersonii, however, is flowering freely this year with me, and I attribute this to the fact that I am growing it in moist, rich soil. I. Grant-Dufni, too, seems to be doing better under these conditions, and I hope to see 294 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [May 8, 1909. flowers next year. A correspondent in Jaffa told me that these Irises grow in swamps, which means, I take it, that the soil is moist in spring and yet parched in the height of sum- mer. I. ochroleuca and I. Monnieri are found wild, I believe, in similar situations, and need moisture and rich feeding to flower well. It re- mains to be seen whether I. Grant-Duffii will respond to this treatment, or whether the secret of its needs has yet to be discovered. The new Iris melanosticta is said to bo a member of the same group, and a purple- flowered form, I. Masiaa, is also in cultivation. AN IRIS DISEASE. Of late years Iris growers have from time to time suffered from the ravages of a disease which attacks the rhizomes of Pogoniris, gener- ally at the flowering time. The leaves turn yellow first at the tip, and then all over, and flower-stems topple over and are found to be rot- ten at the base. The disease is said to be due to a fungus which attacks the skin of the rhi- zome, after which a bacillus enters in by the wound and completes the destruction. Lime has sometimes been suggested as a remedy, but though this may discourage the fungus, it tends, I believe, to encourage the bacillus. The only remedy, and this a partial remedy, is to take up affected plants at once, when it will be found usually that it is the old central rhizomes that are affected, whilst the young side growths are intact. These may be cut off, and possibly washed in some such dis- infectant as permanganate of potash, and re- planted in fresh ground. Since Pogoniris make a fresh set of roots at flowering time, the plants will grow strongly at once, and be well estab- lished before autumn. I have also found that diseased rhizomes, which I pulled up and left lying on the surface of the ground under a light all through last summer, are now growing healthily. IF. B. Dykes, Charterhouse, Godal- ining. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. The lights and frames may now be re- moved from the Carrots and Turnips, and set in position on the site intended for the culture of Melons. In order to prevent the soil from being displaced and to keep the sides of the beds intact, some short manure should be put against the beds. The Carrots are forming nice roots, and need abundant waterings. The first batch of Cos Lettuce is ready for market. We tie the plants before they are pulled from the ground to prevent the leaves from breaking. The cloches will now be placed over Rows I., IV., and VI., as shown in the diagram, p. 164, fig. 70. The plants are given a copious watering before being covered with the cloches, and they are shaded with mats in the middle of the day. The lights and frames should now be removed from the Endives planted early in April, the appliances being required for Melons. The En- •dives will require light, but frequent, waterings. We are pulling Radishes sown as an intercrop with the " Passion " Lettuces in the open. When this crop is cleared, the ground will be well hoed. These Lettuces will require no fur- ther attention beyond waterings until they are ready for market about the middle of May. We are sowing a batch of " Witloof " Chicory as a winter crop. The seeds are sown thinly in well-manured ground in drills drawn 1 foot apart. Hot-beds are being prepared for Melons, the seeds having been sown in three dif- ferent batches : the last of the seedlings will be stopped early next week. All our plants are healthy and forward, so that we shall be com- pelled to finish the making of the beds by May 15. Before planting the Melons we wait until the manure has fermented, which generally occu- pies three or four days. After planting, the frames are lined with fresh manure, and mats are placed on the lights for the whole of the first day. These are afterwards removed early in the mornings, but the shading is again placed on the glass when the sun is shining brightly. We have made tidy the beds of Onion '" White of Paris," the seeds of which were sown last August. The bulbs are now swelling, and we expect that they will be ready for mar- keting within a fortnight. /'. Aquatias, May 1. The Week's Work. £RE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Out-of-door vines. — Early attention should be paid to the disbudding of outdoor vines, rub- bing out all but two or three of the shoots on each spur. After an interval of a week or two the shoots may be again thinned to one on each spur, it being possible at that time to determine which will carry the best bunch of fruit ; one shoot is quite sufficient, and it should be stopped when it has made two leaves beyond the fruit. Subsequently all lateral shoots should be stopped at the first leaf. Keep the growths well thinned out so that the leaves, being fully exposed to the sun and air, may grow hard and leathery in tex- ture. They will thus the better withstand attacks of insects or of such fungus diseases as mildew. The first appearance of mildew should be looked for assiduously, and on its appearance the plants should be sprayed immediately with a fungicide. Outdoor vines being usually culti- vated against walls and buildings facing south, they require a considerable amount of water applied at the roots. Later, when the fruits are swelling, frequent applications of manure water should be given them. The watering of young fruit trees. — Young trees that were planted last season, and especially those that were planted against walls, must be examined frequently that water may be given to them before they suffer from drought. When drying winds prevail, such trees suffer irreparable injury if they are also dry at the roots. A slight spraying overhead in the afternoon will be bene- ficial in keeping the wood in a plump condition, thus encouraging them to make growth. If these trees have not already been given a mulching of some light material, as was advised in a former Calendar, it should be applied at once. Manure from a spent Mushroom bed is probably the best material to use ; but if this nor any other short manure is procurable, then the mown grass from the lawns may be used in their stead. Disbud these young trees carefully, and endeavour to get each to form a good foundation for its future development. Plums. — The trees are now growing rapidly. At this season suckers are more than usually troublesome. Remove any that are seen before they become difficult of eradication. Apple blossom weevil. — This pest will now at- tack the Apple blossom. It the trees were thoroughly sprayed during the winter with a caustic alkali solution, there will be less reason to fear attack. Unwashed and otherwise neglected trees, bearing rough bark with moss upon it, pro- vide ideal hiding places for this pest. Soon aftei the weevil has entered an Apple blossom the petals turn a brown colour as if affected by frost. If such blooms are closely examined a weevil will generally be found in them, or a little hole will be discovered in the petals indicating that the weevil has escaped. If young trees are attacked some of the weevils may be caught by shaking the trees suddenly on a calm day, for on this provocation the weevils will drop suddenly from the tree. A sheet is usually placed under the tree before it is shaken, and the weevils are gathered up and destroyed. actually commenced. During warm weather the house should be ventilated freely both at the top and bottom, and the top ventilators may be left open just a little during the night. Stop and regulate the shoots on later trees, in order that every shoot may be fully exposed to the sunshine, and "that the air may circulate freely amongst the shoots. Spray the foliage with tepid water each morning and at closing time in the afternoon. During the day a moist atmosphere may be pro- moted by damping at frequent intervals all the available surfaces in the house. Trees carrying a full crop of fruit, especially if they are growing in shallow or restricted borders, must be fed liber- ally, and the borders should be covered with a mulch of decomposed horse manure, if this mate- rial has not already been supplied. Very little fire heat is needed at this season of the year, indeed, merely sufficient to maintain a circula- tion in the atmosphere. -» Early Peach and Nectarine trees in 2>ots. — Manures must be withheld from these trees directly the fruits begin to ripen ; water even must only be given in moderation. If the pots are at present exposed to the sun's rays, they should be shaded by some means in order that watering may not be needed so frequently. Syringing must not be practised during the time the fruits are ripen- ing. When all the fruits have been gathered, the trees must be removed to a cool house, where they should be syringed twice a day. If red spider is present on the leaves, the plants had better be laid on their sides and thoroughly syringed with an insecticide. Later, when the weather is warmer, plunge the pots in ashes out- of-doors in a sunny position. Early Peaches in borders. — These trees should be given a thorough watering just before the ripening stage commences, it being inadvisable to apply water during the time the fruits are actu- ally ripening. At that stage the house must be kept dry. Remove any laterals that are shading the fruits, and if there are any fruits on the undersides of the shoots, they must be exposed to the light by placing a label or some similar prop under them. In determining whether a Peach is ripe or not, the underside of the fruit near to the stem alone should be felt. The fruits should be gathered as early in the morning as possible. Certain varieties of Peaches — and particularly Nectarines — are liable to suffer from scalding dur- ing the ripening season, and this causes the skin of the fruit to shrivel. The trouble may be pre- vented by covering the glass with a double thick- ness of fish netting. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Fig trees in pots. — As soon as the fruits are taken from the earliest trees in pots, these trees should be thoroughly cleansed of any insect pests there may be present on them. It is not advis- able to allow pot trees to bear a second crop, especially if they are needed for forcing early next season. ' Therefore, the house should be kept as cool as possible. Syringe the trees with clear wTater thoroughly each morning and afternoon in hot weather, and exercise care that the roots are never allowed to suffer from drought. Thin out any shoots necessary to allow the others to be fully exposed to the light, and pinch the points of those which are growing freely. As soon as the weather is favourable, the trees may be removed out-of-doors, and plunged in ashes in a position exposed to the sun. Fig trees in borders. — Afford liberal supplies of manure water to trees on which the fruits are approaching the ripening stage, but withhold manures as soon as ripening has THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. S'alsafy. — This is one of the most useful of winter vegetables and deserves to be more gene- rally cultivated. The last sowing for the season should now be made, selecting deeply tilled and finely-worked soil. Sow the seeds thinly in drills, drawn at 15 inches apart, and as soon as the young plants are large enough, thin them out to 12 inches or so apart. If perfectly shaped specimens are required it may be necessary in some soils to bore deep holes as advised for Carrots, and to fill them with finely-sifted soil of a sandy nature. Scorzonera. — This requires much the same kind of treatment as Salsafy, but it is important that the seed is not sown too early. The best time to sow is from May 12 to May 20. Seal-ale. — The young sets of Seakale planted out last month should have their eyes or shoots reduced to one, leaving the strongest. Every encouragement should be given the plants to make a robust growth. In showery weather a slight application of some approved fertiliser may be made and the surface soil should be disturbed frequently by means of a Dutch hoe. Brussels Sprouts. — Plants that were pricked out from the earliest sowings may now be suffi- ciently advanced to be put in their permanent quarters. Lift each plant carefully with a ball of soil attached to its roots. It is scarcely possible to make the soil too firm about the roots. The rows should be 3 feet distant from each other, and the distance between each plant in the row should not be less than 2 feet 6 inches. If Brassica crops on this soil have been in the habit of showing club disease, it will be well to fill in the holes with finely-sifted cinder ashes. I have found this material a splendid preventive of club disease. May 8, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 295 Cabbage. — Quick-maturing varieties that were raised in boxes and afterwards pricked out should be ready for planting. Most of these may be planted at 15 inches apart in rows 2 feet distant from each other. Spinach (New Zealand). — This vegetable fre- quently has great value during a hot season, ordinary Spinach thriving but poorly in very hot weather. Seeds of New Zealand Spinach may now be sown in boxes, and the seedlings after- wards planted cut, or seeds may be sown on a warm border out-of-doors. Cucumbers. — If Cucumber plants have been properly hardened, they may safely be planted in portable frames, which have already done duty for other vegetable crops. It will be necessary, however, to make the best use of the sun heat Dy closing the lights very early in the afternoon and spraying the surfaces with chilled water. Cover the lights entirely with some protective material on cold nights, but do not neglect to ventilate the frame early each morning. Peg down the growths, stop, and thin them out as they require it. The best varieties of ridge Cucumbers are worth cultivation in any garden. They should be brought into bearing as soon after planting as possible. The warmest avail- able place, therefore, should be given them, it being all the better if a moderate hot-bed can be formed for their use. The seeds should be sown at once, and the plants may be put out towards the end of the present mouth. Hand lights or cloches may be used for a short time in order to give them a better start. Failing these, the plants may be coven I .it nights with flowerpots or some other form of shelter. are unhealthy or shrivelled should be relieved of their flower-sheaths. The pots for these Cattleyas and L:elias should be about half filled with clean crocks for drainage, over which a layer of the roughest part of the compost should be placed with a sprinkling of small crocks intermixed. This should be made quite firm on the surface. The compost should consist of Osmunda fibre and Polypodium fibre in equal parts. Cut both materials up together, but not too finely, and mix with them plenty of small broken crocks. For these plants we do not use Sphagnum-moss, but some growers prefer to mix a little with the com- post, and results are equally good. Over-potting should be avoided. Pot rather firmly, especially in the centre, and keep the rhizome of each plant about on a level with the rim of the pot. Tall- growing plants like Laelia elegans and Cattleya amethystoglossa may require to have a pseudo- bulb here and there tied to neat sticks to hold the plant firmly in its place. When the plants have been repotted, place them on the shady side of the house, and for a few weeks keep them rather dry at the root, but the surroundings may be kept fairly moist by syringing between the pots several times each day according to the con- dition of the weather outside. supports. In the case of quick-growing plants under glass it is better to affix another in the course of a few weeks rather than to use one larger than is needed. Whilst the ties must be made sufficiently tight to keep the plant steady, it is obvious that allowance ought to be made for the increase in size of growing stems. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Bui I ird, Surrey. Cattleya ami Lcelia. — Now that such plants as Cattleya Schroderse and C. Lawrenceana are passing out of bloom, they should be placed in the coolest part of the house, and be kept comparatively dry at the root, otherwise they may recommence to grow instead of getting to rest. Each plant should be watched, and immediately root action commences those plants which require it should be repotted. Plants of C. Mendelii, C. Mossia?, C. Skinneri, Lrelia purpurata, and the various Cattleya and Laelio-Cattleya hybrids developing flower-spikes, will require to be kept fairly moist at the root till the flowers expand. Over-watering must be carefully guarded against, for if the plants are kept too wet whilst in bloom, some of the pseudo- bulbs and leaves may decay soon after the flowers have faded. Plants of the autumn flowering C. labiata, C. Gaskelliana, C. gigas, C. Dowiana, C. D. aurea, C. Bowringiana, and others that are starting to grow should be placed in the warmest part of the house. Elevate the plants well up to the roof glass, so that they will be well exposed to the light- If the Cattleya house is situated ;it a high elevation and in a naturally dry position, the plants in growth will probably require a moderate supply of water at the root twice a week, but in low-lying districts where the house is less exposed to drying winds, about one water- ing a week for the present will be found sufficient. In either case the compost should be allowed to become moderately dry before water is again applied to the roots. When the flower-sheaths are seen developing in the young growths the quantity of water may be slightly increased. C. Luddemanniana (speciosissima) may also be in- cluded with the varieties mentioned as regards its present requirements, but better flowering results may be obtained with this species if the plants are suspended as near to the roof glass as possibly. In such a position the plants take more water than those down upon the stage, and it is better for them to do so. Plants of C. Trianae starting to grow and needing room for further develop- ment may be repotted. The young growths will soon produce roots which will quickly enter the new compost. Plants of C. Percivalliana, C. amethystoglossa, C. Harrisons, and others now commencing to grow may also be repotted. In most collections there will be some plants of C. Mendelii and C. Mossire that have failed to produce flower-spikes, or others that have de- teriorated and require breaking up. These may also be attended to at this season. Plants that PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Coleus. — The earliest plants of Coleus should now be growing in 7 inch pots, Those that were propagated later should be potted off as soon as they have made roots. Continue to in- sert fresh batches of cuttings at intervals, remembering that well grown plants, upon a sin I' stem, in 3-inch pots, are useful for fur- nishing small vases in the house. As a rule, however, there is no advantage in retaining a planl after 'it has doni duly in a dwelling-room. For lln' present let the plants lie kept in a warm, moist house, and in a position that is well exposed to the light. Begonia. — Varieties of B. Hex may easily be propagated from the older leaves. Take the I. aves and make a few incisions on the under side of the ribs. Then lay them flat on pans of light sandy soil. Be careful not to over water the soil, but shade the leaves from sunshine. Established plants should be cultivated in partial shade and in a moist atmosphere. If the plants are to be used as vase plants they should be turned round frequently, otherwise all the leaves will face in one direction. Tuberous-rooted varieties may now be grown in an unheated frame facing to the south. The plants should be arranged on a bed of cinders, and may 1 1 ovi rhead twice each day during fine weather. In the middle hours of bright, sun slight shade- may be afforded. Boronia. — As the plants complete their flower- ing, B. elatior, B. heterophylla, and B. mega- stigma should be pruned severely and placed in a warm, moist house. Do not water them much at the root for some time after the pruning has been done, but syringe the plants overhead when- ever the weather is bright. When they have completed their growth they may be removed to a cooler house. Nerine. — When the foliage shows signs of tinning yellow, the supply of water at the roots should" be gradually decreased, until when the leaves have quite withered the roots may be kept dry. Nerines require a long season of rest, and during this period they should be fully exposed to sunshine in a cool house or frame. Slaking.— Many plants now require some means of support, and it is bad gardening to withhold stakes in cases where they are neces- sary. At the same time it is equally wrong to use more than are absolutely essential. The vivid green stakes sometimes seen are objection- ably prominent when associated with certain plants. It is difficult to get shades of painted green that are not conspicuous when associated with living stems and leaves. As a rule home-grown stakes are best. In the Western counties many of us are able to use Bamboo canes that we our- selves have cultivated. These are chiefly ob- tained from the Metake (Arundinaria japonica). This Bamboo, being similar in colour to the leaves and stems of many plants, makes a fairly inconspicuous stake. A stake should never be out of proportion to the size of the plant it THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W, A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Preparations for bedding-out. — Preparations should be pushed forward for the bedding-out of tender plants, which may be possible towards the end of the present month. The best preparation consists in thoroughly preparing the plants for their period out-of-doors by gradually hardening them to exposure. It may still be necessary to protect many of them during cold nights. Take every care that none is allowed to suffer from drought at the roots, the danger of this happen- ing being very acute in the case of those growing in tiny pots. Propagation. — It is now time to commence preparations for propagating plants that will be used in the spring flower garden next season. Many plants can be raised either from cuttings or from seeds as the cultivator desires, but the best stocks are usually obtained from cut- tings. Excellent cuttings may be taken at the present time from Aubrietias, these being half- ripened shoots. Insert them in boxes or in pre- pared beds in the nursery, using a compost con- sisting mainly of leaf-mould. Dibble the cut- tings in very firmly. Choose a partially-shaded position, or if this is not available shade the cut- tings from the midday sun. Stocks of Alyssum and Amies may be raised similarly. The cut- tines x "' very readily if detached with a heel of tin- old wood adhering to them. Some good varieties of Aubrietias include Fire King, Leicht- limi, Moerheimii, Dr. Mules, purpurea, and Richards' Nine to One. Varieties of Arabis in- clude A. aubrietioides, A. Allionii, A. Halleri, and A. albida, fl. pi. Of Alyssums, there are A. saxatile, A. s. compactum, and A. spinosum. l['all//oirrrs. — Seeds of Wallflowers should be sown to provide plants for putting out in the autumn. Select an open border that is shaded from the midday sun. and rake the soil very finely, working in a little soot during the process of raking. Draw broad drills at distances of one foot apart and sow the seeds very thinly. The variety Helen Willmott is especially to be re- commended. Seeds should also be sown of ( !an- terbury Bells (Campanula medium), and Silene, Pansies. Campanula pyramidalis and Delphinium hybridum. Campanula pyramidalis makes bet- ter decorative plants for pots if it is cultivated out-of-doors during the summer. Indeed, in many districts, they may remain out-of-doors during the winter if the pots are plunged, or the border containing them is mulched. All the Delphiniums are best sown out-of-doors if we except D. nudicaule. Seeds of this somewhat delicate species should be sown in boxes in frames, and the seedlings planted out afterwards in rich, fine soil. Slugs are very destructive to Delphiniums, and the plants must be carefully preserved from these during the earlier stages of growth. Polyanthus and Primrose. — Varieties of both these plants should be sown on well-prepared borders in comparative shade. Frequent sup- plies of water must be given them in dry weather. The leaves being liable to attack from red spider, they must be treated with an insecticide at in- tervals during the summer. All plants raised from seeds should be carefully pricked out as soon as they can be handled, that they may not become weak and drawn, owing to overcrowding in the seed drills. Perennial Asters. — Cuttings that have been rooted in the present spring should now be planted out in the reserve nursery. They will make strong plants by autumn. Hardy Fernery. — Top dress any of the hardy Ferns in need of this attention. Remove all weeds from the fernery, and place a few ever- green branches to protect delicate Ferns whose young fronds are liable to become injured by frost. A little soot scattered over the surface of the soil, avoiding dusting the fronds, is a good fertiliser. Ferns favouring limestone, should be given a dressing of this material mixed with leaf-mould. 296 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [May 8, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on onk side only of the paper, sent as early in the week as possible and duly signed by the writer. Jf desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee 0/ good faith. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be carejulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editot does not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustration-, ot- to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editor does not hold himself responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.- The Editor will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c, but he cannot be responsible for lossor 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, MAY 10— United Hort. Ben. & Prov. Soc. Com. meet. THURSDAY, MAY 13— London Branch B.G.A. lecture by Prof. Bottomley on "Nitrogen Fixation." Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 52°. Actual Temperati-res : — London.— Wednesday, May 5 (0 P.M.): Max. CO0; Min. 47". Gardeners' Chronicle Office. 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London— Thursday, May 0 (10 a.m.): Bar. 302; Temp. 68"; Weather— Sunshine. Provinces.— Wednesday, May 5 (6 p.m.): Max. 59" Bedford ; Min. 46= Scotland E. SALES FOS THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY— Border Plants and Perennials, Liliums, and other bulbs, at 12; Palms and Plants, Ferns, &c, at 3, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. FRIDAY— Cypripedium Hvbrids, Imported and Established Orchids, at 12.45, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. The The investigations of physiolo- Sensitiveness gists have brought to light the of plants fact that plants respond in to Gases. various ways to a large number of external agents. One form of response — the tropistic or curving response — consists in a bending of the root, stem, or other part of the growing plant in a definite direction with respect to that in which the agent or stimulus acts. The curving of the stem of a plant illu- minated from one side so that its tip is directed towards the light is a well-known ex- ample of such a tropistic reaction. Plants which are free to move, as, for example, the swarm-spores of Algae, show a like reaction; though in their case the movement is not a bending, but an actual progression in the line of action — toward or away from — the stimu- lus. Chief among the directive agents for the higher plants are, of course, gravity and light, and it is by their regular, definite, and pur- poseful reactions to these stimuli that plants acquire their characteristic positions. "With- out such ever-present guides it is difficult to believe that a seedling could adjust itself to its environment sufficiently to obtain ade- quate supplies of material from soil and air. But, besides these well-known manifesta- tions of plant-sensitiveness, the general re- sults of which are clear and beneficial, there are other responses to stimuli, the meanings of which are less obvious. For example, after a considerable amount of discussion and con- flicting experiment, it has now been shown that both the roots and stems of plants re- spond b}' definite curvatures when they are exposed to what may be called a non-uniform gaseous environment : that is to say, when one side of the plant is exposed to a gas which is absent or, at all events, present in smaller quantity on its other side. Such conditions do not occur with sufficient regularity in Nature for the curvatures which they induce to be recog- nised. Nevertheless, when these conditions are set up artificially, when, for instance, a seedling is so placed in a bell-jar that a stream of carbon-dioxide falls on it from one side, the plant responds to the stimulus by curving toward or away from this gas. The curvature directs the tip toward the carbon- dioxide when the amount of that gas is but small; away from it when it is larger. A similar behaviour is exhibited by both roots and stems when they are exposed in this one- sided way to oxygen. To other gases, how- ever, the plant remains indifferent. Thus, neither hydrogen nor nitrogen induce curva- ture ; although, if the nitrogen contains a mere trace of ammonia, a curvature takes place. The marked reaction to carbon-dioxide is in- teresting inasmuch as the roots of plants are peculiarly sensitive to this gas. For example, it suffices to kill a plant to direct for a comparatively short time a supply of carbon-dioxide to its roots. It may be that the marked curvature away from considerable quantities of carbon-dioxide represents the plant's mode of escape from the injurious influence of that gas. Though why this curvature should be manifested by the shoot as well as the root — although the shoot requires carbon-dioxide for the manufacture of its food-materials — is by no means clear. The whole question of these adjustments of the plant to the several factors, light, gravity, moisture, &c, of its environment, is fascinating. From the study of such adjust- ments it has become evident that the plant possesses as fine a sensitiveness as the animal, and an equally marked power of response. Though its nervous system is not represented by brain or nerve, it nevertheless has at its command powers of perception of stimuli, just as the animal has eyes for the perception of light; and also powers of re- sponse by movement, like those which animals exhibit. By the exercise of these powers of response to stimuli the organism adjusts itself with supreme nicety to its surroundings, and, as it were, feels its way safely in spite of the changes and chances of its life. It is not at all improbable that the sensitiveness of plants is far more varied than is at present sus- pected ; nor, considering how ignorant we still are of the physiology of plants, that many examples of sensitiveness may be discovered for which explanations in terms of utility may not be forthcoming. Our Supplementary Illustration. — In the last issue the Supplementary Illustration showed the various processes in the propagation of Hya- cinths by scoring the base of the bulbs in a series of cross-cuts. This week the system illustrated is that of hollowing out the base by the " scoop- ing method." As we explained last week, this latter method produces a larger number of bulbils than develop after scoring the bulbs, but, in con- sequence of this, the development of the bulbs is slower, and therefore more time is required before they are fit for planting out and before the bulbs reach the flowering stage. Like the former photographs, these now reproduced were taken by Mr. Piet, Amersham, in the bulb nursery belonging to Mr. H. de Meulder at Lisse. Flowers in Season. — A box of magnificent flowers of the St. Brigid strain of Anemone has been sent us by Mr. G. Roche, Gowran Castle Gardens, Co. Kilkenny. The biooms are of extra large size and the shades of colour as pleasing as they are varied. We cannot speak too highly of these Anemones, and their value is the greater since they are capable of lasting in good condi- tion in water for upwards of a week. Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institu- tion.— In aid of the funds of the Worcester Auxiliary, the gardens and grounds of Madres- field Court will be opened to the public on Thins day, May 13. The admission from two to four o'clock will be Is., but afterwards 6d. Should the weather be wet on that date, the gardens will be opened on the following Thursday. The Surveyors' Institution. — The next ordinary general meeting will be held on Monday, the 10th inst., at 8 p.m., when a paper will be read by Mr. A. B. Howes (Fellow), entitled " Quantity Surveyors: A Review of their Legal Position." The next country meeting will be held at Cardiff on May 20 and 21. Visits have been organised to various works and places of interest in or near Cardiff for the afternoon of the 20th, including the Bute Docks, the Dowdais Steel Works, Cardiff Castle, and Llandaff Cathe- dral. The following excursions have been arranged lor the following day: — (1) Excursion to Ilfracombe via Barry Docks ; by boat along the Devon and Somerset coast to Minehead ; (2) a visit to the Bargoed Colliery and to Caerphilly Cnstle. National Tulip Society. — The sixteenth annual southern exhibition of this Society will be held at the Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, on Tuesday, May 18, in conjunc- tion with the fortnightly meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society. All particulars can be obtained from the secretary, Mr. W. Teeters, Farcet House, Cambridge. Societe Royale d' Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand. — This Society will hold an international exhibition of fruits, vegetables, and flowers on October 30, 31, and November 1 next. The principal feature of this exhibition will be Chrysanthemums, for which a number of liberal prizes are offered. There are also classes for other flowers in season, including Orchids Twenty-seven classes are arranged for hardy and tender fruits, and 15 for vegetables. The sche- dule comprises in all 136 classes, and the exhibi tion promises to be one of considerable interest The secretary for the exhibition is Mons. Lucien de Cock. The "Journal" of the Cooper Research Laboratory. — We have received with pleasure the first number of the Journal of the Cooper Research Laboratory. The laboratory was founded in 1902 by Sir Richard Cooper in order to carry on agricultural investigations and to keep the agriculturist informed on all matters when; biological or chemical science can offer him assistance. Information is given free of charge to genuine enquirers. The work carried out during the past year includes experiments with insecticides and fungicides; Vue use of lime in agriculture, with special reference to " Finger - and-toe " ; the life-history and hab}ts of the woolly-aphis. We wish the Cooper Research Laboratory all success in its career. May 8, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 297 " The Botanical Magazine." — In the issue of this publication for May there are illustrations and descriptions of the following plants :■ — Dendrobium Bronckartii, tab. 8252. — This plant was first described by Mr. Wildeman in Gardeners' Chronicle, June 16, 1906, page 380. It is most closely allied to D. thyrsiflorum, but is readily distinguished by its larger size, its ampler and laxer inflorescence. The flowers are pale-rose colour, the disc of the lip being marked with a large orange-coloured blotch. They are produced on pendant racemes. Larix occidentalis, tab. 8253. — This species, originally described by Nuttall. was figured in the Gardeners' Chronich for -May 22, 1886, page 652, when Professor Sargent, of the Arnold Arboretum, .Massachusetts, wrote an interesting account of it, and of Larix Lyallii. Larix at Verrieres-le-Buisson, near Paris, also cones freely, but has never yet given seed. Mussaenda Treutleri, tab. 8254. — This is an old plant that has been known heretofore as a variety of M. frondosa. It was originally mis- taken by Dr. Wallich, when he discovered the plant in the mountains of Nepal, for a form of M. frondosa, but was subsequently confused with M. macrophylla, under which name it has usually been cultivated. Dr. Staff now raises the plant to specific rank for the first time. It was in- troduced to cultivation by Messrs. Knight & Perry about 1840. It is a stove plant, and forms a shrub about 3 feet high. The flowers are pro- duced in terminal heads, the only colour being in the limb of the corolla, which is reddish- orange. The plant gains some of its decorative value from its leaflike white sepals. [Phrlograph by IV. J. Vaur, Fig. 127. — souvenir de la malmaison carnation "lady Coventry," as exhibited by messrs. cutbush and son at the r.h.s. exhibition on april 20. flowers CARMINE-LAKE. (See ante p. 269.) occidentalis was first observed by Lewis and Clark in the forests of the Upper Clearwater River. It was seen also by D. Douglas in 1827 near Fort Colville, on the Upper Columbia, but was mistaken by him for the European Larch. Nuttall collected it from the Blue Mountains in 1834, and first described it in Sylva. Certain foresters in England have the opinion that this American Larch may prove to be a useful sub- stitute for the European Larch, owing to the susceptibility of the latter to the attacks of the fungus Peziza AVillkommii, the cause of Larch- canker. Mr. Botting Hemsley states that the trees at Kew fruit freely, but that the cones have never yet been found to contain fertile seed. A tree in the garden of Mr. P. L. de Vilmorin, Deutzia setchuensis, tab. 8255. — This species was described in the Gardeners' Chronicle by Jlr. Lemoine on October 8, 1898, page 265, as D. corymbiflora. Mr. Hutchinson now points out that D. corymbiflora, Lemoine, has been identified by Mr. Franchet with this species ; Mr. Hutchinson, however, states that Le- moine's plant appears to have smaller, less acuminate leaves and pinkish-white flowers. The figure now given in the Botanical Magazine was presented to Kew in 1897 by Mr. M. L. de Vil- morin. It has white flowers, and blooms early in July. Pyrus Pashia var. Kumaoni. tab. 8256. — Dr. Stapf says that it has already been suggested by Dr. Schneider [III. Handb. Laubholzh, vol. i., p. 665) that the tree cultivated in European col- lections as Pyrus Pashia, which Decaisne has distinguished from the typical form of that species as P. Kumaoni, may be no more than a glabrous variety of P. Pashia proper. A careful study of the material in the herbarium at Kew has enabled Dr. Stapf to completely confirm this view. According to Loudon [Encyc. of Trees and Shrubs, p. 424), P. Pashia was first intro- duced into England in 1825. The tree from which the plate of P. Pashia Kumaoni has been prepared has been growing in the collection of Rosacese at Kew for many years, but its precise history is not known. The flowers are exceed- ingly attractive, by reason of the deep-red anthers, which show up strongly against the pure white petals. The individual flowers are remark- able for their full-rounded contour, and are produced in unusually compact flower-trusses. What Ails Your Plants? — Under the above title the Garden Magazine (New York), May, 1909, publishes a valuable contribution from Mr. Porter Felt, State Entomologist, New York. Drawn up in tabular form are lists of ornamental shrubs, small fruit, orchard trees, shade trees, vegetables, and plants of the flower garden. Opposite each plant is given the symptom of the injury or disease to which it is liable, the time of its appearance, its cause, name, remedy, or preventive means to be adopted, and remarks and cautions. As the editor remarks, most tables and spray calendars assume an acquaintance on the part of their users with the insect or fungus causing the disease. Kiuciiner's excellent book adopts a similar method with respect to European pests, but, being in German, is not generally available. It is to be hoped that some competent entomologist or fungologist will draw up a similar table dealing with the common pests of this country. Exhibits of Wild Flowers. — The wild (lower exhibition at the People's Palace, Glasgow Green, Glasgow, which proved so successful last year, is to be repeated. The daily exhibits of tieshly-culled wild flowers will continue from the present time until the last week of September. District librarians and headmasters of schools in the neighbourhood have promised to assist all they can by the loan of books and by giving simple botanical teaching. The Transvaal Department of Agri- culture.-No better testimony to the activity of the Transvaal Department of Agriculture could be provided than that supplied by the report of the work of the department during the year .Inly, 1907, to June, 1908. The volume em- bodying the report consists of 328 pages, and con- tains the records of the several sub-departments, which include those of Botany, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture, Forestry, Co-opeia- tion and others. Among many interesting items dealt with in the report the following may be noticed : the rapid development of the Transvaal as a Maize-growing region and the progressive policy adopted by the Department of Agriculture for the provision of pure and suitable seed for this crop : the vigilance exercised in the discovery of imported plant diseases and the rigorous destruction of diseased plants. It is noteworthy that dry-rot of Potatos (Nectria solani) has proved itself capable of attacking the crop as well as the stored tuber. Our readers will recollect that this has been shown recently to be the case both in America and in this country. Attempts to discover or breed rust- resisting strains of Wheat have not as yet proved successful, though in the light of the experi- ments made by Professor Biffen, at Cambridge, it would seem probable that this much-desired end is not unattainable. Lastly, it is interesting tg observe that the gospel of co-operation is being preached, and not vainly, to the farmers of the Transvaal. 298 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [May 19C3. Stone Seat in Kew Arboretum.— En- quiries are from time to time made as to the stone seat among the Beech trees towards the southern end of the gardens. The seat, which was placed in the position it occupies in Febru- ary, 1904, was presented to Kew by a group of friends of the late Miss Cassell, who was for 20 years Lady Superintendent of the College for Working Women. It was provided as a memorial by past and present students of the college, to express their sense of Miss Cassell's unique personality. " That it should be a rest- ing-place in sight of sky and trees in such an altogether beautiful place as Kew, and within reach of working Londoners, seems, in accord- ance with her life spent in working for the work- ing poor, what she would like," is a sentence which occurs in a letter on the subject, written by Mrs. Maclehose, at whose instance the me- morial was erected, to her brother, Mr. G. Macmillan. In the same letter Mrs. Maclehose says: — "We should like some motto or words carved on it, but no obviously memorial words — no names." The actual inscription is: — " Life— the gift Let us take hands and help this day we are alive together Look up on high and thank the God of all. — Kew Bulletin. "The Rose Annual, 1909."— This excellent publication of the National Rose Society pro- gresses in importance with the Society itself. The number before us is a valuable contribution on matters pertaining to the Rose. Mr. E. B. Lindsell, who has won the principal trophy at the Society's shows no fewer than 17 times since 1890, writes upon Rose shows. In an admirable resume of the . shows of 1908, Mr. Lindsell winds up with a plea for a permanent date for the Society's principal summer exhibition. A selection is given of the best Climbing Roses in their several colours, and Mr. Mawley's analy- sis shows the number of times a certain variety appeared on the show board in 1908. The article on Wichuraiana Hybrids by Dr. A. H. Williams is an admirable disquisition on the subject, and no one should know more of the hybridisation of Roses than Mr. Alex. Dickson, who writes on this subject. The history of the Frau Karl Druschki Rose is given by Mr. Alli- son, who states the parents were Merveille de Lyon and Caroline Testout. How this beautiful flower was passed over for a considerable time makes interesting reading. Other chapters deal with Enemies of the Rose ; Banksian Rcaes ; Climbing Roses; Rose Growing in Winter on Shallow Benches ; and descriptions of some of the newer varieties. The frontispiece is a portrait of the President, Rev. F. Page-Roberts. Numerous other pictures appear in the text. * "Garden Life Year Book, 1909. ■— We have just received a Year Book published by the proprietors of Garden Life. It contains a calendar of garden operations for each month, and various articles upon subjects of interest to gar- deners. For instance, "The Rose Season of 1908," by Rev. Joseph H. Pemberton ; and "Sweet Peas," by Charles Foster. A list is given of the flowers, fruit, and vegetables certificated by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1908 ; another jf select varieties of common vegetables and fruits, and there are illustrated articles upon cer- tain well-known gardens. An interesting feature of the Year Book is the section " Who's Who in Horticulture." In this appear biographical notes of a number of well-known men in garden- ing circles. It is the first time such a list has been prepared, and probably for this reason it is far from complete, many well-known names being omitted. * Hatton House, Great Queen Street, W.C. Price Is. net. Vanilla Cultivation in Hawaii. — If there is anything at once easy and profitable left to the horticulturist, it must be Vanilla growing in Hawaii. From the book entitled Agriculture in Hawaii, by J. G. Smith, we learn that the climbing Orchid (Vanilla planifolia) is planted as a cutting on any tree or any soil. The cutting soon emits its characteristic aerial roots and begins to flower in its second or third year. A An Unsatisfactory Report.— To those who are aware of the extraordinary activity displayed by the dominions of the Empire, by certain of its Crown Colonies, and by the United States and Germany in furthering the interests of agricul- ture and horticulture, the annual report on the Botanical, Forestry, and Scientific Department of the Uganda Protectorate (1908) cannot be other than disappointing. All that is apparently worth Fig. 128. — alpine auricula claud halcro: flowers yellow in cfntre, with crimson on each segment, passing to bronzy-red at margin. (Gained an Award of Merit when shown by Mr. Douglas at R.H.S. meeting on April 20. See ante p 262.) little weeding is about all that is necessary in the way of cultivation. Artificial pollination is necessary to ensure the formation of the pods. The pods are then cured, by which process the required colour and aroma are induced. The yield is worth from $400 to $500 per acre. recording is contained within 19 pages, of which all but five are devoted to meteorological tables. We learn from the introduction to the report that an agricultural department was formed from April 1, 1907 (ominous day), but that no suit- able person could be found for the appointment May 8, 1909.] THE GARDENERS- CHRONICLE. 299 as head of the department. It is difficult to believe that the search could have been very profound or prolonged. The report contains a few remarks on Rubber, Cocoa, Cotton, &c, but a perusal of its pages does not indicate that Uganda has undertaken the task of developing its undoubted resources in a thoroughgoing and scientific manner. Presentation to Mr. J. H. Goodacre. — The garden-holders of Nottingham have pre- sented Mr. Goodacre, gardener to the Earl of Harrington, Elvaston Castle, with a silver salver. The presentation took place at the We] beck Hotel, Nottingham, on Saturday, May 1. The salver was inscribed, " Presented to Mr. J. H. Goodacre by the garden-holders of Notting- ham for the many valuable services rendered them in the art cf horticulture." diminished vitality of the plant strike me as remarkably interesting. Alfred 0. Walker, Ulcombe, Maidstone. [Elodea flourishes now as well as ever it did in rivers and streams under our own observation in the home counties. We shall be glad if it can be proved that the plant is generally less troublesome in this country than formerly. — Eds.] Hippeastrum (Amaryllis]. — Hippeastrums succeed well in these gardens and make magnifi- cent plants. We have them in flower from December until March. The plants do not re- quire a high temperature, and succeed best if allowed to remain in . the same pot for a few years. Our plants are repotted every three years, one-third each season. The soil used is turfy loam, leaf-soil, and sand, with a good sprinkling of bonemeal, charcoal, and lime rubbish. The plants that are not repotted this year are top-dressed with the same soil as is used "i potting. The bulbs are started in a FlG. 129. — PRIMULA FORRESTII AS CULTIVATED IN EDINBURGH ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS. (See also tigs. 117 and 118 in the last issue.) HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Elodea canadensis. -- In the interesting article on p. 248 on " Plant Invaders," you speak of Elodea canadensis as " now ubiquitous in rivers, &c, all over the country." I am curious to know if this is really the case, for certainly in the neighbourhood of Chester, where I used to live, and where I remember some 30 years ago the canal was so blocked with it that the barge traffic was seriously impeded, the plant has now become quite scarce. My friend Mr. J. D. Sid- dall, of Chester, to whom I wrote on this sub- ject, replies as follows: — " I wanted some Elodea two months ago, and had quite a job to find a bit, and what I got at last was feeble and small ■as compared with the plants of, say, 20 years ago. Then, at any time in the winter or summer, it was plentiful, and in winter the cell contents of the stems were most active and interesting, but I have quite failed this last winter to stir them >up into anything like their old activity, even after keeping them warm in the house for a week or two." Mr. Siddall having devoted much attention *o this plant, his remarks on the apparently temperature of 65°, and as the flowers open are removed to a cool house. We grow the plants in 6-inch pots, and give them liquid manure every time they require water until growth is c impleted. They are then removed to an un- lit ated pit, and are never allowed to become dry, but kept slightly moist. Some of our bulbs carried two spikes, and most of them seven flowers to the spike this season. J. B. Pow, Dunsany Gardens, Co. Meath. Acetylene Gas Refuse. — We have found that a thin layer of this material placed over the ground will rid it of wireworm and other harmful grubs. I have not ascertained if it has killed the wire- worm, but they have left the ground where it was put on. It is best applied to vacant land, where it should be dug in, and no plant should be placed on the land for at least two months after the gas lime is applied. The best time for the application is autumn or spring. Do not put it on fresh from the generator when wet, but in some out-of-the-way corner of the garden, where it can stay until it is well drained and nearly dry. I do not advocate using it on the same plot of land every year, once in three or five years being sufficient. We have used it for the following crops : — Potatos, Peas, Beans, Celery^ Spinach, Onions, Carrots, Parsnips, Turnips, Broccoli, Cabbage, and Brussel Sprouts. We have also used it as a dressing for new planta- tions of Strawberries. In all cases it has bene- fited the crop. I may repeat, however, that it must not be used in a fresh condition. I saw a tennis court marked out with it in the ordinary way as with whitening. It killed all the Grass it touched, and the turf never recovered. Grass land would, no doubt, be benefited by its ap- plication if used in conjunction with double its quantity of soil or wood ashes, and spread evenly after it has been exposed to the air for some time. This refuse forms a suit- able whitewash for outbuildings or walls, ap- plied in the same manner as lime wash. F . R. Staddon, East Oakhj House, Hants. Cupressus macrocarpus. — We planted a hedge here some four years ago to protect a Rose garden. It grew rapidly, and is now a thick wall 18 inches through" and 5 feet high — the height we require it. At the present time the hedge has a very scorched appearance, owing to the severe winter, and I am afraid a tree here and there is killed outright. A. Gooden, Burton Park, Petworth. PRIMULA FORRESTII. We have now the opportunity of illustrating a plant of Primula Forrestii, which has been in cultivation at the Edinburgh Royal Botanical Garden for the past two years. Professor Bayley Balfour, to whom we are indebted for the photo- graph, states that the plant has been cultivated in an unheated frame during the past winter, that it flowers and seeds very freely, and that it is likely to become a general favourite. The illus- tration certainly proves that the plant has good decorative qualities. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. May 4. — The Society's Hall was the scene of another brilliant display of floral exhibits on this date, and there was a large attendance of visitors. The main building and the annexes were filled with groups of Roses, bulbous flowers, Orchids, Auriculas, Carnations, forced shrubs and trees, Ferns, Phyllocacti, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Cinerarias, and many other subjects. An ex- ceptional number of novelties were presented to the Floral Committee for award, and this body granted one First-class Certificate and six Awards of Merit. The Orchid Committee con- ferred one First-class Certificate and two Botanical Certificates. The Nabcisstjs Commit- tee made no award to a novelty. Not much was brought before the notice of the Fruit and Vegetable Committee, and no award was made in this section. At the 3 o'clock meeting, a lecture on " Mendel's Law and its Application to Horticul- ture " was delivered by Mr. C C. Hurst. A resume of the lecture is given on p. 302. Floral Committee. Present: H. B. May, Esq. (Chairman), Messrs. George Paul, W. J. James, E. H. Jenkins, W. P. Thomson, C. T. Druery, W. Cuthbertson, Chas. E. Pearson, A. Turner, W. Bain, J. F. McLeod, Wm. Howe, C. R. Fielder, R. C. Not- cutt, T. W. Turner, John Green, Jas. Douglas, Jas. Hudson, J. W. Barr, Charles E. Shea, H. J. Cutbush, J. Jennings, Charles Blick, E. T. Cook, A. Kingsmill and R. W. Wallace. As at the last meeting, there were many beau- tiful displays of Roses. Mr. G. Mount, Canterbury, Kent, exhibited in his usual excellent style a large display of these flowers. The blooms were beautifully fresh and bright, of the largest size, and on long, stout stems, with handsome foliage. The majority were of well-known varieties in large batches, such as the magnificent white Frau Karl Druschki, shown in splendid condition, Mrs. John Laing, Ulrich Brunner, Mrs. R. G. Shar- man Crawford, Mme. Abel Chatenay, and, amongst red Roses, Captain Hayward, General MacArthur and Richmond. There were also numerous other kinds in smaller numbers, the 310 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [.May 8., 19C9. whole forming a magnificent display. (Gold Medal.) „ , , Messrs. G. Pkince & Co., Oxford, exhibited Rambler Roses and a few Hybrid-Tea varieties. Plants of Dorothy Perkins, Hiawatha, Crimson Rambler, and the beautiful single-flowered Blush Rambler were crowded with their pretty blos- soms. Messrs. B. R. Cant & Co., Colchester, had a group of climbing varieties of Roses, amongst which the beautiful Austrian Yellow variety was conspicuous. (Silver Floral Medal.) Another similar exhibit was staged by Messrs. Frank Cant & Co., Colchester. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Herts., arranged as a corner exhibit Roses of the climbing Polyantha type, many of the varieties being old, but equally as beautiful as the newer kinds. Waltham Rambler was shown even better than at the last meeting; Bordeaux bears large trusses of blooms tinged with a shade of purple. The colouring of Lyon Rose is superb; perhaps rose shaded with gold best describes it. (Silver Flora Medal.) A bold display of Himalayan Rhododendrons was made by Messrs. R. Veitch & Son, Exeter. There were large plants, lifted from the border, of such fine varieties as Doctor Stacker, Glory of Penjerrick, R. niveum, R. Falconeri, and a new variety named Princess of Orange (R. Thomsonii x indicum). The flowers of this hybrid are suf- fused with rose on a pale ground. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. John Waterer & Sons, Ltd.. Bag- shot. Surrey, staged a magnificent group of Rho- dodendron Pink Pearl. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, Kent, displayed Rho- dodendrons in great assortment, having also many Alpine and garden plants along the front of the group. Viburnum Carlesii. which re- ceived a First-class Certificate on this occasion, was noticed in this group. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Rhododendrons were largely exhibited by Messrs. R. Gill & Sons, Penrhyn and Falmouth. The variety Gill's Triumph (R. Thomsonii X R. Grimthianum), which received an Award of Merit last season, was one of the most noticeable ; the large flowers are a shade of rose. Messrs. Gill also showed R. Falconeri and R. Thomsonii very finely. R. niveum has lilac-coloured flowers ,- the under surfaces of the foliage are white. Sprays of Embothrium coccineum were crowded with the scarlet blossoms. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Joseph Cheal & Sons, Crawley, Sussex, displayed cut branches of uncommon and choice shrubs and trees, Mespilus canadensis, Magnolias in variety, the floriferous Spiraea arguta, Exochordia grandiflora, Acer palmatum sanguineum, Pyrus Malus floribunda, and many other choice subjects for the shrubbery and pleasure ground were shown by this firm. Carnations of the Souvenir de la Malmaison type were shown as pot plants by C. F. Raphael, Esq., Shenley (gr. Mr. A. Grubb). They were mostly of the pink Princess of Wales variety, but there were a few plants of the darker Maggie Hodgson kind and others of the scarlet King Arthur, which provided assortment. As exam- ples of high culture, the plants would be hard to surpass ; each bore several finely-developed blooms, and appeared in perfect condition. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) There were several exhibits of perpetual- flowering Carnations. Mr. H. Burnett, Guern- sey, displayed popular kinds, such as Britannia, Enchantress, Mrs. H. Burnett, White Perfection, &c, in magnificent examples, a great feature being the high colouring, due in part, no doubt, to the favourable climate in which they were grown. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, also showed Carnations of this type, these plants being a speciality of this firm. The Carnations formed a portion only of Messrs. Low's exhibit, for they had in addition Roses, Hydrangeas, Ericas, Spiraeas, Clianthus puniceus. Azalea rosseflora, and other greenhouse flowering plants. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, Lon- don, N., displayed an assortment of the per- petual-blooming Carnations. The new Lady Coventry variety of the Souvenir de la Mai maison type was noticed (see fig. 127). Some of the blooms measured 6 inches across. Messrs. Cutbush also showed forced shrubs in variety. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nurseries, Edmonton, showed an assortment of greenhouse plants including Verbenas, scented-leaved Pelar- goniums, dwarf Roses, Statice profusa, and varie- ties of Pansies and Violas. Adjoining the flowering plants was a select group of Ferns, all with their spring foliage. The more handsome were Nephrolepis exaltata Amerpholii, the best of these new decorative Ferns; Polypodium Knightite, the long fronds being delicately in- cised ; P. Billardieri cristatum, a rare variety ; Gymnogramme schizophylla superba; Lomaria platyptera, a fast-growing, elegant tree Fern; and L,eucostegia immersus, with fronds tinted rose colour. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea, showed several exhibits of diverse flowers. On the table they usually occupy was a magnificent collection of Phyllocacti, mostly hybrids raised in the Veitchian nurseries. Espe- cially fine were the varieties Pytho, Thalia, Gem, and Hilda. Another exhibit was of Schizanthus, the plants representing a choice strain of this greenhouse plant. As a floor exhibit, Messrs. Veitch showed flowering Cherries — Cerasus Watereri, also Amagydalus persica fl. pi. (Silver- gilt Flora Medal.) Mr. James Douglas, Edenside, Great Book- ham, Surrey, contributed a grand display of Auriculas. Of the 400 plants which comprised the exhibit each was shown in best exhibition style. There were no fewer than 80 varieties, many of them of Mr. Douglas's raising. As 'being especially good, we may enumer- ate Argus (deeply shaded with purple), Flora Maclvor (of rosy purple colouring with a yellow centre), Acme (a white-edge variety), Miss Willmott (a dark maroon self flower' of large size and with a perfectly-formed truss ; this variety is not yet in commerce) ; May Day (a yellow self variety), Phyllis, Teviot Dale, Heather Bell, and Mildred Jay. (Gold Medal.) Large-flowering varieties of Clematis, inter- mingled with Ferns and backed by a row of Laburnum plants, were shown by Mr. L. R. Russell. Richmond. Heliotropes in variety were shown by The King's Acre Nursery Co., Hereford. Some of the trusses of flowers were 9 or 10 inches across. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, Lon- don, made an attractive exhibit with Cinerarias, the brightly-coloured flowers furnishing a gay effect. The group was staged in a formal but attractive manner. (Silver Flora Medal.) Exhibits of Violas and Pansies were again shown by Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay (Silver Banksian Medal), and Messrs. Carter. Page & Co., London Wall, London (Bronze Banksian Medal). Much the best strain of Polyanthus exhibited was shown by Mr. S. Mortimer, Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey. The plants were arranged in batches of yellow, crimson, white, and mixed varieties, and their flowers were so numerous as to hide the foliage. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. Gilbert & Son, Dyke, Bourne, Lin- colnshire, showed their specialities amongst Ane- mones, the beautiful King of Scarlets variety predominating. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, made one of their characteristic displays of Zonal Pelargoniums and a row of the Regal or Show type. The following varieties in the Zonal sec- tion are all noteworthy : — Dublin (magenta), Sydney (rose-pink), Berlin (scarlet), Claremont (white), Paris (white and pink), and New York (scarlet). (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. Heath & Sons, Cheltenham, staged scented-leaved Pelargoniums, of which plants this firm possesses a great variety. Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Cheltenham, showed a big white Daisy named Venus, a rather coarse- flowered yellow Gaillardia, Lotus peliorhynchus, and small well-flowered plants of Olearia stellu- lata. Mr. Chas. Breadmore, Winchester, showed Sweet Peas, including a new cream-coloured variety named Princess Juliana. Mr. Bread- more also staged Carnations. Messrs. R. & G. Cuthbert, Southgate, Lon- don, N., showed hybrids of Rhododendron (Azalea) sinense, the plants being densely covered with their attractive flowers. (Silver Flora Medal.) Exhibits of Alpine and hardy border plants formed a very considerable portion of the exhibi- tion. Mr. Amos Perry, Enfield, Middlesex, had an interesting group, amongst which we noticed especially fine examples of Adonis vernalis, Cory- dalis nobilis, Mertensia virginica, Arnebia eeln- oides, and a good strain of Polyanthuses. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street. Covent Garden, London, W.C., showed hardy flowering plants, intermixed with bulbous flowers. Mr. A. R. Upton, Hardy Plant Nursery, Guildford, showed an assortment of spring flowers. The peerless Gentiana acaulis, one of the most beautiful of all blue flowers ; Pole- monium confertum melitum, and Haberlea rhodo- pensis were specially noteworthy. Mr. Maurice Prichard, Christchurch, Hants, exhibited Alpine and hardy flowers. The plants were finely in flower, and staged with great skill. We noticed many species of uncommon interest, and there were Irises, Aubrietias, Tulips, Ranun- culus amplexicaulis, and other species. (Silver- gilt Banksian Medal.) Another excellent exhibit of Alpine plants was shown by Messrs. J. Peed & Sons, Forest Hill, London. ' Many succulent plants were included in the display. Messrs. Peed also exhibited, as a separate group, an assortment of ornamental- leaved Maples, interspersed with Callas and large-flowered Clematis. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Other exhibitors of Alpine and hardy border plants were Mr. W. P. Horton, Cravenhurst, Seaford, Sussex ; Messrs. Phillips & Taylor, Lily Hill Nurseries, Bracknell, Berks: some well- flowered Auriculas were shown by this firm; the Misses Hopkins, Mere Gardens, Shepperton-on- Thames; Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham (Bronze Flora Medal) ; Messrs. Baker's, Wolver- hampton (Silver Banksian Medal) ; Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Ltd., Dover (Silver Banksian Medal); Messrs. Geo. Jackman & Son, Woking, Surrey ; Mr. H. C. Pulham, Elsenham, Essex; and Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co., Ltd., Maidstone (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Ches- hunt, showed varieties of ornamental trees and shrubs ; also climbers and a few pot plants of hard-wooded species in flower. (Bronze Flora Medal.) A Cultural Commendation was awarded to Mr. W. Bain (gr. to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking) for a splendidly-floweied plant of the curious Tacca cristata. AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Viburnum Carlesii. — This beautiful and fra- grant white-flowered shrub has previously re- ceived an Award of Merit. This Award is now- superseded by a First-class Certificate. The- species was described and illustrated in Gar- deners' Chr'oniclp, May 30, 1908, p. 346, fig. 155. The plant now exhibited had been lifted from the, open on the day previous to the meeting, and had been grown without the least protection. Having endured 29° of frost without injury, it is but reasonable to conclude that the plant is perfectly hardy, and thus is a welcome addition to flower- ing shrubs. Exhibited by Sir Trevor Law- rence, Bart., Dorking (gr. Mr. W. Bain). Awards of Merit Saxifraga Clibranii (see fig. 130). — A dei p red flowering variety of the mossy section. The habit is quite distinct, and the plant flowers pro-, fusely. From Messrs. Clibrans, Altrincham. Saxifraga decipiens Arhvrightii. — A hand- some, distinct and pure white-flowered variety of this section of the mossy Saxifragas. The flat- tish flowers are nearly the size of a shilling, and the plant blooms very freely. From Messrs. Bakers, Codsall, Wolverhampton. Cineraria flaveseens (Cineraria Feltham Beauty X Senecio auricidatissima). — A remark- able novelty, and probably the first step to a yellow-flowered Cineraria. The exhibited plant was particularly well grown and flowered, the heads of blossoms being equal to those of well- grown Cinerarias, with a somewhat modified leaf growth. The opening blossoms are of clear canary-yellow tone, the expanded blossoms merg- ing into a deep cream shade and finally becoming white. From Messrs. James Veitch & Sons,. Ltd., Chelsea. Primula X Unique improved. — This plant has been raised from a cross between P. Cockburni- Max 8, ISC 9.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. ana and P. pulyerulenta, the latter species being the seed-bearing parent. The colour is inter- mediate between the parents, but in size of blossom, leafage and the mealy character of the leaves and stems, there is much to suggest the influence of P. pulverulenta. It is a more robust plant than Primula X Unique figured in Gar- deners' Chronicle, June 15, 1907. The older- plant was raised from the same parents, but in this case P. Cockburniana was the seed-bearer. From Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea. Nephrolepis lycopodioides. — A further addi- tion to this densely plumose set of Ferns. The fronds are smaller than in the case of some other varieties already in commerce. From Messrs. T. Rochford & Sons, Turnford Hall, Herts. Hydrangea hortentis alba. — A pure white variety, and one that should prove of much value. From .Messrs. Hu.ih Low & Co., Enfield. Narcissus Committee. Present: H. B. May, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. G. W. Leak, Henry Backhouse, W. A. Milner, Christopher Bourne, W. Poupart, R. Sydenham, F. VV. Currey, P. R. Barr, Joseph Jacob, R. W. Wallace, James Walker, F. Her- bert Chapman, E. Willmott, W. T. Ware, A. Kingsmill. J. T. Bennett-Poe, E. M. Crossfield, G. H. Engleheart, and P. D. Williams. A large number of new varieties were sub- mitted for award, but none was considered worthy. The most comprehensive exhibit was shown by Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden. In addition to a large collection of flowers of other types, the group contained an almost unique collection of triandrue hybrids with Sowers of varying degrees of size. Not a few of these were flowering for the first time this year. Of the kinds already in commerce we noticed the giant Leedsii Czarina with its great perianth 5 inches across; Masterpiece, a fine flower of the Engleheartii section with characteristic flat ami flame-coloured crown ; Challenger, another hand- some variety of the same group ; Lord Morley, a giant of the hybrid triandrus set. with a creamy, drooping crown ; Snow King, probably the big- gest 'i tin' poeticus section; Cassandra. Apricot Phoenix, with double flowers; White Lady, and Fire KiiiLr. which has a particularly rich and in- tensely-coloured crown, the shade of orange be- iiju' thrown into greater relief by a base of green : and X. odorous rugulosus maximus, a flower of medium size and a rich lone of yellow. (Silver- gilt Banksian Medal. I Mr. F. Herbert Chapman, Rye, had a small collection of Narcissus poeticus in variety, a section to which this gentleman directs special attention- Miss F. W. Currey, Lismore, Ireland, exhi- bited choice varieties. Will Scarlett. White Lady, Red Star, Warley Scarlet (a fine flower of the incomparabilis type, and Maggie May were conspicuous. Messrs. Wm. Bui l & Sons. King's Road. Chel- sea, displayed a general collection of the later- flowering varieties of Narcissi. Mr. H. D. Phillips. Olton, Warwickshire, who was exhibiting for the first time at these meetings, had a particularly choice assortment of Narcissi. Especially good were Horace, Incog- nita, Rymster, Seville (which may be described as a much-improved Will Scarlett), Gloria Mundi (very fine in colour), Una (a big Leedsii in which there is more orange colour in the crown or cup than is usual in this section), Evangeline, and Weardale Perfection. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. R. W. Wallace & Co., Colchester, had a capital assortment of Tulips, including early- flowering Cottage and Darwin kinds. A group of a fine seedling Narcissus was shown by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading. It appeared to be intermediate between Evangeline and White Lady in colour, but a much larger flower than either of these. Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wisbech, brought a rich display of early single, double and other Tulips, also a choice collection of Narcissi, the latter including Torch, White Lady, the larue- flowered Una of the Leedsii group. Princess Ena (a giant hybrid from triandrus King Alfred). Larissa (a superb Engleheartii variety). Gloria Mundi. Sulphur Phoenix, and Cassandra. (Sil- ver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Hogg & Robertson, Dublin, displayed an excellent group of early-flowering Tulips, the flowers being characterised by much freshness and beauty. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. E. H. Cave, Mangotsfield, near Bristol, showed a beautiful lot of unnamed seedling Nar- cissi. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, had a largo assortment of Narcissi and Tulips, the former including Primrose Phoenix, Sulphur Phoenix, Will Scarlett, Gloria Mundi, Poetaz Aspasia, Mme. de Graaff, and Thelma. .- Orchid Committee. Present: J. Guiney Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), de B. Crawshay, H. Little, W. Boxall, J. Forster Alcock, R. G. Thwaites, F. M. Ogilvie, Walter Cobb, A. A. McBean, J. Charlesworth, J. Cypher. W. H. Hatcher, H. G. Alexander, A. Dye, W. H. White, H. A. Tracy, H. Ballan- tine, C. J. Lucas, and Gurney Wilson. Col. G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O., Weston- birt, Tetbury (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), showed the beautiful Odontoglossum Phoebe Westonbirt variety, and it appeared even better than on the previous occasion ; 0. crispum Muriel, a very handsome lilac-tinted flower with fringed petals Mr. W. H. White), sent the rare Oncidium stramineum, and two others. (See Awards.) H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney (gr.. Mr. G. E. Day), showed Zygopetalum Clark- sonii (crinitum X Clayi), with chocolate-purple coloured sepals and petals and violet lip ; Odon- tioda Lutetia with 10 fine scarlet-blotched flowers on a spike; La;lio-Cattleya Feronia (C. Enid x L.-C. Haroldiana), with cream-coloured sepals and petals tinged with rose, and a very fine, bright-purplish, crimson lip. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Haywards Heath, staged a selection of rare and handsome Orchids, including a grand seedling blotched Odontoglossum crispum closely approaching O. c. Leonard Perfect; several plants of the bright yel- low Lselio-Cattleya G. S. Ball, Brasso-Cattleya Digbyano-Mossia?, Odontoglossum ardentissimum xanthotes of fine shape, pure white with yellow markings on the lip ; Cattleya Empress Frederick, the rare pure white Aerides virens Sanders, and Masdevallia bella. John Ruijherford, Esq., Beai-dwood. Black- burn (gr. Mr. Lupton), sent Odontoglossum ama- bile Beardwood variety, a very large white flower heavily blotched with purple ; also a small selec- tion of well-grown Lselio-Cattleyas, Cattleya. in- termedia alba, Odontoglossums, &c. Messrs. Cypher & Sons. Cheltenham, staged a Fig. i jo. — saxifraga clibranii: flowers crimson. (See R.H.S. Awards.) bearing some red spots; O. triumphans Weston- birt variety of fine form and bright yellow colour, heavily blotched with chestnut brown; and the grand Ladio-Cattleya Dr. R. Schiffman Weston- birt variety. (See Awards.) J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebelands, South Woodford (gr. Mr. J. Davis), showed Brasso- Cattleya The Baron (C. Lord Rothschild X B. Digbyana), for which Messrs. Sander received a First-class Certificate April 3, 19U6, and which was fully described and illustrated in the Gar- deners' Chronicle, April 7, 1906. No flower was available for the painting at that time. The Committee confirmed the Award on consideration of the picture being obtained from Mr. J. Gurney Fowler's flower. The Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace (gr. Mr. Hunter), showed Odontoglossum cris- pum Dinah, a handsomely-blotched form, and Cvpripedium bellatulum " His Grace." De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks, again showed his unique Odontoglossum Theo- dora, illustrated and described in the Gardeners' Chronicle, April 24, 1909, p. 269; and Odontioda Charlesworthii Theodora, a very beautiful flower of a deep Indian-red colour with a shade of orange. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O. (gr. group containing good Cattleya intermedia alba, and other Cattleyas and Lielio-C'attieyas, includ- ing two very dissimilar varieties of L.-C. Gany- mede. Also forms of La;lia purpurata, Epiphro- nitis Veitchii, Phaio-Oymbidium Chardwarense, and a plant of the rare bright-yellow Bulbophyl- lum Sillemianum. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, staged a group of Orchids, in which were good forms of Cattleya Mendelii, Dendrobium barhatu- lum, D. Pierardii. D. primulinum, D. thyrsi- florum, various Odontoglossums, and a specimen of the curious little Bulbophyllum tremnlum. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbridge, staged a group in which were some fine Odon- toglossums. Among the forms of 0. crispum were the pretty O. c. Oakfield Sunrise, and with the hybrids was a finely-blotched form of O. Lambeauianum. Others noted were Cymbidium eburneo-Lowianum concolor, a fine flower of yellowish cream colour ; C. insigne rotundum. a large and finely-formed white flower tinged with rose and closely spotted on the lip ; good Cattleya Mendelii. C. intermedia alba. &c. (Silver Bank- sian Medal.) Monsieur Mertens. Mont. St Amand, Ghent, showed a selection of hybrid Odontoglossums. (Silver Banksian Medal.) 302 THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE. [May 8.. 1909. Mr. A. W. Jensen, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, showed a magnificent specimen of Cat- tleya Mendelii with 96 flowers. Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr. Mr. Hopkins), sent Cattleya Mendelii majes- tica, a white flower with a pearly-pink tinge, the front of the lip being purplish rose, the tube tinged with yellow ; and C. Mendelii Thalia, a nearly white "flower with a purple pencilling on the front of the lip. H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr. Mr. Thurgood), showed Brasso-Lrelia Rosslyn (B. Digbyana X L. Latona), white tinged and veined with rose. E. de Quincey-Quincey, Esq., Oakwood, Chislehurst (gr. Mr. G. B. Lees), sent Laelio- Cattleya Dorothy Heywood (L. Pacavia X C. Warneri). Aliss Edith M. Argles, The Vineyard, Peter- borough, sent a good specimen of Dendrobium densiflorum with 10 spikes, and which was origin- ally brought by her from Darjeeling. Mr. C. Ravens, Odense, Denmark, showed Cattleya Luddemanniana Ravens' variety, white with purple markings on the lip, and very near to C L. Stanley i. Gurney Wilson, Esq., Glenthorne, Haywards Heath, showed Oncidium sphacelatum. AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Lcelio-Catlhi/a Dr. R. Schiffman Westonbirt variety (O. Mendelii X L.-C. callistoglossa), from Col. G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O., Wes- tonbirt (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander). — A noble hybrid of great size, perfect form and charming colour. The broad, flat sepals and large and beautifully-arranged petals are silver-white tinged and slightly veined with rosy-mauve. The handsome labellum, which opens very widely, as in the best forms of L.-C. callistoglossa, is purplish-crimson in front, the disc chrome- yellow, and the base reddish-purple with pale yellow lines. Having Cattleya Mendelii, C. Warscewiczii and Laelia purpurata in its compo- sition, this hybrid is a specially good one. It shows the influence of C. Warscewiczii strongly, and hence fine features are in the Westonbirt variety which may not appear in others of the same parentage. Botanical C'eutificate. Brassavola Martiana, from Sir Trevor Law- rence, Bart., K.C.V.O. (gr. Mr. W. H. White). — A very distinct species of the B. Perrinii sec- tion, bearing short, upright spikes of several small, white flowers with ovate fringed labellums. The flowers are very fragrant. Epidendrum densiflorum, from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart. — A tall-growing species, in habit resembling E. paniculatum, the greenish flowers being closely arranged on the inflores- cence. Cultural Commendation to Mr. H. J. Chapman (gr. to Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam) for a very fine example of Odontoglossum Andersonianum Crawshayanum. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: G. Bunyard, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. J. Cheal, C. G. A. Nix, A. H. Pearson (Vice-chairman), A. R. Allan, W. Barnes, J. Basham, W. Bates, E. Beckett, T. Coomber, A. Dean, C. Foster, J. Harrison, G. Hobday, J. Lyne, H. Markham, F. Perkins, H. S. Rivers, O. Thomas, Jas. Vert, G. Wythes, P. C. M. Veitch, G. Reynolds, H. Hooper, J. Davis, P. D. Tuckett, and W. Poupart. Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea, showed several varieties of Apples that had been well kept. The varieties included Bow Hill Pippin, Betty Geeson, Northern Spy, Newton Wonder, Bramley's Seedling, Lord Hindlip, Baxter's Pearmain, Alfriston, Norfolk Beauty, and Barnack Beauty. There were also good fruits of Bellisime d'Hiver and Directeur Alphand Pears. Messrs. Veitch also showed varieties of forced vegetables, including Lettuce, Beans, Tomatos, Peas, Turnips, Cabbages, and Radishes. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, showed varieties of forced vegetables, including good ex- amples of Sutton's Market Cucumber, Golden Ball Lettuce, Winter Beauty Tomato, Long Parisian Turnip, Perfection Asparagus, Red Forcing Radish, Earliest of All Lettuce, Cham- pion Scarlet Horn and April Cabbages. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Mrs. Bischoffshiem, Warren House, Stan- more, exhibited pot Strawberries of the Louis Gauthier variety. Each plant had half-a-dozen well-developed fruits. Competitive Classes. Classes were provided for Strawberries, Melons and Figs, but only three exhibits of Strawber- ries were staged, one by Messrs. J. and F. Chat- field, Southwick, Sussex, in a class restricted to trade growers for three varieties (Silver Knigh- tian Medal), and two in a class for a box of one variety, the exhibitors being Lady Foley, Rux- ley Lodge, Claygate, Surrey (Mr. H. C. Gard- ner), and Lord Howard de Walden, Audley End (gr. Mr. J. Vert), who were awarded the 1st and 2nd prizes respectively. MENDEL'S LAW AND ITS APPLICATION TO HORTICULTURE. The following is an abstract of the lecture delivered by Mr. C. C. Hurst at a meeting of the Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society held in the afternoon of Tuesday last : — Mendel's Law was founded on simple characters in garden Peas, which behave in breeding as dominants and recessives. In his classical ex- periments with Peas, Mendel found that round seeds were dominant to wrinkled seeds, which were recessive ; similarly, yellow seeds were domi- nant and green seeds recessive. Recent experiments have shown that many simple characters in garden plants follow Men- del's Law. For instance, starchy and sugary Maize, palm and fern-leaved Primulas, small and large-eyed Primulas, red and yellow Tomatos, purple "and red Sweet Peas, tall and dwarf Peas, etc., all behave as pairs of Mendelian characters, the first of the pair being dominant and the other recessive. When the Mendelian characters happen to cor- respond with the horticultural characters, it is a simple matter for the breeder to breed quickly what he wants. For he knows that the recessive character will breed true at once, and that by breeding from several individuals bearing the dominant character one will be found which breeds true. This enables the breeder to dis- pense with the old and laborious method of so- called " fixing by continuous selection," which, though usually effective in the end, is now recog- nised as a waste of time. Mendel's Law provides a much quicker and more effective method of achieving the same result. Breeding Novelties ey Re-combination. The combination of two pairs of simple charac- ters by crossing and the results which follow the self-fertilisation of such crosses are of great utility to the breeder, for in the process of re- combination following Mendelian segregation new forms arise which will breed true in accordance with Mendel's law. Thus Mendel himself crossed a round yellow with a wrinkled green Pea, and obtained in the second generation round green and wrinkled yellow Peas, some of which bred true at once. By following Mendel's Law, Mr. Cuthbertson obtained in the second generation the new and valuable variety of Sweet Pea " Waved King Edward " by simply crossing the plain red " King Edward " with the waved pink " Countess Spencer." In a similar manner Mr. Cuthbertson also raised the new and valuable variety " Primrose Spencer." In my own ex- periments a few years ago I raised a true stock of the novelty " Black Knight " Cupid in the second generation by crossing Tall " Black Knight " with Pink Cupid. In this case, how- ever, I unexpectedly found three Mendelian char- acters concerned in the cross, and, consequently, only three plants out of 64 came " Black Knight " Cupid, all of which bred true at once, the charac- ters concerned being all recessive. Compound Characters. In many cases, however, the Mendelian charac- ters do not happen to correspond with the hor- ticultural characters, and interesting complica- tions then arise. For instance, in my experiments with Tomatos, red and yellow fruits behaved as a Mendelian pair of characters, red being domi- nant. But when the fiery-red " Fireball " was crossed with " Golden Queen," four distinct forms appeared in Mendelian proportions in the second generation. There were two kinds of reds and two kinds of yellows. This I found to be due to the fact that the fiery-red colour of " Fireball " was really a compound of two dis- tinct Mendelian characters, red flesh and yellow skin, while " Golden Queen " had yellow flesh and white skin. Consequently, in the second generation two new forms arose by re-combina- tion, a carmine or " pink " Tomato, with red flesh and white skin, and a deep yellow Tomato, with yellow flesh and yellow skin. Both these novelties bred true. Similarly, Professor Bate- son, by crossing a red Sweet Pea with a cream, obtained whites in the second generation, the white colour being due to a re-combination of the white plastids of the red Sweet Pea with the white sap of the cream. An even more interesting result of the same nature has also recently been obtained by Pro- fessor Bateson, at Cambridge, by crossing the Bush and Cupid forms of Sweet Peas. In the first generation all the cross-breeds were, curiously enough, tall in habit, like the ordinary- Sweet Pea. In the second generation, however, there arose in Mendelian proportions, tall, bush, prostrate Cupid, and a new variety called " Erect Cupid," with a peculiar habit of growth some- thing like Box edging. This result has been shown to be due to the compound nature of these horticultural characters, the crossing of which leads to various re-combinations, in accordance with Mendel's Law. In all, 16 pairs of Mendelian characters have so far been found in Sweet Peas. Professor Bateson has also found that the red colour of Sweet Peas is due to the presence of two Mendelian characters, in the absence of one or both of which the flower is white or cream. Purple colour in Sweet Peas is due to the pre- sence of a third Mendelian character, which only becomes patent in the presence of the other two, and so on. From this follows the interesting and im- portant discovery that albinos (white or cream) in Sweet Peas may carry certain colour factors, which may become patent when the albino is crossed with another albino or with a coloured form. It seems likely that other species of plants behave in a similar way. For instance. Primula sinensis " Crimson King " crossed with P. s. stellata " Primrose Queen " (an albino form with large, yellow eye) gave in the second generation crimson, pure white, magenta, rose, and tinged white forms: each colour appeared with small eyes and large eyes. All these appeared in sinensis and stellata forms, there being at least 18 distinct forms, showing the great variety that can be obtained from a single cross. I obtained similar colours by crossing crimson and white sinensis forms. In another of my Primula crosses, palm leaved stellata with red stems and pink flowers crossed with fern-leaved sinensis with green stems and white flowers, I obtained in the second generation 36 distinct forms, of which 34 were new (i.e., distinct from the parents), 14 of which could be bred true, while 20 of the forms were unfixable, being Mendelian hybrids. Albino Orchids. Recent experiments go to show that, like Sweet Peas and other plants, albino Orchids may carry different colour factors. To the Orchid breeder this is a most important matter, as he naturally wishes to raise new and improved forms of valu- able albinos by crossing. Results show that such albinos, for instance, as Cattleya Mossiae Wageneri, C. intermedia alba, and C. Gaskelliana alba are carrying one colour factor alone, and, consequently, breed true albinos inter se. On the other hand, such albinos as C. Harrisoniana alba, C. Schrodera? alba, and C. Warneri alba are carrying a different colour factor, because, when- ever the species of these two distinct sets are crossed coloured reversions arise, presumably through the coming together of the two distinct colour factors carried by the albinos. In a similar manner Paphiopedilum callosum Sanderae, P. Lawrenceana Hyeanum (and probably P. in- signe Sanderianum) appear to be carrying one colour factor, while P. bellatulum album is carry- ing a different colour factor, the former species breeding true albinos inter se, whilst giving coloured reversions when crossed with the latter species. May 8, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 30c Pendrobium nobile virginale breeds true when sell'ei], but with D. Wardianum album gives coloured reversions. Odoutoglossum crispum Xanthotes, crossed with 0. nobile albums, so far has given all albinos. An important point for the Orchid breeder to note is that individual albinos of the same species may vary in their colour factors ; thus it might happen that two individuals of the same albino (of different seed origin) might give oppo- site results in breeding. It is therefore of prime importance for Orchid breeders to adopt some simple method of identification for indi- vidual albinos. Once the colour-bearing proper- ties of the albino individual are ascertained by experiment, all future breeding results from that plant (and its many off-shoots) can be foreseen by the aid of Mendel's Law. " Blotched " Crispums. Another important matter of great concern to Orchid breeders is the possibility of breeding the valuable " blotched " crispums true from seed, and it seems highly probable that in this respect Mendel's Law can be of assistance. So far as present results go, it would appear that the " blotched " character in Odontoglossum crispum is a Mendelian dominant to the " plain " character, which is recessive. For instance. " blotched " crispum crossed with " blotched " nobile (Pescatorei) produces from the same seed- pod both "blotched" and "plain" forms of 0. X armainvillierense ardentissimum, and "blotched" forms oi this hybrid crossed with the " blotched " X Rolfeae also produce " blotched " and " plain " forms of 0. X percultum from the same seed-pod. On the other hand, " plain " crispums and nobiles bred inter se seem so far to give all " plains." Further, the " blotched " species with yellow grounds, O. triumphans, 0. luteopurpureum, and Harryanum, all seem to be dominant to the " plain " crispums and nobiles in primary hybrids. These facts all point to the dominance of " blotched " character to the " plain." If this proves U\ be the correct interpretation of the facts, then " blotched " forms are of two kinds, viz., pure " blotched," which will pro- duce all " blotched " forms, however crossed, and impure " blot, boil," which will produce both "blotched " and " plain " forms. The much-to-be-desired pure " blotched " forms may therefore be easily isolated from the impure " blotched " forms by a simple breeding test with a recessive " plain " form. Once proved to be a pure dominant, the pure " blotched " bum (and its many offshoots) may always be relied upon to breed " blotched " forms only. Such a pure " blotched " form — other points being equally good — would, when once tested, become invaluable as a stud plant. Once more Orchid breeders will recognise the absolute necessity of the precise identification of individual plants. The above are only a few illustrations of the application of Mendel's Law to horticulture, but they may perhaps serve a useful purpose in sug- gesting to plant-breeders how they may take advantage of recent Mendelian research and apply it to their own advantage, which means the general advantage of horticulture. WL ARKETS. Plants in Pots, Sc: Average Wholesale Prices (Contd.). s.d. s.d. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. COVENT GARDEN, May 5. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 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 occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.] Cut Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. [Correspondents are requested to write the names of persons and places as legibly as possible. No charge « made for these announcements, but if a small contribution is sent, to be placed in our collecting Box for the Gardeners' Orphan Fund, it will be thankfully received, and an acknowledgment made in t'rse columns.'] Mr. J. W. Lennox, for the past 2$ years Land Steward and Gardener to T. N. Edgeworth, Esq., Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford, as Gardener to Lewis Goodbodv, Esq., Drayton Villa Gardens, Clara, King's County. Mr. Arnold Rix, Fruit Foreman in the Royal Gardens, Sandringham, as Gardener and Forester to T. A. Cook, Esq., Sennowe Hall, Guist, Norfolk. (Thanks for 5s. sent for R.G.O. Fund.) Mr. H. Hallby, late Fruit Foreman at Hillingdon Court, Oxbridge, as Gardener to T. Wilson, Esq. Rise- holme Hall, Lincoln. Mr. Joseph Smith, for the last 2 years Gardener to George S. F. FinvARns, Esq., Nether Warden, Hexham, North- umberland, as Gardener to Mrs. J. C. Broadbent, Lascelles Hall, Kirkheaton, Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Mr. E. J. Ainslev, a*; Gardener to H. Arkwright, Esq., Turville Grange, Henley on-Thames. s.d. s.d. 16-20 16-26 4 0-50 2 6-36 10-20 9 0-12 0 12 0-15 0 2 6 1 6 2 6-30 1 6- 1 0 Anemone fulgens, p. dz. bunches — double pink, p. dozen bunches Azalea, per dozen bunches Carnations, p. doz. blooms, best A ;i ei ican (var.) — second size ... — smaller, per do/., bunches CaUleyas, per doz blooms Cypnpediums, per dozen blooms.. Dafl >dils, per doz. bunches Dendrobium nobile per dozen Eucharis grandiflora, per dz. blooms 2 Freesias (white), p. doz. bunches .. Gardeni; s, per doz. blooms Gladiolus, per doz. bunches Gypsophila ele- gans, per doz. bunches Hyacinths, Dutch, p. dz. l mi bi [ris (Spanish I, pi i dozen bunches 4 0-60 Lilac (English), white, p. bunch — mauve Liliiim anratum, I i i bunch — fongiflorum ... — ■ la iic t f o 1 iuin rubi ii. ji — album Lily of the Valley, p. dz. bunches — extra quality .. Marguerites, p. clz. bunches ■white and yellow ... Mignonette, per dozen bunches 4 0-60 2 0-26 16-26 9 0-12 U 3 0-40 2 0-30 16-26 M BO 2 0- 2 0- 16-2 6 2 o- a 6 G 0- 9 0 12 0 15 0 2 0-30 s.d. s.d, Myosotis, per doz. bunches Narcissus, Glo- riosa, per dz. bunches — ornatus 0 'l a u t o glossuin crispum, pi r dozen blooms 2 0-26 Pelargonium , show, pet •! . bunches — Zonal, double • i Ranunculus, per dz. bunches Kiuhardia africana, per dozen , 12 blooms, >os — Bridesmaid ... I . Testout ... — Kaiserin A . Victoria — C. Mermet — Liberty — Mnie.L !■ — Mrs. J. Laing — Richmond — The Bride — Ulrich Brunner i , per dozen bundles Stocks, double n bite, pel 'I' /. bunches leas, perdz. bunches Tuberoses, per dz. blooms — on stems, per bunch Tulips, per dozen bunches, single 6 0-10 0 — best double varii ties ... 12 0 24 0 — Darwin varie- ties 6 0-12 0 Violets, per dozen bunches ... 1 ij- 3 0 3 0-40 10-16 10-16 5 0-60 4 0-60 3 0-50 2 0-30 16-26 2 6-40 2 0-30 2 0-40 •2 0- 4 0 3 0-50 3 0-50 2 0-40 3 0-60 3 0-40 2 0-40 5 0-80 2 0-26 2 0- G 0 0 3-04 0 D i a Cut Foliage, &c: Average Wholesale Prices. Adiantiitn cunea- imn, dz. bchs. Agrostis, per doz. bunches Asparagus plu- mosus, long trails, per doz. — — niedm.,bck. — Sprengeri Berberis, per doz. bunches Croton leaves, per bunch Cycas leaves, each Daffodil foliage, p. doz. bunches... Ferns, per dozen bchs. (English) -- (French) ■ i 6 0- 9 0 16-20 a t>-i2 o 10-20 0 9-16 2 6-30 10-13 16-20 2 0- 2 C 2 0-30 0 6-09 I lalai leaves, per dozen bunches Hardy foliage [ \ ai i' ■■: , pel dozen bunches Honesty (Lunaria) per bunch Ivj -leaves, bronze — long trails per bundle — short green, perdz. bunches Moss, per gross ... Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English) small-leaved ... — French Smilax, per dozen trails s.d. s.d. 2 6 3 0-90 1 0- •2 0- 1 G 2 6 0 9-16 1 6- 5 0- 4 0- 1 0- 2 6 6 0 6 0 1 6 4 0-60 Plants In Pots, Ac : Average Wholesale Prices. Acacias, per dozen Ampelopsis Veit- chii, per dozen Aralia Sieboldii, p. dozen — larger speci- mens — Moseri Araucaria excelsa, per dozen — large plants, each Aspidistras, p. dz., green ... — variegated Asparagus, plumo- sus nanus, per dozen — Sprengeri — ten n issi mus Azaleas (TndvnJ. p. dozen Boronia mega- stigma, per doz. — heterophylla... Calceolarias, her- baceous, per dozen Cinerarias, per dozen s.d. s.d. 12 0-18 0 6 0-80 4 0-60 9 0-12 0 4 0-60 12 0-30 0 3 6-50 15 0-24 0 30 0-42 0 12 0-18 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 24 0-30 0 12 0-18 0 6 0-80 6 0-90 s.d. s.d. Clematis, per doz. 8 0-90 - in flower 12 0-18 0 Cocos Weddelb- ana, per dozen... 18 0-30 0 Crotons, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Cyclamen, pr. doz. 9 0-15 0 Cj per u s alterni- folius, dozen ... 4 0-50 — laxus, per doz. 4 0-50 Dracaenas, perdoz. 9 0-24 0 Erica persoluta alba, per doz. 12 0-24 0 — candidissima, per doz. ... 18 0 24 0 Euonymus.perdz., in pots 4 0-90 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, pei 100 8 0-12 0 — in small and large 60's ... 12 0-20 0 — in 48's, perdz. 4 0-60 — choicer sorts... 8 0-12 0 — in 32*s, perdz. 10 0-18 0 Ficuselastica.p.dz. 8 0-10 0 — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 Fuchsias, per doz 8 0-10 0 Genista fragrans, per doz. ... 6 0-80 Grevilleas., per dz. 4 0-60 Hardy flower roots, per dozen Heliotropiums, per dozen Hydrangea Thos. Hogg, per dz. — hortensis Isolepis, per dozen Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen — Fosteriana, dz. Latama borbonica, per dozen L i 1 i u m 1 o n g i - riorum, per dz. — lancifohum, p. dozen... Lily of the Valley, per dozen Marguerites, white, per dozen M ignonet t e, per dozen Pansies, per box of 24 plants, each 10-20 6 0-80 10 0-15 0 12 0-24 0 4 0- G 0 15 0-24 0 18 0-30 0 12 0-18 0 12 0-18 0 12 0-24 0 18 0-30 0 6 0-80 5 0-70 2 0-80 Pelargoniums, show varieties, per dozen — Ivy leaved — Oak leaved ... — ZonaU Primuias, per doz. Rhodanthe, p e r dozen R hododendrons, each Roses, H.P.'s, per dozen .. — Polyantha va- rieties — Ramblers, each Selaginella, per dz. Spiraea japonica, p. dozen Stocks (intermed- iate), white, crimson, and pink, per doz. Verbenas, per dozen s.d. s.d. 12 0-18 0 6 0-80 4 0-60 5 0-70 4 0-60 5 0-60 2 0-50 12 0-18 0 12 0-18 0 5 0-10 6 4 0-60 8 0-12 0 6 0-70 8 0-12 0 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. Apples (Tasman- ian), per case : — Ribston Pippin — Scarlet Pear- main — Cox's Orange Pippin — Alexander — Prince Alfred.. — (A ustral ian), per case: — Dunn's Seed- ling — Cleopatra — Jonathan — Ribston Pippin — California Newtown Pip- pin, per case, 4 tiers — 4h tiers — (American), per barrel : — Nonpareils ... — Oregon New- towns, per case Bananas, bunch: — Doubles — No. 1 „ ... — Extra ,, ... — Giant „ ... — (Claret) „ ... — Jamaica ,, ... — Loose, per dz. Cranberries, per case s.d. s.d. 9 6-11 0 9 0-10 G 13 0-14 0 8 6-90 9 6-10 6 11 0-13 0 10 G-12 G 10 0-13 0 10 0-12 0 8 0- 8 0- 9 0-11 6 9 0-10 0 6 G- 8 o 8 0-90 10 0-12 0 5 0- 7 G 5 0-56 0 6-10 ... 13 0-14 6 Custard Apples ... Grape Fruit, case Grapes (new) Guernsey Figs, dz. Lemons, box : — Messina, 300 .. — Do. 360... — (Naples), per case Limes, per case ... Lyche.es, per box... Melons, each Nuts, Almonds, per bag — Brazils, new, per cvvt. — Barcelona, bag — Cocoa nuts, 100 Oranges (Denia) ... — Calif ornian seedless, per case — (Valencia) per case (4'20) — per case (714)... — Jaffas — Palermo Blood — Murcia Blood, per case (200)... Pears (Australian), Winter Nelis, per tray Pineapples, each ... — (Natal), perdz. ■ berries, lb ... — second quality s.d- s.d. 3 0-12 0 9 0-11 0 2 6-30 4 0-12 0 9 0-13 0 8 6-13 0 18 0-25 0 5 0 — 10-13 2 0-30 28 0-40 0 35 0-40 0 30 0-32 0 11 0-14 0 11 0-25 0 11 0-12 0 10 0-20 0 10 0-18 0 10 0-12 0 7 0-10 0 6 6-90 5 0-56 19-36 4 0-60 2 0-26 10-16 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. Artichokes(Globe), per dozen — white, p. bushel — per cwt. Asparagus, per idle: — Dijon — Giant — Spanish — Sprue — Paris Green ... 1 leans, per lb. — (English) — (French) — (Guernsey) ... Beetroot, per bushel Cabbages, per mat — Greens, per bushel Cardoon (French), per dozen Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bag ... — unwashed — (French), p. pad Celeriac, per doz. Chicory, per lb. ... Cucumbers, perdz. Endive, per dozen Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles Leeks, 12 bundles Lettuce (French), per crate — Cos, per dozen Mint, per dozen bunches Mushrooms, per lb. — broilers s.d. ?.d. ' 2 6- 3 0 I 2 0-261 3 6 — i 10-13 5 0-76 14-16 0 G- 0 8 16-20 0 10- 1 0 0 8-0 10 0 8-0 10 '2 6-3 0 3 6-40 26 — 8 0-10 0 2 fi — 5 6- 6 0 4 0- 5 0 2 6- 3 0 1 (>- 2 fi 0 Sf- 0 4 2 0- 2 6 10-16 17 0-21 0 2 0- 2 6 2 6- 3 6 3 6-40 6 0- 0 s — 0 6 — Mushrooms, but- tons, per lb Mustai fl l Cress, pei dozen pun. Onions, per bag ... — (Valencia), case — Dutch, pr. bag — pickling, per bushel Parsley, 12 bunches — h sieve Peas (French), pkt. — (French), p. pad — (English), dried per dz. packets Potatos (Guernsey), per lb — (Algerian), cwt. — (French), p. lb. — Teneriffe, cwt. Radishes (French), per doz. bunches Rhubarb I English), forced, per dz. bundles — Natural, p. tally Salsafy, per dozen bundles Seakale, per dozen punnets Spinach, per crate Stachys tuberosa, per lb. Turnips, per dozen bunches — washed, p. bag Turnip Tops, bag Tomatos (Tener- iffe), per bun- dle of 4 boxes — p. 12 lb. basket Watercress, p. doz. s.d. s.d. 0 8 — 1 0 — 9 0-10 0 9 0-11 0 8 0-96 6 0 — 6 0 — 4 ('- 5 0 0 4-05 3 6-56 26 - 0 24 — 10 0-11 0 0 2-0 24 10 0-11 6 13-16 0 6-09 5 0-56 4 0-46 12 0-18 0 4 0-50 05 — 2 6-30 4 0-46 2 0-26 10 0-18 0 4 6-50 0 4-06 Remarks.— Australian and Tasmanian Apples have ad- vanced in value during the past week. Oranges are dearer and fewer are arriving. French Asparagus is cheaper and increased quantities arrive daily. There has been a good demand for Lemons and prices for them have risen con- siderably. The Strawberry trade is about the same as last week; there are increased quantities, but a small demand. Vegetables generally are cheaper. Rhubarb is veryplentiful. Mushrooms will be much cheaper if fine weather continues. Trade generally is quiet. E. H. R., Covent Garden, Wed- nesday, May 5, 1909. 501 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 8, 19:3. Potatos. Rents— s.d. s.d. Lincolns— s.d. s.d. Scottish Triumphs .36-40 King Edward ... 3 3-36 Up I- Date 3 6-40 Blacklands 2 9-30 Lincolns - Dunbars— Roval Kidney ... 3 0-33 Langworthy, red soil 5 3-56 British yueeu ... 3 0-36 Up-to-Date, red soil 4 0-43 Up-to-Date 3 6-40 ,, grey soil 3 0-36 Maincrop 3 6-40 Yorks — Evergood 3 0-36 Up-to-Date 3 6-40 Remarks.— Trade is still very quiet. Supplies are plenti- ful and prices have a downward ttn.lency. — Edward J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St. Paneras, May 5, 1909. (Dtottuarj). COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. Plants for summer bedding are a leading feature in the market, and these sell readily, for although there is still dan- ger from frost, people in the London suburbs plant tender thiftgs as soon as the days are sunny. Pelargoniums are plentiful in all sizes, from those in store boxes up to well- flowered plants in 5 inch pots. Good plants in 60 size pots are worth from 2s. to 2s. 6d. per dozen, extra good plants of Paul Crampel in 60 s have sold for 3s. per dozen. Yellow t alceolarias are remarkably good; thosein60sizepotsrealise from Is. 3J. to Is. 6d. per dozen and in 48's from 5s. to 6s. per d izen. Short sturdy Dahlias make from 2s. to 2s. 6d. per dozen. Fuchsias are procurable in 60's also in store boxes, and are quoted at low prices. Single Petunias in flower in 60 size pots sell readily at from Is. 6d. to 2s. 6d. per dozen. Lobelia is at present only seen in store boxes, but soon there will be good plants in 3-inch and 5-inch pots. I ,u nations for bedding are much better than usual. Pansies are in demand, and those of the best quality are soon sold. Violas sell fairly well. Marguerites are more in demand 'than formerly; their prices vary according to the quality, and range from Is. 6d. to 3s. Sweet Peas, Nasturtiums, and various other annuals in pots are procurable. Pot Plants. Rambler Roses are remarkably fine ; some sell for 25s. to 30s. each. Lady Gay, Hiawatha, Cant's Blush and Crimson Rambler are the principal varieties. The dwarf polyantha Roses are also good. Hybrid perpetuals are not well grown. Supplies of Azaleas hold out well, but they will not be procurable much longer. Pelargoniums are well-flowered. Ivy-leaved varieties in 5-inch pots are very suitable for floral decorations. Fuchsias in various sizes are well flowered. Cyclamen are still procurable but are not selling readily. Genistas vary in quality ; some plants are rather far advanced in flowering. Hydrangeas are plentiful. Cinerarias are still of good quality. Mignonette is at its best condition, and rather over plentiful. I noted some good pots of Gypsophila elegans. Stocks, Spiraeas, Lilium longiflorum, Ericas (including E. candidissima, E. Caven- dishii and E. propendens) are all plentiful. Ferns, Palms and other foliage plants are well supplied. Cut Flowers. Roses have been very abundant for some time past, but there is a prospect of the supplies falling off. During the past week good forced Roses have sold at prices which could not recompense the growers. The value of Carnations has kept up better, but supplies of these flowers have been excessive. Callas have fallen to the lowest prices. Good Liliums have also depreciated in value. The glut of Daffodils is not quite over. Gardenias are rather scarce. Tulips are chiefly the Darwin, Cottage-garden and Parrot varieties. Hyacinths have been received from Holland in large quantities, but supplies of imported flowers generally are falling off'. Sweet Peas are over plentiful : their prices are considerably lower than when they were first grown for market. A. H ., Covent Garden, Wednesday, May 5, J9j9. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending May 5. Cold nights and sunny days.— During the past week there have been only two unseasonably warm days, but not a single warm night. On the two coldest nights the exposed thermometer registered respectively 6° and 7° of frost. The ground is at the present time at a seasonable temperature, both at 1 and 2 feet deep. Rain, hail or sleet fell on four days, but to the total depth of only half -art-inch. On one day there was a slight fall of snow. Small quantities of rain-water have come through both percolation gauges on most days of the week. The sun shone on an average for 10 hours a day, or for nearly twice the average duration for this period of the year. On one day the sun was shining brightly for altogether 12| hours. The wind was high on one day, but during the rest of the week light airs alone prevailed. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon fell short of a seasonable quantity for that hour by 9 per cent. April. Exceptionally warm and sw ny, with an average rainfall. — There have been here only four warmer Aprils during the last 23 years. The days were, as a rule, decidedly warm, whereas the night temperatures were, as a rule, only about seasonable. The first few days were very ccld, both dur- ing the daytime and at night. On the warmest day the tenpi rature in the thermometer screen rose to 72", which is an exceptionally high reading for the month. On the coldest night the exposed thermometer showed 13 " of frost, which is slightly below the average extreme minimum for April. On the 9th, ihr difference between the lowest and highest read- ing in the thermometer screen amounted to 411-, which i-. the greatest range in temperature in any day that I have yel recorded here in April. Rain, hail, or sleet fell on 13 days, to the aggregate depth of 2 inches, which is slightly in excess of the average rainfall for the month. No rain at all fell on the first 11 days. On one day there was, for a few minutes, a light fall of fine snow. The sun shone on an average for 7^ hours a day, or for *2% hours a day longer than the average duration for April— making this the sunniest April, with one exception, of which I have here any record. The wind was, as a rule, of about average strength, and in no hour did the mean velocity exceed 17 miles — direction W.S.W. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. fell shorl of a'seasoriable quantity for that hour by B per cut. E, M., Berkhamsted. May 5,' 1909. J. G. Hill.— We regret to record the death of Mr. J. G. Hill, for many years in the employ of Messrs. W. Outbush & Son as traveller, and latterly employed by Mr. L. R. Russell, Rich- mond. Mr. Hill, who was 59 years of age, passed away at Brecon, on April 21. He leaves a widow and two sons. avwfm - Jo - ILormhondenH *,"* The Editor will be glad to receive, for consideration, large photographs of horticultural subjects, suitable for reproduction as Supple- mentary Illustrations in this Journal. Asparagus: G. B. The annual dressings applied to the beds are not the cause of the bitterness. Good farmyard manure and salt are both valu- able stimulants for this crop. Bitterness is generally due to some check during the grow- ing season from such causes as frost, cold nights, or insufficiency of moisture. The con- dition is generally more noticeable early in the season than later. Good drenchings of farmyard liquid manure, applied once a week during the present month, will do much to im- prove the quality of the Asparagus. Auricula: II*. G. S. The variety you send is not far removed from Primula auricula, the parent of the florist's Auricula, it has no , especial merit, and would not be classed by the Auricula fancier in any section. Beaucarnea recurvata : C. G. Blake. We have not heard of this plant flowering in the British Isles. A plant in flower was exhibited by M. Beaucarnea, of Eename, Belgium, at a horticultural exhibition held at Audenarde, near Ghent, in the autumn of 1861. The plant was shown as Pincenectitia tuberculata. The origin of this name being uncertain, it was re- named Beaucarnea, in compliment to the grower. It was introduced from Mexico about 60 years ago. Like the Agave, the plant lives to a considerable age before flowering. We should be glad to see a photograph. Carnation: Old Plants. It is impossible to name your variety merely from a shoot. If you will send a well-developed flower, we will endeavour to identify it. The variety known as Churchwarden belongs to the Sou- venir de la Malmaison type, and has bright, crimson flowers. If you wish to induce plants of Souvenir de la Malmaison to flower earlier in the season than is natural, the first thing to do is to procure very early layers. When the layers have been rooted, the young plants should be potted on as they require more root- ing space, and be thoroughly established in their final pots before the advent of winter. If s.ich plants are cultivated during the winter in a little warmth, they may flower very early. But it must be remembered that this type of Carna- tion is very uncertain in its results if cultivated for flowering in winter, and there appears less need for forcing varieties of this type since the recent development that has taken place in the perpetual-flowering Carnation. Varieties of this latter type may be so cultivated that they will flower at any season of the year. Their flowers are of varied and attractive colours, and. being borne upon erect stems of consider- able lerigtn they are adaptable for almost all purposes for which cut flowers are used. The directions for cutting back plants of the "Malmaison" type are as follow; Cut back some of the old rough plants to the hard wood. Place them in a frame close to the glass and withhold water for a short time. Close the frame early in the afternoon, and lightly spray the stems occasionally until they show the formation of young shoots, when syringing should be discontinued. As soon as these young shoots are about 1£ inch in length rep 't the plants carefully, and cultivate them in the same manner as is adopted for the per- petual-flowering Carnations. Cattlbya Wakscewiczii : A. Y. The growth sent is affected with the " spot disease " ol Orchids, but the cause of this is not clearly known. Cattleya Warscewiczii is very liable to " spot," and once a plant is attacked, it is probably better to destroy it. Celery Rot: It'. T. Dress the ground with an acid manure, superphosphate being the best for the purpose. Avoid using alkaline manures, especially lime, as these favour the develop- ment of bacteria in the soil. Fruit Trees : J . II'. S. After a tree has been worked and before it has been trained, i.e., at its first year from the graft, it is termed a " maiden." An Apple tree on the Paradise stock means that it has been grafted on this stock, which has a shallow, fibrous root-system. A tree worked on the Paradise stock may be expected to fruit earlier, and makes a ' less robust growth than one grafted on the free stock. This latter stock is raised from seeds (pips), and has deeply plunging roots. It is suitable for raising Apple trees of a large size, such as standards. Trees trained on the bush system would be suitable for your purpose : half-standards are also desirable for plantations, especially in the case of Apples and Plums. Pear trees do exceedingly well trained as pyra- mids, and these could be planted by the sides of the paths. Names of Fruits : IT. M. B. French Crab. — 1>. Morris. Pile's Russet. Names op Plants: Miss P. Narcissus John- stonii var. Queen of Spain.- — J. F. ./. Prunus sinensis flore pleno. — J. C. W. Pulmonaria offi- cinalis. T. S. P. Berberis buxifolia (syn. dul- cis). — R. P. The Odontoglossum is not a true O. crispum. It is a form of O. Adrians,, a natural hybrid between 0. crispum and O. Hunnewellianum, with a nearer approach to the O. crispum than is ordinarily the case. S. J. M. 1, The double-flowered form of Kerria japonica ; 2, Escallonia species, send when in flower ; 3, Fuchsia macrostema. — Alba. 1, Pelargonium Stapletonii ; 2, P. crispum ; 3, P. betulrefolium ; 4, P. cordatum ; 5. Tritonia crocata ; 6, Saxifraga "Guildford Seedling." — Surrey. The plant is Cuscuta epithymum. — C. F. 1, Thuya orientalis ; 2, Pinus Cembra ; 3, Picea orientalis ; 4, Abies Lowiana ; 5, Cupressus nootkatensis ; 6, C. macrocarpa. — L. Y. 1, Polygala chamse- buxus; 2, Ionopidium acaule ; 3, Aubrietia del- toidea var. variegata ; 4, Prunus nana ; 5, Lathyrus vernus ; 6, Epimedium rubrum. — II". B. 1, Oncidium spliacelatum ; 2, Onci- dium flexuosum ; 3, Oncidium tetrapetalum ; 4, Pleurothallis macroblepharis. — D. Y. Arnebia echioides. — G. H. B. 1, Epimedium diphyl- lum ; 2, Epimedium alpinum rubrum ; 3, Oro- bus satinus ; 4, Ornithogalum nutans ; 5, For- sythia viridissima ; 6, Berberis (Mahonia) Aquifolium variety. — II'. T. Dendrobium chrysotoxum. Peach Leaves Dropping : G. S. The plants are affected with the shot-hole fungus, Cercospora circumscissa. Spray the foliage at intervals with the ammoniacal solution of copper car- bonate, made with 1 oz. of copper carbonate, 5 oz. ammonium carbonate, and 16 gallons of water. Dissolve the chemicals first in a small quantity of hot water. Tulips Diseased: D. II. The plants are affected with Botrytis cinerea. Destroy the diseased bulls by burning. Warts on Vine Leaves: H. J. The warts are not due to disease, but to unsuitable conditions of culture. They form as the result of in- tumescence or outgrowth of the tissue, and this is caused generally by a too warm and moist atmosphere in the vinery. Afford more ventilation and keep the house somewhat drier than formerly. Warty Growths on Gooseberry Shoots : F. T The trouble is not due to disease or insect pests, but is the result of adventitious roots pushing from the stems. Adventitious roots are very common on most plants of the same family, especially in the case of Ribes alpinum. Their formation is favoured by dampness and overcrowding of the branches. Communications Received.— B. C. & Sons— W. E. G.— A. (l.-W. W.— P. M.— A. B. J.— J. U.-W. D.-K. A - Attwood & Binsted— J. W.— J. A.-G. R. H.-F. P. P.— W. M.-M. C. A. -A. D. W— Rev. D. R. Williamson— W. E. B.— J. G. W.— J. O. B.-J. G.-J. W. V. Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle." Propagation of Hyacinths by Bulbils (scooping method), i. The bulb, showing how the base is scooped out. 2. Early stage showing the adventitious bulbils FORMING. 3 AND 4. SHOWING SUCCESSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BULBILS. 5. YoUNG BULBS READY FOR 6. Propagator scooping out the base of a bulb. DETACHING AND PLANTING. Printed by Temple Press Ltd., London, E.C. May 15, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 305 THE ^arbcncrs'Cbrontcle No. hlGS.— SATURDAY, May 15, 1C09. CONTENTS. Acetylene gas refuse ... 317 Alpine garden — Dianthus Pancicii ... 309 Eriophyllum ccespito- sum 309 Veronica Bidwillii ... 309 Androcymbium rnelan- thoides 315 Bittersea Park, spring flowers in 316 Birmingham public parks 314 Calcium sulphide as in- secticide and fungi- cide 313 Cucumber and Marrow, a new disease of ... 31-4 Cycnoches peruvianum 309 Purists' flowers — Chrysanthemums ... 309 The Pansy 30H Flowers in season ... 314 " French " garden, notes from a 308 Fruit and vegetable im- ports from France ... 314 Gooseberries, how to bottle 320 Grape Muscat of Alex- andria, the setting of 306 Hampton Court Palace, spring flowers at ... 317 International exhibi- tion, proposed ... 316 Law note- Sale of poisonous compounds 317 Market fruit - growers' year, a 305 Marshall, Mr. William 314 Narcissi, export of home grown bulbs of Narcissus Challenger... Orchid notes and glean- ings - Cymbidiums as con- servatory plants ... Orphan Fund, Royal Gardeners' ... 312, 318 Plant, a prolific seeding 314 Plants, new or note- worthy— Phalgenopsis gigantea Pseudotsuga japonica— Railways and growers... Rosary, the — Cultural notes for May 307 Rose Fortune's Yellow 308 Societies — Kent, Surrey, & Sussex Daffodil Midland Auricula and Primula Royal Horticultural... (Scientific Committee) Spilsby Daffodil United Horticultural Benefit & Provident Spraying Apple trees ... Sulphur fumes for pre- serving fresh fruits ... Vacant lands as gardens Week's work, the — Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit gax ten Kitchen garden, the— Orchid houses, the ... Plants under g la Public parks and gar- dens 312 315 308 306 307 316 318 318 312 317 317 319 313 314 312 311 310 310 310 311 310 311 ILLUSTRATIONS. Androcymbium mehmthoides 313 Cycnoches peruvianum, a well-flowered plant of ... 809 Narcissus Challenger 315 Phalasnopsis gigantea 306 Pseudotsuga japonica 307 Saxifraga decipiens Arkwrightii 314 Tulips, branched 317 A MARKET FRUIT-GROWER'S YEAR. EXPERIENCE iu April showed, not for the first time, that fruit-growing and Potato-growing do not go well together. Especially is this true when the former pre- ponderates greatly, so that only a small staff of horses is necessary. When preparing the land for Potatos and also when harvesting the crop and carting the ware to the station and the seconds and chats to a clamp, the cultivation of fruit plantations is necessarily hindered. Last month is was particularly disadvantageous to devote much time to the Potatos, because March had been so rainy throughout that but little work could be done on the land, but the first three weeks of April, covering the only settled p?riod of that month, had to be devoted to this vegetable crop. The land had been consolidated by the heavy rains in March, and it required extensive tillage to prepare a good seed-bed for the tubers. In the last eight days of the month, after the Planet Junior cultivator had been run through some of the plantations in transverse directions, rain fell on six days or nights, so that the weeds to a great extent were reset almost im- mediately after being uprooted. It was the same, of course, with the work done by the hand-hoers, who dealt with the small space around each tree and bush left untouched by the cultivator. If these operations had been carried out in the first 18 days of April, when there was very little rain, they would have been more successful. The hand-hoers made good work in the dry period among the nursery stocks, trees, and bushes, and in part of a plantation of Apples and Gooseberries too much grown out for horse cultivation ; but even this work was partly prevented by the necessity of sifting and picking over seed Pota- tos for sale, and the breaking, mixing, and sowing of artificial manures for the new Potato crop. Grafting. This has been a fairly satisfactory season for grafting, and the scions, cut in February, had kept well where they were partly buried iu the soil. Among the stocks were a few old ones, which had been grafted or budded unsuccess- fully more than once, and had to be cut off at the ground level. With these a plan which had proved successful last season was repeated. The grafting was done below the ground level, and the soil was drawn over the union of stock and scion after the raffia fibre had been tied on as usual, no grafting wax being used. This plan answers well, as the soil excludes air from the union, and moisture causes the raffia-fibre to rot soon enough to prevent girdling, though it is advisable to draw the soil away when the scions have started well into growth, and also eventually to cut the ties. The grafting wax used was a very cheap kind, consisting of 1 lb. of common black pitch and 3 ounces of lard. These were boiled together, and applied whilst warm. This mixture is just as satisfactory as the more expensive grafting waxes com- monly recommended. A satisfactory tool for applying grafting wax remains to be invented. A thin lath, which some grafters use, is not satisfactory, as much of the wax drops off it in the process of applica- tion, and a good deal of time is spent in cover- ing the union entirely, whilst a hair brush often lasts only a few hours before it has been denuded of its hairs by the dragging action of the wax as it is smeared on to the gnilt^. This season a wire brush sold for cleaning saucepans was used, and even the wires were soon drawn into a wisp, so that it was not until they had been clipped closely that the tool withstood the strain. The recent rain- fall has been the one thing needful for start- ing the scions well. It may be interesting to record that a few scions cut from the trees and grafted at once were used where there was a deficiency of one variety of stored scions. Last year some that were " worked " in this manner were as satisfactory as any. So long as the buds of the scions are dormant, and the sap is running freely in the stocks, there appears to be no danger in this departure from ordinary usage. At the time of writing, most varieties of Plum, Pear, and Cherry trees are in full bloom, and a splendid appearance they pre- sent. Tall and wide-spreading bushes of Rivera's Early Prolific Plum are profusely covered with bloom from 2 feet above the ground level to the tips of the highest branches. The variety Czar is equally full of blossom, but presents less show, as the trees are much smaller : Victoria and Monarch are both well or fairly well furnished with blossom, whilst the flower-buds of Pond's Seedling and Gisborne are only half expanded. Old Greengage and Coe's Golden Drop are as full of beauty as the less choice varieties. As usual, Black Diamond was the first Plum to show blossom, and this was fol- lowed quickly by Monarch, Early Prolific and other early blooming varieties. The dates of full expansion of blossom were as follow : — Black Diamond, April 25 ; Monarch, April 26 ; Early Prolific and Coe's Golden Drop, April 27; Czar, Victoria, Old Greengage, and Damson, April 29. The earliest flowers of Czar opened before those of Victoria, but the latter variety soon caught up. It is to be observed that in consequence of the retarding action of the cold weather, the blossoming of the several varieties has been much more nearly simultaneous than in normal seasons. Pear trees are full of blos- som, but they often flower profusely in seasons when very little fruit results Cherry trees also make a good show. No Apple blossom was fully expanded in my plantations by the end of April, though a few flower-buds of Irish Peach, Gladstone, and Bismarck were half open on April 30. Most varieties of Apples here will be well covered with blossom ; but there are trees which bore heavily last year that appear to be taking a rest this season. In some districts, it is reported that Apples show only a moderate quantity of blossom- buds. The weather quite recently has been so cold that there is great anxiety lest much of the fine promise among Plums, Pears, and Cherries should be spoiled by frost. This amount of fruit blossoming relates to only one fruit farm in a district not much devoted to fruit-growing. Premature Fruiting. Nothing is worse for fruit trees than allow- ing them to fruit when they are very young. Certain varieties of Apples planted in the autumns of 1905 and 1906 are giving much trouble in this respect, trusses of blossom- buds having been developed quite up to the tips of the young branches, which are being cut back severely to wood buds. Domino and Golden Spire are the worst in this respect, whilst Allington Pippin, and even Warner's King, reputed to be a tardy fruiter, are also offenders. Some particularly well-furnished young trees, left unpruned or only partially pruned at the winter pruning, because they had plenty of sturdy branches, have trusses of flower-buds on their terminals, which must be cut off. Similarly, some of a number of two-year-old Plums, planted last autumn, are covered with blossom, which must be removed to enable the trees to make proper growth. Insect Pests and Spraying. Fortunately, the Apple sucker does not trouble my trees. A search for the pest has just been made among all varieties of Apples without a specimen being found. This is the case even in a somewhat old plantation in which there was a bad attack four years ago, but none since. The cure may be attributed to summer and winter spraying, and the subsequent immunity pos- sibly to the use of lime, sulphur, and caustic potash as a winter wash, 20 lbs. each of the first two materials and 12 lbs. of the third to 100 gallons of water. Probably this is the best of the winter washes. Equally striking is the almost complete immunity of the same plantation from aphis up to the time of writing. Two years ago the trees were much damaged by this pest, but last y6ar there was very little fly, and the re- peated use of the wash already acted as a preventive. On the contrary, there is an attack of aphis and winter moth cater- pillars on some varieties of Apples in the young plantation referred to above, which had no winter spraying. They were noticed first on April 26, and on the 27th a trial on a few trees was made with a nicotine wash — 6 ounces of a strong nicotine solution (98 per cent.) to 50 gallons of water. A fine day followed and two days after the spraying hardly a live aphis could be found, while many of the tiny caterpillars of the winter moth 30(i THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 15, 1909. were dead on the fourth day. A general spray- ing of the affected varieties was carried out on April 28, but a considerable downfall of rain followed the operation immediately — indeed, the work was stopped by rain, and probably fewer than half of the aphides and no cater- pillars have been destroyed. The operation, therefore, must be repeated, and possibly after the blossom has fallen, treatment with lead arsenate will be necessary to destroy the caterpillars. On April 27 an attack of aphis was found to have begun on two varieties of Plums, and, no doubt, it will be extended to other varieties. It is not advisable to spray the trees whilst thev are in full blossom, even NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. PHAL.ENOPSIS GIGANTEA. This extremely rare Orchid, described by J. Smith in Bui. du Jardin Bot. de Buil., was collected two years ago by Dr. Niemoenhuis' expedition through Central Borneo. It flowered in the Botanic Gardens at Buitenzorg, Java, some years ago, and also recently. The plant has the same habit of growth as P. amabilis and P. violacea, but the leaves are much larger, thicker and very glossy. At the present time the plant has six leaves. THE SETTING OF MUSCAT OF ALEXANDRIA GRAPE. The berries of this variety of Grape often set very unsatisfactorily. For the past 14 years I have adopted the following plan with good results. Cold air is not admitted through the ventilators until the thermometer rises to 95° or 100°, and then only a little is permitted at the top of the vinery. As soon as the temperature falls to 90°, the ventilators are closed. The great secret in getting this Grape to set well in a northern climate early in April, when a low tem- perature prevails out-of-doors, and, as a rule, C^rdchro FlG. 131. — PHAL^ENOPSIS GIGANTEA : FLOWERS WHITISH WITH DARK-BROWN SPOTS. with a nicotine solution, which is reported to be harmless to foliage or blossom, lest the wash should prevent fertilisation to some ex- tent. As soon as the petals have fallen, all the trees will be sprayed. Nicotine wash is expensive, but this concentrated solution, though costing 12s. to 12s. 6d. per pound, is the cheapest form, except that of denatured Tobacco, which is of various and unknown degrees of strength. This wash is to be re- commended because of its efficiency in the destruction of the aphis, as proved at Woburn, and its entire harmlessness to foliage. .4 Southern Grower. There are six flowers, less conspicuous than those of P. amabilis, and resembling those of P. sumatrana, being whitish, with many dark brown-coloured spots. This plant, the only specimen known in cultivation, has been treated at Buitenzorg in the same way as other species of Phalsenopsis, being planted in a basket, partly filled with broken potsherds for drainage, and containing a rooting medium com- posed of peat. Sphagnum-moss, and a little sand. It is succeeding splendidly. During the period of flowering we apply much water to the roots and syringe the plant overhead at frequent intervals. C. Davhanlon, Buitenzorg. brilliant sunshine, is to allow no cold air to reach the bunches when they are in flower either during day or night. The night temperature should never be allowed to fall below 70°. In the daytime, when the temperature is high, say, 90°, damp the surface of the house heavily, but see that no moisture falls on the water pipes, for if these are hot at the time rust will show itself on any berries that have set. To prevent the sun's rays from scorching the foliage, shade the glass with old herring nets, which will allow sufficient light to pass through, to prevent the shoots from becoming drawn and the foliage from burning. After 4.30 p.m. May 15, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 307 the nets should be removed. In the morning, as soon as the temperature inside the vinery rises to 75°, the foliage will not be safe from scorch- ing unless the shading is placed on and the ven- tilators opened. Other conditions being suitable, there should be no difficulty in obtaining a good set of the berries if these directions are followed. See that the borders are properly watered before the vines are in flower. Remove all gross bunches, as these seldom set properly ; one good bunch to each shoot is ample ; never permit more to remain unless the vine is young and growing very vigorously, when an extra bunch may be left for a time to assist as a check to undue growth. This Grape has set its berries well here under this mode of treatment. I have seen many failures where cold air has been admitted with the object of preventing the foliage from becoming scorched on sunny days. Wherever the cold air reached the bunch the berries did not set. I do not believe in using a camel hair brush or rabbit's tail to pollinate the flowers. A tap of the trellis or even slamming the door of the house is quite sufficient to set the pollen in motion. A plan I always adopt is to have a piece of cardboard about 15 inches square tied to a stout stake, and to fan with this gently through the house. I do not believe in pinching the shoots while the vines are in flower, because at that time it is necessary to promote as free a circulation of the sap as is possible. T. Lunt, Keir Gardens, Dunblane. THE ROSARY. THE JAPANESE D0U6LAS FIR. Young plants of the rare Japanese Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga japonica, Sargent) have been in cultivation on the Continent for some years past, but it is only recently that this interest- ing Conifer has been introduced into this country. At Bayfordbury, Hertford, Mr. H. Clinton-Baker last year obtained four healthy specimens from Messrs. Rovelli's nursery at Pallanza, Italy, and plants from the same source are now grow- ing at Kew. In the Continental nurseries this Fir has been labelled Abies japonica, but the structure of the cone shows clearly that it belongs to the Douglas Fir type, and is probably the Japanese represen- tative of the well-known American species. It is a native of the mountains of Japan, growing at 1,000 to 3,000 feet elevation in the provinces of Ise, Yamato and Kii. It occurs in forests which are difficult of access, associated with Tsuga, Oak, Beech and other trees. It is also recorded from Formosa. It was discovered by the Japanese botanist Shirasawa in 1893 between Owashi and Yoshino, about 10 miles from the coast, and described and figured by him in the Tokyo Bot. Mag., Vol. IX., p. 86, t. 3 (1895), as a tree 100 feet high, with a trunk 9 feet in girth. The leaves are pectinately arranged like those of the common Douglas Fir, but are shorter, J to 1 inch long, and are even- tually distinctly bifid at the apex, by which character and the glabrous shoots this species may bo distinguished. The cones are small, 1^- to 2 inches long, and 1 inch in diameter, with about 20 scales ; the bracts are strongly reflexed with a long central awn. The Japanese name of this tree is " Togasa- wara." The accompanying illustration (fig. 132) is a reproduction of a photograph of a native speci- men sent by Mr. C. J. Davidson, of the British Embassy, Tokio. The leaves apparently do not become bifid until the plants are several years old. In a young state they are mucronate or entire, as shown in the figure. Young plants obtained by Capt. L. Clinton-Baker from Japan have since been received at Bayfordbury ; these in the older leaves are distinctly bifid. The plants at Bayfordbury and Kew are now about 2 feet high. It is too early yet to say whether the species is likely to have any cul- tural value in this country. A. Bruce Jackson. CULTURAL NOTES FOR MAY. Roses have grown very freely during the past week or so, and are rapidly making up for lost time. The maiden buds both on the Briar and the Manetti stocks will claim attention as soon as they begin to push forth. When the bud has developed a few inches, tie the tender shoots carefully to cleft briar or hazel sticks, in order that they may not ba damaged by strong winds. If it is found that the buds inserted low down on the Manetti and multiflora stocks do not push freely, or are very late in doing so, cut the stock halfway through, a few inches above the bud. This will have the effect of soon pillars be picked off and destroyed. The trees should be syringed with a mixture of soft soap, tobacco-water and quassia extract. Apply the spray during the evening, and wash it off again the following morning. Keep the hoe at work to destroy the small weeds that are appearing plentifully on beds and borders. The materials of the old mulch- ings should be removed and a fresh mulch applied. Besides supplying plant foods, the lit- ter will check excessive evaporation, and it is very desirable to retain the moisture in the soil during early summer. Liquid manure and soot water used cautiously and well diluted may be given twice or so each week during the grow- ing season. These manurial stimulants are especially helpful during dry weather. ■^/KR^pcHB-JtA Fig. 132. — pseudotsuga japonica: the Japanese douglas fir. starting them into growth. In doing this the head of the stock must be secured to a stake to prevent it breaking. When the growth of the bud is completed in the autumn this upper part of the stock may be cut away entirely. Standard Briars must be made firm in the soil by tread- ing, and it is advisable that all Roses, includ- ing cuttings planted this season, should be at- tended to in this matter, as the action of frost will have tended to loosen them. During the evening time a beetle infests and eats out the shoots of the Standard Briars as they begin to push. The Rose maggot will also begin to show itself during the month curled up inside the leaf. Later the larvae burrow into the bud. These pests must be guarded against, and all cater- In looking over the different stocks of Roses, the damage of the past severe weather, though serious amongst the Teas and Noisette sections, has not been excessive amongst those of the hardier kinds which are now growing splen- didly. Any vacancies in the beds and borders can be filled by plants turned out of pots. If the weather continues dry, earth up the soil in the rows of Briar seedlings, so as to form a trench, and give sufficient water to thoroughly soak to the roots. All forced Roses of whatever class will, when they have finished blooming, suc- ceed best out-of-doors. Those of the Tea section, if kept partially dry at the roots for about six weeks or two months, will furnish a good supply of bloom in the autumn. The plants should be well 308 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May. 15, 1909. top-dressed with good turfy loam and bonemeal, after taking out the old surface soil to a depth of 12 t.0 3 inches. See that the drainage is effi- cient. The latest batch of Dwarf Roses placed under glass last month are making vigorous growth) and some are showing their flower-buds. Fumigate the house as required, and to keep down mildew admit all the fresh air possible, but avoid creating a draught. Maintain a humid at- mosphere by a frequent use of the syringe during the day. '"lie autumn and spring-grafted plants, after being repotted, should be accommodated in a cool, light house, where they will grow freely; during the month, or, as the weather permits, gradu- ally harden them off previously to plunging them outside in beds up to the rims of the pots and 'J inches to 1 foot apart. Any plants at that stage requiring a shift into a larger pot should be attended to and carefully secured by staking. ]>ater, the straggling or leading shoots can be stopped, and they will then make compact plants ay the end of the summer. When the plants are all plunged, cover the pots with well-fer- mented manure. This will obviate excessive watering in the summer, check evaporation, keep tiie roots cool, and induce active and vigorous growth during the season. Continue the re- potting of spring-struck cuttings into 4^ and 5-inch pots until the work is completed. Re- turn them into a warm frame until they are re- established. The old hot-bed will now give sufficient heat if turned over afresh, or new lin- ings may be put around the frame to keep the temperature at 65°. The early flowering, estab- lished plants should be ventilated more freely as the season advances, and by the end of the month or early in June the glass frames may be entirely removed. The pots should be set out wider apart, and the longest shoots stopped from time to time, not later than the end of July, which will give them an opportunity of ripening up their wood and of forming good, bushy plants by the autumn. In the case of Roses planted out under glass, as the plants finish flowering, all the top lights should, if possible, be removed, so as to give the plants a good rest before the autumn. Autumn struck cuttings of Roses outside and Rose stocks should have the soil about them kept well stirred and mulched, and, if drought sets in, an abundant supply of water given them. Standard Briars that were worked but failed last year are making fresh shoots, some of which will be sufficiently ripe at the end of the month for budding. Good, ripened scions for this pur- pose will be found among the pot plants recently turned out-of-doors. With regard to general bud- ding, the Briars and other autumn-planted stocks for this purpose are not ready much before the end of June, and the bulk of them not until July. J. D. G. ROSE FORTUNE'S YELLOW. This beautiful, yellow Rose grows and flowers splendidly at Wigganthorpe, where it is trained in precisely the same manner as a Grape vine on the short spur system. It has a main stem growing straight up the roof, about 12 inches from the glass inside a cool greenhouse. The roots are planted outside in a south border, a hole being made in the brickwork to admit the stem. At the time of writing (April 24) there are 165 fully developed flowers on the tree, beside several unopened flower-buds. As soon as the flowering is over, all the side growths are pruned back to one eye from the main stem. The new growths which form are trained evenly on either side of the stem, and when sufficiently ripened they are tied to the wires. It is from these that next season's flowers will be produced. Should the side growths become too rampant it is necessary to root-prune in the autumn. Shoots about one-quarter of an inch in diameter are the most desirable, as these become well ripened and suitable for free flowering. .1. Alderman, Wigganthorpe Hull Gardens, York. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. The French garden' is now in its best condition. Every inch of the ground is occupied by the different crops, which require careful attention. The Carrots grown on the hot-beds are now practically ready for market. They require abundant waterings daily or at least every two days, when a hose is used. The grower can now judge of the value of the strain he cultivates. The Early Parisian variety has a very short stump-like root and small foliage. It is culti- vated not only for its precocity, but also for the small amount of space it occupies in the bed. This last point is important when Cauliflowers are grown concurrently with the Carrots. When pulling the Carrots for market, we remove all the crop at the same time, as the small roots when left never do well. Two bunches are tied together, each bundle containing from 30 to 35 Carrots. The roots are always washed before sending them to market. The Cauliflowers planted among the Carrots, or in the cold frames of Lettuces, and outside early in April, are now well established and require ample waterings. We are planting another batch among the Passion Lettuces in the open ground. These Cauliflowers were sown at the end of February in a hot-bed and after- wards gradually hardened. When planting Cauliflowers we are careful to reject all plants with a dark spot at the " collar," as this gradu- ally increases till it kills the plant. We are now sowing in the open the last batch of Cauliflowers for the season. They will be planted amongst the Melons from July 1 as an inter-crop. The seed bed is kept damp by very light and frequent waterings. Turnips raised from seeds sown on hot-beds late in March require frequent waterings, as the roots are now forming. They will be ready for market within eight or ten days. It is a satis- factory crop, especially when grown in new soil. Tin nips require careful attention in the matters of watering and ventilation, especially when they are in their early stages. We are finishing the Melon beds. The recent weather has been favourable for this work The Melons are planted three or four days after the beds are made, and mats are kept on the lights for two days after planting, but afterwards the plants are gradually hardened, and in eight or nine days after the planting fresh air is admitted to the frames. The first batch of plants is doing well, and the female flowers should soon appear. Ventilation is given daily ; mats are spread over the lights at night-time. We are planting Tomatos out in the open ground. The plants are showing the first truss of flowers. They are covered with bell-glasses till they are well established. It is well to pre- pare a system of cropping to follow the Cauli- flowers grown on the hot-beds. We generally grow two crops together, e.g. : (1) Cabbage Lettuces and Cos Lettuces ; (2) Endives La Rouennaise and Cauliflowers ; (3) Cabbage Let- tuces or Endive with Celery; (4) Carrots Bellot and Spinach or Radish. The Lettuces are sown late in May or early in June according to the development of the preceding crops. The Endives are sown now in frames very thinly. The Cauliflowers are sown with the batch to be planted among the Melons. These different sowings must be made in well- prepared ground and receive proper attention. If the seed is sown too thickly the seedling plants must be thinned out as early as possible to have them strong and well hardened early in July. All the Celery plants should by now be trans- planted from the seed bed. On land in the open that will be at liberty early in July a sowing of Endive La Ruffec in the case of heavy soil, ox- Endive de Meaux for sandy soils, can now be made. Some growers sow for the same purpose Endive Batavian Green, but this salad does better grown later in the season. P. Aquatias. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. CYMBIDIUMS AS CONSERVATORY PLANTS. Ik the gardens of Ludwig Mond, Esq., The Poplars, Avenue Road, Regent's Park, London (gr. Mr. J. 0. Clarke), the larger Cymbidiums are much grown because of their suitability for the decoration of the conservatory or other cool houses. The principal species grown are Cymbidium Tracyanum, of which there are some very handsome varieties, and C. Lowianum, together with smaller quantities of C. longi- folium, C. eburneum, and other species. At the present time the conservatory, which has fine statuary on one side, has on the other side an arrangement of Orchids in flower, with a fine selection of showy Hippeastrums. The specimens of Cymbidium Lowianum bear about 60 hand- some spikes of flower. All are fine varieties, selected some 10 or 12 years ago, and the colour- ing of the markings on the labellums vary from orange-red to almost scarlet. The plants are always ornamental, and as they last in flower for several months, Mr. Clarke considers them the most useful conservatory plants in the collec- tion. The Orchids from the warm houses are brought in as they flower, and at present with the Cymbidiums are some good Odontoglossum citrosmum, O. crispum, Oncidium papilio, O. Krameri, Lycaste Skinneri, Ansellia nilotica, and several pretty hybrid Cypripediums. Japa- nese Maples, in great variety, and Lilies are also included in the floral scheme of decoration. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. THE PANSY. When Mr. Eric Drabble, D.Sc, lectured on Pansies before the Fellows of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, on April 20, it was expected that the garden Pansy, in its various aspects, would have formed the subject of the address : but Mr. Drabble restricted himself to giving de- scriptions and illustrations of the numerous native species or assumed species of the Viola. He thus laid the grounds on which the florist could build up theories as to the parentage of the modern Pansy. That form of floral evolution, it is hoped, may be expounded to the Fellows by a capable florist at some future time. The Pansy was once a famous and cherished florists' flower, and its various points and merits were well de- fined. The old Show Pansies were also known as English Pansies, this name being based, no doubt, on the assumption that the old race was derived from Viola tricolor, the wild Pansy of the fields. That descrip- tion might also have been needed to differentiate them from the larger and more richly and diversely-marked Belgian or Fancy Pansies, which soon became to these flowers what the Japanese Chrysanthemum is to the old Chinese forms. The Show Pansy, in its day, was divided into " belted " and " self " flowers. The belted flowers, generally of good size and substance, had a clearly defined central blotch of some dark hue, and the rounded petals were margined with a colour distinct from the ground of the flower, which was either white or yellow. Naturally, there was in these flowers, because of the precise requirements in marking, much that was monotonous ; so also were the selfs of white, yel- low, blue, and plum colour, all having deep-hued central blotches. The florist's Pansy attained to a high state of perfection, and it was cultivated with exceeding care. The names of Turner and Bragg, of Slough, in the sixties of last century, are closely associated with the culture of these flowers. From the florist's Pansy originated a race known as bedding Pansies. The famous trio. Cliveden White, Cliveden Blue and Cliveden Purple, doubtless came from this ..M Show sec- tion, and. later, many others followed, including May 15, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 309 Blue King, one of the very best bedding Pansies ever seen. But these bedders were superseded by the bedding Violas, which seem to have originated by crossing Viola cornuta with V. lutea, or with some of the smaller Pansies. We have not yet forgotten the furore and wordy war which grew out of the simultaneous production of Viola cornuta Perfection, the most marked advance made with Violas, some 40 years ago. But that was soon followed by Old Blue Bell, a chance seedling in the late Richard Dean's garden at Ealing Dene, which not only became univer- sally grown, but may even now be seen in many public and private gardens. Numerous Viola varieties followed, and now there are hundreds of named sorts, all wonderfully floriferous, all beautiful, and furnishing floral colour in infinite variety. The titles of tufted Pansy and bed- ding Viola have been given to these plants. Possibly the designation carpet Pansies fits them best, as they make some of the best surfacing or colours, and some are blotched, whilst others are diversely coloured. To have these in the finest form a sowing in the open on fine soil should be made in August. The plants should remain in the seed-bed till the spring, then be planted out into good soil. They will form clumps of 10 inches to 14 inches in diameter, and literally smother themselves with flowers. Every garden should possess some Pansies of one type or another. A. D. FRENCH CHRYSANTHEMUMS AT THE N.C.S. SHOW. In an audit of blooms shown at the N.C.S. Crystal Palace show last November it is curious to note how the modern French seedlings have been displaced from the position they formerly occupied. The audit appears in the new N.C.S. schedule for 1909, and contains the names of the Japanese and Incurved flowers shown in the board and vases classes only. At the top of the FlG. I33. — A WELL-FLOWERED SPECIMEN OF CYCNOCHES PERUVIANUM, TRACY'S VARIETY. carpet plants we have. But the modern Fancies or Belgians have overshadowed all other Pansies. It is possible now to go to any market and pur- chase strong plants at 2d. each, carrying large flowers of great substance, fine in form and gloriously coloured; they are, indeed, marvellous in their beauty. But it is unfortunate that these plants are usually grown under somewhat forced conditions, therefore they fail to flower so well when purchased and planted in the open. This strain, come from whence it may, produces flowers as fine in size and form and as superbly coloured as are any that are in commerce under name. Our climate in the southern counties seems to be too arid for these splendid Pansies ; they thrive better in cooler conditions. But we can raise Pansies from seed, and from them secure masses of bloom of many colours for a long sea- son. These furnish a wide range of selfs in white, yellow, blue, purple, bronze, claret and other list in the Japanese section comes F. S. Vallis, which was shown 102 times, or more than twice as often as the next most frequently shown. Mme. G. Rivol was shown 23 times, Mme. Paolo Radaelli 20, Mme. Rene Oberthur 12, President Viger 10, Marquise Viscomti Venosta 6, Chrysan- themiste Montigny 4, Mme. C. Nagelmackers 4, M. Paul Randet 4, Mme. Albertine Bertrand 3, Mme. Gustave Henry 2, President Loubet 2, Mme. Marg. de Mons 2, White Venosta (Mar- quise Venosta) 2, Leon Truelle 1, Vivian Morel 1, Lt.-Col. Ducroiset 1. In the classes for incurved flowers, of course, the number was smaller, as has always been the case. Embleme Poitevine comes third in the list, being shown 24 times. Then Triomphe de Mont- brun 12, Topaze Orientale 7, Boccace 6, Ma Perfection 3, M. de Meulenacre 3, Le Peyrou 2. Mme. de Verneuil 1, and Chrysanthemiste Bruant 1. GYGNOGHES PERUVIANUM. Oop. illustration in fig. 133 represents the plant of Cycnoches peruvianum "Tracy's varietj " imported from Peru and shown by Mr. H. A. Tracy, of Twickenham, at the Royal Horticul- tural Society's meeting on February 23 last, when it was accorded an Award of Merit. The species was shown in 1894 by Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, and in 1905 by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., whose specimen had longer racemes of much more distantly-placed flowers than the one now illustrated. From a botanical standpoint there is little to separate this species and some others from the C. maculatum illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, January 9, 1909, p. 26, though Tracy's variety of C. peruvianum is singular in having the flowers, much more densely set than in any others of the genus. Its flowers are greenish-white sparsely blotched with purple, the rayed centre being white. The Cycnoches should be grown with the Catasetums. suspended in an intermediate house, the method of treatment required being precisely similar to that given to the deciduous Dendro- biums. They require copious waterings during the period of growth and a long rest after the leaves begin to wither, when water should be almost entirely withheld until the growing season, again comes round. THE ALPINE GARDEN. VERONICA BIDWILLII. Bidwill's Speedwell is one of the shrubby Veronicas from New Zealand that are held in. increasing favour, especially for planting in the Alpine garden. This species is not the most brilliant of the genus, as the growths are slender and the flowers small and not highly-coloured. So far as I have seen plants in this country, the species is represented by white flowers alone, al- though it is said to possess violet and pink-col- oured forms. Although simple and small, the flowers are pretty, and the rather slender, pros- trate growths render the plant more suitable for a rock-garden than a border. The small flowers are borne in whorls. ERIOPHYLLUM CESPITOSUM (syn. Bahia lanata). Of the small group of plants belonging to the genus Eriophyllum, which number under a score, few are in cultivation in British gardens, and only two of these are included in the latest edition of the Kew Hand List of Herbaceous Plants. Eriophyllum crespitosum is rarely seen under its correct name, being often called in gardens Bahia lanata. It forms a suitable plant for the front of a flower border or for the rockery. If allowed to remain undisturbed it forms a spreading mass of pretty, whitish, woolly leaves, producing bright yellow flowers of the charac- teristic Composite type. The whitish leaves and golden flowers hanging over a ledge of the rock-garden or trailing over the ground in the front of the flower border are very attractive. The plant is not hardy in severe winters, and is especially harmed when frost and snows alternate with mild weather. To lessen the danger from these causes the plant should be given a dry soil and a sunny situation. Old mortar or other calcareous matter mixed with the soil is beneficial. Eriophyllum casspitosum is easily raised from seeds, and may also be increased by division. In the broad sense it is hardy, but the difficulties caused by our uncertain winters make it advis- able to have a few spare plants in a frame. DIANTHUS PANCICn. There is a small section of Dianthus not very widely known which comprises a few Pinks of erect-growing habit, and having the flowers in 310 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 15, 1909. crowded or clustered heads. They have never acquired great popularity, and they are not in the least likely to supersede other well-known kinds. Yet they possess some points of beauty which com- mend them, and some qualities which will render them serviceable in certain positions. They are excellent to give variety in the flower border and to break up the uniformity of the other plants flowering in the summer season. Dianthus Pancicii is a tall-growing species, having sturdy, erect flower-stems reaching a height of about 2i or 3 feet, and bearing closely clustered heads of light crimson blooms. The leaves are broadly Grass-like and grow in a thick tuft at the base of the stems. Seeds of a new variety of Dianthus Pancicii are being offered this year under the name of D. Pancicii grandiflorus. The heads and flowers are stated to be larger than those of the type and purple-carmine in colour. It is also asserted that the stems are so stout that they will with- stand strong winds without support. This is true as regards D. Pancicii upon the whole, yet the stems of my plants have been broken off at the base by wild, whirling winds, such as we sometimes have. S. Arnott. The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Sweet Cherries. — As the trees pass out of bloom they should be examined for black fly. If this pest is present, syringe them thoroughly with Quassia Extract. They may be sprayed even as a preventive method, for the pest is likely to do great damage if a bad attack breaks out. Remove any specially strong shoots that would be likely to interfere with the proper balance of the trees, and pinch all others back to three or four leaves, except such as are required for extending the trees. The shoots must be kept thinly disposed in order that all of them may be perfectly exposed to the sun and air. Morello Cherries. — Trees of this variety re- quire different treatment from that just de- scribed. They should be disbudded in the manner recommended for Peaches and Nectarines. Morellos are sometimes neglected in this matter, but there is no justification for this. If left to themselves, they soon become a thicket of growths stretching out some distance from the wall. When this is the case, they are difficult to keep clean of pests, and there is less oppor- tunity for the fruits to develop satisfactorily. Do not disbud the trees excessively, for if the shoots are still found to be more numerous than is desired, they may be pinched back to three or four leaves, when it becomes necessary to tie the shoots to the wires or wall. Shoots that are pinched will form small spurs, and these will eventually bear fruit-buds. It is important in the cultivation of Morello Cherries to have enough young shoots each year to take the place of those which have borne fruit in the season immediately preceding the pruning. At the same time, the shoots should be kept suffi- ciently thinned to allow of the access of sun- light to those which remain. Protecting material. — If canvas coverings, nets, or other materials have been employed for protective purposes for fruit trees, they should be removed and stored for the present, it being un- likely that they will be needed any longer. If the weather, however, takes a turn for the worse, on no account remove them suddenly, for by so doing the trees would probably receive a check and fall an easy prey to insect pests and fungus diseases. Peaches and Nectarines should be the last to be relieved of the protective material, for if these trees have received protection they will be the more susceptible to injury from cold winds. General work. — Hoe the surface soil of the fruit quarters as often as possible, choosing periods of fine weather for the work, in order that the weeds may perish immediately after each opera- tion. Mulching with partially-decayed manure or with stable litter is exceedingly valuable for hardy fruit trees, especially such as are growing in light soil or on a gravel subsoil. Never apply a mulch, however, until all weeds have been re- moved from the ground. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. VlGARY Gidds, Aldenbam House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Thinning of crops. — One of the commonest mistakes in vegetable growing is that of allow- ing the plants to remain too thickly together. It is unreasonable to expect good results if six plants are occupying the ground that is needed by one. To sow fairly thickly and thin early is advice that has been given for many a long year, but it is not followed so commonly as it should be. Thinning of the crops should in nearly all cases be done piecemeal, that is, it should be done by degrees at several operations. In no case should the seedlings be allowed to become crowded, even in the earliest stages of growth. Celery. — Most plants of the second sowing should now be sufficiently advanced for putting into the trenches. Lift them with as much soil as possible adhering to their roots, and plant them in single lines, drawn from 10 to 15 inches apart, according to the variety. Make the soil very firm. Apply a thorough watering after the plants are inserted. Dust the foliage twice a week with soot, applying it early in the morn- ing, or, better still, late in the evening. Further trenches should be prepared for successional crops as opportunities occur or the ground be- comes available. Celeriac, or Turnip-rooted Celery. — Unless this crop is well grown, it is of little value, but, provided that excellent roots are obtained, they are much appreciated as winter vegetables. Cele- riac requires a long season of growth, an abund- ance of moisture, and rich soil. It should there- fore be planted in ground which has been deeply trenched and heavily manured. It may be planted at this season on flat beds or borders. Not less than 2 feet should be allowed between the rows, and 18 to 20 inches between the plants. The foliage should be dusted with soot occa- sionally, as in the case of Celery. Turnips. — The earliest varieties such as Early Milan and Long Forcing should be thinned severely, and the surface of the ground between the plants should be frequently disturbed with a Dutch hoe. Apply soot and some chemical vege- table manure in small quantities during showery weather, and do everything that is possible to induce a quick, succulent growth. Sow seeds of Snowball or a similar variety in small quantities once a fortnight. Golden Ball, so great a favourite in the north of England and in Scot- land, requires a long season of growth to develop. It should be sown in poor soil during the present month. Broad Beans. — Make two good sowings during the present month of varieties of the Broad Windsor type ; the newer green variety is a great improvement on the older white one. Immedi- ately there are any signs of black aphis on the earlier plants, thoroughly syringe them with soft soap and water Marrows. — Early plants which were put into portable frames are now fruiting freely, and these require much more ventilation than hitherto. Thin and peg out the growths, and apply a good surface dressing. At the end of the month the frames and lights should be removed. One more sowing may still be made. Put one seed in each pot and place the pots in moderate heat. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Planting young vines.— II it is intended to plant vines which were raised this season from eyes, the soil had better be got in readiness for the borders, placing it under cover in order that it may be in a suitable condition when required for use. One advantage of planting young growing vines is that a crop may be taken from the old vines which are to be replaced, and the young vines become established during the same vear But this depends upon whether the old crop is fit to be gathered by the end of June. In anv case, it involves a considerable amount of work in the busy season. If there is anv likelihood of the vines becoming pot-bound be'fore they are planted out, they had better be shifted into larger pots. Treatment of young vines.— In the case of young vines that were planted early this season every encouragement must be given "them to grow freely. Keep the surface of the border moist by damping it with tepid rainwater and. in order that warmth and air may the better permeate the border, let the surface soil be occasionally loosened. Syringe the vines freely early in the morning and again when closing the ventilators in the afternoon. Do not use more fire heat than is necessary ; the water pipes may be slightly warmed at night or during cold and wet weather, because this is necessary to prevent the atmo- sphere from becoming stagnant. Pinch the side shoots at the second or third leaf, and tie them neatly to the trellis. Stop the leading growths when they have reached one-third the length of the trellis. Vines which have been planted two or three years must on no account be taxed with a heavy crop. Even after vines have become thoroughly established and have acquired the most robust growth, it is possible to injure them by overcropping. In-arching of vines. — The present time is suitable for in-arching vines, which is a form of grafting. There are some useless varieties and varieties that do not succeed in certain places. These may be replaced easily by others that are more profitable. Perhaps the process of in-arch- ing is the quickest and most convenient way of bringing about this result. Again, there are some varieties which are much improved by being in-arched on to a fresh stock. For instance, at Frogmore, we have Muscat of Alexandria on a stock of Madresfield Court, which is a decided advantage, as the bunches are more compact, the berries are larger, and the flowers set as well as Black Hamburghs. Lady Hutt gives better re- sults when in-arched or grafted on Foster's Seed- ling ; Melton Constable is best on a stock of Aln- wick Seedling. The Strawberry Grape, which has very small berries when grown on its own roots, produces berries as large as Black Ham- burgh if grafted on to Black Hamburgh. We are making other experiments with different stocks, but an opinion as to their value cannot yet be expressed. The most suitable scions are vines which were rooted last year, and were sub- sequently cut back, these being more vigorous than any that may have been rooted this present year. To perform the operation of in-arching, first place the scion near to the shoot on which it is to be in-arched. Make a similar cut on each shoot about 2 inches long. Bind the shoots tightly together with raffia, and cover the parts with moss, which should be kept damp. It is, of course, necessary to supply water to the roots of both stock and scion. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Cycads. — Few Cycadaceous plants are grown in ordinary gardens, Cycas revoluta and, less fre- quently, C. circinalis being the species generally representing this Order. Sufficient room cannot usually be spared for such genera as Dioon, En- cephalartos and Zamia, though their cultivation would be interesting where the presence of large houses renders it possible. Cycads have a dis- tinctly ornamental appearance, and are not un- like sturdy-leaved tree Ferns. Their leaves being of firm texture, the plants may be used for de- corative purposes in many positions that would prove ruinous to tree Ferns. The season ■ of growth is surprisingly short, but during that season the plants require a great deal of moisture both in the atmosphere and at the roots. If the roots are permitted to become at all dry, even for a short time, the young fronds, being very succu- lent, quickly show signs of drooping. It often happens that Cycads will remain inactive during a whole year. Any stems which do not show signs of making new leaves should be immersed in tepid water for two or three days. As soon as the growing season has finished and the new fronds have completely developed, less water must be given the roots, and the plants should be moved to a cooler and drier atmosphere. A sharp look-out should be kept for scale insects, as these pests are very difficult to dislodge from the leaves. Chrysanthemums.— Most of the plants should now be ready for removing into the final pots. This important operation should not be hurried, as the details in the process require careful at- tention. The best size of pot to be used is a matter for individual opinion. For general pur- poses, 10-inch pots appear to me quite large enough, and even a size smaller will allow ample rooting space for many varieties. If still smaller pots be used, it causes more labour in watering May 15, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 311 and feeding during the summer months. The pots and the crocks used for drainage should be carefully cleaned, and care must be taken in arranging the drainage material in order to get the best ^possible outlet for water. A thin layer of fibrous loam should be placed immediately over the crocks to preserve them from the finer particles of the soil. The potting soil should have been turned over several times in order that all the constituents may be thoroughly mixed. A useful general compost is one consist- ing of good pasture loam three parts, and horse manure and finely-sifted leaf-mould one part, adding a quantity of coarse sand, about a 6-inch potful of an approved chemical manure, and a similar quantity of bonemeal. It should be scarcely necessary to say that a plant should not be dry* at its roots when it is removed for pot- ting. Let the potting be done as firmly as pos- sible, taking care not to break the rootball. In finishing off, leave a loose layer of fine soil on the surface. After having been potted, the plants should be placed for a few days in a sheltered and partially-shaded position. They may be fre- quently sprayed with clear water to keep the leaves from flagging, and in order that water may not be needed at the root until the roots have again become active. To each plant should be placed a large-sized label, on which the name of the variety is written legibly. When the plants have been placed in their permanent position for the summer, affix a stout stake to each, and se- cure these stakes to slightly-strained wires, in r rder that the plants shall not be swayed by the winds. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Pruning shrubs. — Any shrubs that havo passed out of flower should now be pruned into the desired shape. Some species require to be pruned each year. Such, for instance, as Primus triloba, P. Pissardii, P. sinensis fl. pi. and P. Cerasus James H. Veitch. These species should have their shoots cut back to a good growth more especially if it is necessary that the plants should grow in a limited space, as they flower better on the young wood. Pyrus floribunda and P. f. atro-sanguinea need to be pruned in order to keep them in character with other plants, unless they are grown as isolated specimens or in avenues. Other plants that require pruning include Sta- phylea colchica, Cerasus Watereri, and C. Sie- boldii, Xanthoceras sorbifolia, Spira?a media (con- fusa), S. prunifolia, and Chimonanthus fragrans. These species and others of a similar nature are benefited if the pruning is done as soon as the flowers have fallen. If a good mulch can be ap- plied over their roots in hot weather, so much the better, for it is desirable to encourage the plants to make growths of considerable length and strength. Herbaceous jilnnls. — Many of the herbaceous flowering plants are much in need of staking at the present time. Endeavour to affix the stakes in such a manner that they are not conspicuous, and select those most appropriate for the dif- ferent plants. It will be found that brushwood, such as is obtainable from Hazel or Beech branches, make excellent supports for certain plants, holding the shoots in a natural position and becoming after a time perfectly hidden by the foliage of the plant. For taller plants, single Bamboo or Hazel rods placed at the back of the specimen are useful. Cleanse the borders of weeds, and use the Dutch hoe as often as necessary. Remove the foliage from flowering bulbs as soon as it is ripened and commences to wither. Thin out annuals that have come up too thickly, allowing space for each plant to develop unhindered by contact with others. Da/ilia. — The position for these plants should already have been prepared. Stakes will be re- quired' of various heights, and these should be painted or dipped in creosote. It is too early at present for the plants to be put out, but the ground should be rid in the meantime, as far as possible, of slugs and snails. Roses. — Examine all Roses, and if aphis is detected upon any, spray them with quassia ex- tract two days in succession. Keep a sharp look-out for caterpillars, and remove by hand- picking as many as can be found. By way of stimulant, about two ounces of guano may be sprinkled around the base of each plant. Sweet /'eas. — Any of these plants showing bloom may be given a mulching of manure after a good dressing of soot has been applied. Guard later plants from slugs and birds, and afford stakes whilst the plants are still dwarf. If a sowing is made now the plants will flower in August, provided that a rich rooting medium is given them. Alpine garden. — Much weeding needs to be done just now, or many of the smaller plants will be smothered. The weeding must be done by experienced hands, that valuable plants may not be inadvertently removed with the weeds. Apply a top-dressing to Ferns and other plants growing in cool crevices. Shade Ramondias from the mid- day sun. Remove the dead flowers from Primulas unless seed is required, in which case the seed- vessels should be secured to short stakes. Prune Ericas that have flowered, and top-dress them if necessary. Philesia buxifolia. — Give this plant a top- dressing consisting of peat, leaf-mould, and sand. It succeeds best in a sheltered corner in a north aspect where the position is moist. Its Lapa- geria-like flowers are much appreciated. must not be given much water during the early stages of growth. The Odontoglossum house is the proper place for them, or a cool, shady corner of the intermediate house. Other species and varieties of Lycaste, such as L. cruenta, L. aro- matica, and L. Harrisonise, should not be re- potted until the flowers have faded. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W, H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Phaloznopsis. — Most of these plants are now producing fresh leaves and roots. The grower should ascertain if fresh rooting material is necessary, or if new baskets, pots, or cylin- ders are required. Those plants that are well established in teak-wood baskets or cylinders, and which need additional space for root exten- sion, are sometimes difficult subjects, as the numerous roots adhere firmly to the wood, and no matter how careful the operator may be, some are sure to be damaged. Where newly-imported plants have been established in small baskets, in- stead of removing them, additional root room may easily be afforded by dropping the baskets, or even cylinders into larger receptacles, filling the space between with crocks or pieces of broken brick, and afterwards surfacing the whole with a layer of chopped Sphagnum-moss, which should be well incorporated with small crocks. As re- gards those plants which were similarly treated some years ago, it will be found that the old basket has decayed. The remains may be re- moved piece by piece without causing the least disturbance to the plant, and the space should be refilled with drainage materials. If the old potting material has decayed, carefully remove it from between the roots, add more crocks, and resurface with fresh Sphagnum-moss. Very little water is required aftei ^.-basketing, &c, the prin- cipal thing being to induce the moss to grow on the surface and the new roots to cling to the woodwork of the basket. For this purpose apply tepid rain-water by means of the fine sprayer. Keep the surface of the moss and the sides of the basket just moist. On no account saturate the materials. Where no separate house is set apart for the culture of Phalaenopsis, the plants should be placed on the shady side of the East Indian house or in the mixed plant stove. Wash the leaves of these plants occasionally with 1 sponge and clean rain-water, to keep them clean and free from thrip insects. Anguloa. — The species and varieties of An- guloa should be potted either immediately they commence to grow, or directly they have gone out of flower. These plants succeed well in the Osmunda and Polypodium mixture, with plenty of small crocks added. It is not necessary to employ Sphagnum-moss. Being strong-growing plants' they need a moderate amount of rooting space and require to be potted rather firmly. Stand the plants in a light position in the Cattleya or intermediate house. Apply water rather sparingly during the first few weeks, but afterwards until the bulbs are thoroughly made up, afford them a plentiful supply of moisture. The large broad leaves of these Anguloas should be sponged frequently. Avoid overhead syring- ing, as the water remains low down in the centre of young growths and eventually causes decay. Lycaste. — Lycaste Skinneri and its varieties, also other plants of the same genus that are starting to grow, should be repotted if necessary. They should be potted in similar compost to that recommended for the Anguloas. Give them plenty of root room, thorough drainage, and leave a good space on the surface for holding water. They require a plentiful supply _ of moisture when well established in the new potting material. Although moisture-loving plants, they PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By W, W. Pettigrew, Superintendent of City Parks, Cardia. Women's Gardens. — At the present moment, when the question of woman's equality with man is receiving so much attention in this country, any suggestion which involves the segregation of the sexes in our public parks will be regarded as a retrograde movement by one section of the community. However, this may be, The Times recently reported and favour- ably commented upon a movement which is now on foot in the metropolis to set aside a small open space in the city for the exclusive use of women. That there is much to be said in favour of such a movement — even though it may not as yet come quite within the range of prac- tical park politics — most park officials will admit, and the time may very well come when one or two such gardens will find a place in the park systems of all our larger towns and cities. Few people other than those intimately connected with public park work realise the annoyances — often petty and trivial, but sometimes of a serious character — that women have to put up with from a certain class of men who habitually frequent public grounds. So long as these individuals do not violate any by-laws by openly making themselves a nuisance to visitors, they are not merely at perfect liberty to enter any public grounds, but have as much right to use the seats as any other citi- zen. The very presence of unkempt men, whether they occupy the same or an adjoining seat, often mars to a sensitive woman the whole- of the pleasure to be derived from a visit paid to a public park. To women in general, and to- those of a nervous temperament in particular, a ccnveniently-situated garden, set aside for the exclusive use of women and young children, would be much appreciated. Nursemaids and children. — One class of women to whom the " AVomen's Garden might prove a great blessing, although she may not herself realise it, is the nursemaid. If many parents who send their children in charge of" nurses to the parks (thinking that at such- places they are free from all dangers) only knew how their little ones are neglected there, they would, in all probability forbid their maids to- enter the parks. The reason for all this is that these grounds are very often the rendezvous of a great number of idle young fellows, who take up the time and attention of the nursemaids to the neglect and even danger of the children. Were women's gardens to become an established' fact employers could easily see that their nurses took the children to these places, rather than to- an ordinary park — an arrangement which might prove alike beneficial to the young charges and- their custodians. The legal aspect. — Although the general prin- ciple underlying the suggestion of the establish- ment of such gardens has already been recog- nised by our public libraries in the institution of ladies' reading rooms, yet the question natur- ally arises whether a park authority can legally set aside any ground which has been gifted or purchased for the purpose of a public pleasure ground for the exclusive use of any section of the public, or whether it has power to spend the rates on the upkeep of such places if they were once in existence. Judging by an analogous ctse — where the council of a certain town, anxious to give special facilities to women travelling to and from business, ran cars reserved for the use of women, but had to discontinue doing so, as they found they were acting illegally — I fear that before women's gardens are possible a short Act of Parliament would be necessary to enable muni- cipalities to find money for their establishment and upkeep. Women gardeners.— The park superintendent who mav in future have the control of one o, these gardens will certainly find himself faced with some delicate problem's when working out the details of management. He may find that here at last a suitable opening has arisen for th» entrance of the ladv gardener into public life. 312 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [May 15, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should he addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on one side only of thh taper, sent as early in the week as possible and duly signed by the writer. 1/ desired, the signature will not be punted, but kept as a guarantee of good faith, Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. 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 responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.- The Editor will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, floivers, trees, e>c, but he cannot be responsible for lossor injury. Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, MAY 18— Roy. Hort. Soc. Coins, meet and Nat. Tulip Soc. Com- bined Show at Hort. Hall, Westminster {Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. A. Clutton Brock, on "Alpines in their Native Homes "). Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 53*5°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, May 12 (6 p.m.): Max. 71°; Mill. 45°. Gauleiters' Chronicle Office. 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden London — Thursday, May 13 (10 A.M.): Bar. 30-2 ; Temp. 54"; Weather— Sunshine. Provinces. — Wednesday, May 12 {6 p.m.): Max. 63° Bury St. Edmunds; Min. 44° Scotland E. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY— Border Plants and Perennials, Hardy Bulbs and Tubers, .Sx., at 12; Ornamental Palms, Bays, Ferns, &c.,at 1.30; by Protheroe & Morris, at 6y & 68, Cheapside, E.C. FRIDAY— Imported and Established Orchids from various sources, Orchids in Flower and Bud, at 12.45 i by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C. The Among the many schemes that Orphan were adopted in 1887 for the Fund. purpose of celebrating the Jubilee of Queen Victoria's beneficent reign surely none was better calculated to appeal to human sympathy than the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund ! The excellent work that it achieves is done more or less silently and without ostentation, and it is only on such occasions as the annual meeting in February or the Festival dinner that the public mind is informed of the amount of poverty and misery which the Fund is the means of relieving. From month to month the Committee carries on the work unceasingly, receiving applica- tions for help, enquiring iuto every case that is brought before them and making grants in aid of those cases in which immediate help is most needed. All hut the actual secretarial work is done gratuitously by men whose sympathies for gardeners' orphans are strong enough to lead them to devote a considerable portion of their time for this purpose. It is one of the most satisfactory features of the social life in this country that there are ever to be found men willing tc come forward and take a share in the active management of this and similar institutions. The annual events we have mentioned, therefore, would be useful if they merely served to remind the public of the circumstances that have to be met and to awaken or quicken practical sympathy with the efforts made to deal with them satisfactorily. As a matter of fact, however, the more showy function that has just taken place has a purpose of even greater importance, for it is one of the chief means by which the Committee is able to raise the money necessary for providing relief. The amount received from annual sub- scriptions is comparatively small, and although this state of things is not exactly what we ought to accept as a permanent con- dition, its existence at the present time is sufficient to make the annual Festival and all the work which it entails a necessity of the situation. It is therefore with satisfaction that wo print the report which will be found on an- other page, inasmuch as it records a result which, if somewhat less than last year, when special efforts were made to make the Coming- of-Age year memorable in the annals of the Institution, is nevertheless of a gratifying character. A representative gathering of upwards of l"2il influential horticulturists was convened, with the Duke of Rutland in the chair, to plead the orphans' cause. A sum of £800 was contributed by those present and other sympathisers who were unable to attend. The Orphan Fund has grown in importance and influence ever since its establishment, and the facts we have mentioned demonstrate un- mistakably that it is increasing its hold upon the charitable public. We are confident that the Committee will go on cheerfully fulfilling the duties of their office, relying with confi- dence on the supporters of the Fund for a con- tinuance of the means that until the present have always been forthcoming. Since its establishment 22 years ago, political and social conditions have altered in many ways, but fortunately in the same period there has been an increased amount of private benevo- lence, therefore we have every reason to believe that the changes that may yet take place, and to which the Chairman alluded with a certain amount of misgiving, will not operate to the prejudice of such an Institution as the Orphan Fund. Only when there are no longer any orphans to care for \\ ill the need for such a Fund cease to exist or the means necessary for its support fail to be forth- coming. In the meantime, let us remember what Mr. Edward Sherwood, the Treasurer, re- lated in regard to the present number of applicants for relief. Since the elec- tion in February, but three months ago, as many as 14 fresh cases have been en- quired into and accepted by the Committee, this being an abnormally large number to be registered in such a period. But this is not all , for in every case the Committee have found the circumstances to be so urgent that they have felt compelled to grant temporary relief of two shillings and sixpence a week until the candidates can be put forward for election at the next annual meeting. It looks very much as if there will be a larger number of appli- cants seeking relief at that election than has ever been the case before. "Will gardeners and others be satisfied if any of them are denied the full amount of relief? We think not. But if more than usual are to be elected the income must be proportionately increased. This will not be difficult if all will contri- bute towards this object. There are many who do all that can be expected of them for this Fund, but there are others who do comparatively little. If these can be induced to come to the aid of the fatherless in their affliction all will be well. It should be an encouragement to them to know that the small amount necessary for the management ex- penses is more than met by the income derived from invested funds, and that therefore a subscription goes straight to the relief of distress without deduction. A subscription of five shillings a year is less than a penny- farthing a week. How many can afford to give this amount who have in the past thoughtlessly ignored the claims of the Fund? Royal Horticultural Society. — The next meeting of the Committees will take place on Tuesday, the 18th inst., in the Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster. At the afternoon meeting a lecture on " Alpines in their Native Homes " will be given by Mr. A. Clutton Bkock. Vacant Lands as Gardens. — In most large cities there are vacant lands awaiting the builder. Not infrequently these neglected areas are eye- sores to the public, and remain unprofitable for many years. The Vacant Land Cultivation Society has for its object the acquisition of such ground without rent charge, until the owner desires to utilise it, in order that men in humble circumstances may cultivate the sites as gardens. The work is already past the experi- mental stage, for the first Report has been issued, giving particulars of what the society has ac- complished in 1908 9. The ground is first pre- pared for cultivation, and is then let, either free or at a nominal charge, to approved applicants, men with large families being first considered. The society provides the seeds at a cheap rate, and, in some cases, free ; whilst a supervisor (Mr. R. Lewis Castle) gives the necessary instruc- tion in tillage. There has been a good response to the appeal for the loan of land. The London County Council has lent various sites, and both the Wandsworth and the Hackney Borough Coun- cils have assisted in this direction. Others have assisted by making presentations of tools, manure, seeds, and other necessaries. At West Ham, when the whole of the land is under culti- vation, plots, each containing 20 rods of land, will be provided for about 300 men. The society merits success. The work it is doing has advan- tages, not only for those who cultivate the gar- dens, but for the general public. In place of what were little better than rubbish heaps, there are now to be seen gardens. The healthful recreation derived by those who work the gardens may prove an incentive to some to return to the country. The man who becomes a keen gardener seldom abandons his love of culti- vating flowers, fruits and vegetables, and should he become dispossessed of his holding, he will be likely to seek another. Thus these men may, in time, become allottees, and we regard an allotment as the finest acquisition a working man can make. Gardening extends its scope every year ; the boys in rural districts are taught how to plant and sow, and the men in crowded cities are shown how to make the vacant town lands bring forth plenty. We commend the appeal made by Mr. Fels in our issue of April 24, p. 267, to the sympathy of readers. The Cultivation of the Narcissus. — That the home market is no longer chiefly depen- dent on Holland for the supply of bulbs is well known, though it will be news to some that the South Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire Fen dis- tricts are actively developing an export trade in May 15, 1909.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE 313 FlG. 134. — ANDROCYMBIUM MELANTHOIDES FROM MR. GUMBLETON's COLLECTION. BRACTS WHITE, WITH GREEN LINES. (See p. 315 ) Narcissus bulbs. In the course of a valuable article by Mr. James Waugh in the March number of the Journal of the. Board of Agri- culture, attention is drawn to this fact, and it is suggested that bulb cultivation for trade pur- poses might be adopted with advantage by occu- piers of small holdings and allotments. Mr. Waugh describes the best methods of cultiva- tion, the preparation of the soil, the marketing both of the cut flowers and of the bulbs, and gives figures to show that Narcissus growing may result in a net profit of something over £30 per acre. We commend the article to all interested in the subject, but would add the caution that, before a small holder puts money into this branch of horticultural industry, he shall satisfy himself of the accessibility of a market for his produce and of the cost of carriage. Calcium Sulphide as Insecticide and Fungicide. — The following method of prepara- tion of this useful material was given by Dr. Contant in a lecture to the Societe Nationale d'Horticulture de France, published in the February number of the Journal of the Society. Prepared in this way, the calcium sulphide (or polysulphide) is said by Dr. Contant to be ex- tremely efficacious. A large kettle, capable of holding eight gallons, is set up in the open air over a fire. Three to four pints of water are poured into the kettle and boiled, and then about 3 lbs. of quicklime are added gradually ; the kettle is then half-filled with water. Fine sul- phur passed through a sieve is dropped in little by little, the liquid being stirred meanwhile. The liquid is then boiled for half an hour; water is added till the kettle is full, and the liquid is allowed to stand for six hours at least. A sediment settles down, leaving a clear orange liquid. 'Ihe deposit serves as an excellent winter wash for fruit trees, &c. The liquid to be used for spraying is diluted with nine times its volume of water, and is serviceable both for the destruction of fungus pests and also for the aphis of Roses, Peaches, &c. It is particu- larly useful for vines and makes " sulphuring " unnecessary. It should be noted that the liquid to be kept must be syphoned off into receptacles — such as carboys — which can be corked, since by exposure to air the sulphides become decom- posed, forming sulphur and calcium sulphate. Advice in Spraying Apple Trees.— The following notes are from the Experiment Station Bulletin 253 (Michigan State Agricultural Col- lege, Horticultural Division), entitled " Can the General Farmer Afford to Grow Apples? ": Time to spray Apple orchards: 1. Just be- fore the blossoms open, Paris green or arsenate of lead should be added to Bor- deaux (^ lb. of the first or lj lb. of the second to 50 gallons of Bordeaux). 2. Just after blossoms fall : the mixture as before. 3. Two weeks later : as before. 4. Early in August : to destroy the second brood of Codling caterpillars and check Apple scab, use one-half as much cop- per sulphate, i.e., 2 lbs. instead of 4 lbs. ; other- wise as in 1, 2, 3. To use the colloquial language of the Bulletin : Do a thorough job ; squirting a little mixture on a limb is poor business. Drench the whole tree. Let the wind help you. Spray with it. Finish the work on a still day, or when the wind blows in a direction opposite from that from which it blew during the first spraying. Bordeaux stood overnight is not so good as fresh mixed. A little vinegar will cleanse the hands of Bordeaux. To make Bordeaux mixture : 50 gal- lons of water, 6 lbs. lime, 4 lbs. copper sulphate ; dissolve the copper sulphate in 2 gallons of hot water ; make up to 25 gallons in a barrel. Slack the lime to a thin paste ; make up to 25 gallons. Pour together. When emptying into the spray- tank strain through a brass wire strainer. 314 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 15, 1909. Sulphur Fumes for Fruit Preserving.— Though the following method for preserving Peaches, Apples, Pears, and Tomatos would not at first eight seem very likely to be successful, yet, according to the Queensland Agricultural Journal, March, 1909, it may be adopted with confidence. Peel Peaches, or other fruit, cut in halves, remove seeds, put in a wooden tub having a hole in the centre for the vessel containing the sulphur. If four gallons of fruit are required, prepare enough for six gallons to allow for shrinkage. Place sulphur at the rate of one tea- spoonful per gallon of fruit in the tub, ignite the sulphur, and cover the tub for four hours. Remove the fruit, [place in stone jars, and cover. According to the journal quoted, fruit preserved in this way keeps fine all winter, and tastes like fresh fruit. Sale of an Estate. — The Earl of Egmont's estate of Cowdray, including over 13,000 acres, has just been purchased by Sir Weetman Pearson. Cowdray Park lies in the Midhurst country, surrounded by the estates of Lord Leconfield, the Duke of Richmond, and the Duke of Norfolk. The present mansion was built in 1875, and stands in a park of 600 acres. Kew Guild Dinner.— We are requested to remind our readers that the annual dinner of the Kew Guild will take place at the Holborn Restaurant on the 25th inst., the first day of the Temple Flower Show, at 7.30 p.m., not as here- tofore on the eve of that show. The secretary, Mr. W. N. Winn, will be glad to hear before the 18th inst. from those who intend to be present. National Chrysanthemum Society. — This Society having decided to hold but one exhibition in 1909, has increased the prize list. The Crystal Palace is again selected for the holding of the exhibition, which has been fixed for November 3, 4, and 5. A conference on Chrysanthemums will be held at the Essex Hall, Essex Street, Strand, W.C., on Wednesday, October 6, 1909, commencing at 3 p.m. Papers will be read on various aspects of Chrysan- themum culture, and discussion will be invited. The annual outing will take place on August 9, when a visit will be paid to Friar Park, Henley- on-Thames. We are requested to notify the secre- tary's change of address. In future communica- tions should be addressed Mr. R. A. Witty, 72, Savernake Road, Gospel Oak, London, N.W. The William Wood Fund. — We are pleased to learn from Mr. George Monro that the sum of £195 13s. has been raised as the result of the appeal made on behalf of Mr. William Wood, of Heathside Nurseries, Dartford Heath. It will be remembered that Mr. Wood's glasshouses were destroyed by a snowstorm in March last. The Lord Penzance Sweet Briars. — We read in the American journals that the demand for varieties of the Penzance Sweet Briars is quite exceptional this year. They are certainly to be classed amongst the most charming plants in the Rose garden. A Prolific Plant. — Cycnoches chlorochilen holds for the present the record for number of seeds per capsule. According to the Kew Bulle- tin (No. 4, 1909), the number of seeds in a capsule of this plant presented to Kew by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. is, at a low estimate, about 3| million. Dr. Scott, who estimated the number, adds that the weight of each seed is about .0000036 grams — that is about 20,000 seeds to the grain— and that the progeny of the single flower would, if all the seeds came up, be about equal to the population of London. Flowers in Season. — Messrs. Baker's, Wolverhampton, have sent four new Saxifrages, including the new variety S. decipiens Ark- wrightii (see fig. 135), which received an Award of Merit at the meeting of the Royal Horticul- tural Society on May 2. The flowers of this variety, when expanded, measure 1 inch across and are of great substance ; the unopened buds are suffused with a pale rose tint, which dis- appears almost completely in the mature flowers. From the number of unopened flower-buds the variety is evidently a profuse bloomer. S. Camposii has flowers of purer whiteness than those of S. d. Arkwrightii, but not nearly such large or vigorous inflorescences. The other varie- ties include P. W. Hosier, a robust variety bear- ing rich crimson flowers; A. Lynes, with rosy- crimson blossoms ; and Lady Dean, the most vigorous of the quartette, the blossoms being suffused slightly with rose. Mr. F. Fleetwood Paul, Botley, Hants., who sends varieties of Sweet Peas, writes: " I am sending you herewith a few of my improved Telemly strain of winter-flowering Sweet Peas. The plants from which these blooms were cut commenced flowering at the end of February. Of course, the blooms are not so fine as those of the Spencer type, but they can be had at any season." A correspondent sends two new varieties FlG. 135. — SAXIFRAGA DECIPIENS ARKWRIGHTII : FLOWERS WHITE. of Sweet Peas, one a long-stemmed white variety, the other of a rose-salmon tone of colour. He writes: " I send for your inspection a new Sweet Pea, raised by Mr. James Agate, of Havant. The colour is of the deepest shrimp-pink, after the style of Earl Spencer but more intense. The standard is beautifully waved and of the size of that of the John Ingman variety. The other variety is Agate's White, a long-stemmed flower suitable for market purposes." Messrs. Jas. Veitck & Sons have sent us a beautiful bouquet of Schizanthus. The strain is described as " Veitch's hybrids," and it is certainly remarkable for the distinct, pretty colours. We hope to see them exhibited at the Temple Show. Mr. W. Marshall, V.M.H.— Our readers will extend their congratulations to the Chair- man of the Floral Committee of the Royal Hor- ticultural Society on the occasion of his golden wedding. Mr. W. Marshall was married on May 10, 1859, at Auchinvaith, Blantyre, N.B., to Margaret, younger daughter of David Brand, of Glasgow. It will be remem- bered that Mr. Marshall was successful in first blooming Odontoglossum crispum in this coun- try. He was one of the founders of the United Horticultural Benefit and Provident Institution and the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund, two excellent institutions in which he continues to take practical interest. He has been a member of the Royal Horticultural Society's Council for many years past, and Chairman of the Floral Committee for 23 years. His wide knowledge, geniality and firmness are qualities for which he is universally esteemed by those who are associated with him in horticultural work. In every capacity Mr. Marshall has worked! with distinction to himself and benefit to hor- ticulture. We hope that he and Mrs. Marshall have yet many years of happy and useful life before them. Gift of a Public Park to Sheffield. — It is announced that the Duke of Norfolk has presented Norfolk Park to the inhabitants of Sheffield. It has been maintained hitherto en- tirely at the expense of the Duke for the use of the public. The Duke's Sheffield residence adjoins it. The park is about 60 acres in extent, and was laid out by the grandfather of the present Duke in 1841. It is situated on a hill overlook- ing the town, not far from the Midland Railway Station. Imports of Fruit and Vegetables from France. — The value of fruit and vegetables imported from France alone reached in 1906 the enormous sum of £2,400,000. In the course of six years (1899-1906) the value of the imports increased from less than one million sterling (23 million francs) to almost three times that sum. According to the Journal of the Horti- cultural Society of France, this increase has been due in considerable measure to the enterprise shown by the French railway companies in establishing express goods trains with properly ventilated trucks at reduced rates. We commend this enlightened policy to the notice of the rail- way companies of our own country. Bulbous Flowers in the Birmingham Parks.— The planting of bulbs in the municipal parks of Birmingham extends every year. The Cannon Hill Park receives the largest share, but extensive planting is also undertaken at Summer- field, Victoria, Aston, Ward End, Highgate, Calthorpe, and Queen's Parks. The influence of the smoky atmosphere on the blooms in some parts of the town is illustrated by a comparison between the flowers in this park with those in more outlying gardens. One has merely to look at a bed of Hyacinths at, say, Aston, or even Cannon Hill, and compare it with a similar dis- play at Queen's Park, Harborne, which is in comparatively open country, free from the smuts and acid-charged vapours of an industrial centre. Looking at the blooms one can hardly imagine that they are of the same kind3 as those planted nearer the centres of industry. A New Disease of Cucumbers and Vege- table Marrows. — A new disease of Cucumbers and Marrows is described in Die Gartenwelt. The disease in question, which has recently appeared in Europe, is due to a fungus, Pseudo- peronospora cubensis, and like so many other fungal diseases has made its way to Europe from America, where it is endemic on wild members of the Cucurbitacese. The symptoms of the disease are: — dry, yellow-brown spots, at first rounded, later angular, on the young leaves ; on the under- side of the leaf the mycelium of the fungus forms violet to grey, irregular patches. In certain cases, at all events, the diseased plants fail to produce fruits. Spraying with dilute Bordeaux mixture is recommended. Fortunately moisture and warmth do not appear to favour the spread of the disease, so long as ventilation is not neglected. May 15, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 315 NARCISSUS CHALLENGER. The variety shown in fig. 136 was raised by Mr. E. M. Crossfield, Cossington House, Bridg- water, and exhibited by Messrs. Barr & Sons at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on May 4. The plant belongs to the flat-cupped or incomparabilis (sometimes called Engleheartii) section. The corona is a rich shade of orange, and very broad. The segments of the perianth also are very large and of almost perfect sym- metry. The plant is a tall grower and of fine bearing. It is a seedling from the same cross as that which produced the remarkable Pixie variety. according to the vigour of the plant, and have long sheaths closely investing the underground stem. Nestling in the uppermost leaves are two to eight ovate bracts, which form the most conspicuous feature of the plant, for at least the two innermost bracts are white, with longitudinal green veins, and sometimes 3£ inches long and 2 inches wide, forming an involucre round the flowers as in some species of Hseman- thus. The flowers are numerous, but small, and of the true Liliaceous type ;, they are borne on short stalks, and have six long-clawed segments in the ovate-hooded blades, of which the stamens are fixed and reach to or beyond the tips. The three styles are quite distinct, and been introduced from South Africa by Mr. Bowie in 1823. The generic name is derived from aner, a man, and cymbos, a cavity, in allusion to the stamens nestling in the hooded perianth-segments. C. H.. Wright. R^axiKR^or-l Fig. 136. — narcissus challenger: perianth pure white corona orange-coloured. ANDROCVMBIUM MELANTHOIDES. Androcvmhium melanthoides, Willd. (see "fig. 134) was described as long ago as 1808, and was in cultivation in 1823, but seems to have been lost until its recent re-introduction by Mr. W. E. Gumbleton, who received bulbs of the species •from Mr. George Thorncroft, of Barberton, Trans- vaal. The bulb is like that of a minute Tulip, and very small in proportion to the size of the plant which develops from it. The main part ■of the stem is underground and very slender, and •bears at the ground level two to four lanceolate leaves, which vary in length from 3 to 9 inches, the capsule bursts septicidally. This species is not uncommon in the central region of Cape Colony, and extends through the Orange River Colony. Xatal. the Transvaal, and Rhodesia, to Nyasaland. Several varieties have been de- scribed which differ chiefly with respect to robustness. A pencil drawing of this species by the late Prof. W. H. Harvey, of Dublin, is in the collection al Kew. Another species, A. eucomoides. Willd., ap- peared as Melanthium eucomoides in the Botani- cal Magazine, t. 641, published in 1803, and a coloured drawing is preserved at Kew of a plant which flowered there on March 14th, 1824, having GROWERS AND THE RAILWAYS. Widespread satisfaction has been created amongst the trading community by the with- drawal of the Bill laid before Parliament to sanction the amalgamation of the Great Northern, Great Central, and Great Eastern railways, this withdrawal being necessitated by the storm of opposition raised against the Bill throughout the country. The attitude adopted by the traders has throughout been perfectly clear. They do not for one moment contend that railways companies shall be compelled to continue their policy of cut-throat competition for the purpose of secur- ing passenger traffic, and they recognise that any reasonable arrangement which would prevent the running of almost empty passenger trains in cer- tain districts, merely on account of the jealousy existing between competing lines, is a policy which is bad both for railway shareholders and for the commercial community, as it involves the unnecessary expenditure of money which might usefully be devoted to encouraging the merchandise traffic of the country, so as to swell the profits available for railway dividends. The question at issue goes, however, much further than this. Traders find that there is a strong tendency to a retrograde policy when once the spur of competition is removed, and that when they are at the mercy of a single company, or of two or more concerns combined into a single company, it is almost impossible to obtain reasonable treatment for goods traffic ; in such cases the efficiency of the service becomes decreased, rates have a tendency to rise higher than ever, and complaints meet with no redress. It is notorious that Kent growers (as well as the shareholders) find themselves even worse off than they were before the amalgamation of the South Eastern and London, Chatham and Dover railways ; growers in the Channel Islands have met with the same experience since various '• mutual understandings " have been come to between the South Western and other railways as regards goods traffic arriving at ports on the south coast. This is, in fact, the result that may usually be anticipated where anything in the nature of a monopoly arises, and even those who are most strongly opposed to the nation- alisation of our railway system are some- times tempted to ask themselves whether, if they are to be at the mercy of a monopoly, such monopoly would not be safer in the hands of the State rather than in the hands of a limited com- pany. There is the additional factor that the nationalisation of railways (on lines somewhat similar to those adopted in the Postal Service) stands on a different footing to any ques- tion of municipal trading. In the latter case, municipalities actually enter into competition with the private citizen, whereas, by the very nature of their undertaking, railways compete with no one but each other (except in the case of sea-borne traffic), although their policy in- evitably affects for good or evil the commercial prosperity of the country to an extent which is practically incalculable. If, however, the spur of competition can be maintained, there is un- doubtedly much to be said in favour of matters of this kind being left to the energy of private enterprise. It is, therefore, scarcely to be wondered at that traders should experience a considerable feeling of relief at the success of their efforts to oppose the monopoly which would have been established by the parliamentary Bill referred to above. Their success proves that those who advocated a policy of laissez-faire on the ground that the rail- ways were too strong for the trader, and that 316 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 15, 1909. " the inevitable was bound to happen," were neither wise nor far-sighted; the result also en- forces the lesson that "' combination must be met by combination," as well as by constant watch- fulness and vigorous action on the part of those whose interests are attacked. It often happens, however, that in the moment of victory danger is greatest. There is always the possibility of " counter-attack " at the moment when the victors are lulled into a false sense of security. In the present instance, it is by no means certain that the companies con- cerned will accept their rebuff with equanimity, and they may yet take further steps with a view to achieving their desired ends. There is, for instance, the possibility that they may now enter into " mutual understandings " or " tacit ar- rangements " not to compete with each other in respect of various "reasonable facilities" hitherto granted to traders, and the President of the Board of Trade has already hinted at the possibility of agreements of this kind being " driven under- ground " in the case of an open request for leave to amalgamate being vetoed. It is obvious, therefore, that the necessity for watchfulness is increased rather than diminished at the present stage of the conflict. It must also be borne in mind that the only result of the successful opposition to the Bill is that, for the present, traders are relieved from the danger of further encroachment in this par- ticular direction upon their existing rights, and that their many grievances still remain unreme- died. For the past 12 months a Conference, originally convened by Mr. Lloyd-George, has been sitting for the purpose of considering the numerous complaints of hardship put forward by traders, but as yet no definite result has been made known. .2j is, in fact, rumoured in some quarters that the railways experts at the Con- ference have succeeded in engineering the pro- ceedings in a manner which has been consider- ably successful from their own point of view. Time is, of course, on their side, and some months ago a highly-placed railway official re- marked, in the presence of the writer, that he thought there would be no difficulty in prolong- ing the proceedings, at all events, beyond the life of the present Government ! At the moment of writing, the President of the Board of Trade has announced his intention " of considering the best form and scope of a parliamentary enquiry into the question of railway amalgamations and work- ing agreements." Growers will, doubtless, be able to give useful and, in certain instances, re- markable evidence in such an enquiry, but it is to be hoped that the President of the Board of Trade may realise the necessity of conducting the proceedings with all possible despatch. So far as may be feasible, any such enquiry should be proceeded with from day to day in the same way as actions are tried in the law courts. A commission or committee, which would sit at intervals (sometimes of several weeks), as in the case of the present Conference, would probably prove to be worse than useless if any real at- tempt at reform is to be made. In addition to the successful opposition of the Amalgamation Bill above discussed, traders may also take heart from the result of the recent struggle between Messrs. Elders and Fyffes, Ltd. (the Banana merchants), and the combined strength of the railways of the United Kingdom. It is, of course, well known that merchandise conveyed by rail is charged at rates varying according to the " class " in which any particular article is placed by statute. Excluding the classes which deal only with heavy traffic, those which affect the ordinary trader are the classes known as Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Articles in Class 1 pay the lowest rate, and the charges increase through the different classes until Class 5, which pays the highest rate, is reached. Hitherto, unripe Bananas have stood under statute in Class 3. For practical purposes, however, they have been 1 Ik ed in the railway working classification in Class 2 if sent in minimum loads of one ton per wagon, but in this case they have been subjected to various onerous conditions, as the railways would only consent to carry Bananas, loose in bunches, " at owner's risk as regards deterioration, damage, loss by pilferage, or from other causes." Furthermore, the rates charged only entitled the trader to haulage " from station to station," and the companies did not undertake to supply labour for loading or unloading their trucks. After negotiations extending over several years, Messrs. Elders and Fyffes decided some months ago that the time had come when appli- cation should be made to the Board of Trade for an order compelling the railway companies to ex- tend to them lower rates and more reasonable treatment, and accordingly they applied for " unripe Bananas, loose, in minimum loads of one ton per wagon " to be placed in Class 1. In due course, the Board of Trade sat to hear the application, and seven railway rate experts, representing the seven principal companies of the kingdom, attended to oppose. After considering the matter for several days, the Board of Trade notified the parties concerned of their intention to make the order asked for by Messrs. Elders and Fyffes, with the exception that the minimum load to be carried at Class 1 rates should be two tons instead of one ton. To this Messrs. Elders and Fyffes raised no objection, but a chorus of indignation arose from the railway companies, and they promptly applied to the High Court for an order forbidding the Board of Trade to make the order. Mr. Justice Jelf and Mr. Justice Coleridge, however, declined to interfere, and the order of the Board of Trade has now become law by publication in the London Gazette. The order in question contains a schedule of the Railway Acts thus affected, and some idea of the complicated state of affairs with which the ordinary trader is faced in his dealings with the railway companies on the question of rates may be gathered from the fact that the Acts affected by the order amount to no fewer than 35 in number. Messrs. Elders and Fyffes are to be congratulated on their courageous stand in the matter, and it is to be hoped that the result may prove to some of the less enlightened railway companies of the kingdom that it is not always a wise policy to drive the trader too far, and that in litigation of this kind it is not necessarily a foregone conclusion that the combined strength of the railway companies must win. U. M. V . BULBS IN BATTERSEA PARK. This beautiful South London park is now displaying the varied beauties of tree and shrub, of flowering bulbs and other early plants. It is, perhaps, the skilful arrangement of the masses of mixed shrubs and their distribution at suitable points in the landscape, and the gar- den-like character of the laying-out of this park that are its chief charms. The beauty of the shrubs and trees, which are now clothed with their fresh foliage and flowers, inconspicuous as the latter mostly are, is much appreciated at this season. Willows and Poplars, with their grey young leaves are the most striking. Near the reserve garden by the Albert Bridge are bold teds of Tulips. The adjacent panel garden has four circular beds, which are furnished with crimson Tulips of one variety, with a larger bed, also circular, in the centre. Two squares of a yellow Narcissus and two of N. bicolor flank these ; the whole making a bold display. In this part of the park are several showy specimens of Prunus persica, old trees, 10 feet high, densely covered with their semi-double flowers of various shades of crimson. Following the diagonal path leading to the Avenue, there are batches of Narcissi in the grass, and a group of Kaiser Kroon Tulips and yellow Wall- flowers. In the sub-tropical garden, two beds are planted with scarlet and yellow Tulips, together with Muscari (Grape Hyacinth). Other beds of Tulip Cottage Maid and Arabia albida produce a pretty effect. Beds are also planted with purple Tulips and Polyanthuses of fine quality : with brown-coloured Wallflowers, Daffodil Sir Watkin, and Tulip La Belle Alliance ; others con- tain Hyacinth gigantea, of a light pink colour, and Tulip La Belle Alliance. The large heart shaped beds at the corner of the grass plot con- tain variously shaped groups of bulbs and Primula Polyanthus, crimson and yellow Tulips, Hyacinth King of the Blues, Tulip Joost van Vondel, Primula Polyanthus being intermingled with the bulbs with good effect. Hereabouts, a big circular bed displays strong-growing Ciner- arias in various colours, and having Dicentra (Dielytra) spectabilis planted thinly over it. A curious mixture of dull purple and blue Hya- cinths is not altogether pleasing to a critical observer. A quiet effect is made in a bed filled with Mme. Van der Hoop Hyacinth (white) and' Primula Polyanthus. One of the most attractive beds is filled with the soft crimson-coloured Tulip La Reve and crimson-flowered Daisies, the latter just showing flower. Tulip Proserpine, with white Arabis and yellow Wallflowers is excellent. The beds of Rhododendrons and Azalea sinen- sis show great promise for flowering ; and so alsc do bushes of Magnolia conspicua. Tulipa ful- gens, a late-flowering species, is in full blossom, and amongst its bulbs are clumps of Pyrethrum roseum varieties. By the lakeside, a bed is planted with Azalea sinensis and Iris germanica. and if these flower simultaneously the effect should be good. The young growth of Gunnera manicata by the lakeside is magnificent. F. M. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. ( The Editor does not hold himself responsible jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) An International Horticultural Ex- hibition.— The wish suggested hi your concluding remarks (see p. 232) on the great International Exhibition at Berlin, that this country may soon see a great international show will find a response in the heart of all who love horticulture. Whilst we have had many good exhibitions, no- really great international show has been held in London since 1866. Very few are now alive who saw that display, but it was the finest horticul- tural show Great Britain had seen. If another international exhibition were held, it would be likely to excel that of 1866. just as that excelled all others which had preceded it. The chief difficulty to overcome in relation to such a show is that of getting a fitting place in London or its suburbs. There is, for choice, doubtless the Crystal Palace, the White City, Earl's Court, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and last, but by no means least, Holland Park. But so much would depend on the time of year at which the show was held. It is unsafe to hold shows here under canvas earlier than the end of May. No one would dream of doing so in April. Probably the most favoured time for canvas would be in June. If it were held much earlier than that, permanent buildings such as are found on some of the sites named would be essential. I do not wish at this moment to discuss the possible suspension of the Temple shows, but it is by no means improbable that the conditions imposed on those shows have become too onerous to" be longer endured. The fact that no refreshment other than lawn teas will be permitted there this year affords proof that the Society is to be gradually expelled from the gardens. In any case, much as may have been the prestige of 'the Temple shows, those at Holland Park are far more enjoyable. If any movement is made in the direction of promoting a great international show in London, necessarily the chief force must come from the Royal Horti- cultural Society. But that fact need not prevent outside influence being brought to bear on the Council in the matter. The work of organising the exhibition should be, as in 1866. in the hands of a powerful representative horticultural com- mittee. A. May 15, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 317 Spring Flowers at Hampton Court Palace. — Seldom have spring flowers made to brilliant a display at Hampton Court as this year. Bulbs, especially both early and late Tulips, figure prominently, and of these very many seem to be so new to visitors that note-books are brought into use constantly. The long border which margins the broad promenade on the palace side is a mass of Tulips almost from end to end, eaily and late varieties being inter- mingled on carpets of dwarf plants ; there is no break, as the succession is well maintained. The broad edging to this border of double Arabis is like a trail of snow. In the beds on the opposite side of the walk masses of various- coloured Polyanthuses, wondrously fine Pansies, giant double 'Daisies, Violas, Wallflowers, yellow Alyssum, and various Aubrietias with the snowy Arabis afford delightful carpets for many diverse double and single Tulips. I have never seen the beds better furnished or more effectively filled A. D. Acetylene Gas Refuse. ^During the past few years we have used a considerable quantity of this material in the gardens here. It is certainly advisable to allow the refuse to be exposed to the atmosphere some time before using, say, 12 months. At first I tried it on land used for Potatos, Peas, and a bed of Godetia, and with no ill-effects. Since then it has been used generally in the kitchen garden, especially for working into the subsoil, which is of a clayey nature. During the winter of 1907 and 1908 we trenched an old disused timber yard, with the intention of adding it to the kitchen garden. The refuse was used very freely for mixing with the staple, with any other available material, such as manure from old hot-beds, leaf-mould, burnt garden refuse and decayed sawdust. One of the finest crops of Potatos I have seen was taken from this land last season. Other crops have succeeded, includ- ing Globe and Jerusalem Artichokes, Borecole, Brussels Sprouts, Turnips, Spinach, Beet, Peas, and Spring Cabbage. If the refuse were used whilst fresh it would probably prove injurious, for, on taking charge here, I found the Onion crop useless, and it was attributed to the refuse having been emptied directly on to the land after it had been taken from the gasometer. G. II. Head, Kingsdon Manor Gardens, Taunton. SOCIETIES. LAW NOTES. THE SALE OF POISONOUS COMPOUNDS. A sub-committee of the Public Health Com- mittee of Edinburgh Town Council recently considered applications by seedsmen for licenses to sell poisonous substances used for horticultural purposes under the Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1908 (Section II.). Mr. A. E. S. Thomson appeared on behalf of thirteen seedsmen making application. The Edinburgh Chemists' Society opposed the applications. Mr. Thomson held that the chemists were only rivals in trade. The regulations regarding the sale of poisonous substances were directed, he said, against vendors other than the seedsman. What the seedsmen wanted was to get the benefit of the statutory authorisations. The seedsmen manufactured those substances, and if they were refused the licenses the trade would pass from the seedsman to the chemist. This was manifestly unjust. Nineteen such licenses had been granted in Glasgow. Mr. T. B. Morison said he was informed that no licenses had been granted either in Glasgow or elsewhere in Scotland. He appeared on behalf of the Chemists' Association in Edinburgh, and on behalf of numerous vendors of these poisonous substances. The Act provided that such licenses were to be granted only where there were not in the particular localities facilities sufficient to meet the reasonable requirements of the public. In Edinburgh the facilities were ample. Counsel also argued that the applications from firms were incompetent, as licenses could be granted only to individual persons. Before the committee rose for lunch, it was de- cided that the applications be withdrawn, to be amended so as to become applications by indi- vidual persons. Thereafter the committee sat in private and decided after considerable discussion to recom- mend that the three applications made by individuals should be granted. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. May 4. — Present: Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A., F.L.S. (in the chair), Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., Messrs. J. Fraser, J. W. Odell, H. J. Elwes, J. T. Bennett-Poe, A. Worsley, H. T. Gussow, G. Massee, J. Douglas, F. J. Baker, E. H. Holmes, W. Hales, R. Hooper Pearson, W. Cuthbertson, R. A. Rolfe, F. J. Chittenden (hon. secretary), and W. E Ledger (visitor). Hybrid Narcissus. — Mr. J. Douglas showed specimens of a hybrid Narcissus obtained by crossing N. calathinus (which is not quite hardy) with the bicolor trumpet Daffodil Wear- dale Perfection. The hybrid was a white trum- pet Daffodil with a somewhat short trumpet. It has proved hardy. V ariations in Primroses. — Mr. Douglas com- mented upon the considerable variations often seen in cultivated Primroses in the comparative lengths of the style and the positions of the stamens, and showed specimens to illustrate his remarks. The extreme examples of departure from the normal conditions were seen in a flower in which the anthers and the stigma were both level at the base of the corolla tube, and in another where the style projected much beyond the mouth of the corolla tube. seen in these Tulips. The exhibit was particu- larly interesting since it was stated that the branching character had become perfectly fixed when the plants were reproduced vegetatively, and that seedlings give a considerable proportion of plants showing the same character. In the case of Tulips the branching character cannot be due to the union of several flowers, as is usually the case in fasciation, since normally the Tulip is generally one-flowered. It must, therefore, be due to division of the flower-forming tissue at a very early stage of its development. Hybrid Orchids. — Mr. Rolfe showed flowers of Epidendrum evectum (purple) and E. xanthi- num (yellow), and the hybrid raised by crossing them ( = E. x kewense of a salmon colour). He also showed flowers of E. x kewense crossed with E. evectum, producing a hybrid having purple flowers (but not of the same shade as E. evec- tum), and of E. x kewense crossed with E. xanthinum, this cross bearing flowers resembling E. X kewense. When E. x kewense was self- pollinated it reproduced flowers of three sorts bearing great resemblance in colour to E. evec- tum, E. x kewense, and E. xanthinum respec- tively. Various plants. — Mr. G. Paul sent specimens of the two shrubs Plagiospermum sinense, an in- teresting plant belonging to the Rosacese, with flowers nearly approaching the Celastraceae in structure, and bearing thorns a little distance above each of the leaf axils in addition to the Fig. 137. — branched tulips from bulbs in which the CjUALITY of branching is fixed. {See note in "Scientific Committee.") Hybrid Salices, dc. — Mr. J. Fraser exhibited living and herbarium specimens of the follow- ing plants : — (1) Salix fragilis X triandra (alopecuroides Zausch.) gynandrous specimens of the tree, which is normally male. Some of the smaller branches bore female catkins with a few stamens amongst them. The ovary is similar to that of S. fragilis, and the stigmas recall S. triandra. The posterior gland is often changed into one or two ovaries, separate or combined. The stamens are usually three : in the female catkin there may be one, two, or three ovaries, and sometimes one stamen and one ovary (collateral). (2) Salix myrsinites X nigricans (punctata, Wahlb.). (3) Salix arbuscula X herbacea (simulatrix, F. B. White). Mr. Fraser also exhibited specimens showing sepalody of the petals in Wallflower, and pistillody of the stamens in the same flower, and fasciation of the flower stem of Cardamine pratensis. Branching in Tulips (see fig. 137). — Mr. R. Hooper Pearson showed branched stems of Tulips of the Darwin form from Mons. Bony, Clermont-Ferrand, France, the varieties repre- senting considerable variety in colour. There were usually four flowers, but sometimes as many as seven from a single bulb. The stems showed some degree of fasciation such as is frequently usual axillary bud, and Gleditschia Delavayi, a species from Yunan. Both of these have proved hardy at Cheshunt, but Mr. Hales stated that the latter had been killed by frost at Chiswick. Mr. Worsley showed an inflorescence of On- cidium verrucosum var Rogersii to illustrate the great amount of variation in the lobing of the labellum seen in this plant. Mr. Elwes exhibited a number of fine flowers of the recently-introduced Regelio-Oncocyclus hy- brid Irises raised by Mr. van Tubergen. He found that if kept dust dry for about five months they could be successfully grown in this country, and did not die out as the Oncocyclus Irises usually do. SPILSBY DAFFODIL. April 29. — The eighth annual exhibition of spring bulbous flowers was held at Spilsby on the above date. The exhibits all round were re- markably good. For a collection of Daffodils in 30 varieties (not to include Polyanthus Narcis- sus nor double varieties), Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden. London, offered a silver vase, which was won by Mr. C. Miller, Spilsby, for the second year in succession. The Challenge Cup. given by the late Mrs. Thompson, East Krai, open to residents within the Horncastle Parliamentary Division, for 20 distinct varieties cf Daffodils (not including Polyanthus varieties), 318 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 15, 1909. was awarded to the Rev. H. G. Alingion, Candlesby Rectory. Three premier prizes were offered, silver medals being awarded to Mr. J. F Rawnsley, Candlesby. for the best flower ol a Magni-coronati variety ; to Mrs. Pocklington- Coltman, Hagnaby Priory, for the best Medio- coronati variety; and to Mr. T. Simpson for Parvi-coronati. The principal prize-winners were Mrs. Pocklington-Coltman, the Rev. G. H. Hales, the Rev. H. G. Alington (Candlesby Rectory), Dr. M. C Moxham (Stickney), Messrs. C .Miller, T. Simpson, H. Shajrp, P. W. Free- man (Spilsby). S. F. Staffurth (Freiston), J. F. Rawnsley, and H. Hand (East Kirkby). Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Floral Farms, Wisbech, and Mr. A. M. Wilson, East Keal, showed non- competitive exhibits. KENT, SURREY & SUSSEX DAFFODIL, April 30. — The exhibition which took place at Timbridge Wells on this date is the fourth in succession held by these counties. The exhibi- tion, although not the finest of the series, was certainly superior, from a cultural point of view, to that of last year. Trade exhibits greatly con- tributed in making the show a success. Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, Lon- don, and Mr. F. Herbert Chapman, Rye, Sus- sex, both staged excellent stands of choice Nar- cissi, whilst Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co., Maid- stone, Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, and Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Ltd., Dover, showed Alpine and other hardy plants, also cut flowers of spring- flowering subjects. Local exhibitors in Messrs. A. Chaklton & Sons contributed a grand display of cut flowers of Anemones, Tulips, Narcissi, &c, whilst Mr. A. Ashton, of Camden Park, showed well-grown Orchids. A collection of Narcissi seedlings not for competition was exhibited by the Rev. G. P. Haydon. In the class for a collection of Daffodils in not fewer than 30 nor more than 40 varieties con- taining representative blooms of three groups, Magni-Coronati, Medio-Coronati and Parvi-Coro- nati, Mr. G. A. Nix was awarded the 1st prize. Prominent varieties were Lady Margaret Bos- cawen, Glory of Leiden, Homespun, White Lady, Crown Prince, Weardale Perfection and Pilgrim. 2nd, Mr. C. J. Nix. The best 12 distinct varieties of Daffodils be- longing to the sections mentioned were shown by Mrs. Benson. Especially good were the blooms of Virgil, "Vesuvius, Albatross and Mme. Plemp. 2nd, M. Gourle. Mrs. Benson was also awarded the 1st prize in the class for 12 distinct varieties of Trumpet Daffodils (Magni-Coronati), showing Capt. Nel- son, Weardale Perfection, J. B. Camm, Mme. de Graaff, &c. ; 2nd, Rev. G. P. Haydon. This lady also won in the class for 12 distinct single varieties of chalice-cupped Daffodils (Medio-Coronati). The Rev. G. P. Haydon was again. placed 2nd. Mr. F. H. Chapman won the 1st priie for six distinct Parvi-Coronati varieties with excellent blooms of Cassandra, Barcarolle, Horace, Kings- ley, &c, the last-named being a remarkably fine specimen ; 2nd, Mr. E. W. Nix. ROYAL GARDENERS' ORPHAN FUND. (FESTIVAL DINNER.) May 6. — The usual gathering at dinner of those interested in this Charity took place on this date at the Hotel Cecil, London. A large com- pany, representative of all branches of horticul- ture, assembled under the chairmanship of his Grace the Duke of Rutland. Dinner was served in the handsome and spacious Victoria Hall, which was lavishly decorated with flowers and plants contributed by various friends of the Charity. It was a brilliant and successful func- tion, and we are glad to be able to record that it resulted in a considerable addition to the funds of the Institution. The former hon. treasurer, Mr. N. N. Sher- wood, whose absence through indisposition has been greatly regretted on former occasions, was present, and signalised his return by one of his usual generous gifts. After the loyal toasts had been proposed, the Chairman proposed that of the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund. His Grace asked the indulgence of Lis hearers, as lie was singularly ill qualified to make any serious remarks on the industry which concerned most of those present. He was gratified to know that in these days, when it is not easy to find any concern which is clear of financial difficulty, the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund was in a satisfactory condition. Although he doubted if such a good financial year as 1908, which celebrated the coming of age of the Insti- tution, could be expected, he, nevertheless, ap- pealed for liberal generosity to the Fund, and expressed the hope that the efforts made this year might produce a handsome contribution to the funds of the Society. The members of the gar- dening craft were exposed to trials and accidents as those in other branches of work. It was grati- fying to know that the orphans of those who passed away before they had time to make ade- quate provision for their children's up-bringing, were assisted by such a Fund. In these days when charitable* contributions were not so easily procured as in the past, it was very necessary to bring before the public and gardeners themselves the claims of the Society. Although gardening was one of the most interesting occupations the world had ever known, those occupied in its pur- suit were never able to amass large fortunes, and such institutions as the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund especially needed generous support by the general public. His Grace expressed the hope that those persons who had come forward to aid it in the past might do so in the future, and that the generosity aiid goodwill of the public would alwavs be extended to the charity. The hon. treasurer, Mr. Edward Sherwood, expressed thanks to his Grace for the kind words in which he had couched his appeal on behalf of the Fund. Last year a great effort was made to make the occasion memorable, and he was glad to state that the revenue from all sources for 1908 constituted a record, but the number of applicants seeking relief was also a record. Since February 14 applications for relief had been received, and these were found to be so necessitous as to war- rant the committee granting a measure of tem- porary assistance. At the present time 123 children, of ages ranging from 2 years to 13 years, were in receipt of the full yearly allowance of £13. He appealed for increased annual sub- scriptions, and thought that gardeners should subscribe more generally to the Fund. In some parts of the country the Institution was looked upon as a London Fund, but this was erroneous, for the candidates were selected from all parts of Great Britain. In several districts the local gardening societies were working in the interest of the orphans, and he appealed to gardeners to support these local funds. The administrative expenses were small, and were more than covered by the income from invested funds, so that all donations received were devoted directly to sup- plying the needs of the orphans. The toast of " Gardeners and Gardening " was proposed by Mr. Edward White, who de- clared that horticulture was responsible for the livelihood of a vast number of persons, and it was remarkable that the members of the gar- dening world did not exercise more influence in forwarding the interests of this industry. The official mind should be disabused of the notion that horticulture is little more than an appen- dage to agriculture. He would like the support of a few good speakers in Parliament on matters horticultural. It was regrettable that when an employer felt the pinch of bad times, economy was usually first directed to the garden staff. Dr. F. Keeble responded. When he regarded the extraordinary and beautiful results of the gardener's skill in producing new forms, he could not but admit that the encomiums, passed on gardens and gardeners were well deserved. He was, therefore, able to accept on their be- half— the more readily because they were true and well deserved — the praises which had been that evening lavished upon gardeners and their gardens. It was sometimes said that the English mind was slow to perceive the advan- tages of co-operation ; but for the practice of the noblest co-operation of all — that for the re- lief of distress — Englishmen, as that meeting testified, showed no lack of aptitude. The toast of " The Visitors " was given by Mr. N. N. Sherwood, who expressed his pleasure at finding himself again at the dinner after an absence of six years. He was present when the Society was founded, and did not miss one of the dinners for 15 years. He had seen the Institution grow, and he was delighted at its prosperity. It commended itself to all who v ere charitably disposed. Last year he was pleased to endow the Maybud Campbell Fund, in commemoration of the birth of his grand- daughter : he now wished to provide a similar fund, so that her brother might be able to nomi- nate an orphan to receive the benefits of the Fund. Mr. John Douglas, in a humorous speech, replied on behalf of the visitors. The toast of " The Press " was proposed by Mr. William Poupart, who emphasised the fact that horticulture in general, and its benevolent aspect in particular, were well served by the hor- ticultural Press. Mr. John Collingridge, in the course of his reply, stated that he was happy to be able to say on behalf of the horticultural Press that all that lay in its power would be done to further the interests of such admirable charitable institutions as the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund. The secretary, Mr. Brian Wynne, announced that as a result of the dinner the Institution had benefited by £800. This was not so large a sum as that of the previous year, but it exceeded that subscribed in former years. Some of the prin- cipal subscriptions were as follow : — The Duke of Rutland £10, Mr. N. N. Sherwood and his sons £100, Messrs. N. M. Rothschild & Sons 25 guineas, Baron Schroeder 10 guineas, Mr. Leonard Sutton £50, Mr. Reynolds £44 2s. 6d., Mr. David W. Thomson £25 4s., Mr. J. F. McLeod £21, Mr. E. S. Mansfield £20, Mr. R. Hooper Pearson £18 8s.. Mr. W. Nutting £15 9s. 6d., Mr. R. Ker £12 10s. 6d., Messrs. Barr & Sons, 10 guineas, Mr. F. Noakes 10 guineas, Mr. J. C. Eno 10 guineas, Messrs. James Veitch & Sons 10 guineas, Mr. H. J. Veitch 5 guineas, and supporters at Covent Garden Market £195 10s. 6d., making a grand total of about £800. NATIONAL AURICULA & PRIMULA. (MIDLAND SECTION.) May 5, 6. — The tenth annual exhibition was held at the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, on the above dates, in ideal weather. Hitherto the Society's shows have been confined to one day, but the present show extended over two. There was a large attendance, and on the even- ing of the first day visitors were entertained with an excellent promenade concert. Mr. C. Winn exhibited a grand lot of flowers, including several new seedlings. He beat all has competitors in the local classes, and won the Silver Medal offered by the Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society to the most successful exhibitor. The Bronze Medal offered as 2nd prize to the runner-up was awarded to Mr. W. M. Shipman. Messrs. H. W. Miller and T. Stevens were successful in the classes reserved for less experienced amateurs. Mr. George Savory is to be congratulated upon winning 1st prizes in both the Show and Alpine classes reserved for maiden growers. First-class Certificates were awarded to seven Auriculas, and one Award of Merit to a new Primrose. Honorary exhibits were received from Mr. C. Winn, who sent two dozen well-flowered plants of a very good strain of Schizanthus, for which a First-class Certificate was awarded. Mr. W. A. Watts contributed a large group of choice yellow and white Polyanthuses, to- gether with a small but interesting collection of Daffodils. (Silver Medal.) Show Auriculas. Twelve classes were provided for these, and some very good flowers were exhibited. There were two' exhibits in the principal class, which was for eight dissimilar varieties. The 1st prize was won by Mr. Walter M. Shipman, Clovely, Altrincham, with handsome flowers of Eucha'ris, Harrison Weir, Abraham Barker, Mikado, Acme, Richard Headlev, Mrs. Potts, and Shirley Hibberd ; 2nd, Mr. C. Winn, Selly Park. Birmingham (gr. Mr. T. T. Sheppardj, whose best varieties were Perseverance, Harri- son Weir and Eucharis. Six Show Auriculas, dissimilar. — 1st. Mr. C. Winn, with well-developed plants of Olympus. Lancashire Hero, Shirlev Hibberd. Gerald, Henry Wilson, and Harrison Weir; 2nd, Mr. W. M. Shipman. Four Show Auriculas, dissimilar. — Mr. Richard Holding, Bournville, was awarded the 1st prize for splendid examples of Cleopatra, Diomede, Mikado, and Acme; 2nd, Mr. J. Collier, junr., Ludlow. Mr. A. J. Wadley, Aston Manor, had the best pair of Show Auriculas, dissimilar, in Shirley Hibberd and Mrs. Potts. May 15, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 510 Single Plants. Green-edged. --1st, Mr. H. W. Miller, with a superb specimen of Shirley Hibberd ; 2nd, Mi'. W. M. Shipman, with Prince Charming. Grey-edged. — 1st, Mr. W. M. Shipman. with a sturdy, well-flowered plant of George Lightbody ; 2nd, Mr. C. Winn, with Richard Headley. White-edged. — Mr. W. M. Shipman secured both the 1st and 2nd prizes with splendid plants oi Conservative and Acme respectively. Selfs. — This was a popular class, no fewer than 22 exhibits being placed before the judges, who awarded the 1st prize to Mr. A. Lawton, Aston, for a grand plant of Mrs. Phillips ; 2nd, Mr. Richard Holding, with Harrison Weir. Selfs, yellow, primrose, orange or huff. — 1st, Mr. W. M. Shipman., with Daffodil; 2nd, Mr. C. Winn, with Joan Peacock. Alpine Auriculas. Eight Alpine Auriculas, dissimilar. — 1st, Mr. C. Winn, with Richard Dean, Mrs. Danka, Argus, Thetis, Golden Acme, J. F. Kew, Majestic and Ettrick ; 2nd, Mr. W. H. Parton, King's Heath. Six Alpine Auriculas, dissimilar. — Here again Mr. C. Winn was placed 1st with Mrs. Danks, Thetis, Richard Dean, Argus, Ettrick and J. F. Kew; 2nd, Mr. T. M. Eglington. Mr. A. Lawton was placed 1st in classes pro- vided for (1) four Alpine Auriculas, and (2) two Alpine Auriculas. Mr. Richard Holding had the best plant possessing a gold centre with Majestic ; and Mr. W. M. Shipman beat 24 contestants in a class for a variety with a light centre with a splendid specimen of Perseverance; 2nd, Mr. C. Winn, with J. F. Kew. The best unshaded Alpine Auricula was named Unexpected and was shown by Mr. Richard Holding. Seedling Show Auriculas. Two Show Auriculas. — 1st, Mr. E. Danks, with two unnamed varieties of much promise; 2nd, Mr. C. VV. G. Ludford, Sutton Coldfield, with David Copperfield and Charles Dickens. The last-named exhibitor beat seven competitors in a class for a grey-edged variety with a lovely plant of liarnaby Rudge. The best single speci- men of a green-edged variety was Charles Dickens, shown by Mr. C. Winn. Seedling Alpine Auriculas. — The principal prizewinners in these classes were .Messrs. Winn, Collier and Holding. Fancy Auriculas, Polyanthus and Prim- roses.— These were not well shown, and competi- tion was meagre. The successful prize-winners were Messrs. Winn, Collier, Ludford and Y\ ATTS. AWARDS. First-class Certificates were awarded each of the under-mentioned Auriculas : — I'/mr/rs Winn (green-edged), Dorothy West- macot (gold centre), Edith Winn (light centre), all from Mr. C. Winn. David < 'opperfield (self), shown by Mr. C. W. G. Ludford. Sutton Cold- field. Bournrille (gold centre), Salome (light centre), Unexpected (gold centre), all from Mr. Mr. Richard Holding. An Award of Merit was awarded to Primrose Miss Watts. This is a strong growing variety, with substantial cream-white, circular flowers nearly 2 inches across. It has a " thrum " eye, and the basal portion of the petals are heavily blotched with lemon-yellow. Premier Blooms. The premier Show Auricula was Richard Headley, shown by Mr. W. M. Shipman. The premier Alpine was Golden Acme, shown by Mr. C. Winn, who also had the premier, seedling, Show in Charles Winn and the premier, seedling, Alpine in Dorothy Westmacot. MARKETS. Plants in Pots, Sc: Average Wholesale Prices (& ntd.), UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND PROVIDENT. May 10. — The monthly committee meeting of the Society was held at the Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, on this date. Two new members were elected and one nominated. Three members over 60 years of age withdrew their interest as per Rule 18. The sum of £45 5s. 5d. was ordered to be paid to the representa- tives of the late Mr. David James Nightingale. The amount of sick pay for the past month has amounted to £65 7s. COVENT GARDEN, May 12. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 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 occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.] Cut Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. | 16-20 16-26 Anemone fulgens, p. dz. bunches — double pink, p. dozen bunches Azalea, per dozen bunclies ... 4 0-50 Carnations, p. doz. blooms, best American (var.) 2 6-36 — second size ... 10-20 — smaller, per doz. bunches 9 0-12 0 Calileyas, per doz. bloi-ms ... 10 0-12 0 Cypripediums, per dozen blooms.. 16-26 Daffodils, per doz. bunches ... 10-16 Dendrobium nobile, per dozen ... 2 0-26 Euchans grandifiora, per dz. blooms 2 6-36 Freesias (white), p. doz. 1 uiches... 2 0-26 Gardem. slperdoz. blooms 16-26 Gladiolus, per doz. bunches ... 9 0-12 0 Gypsophila ele- gans, per doz. bunches ... 3 0-40 Hyacinths, Dutch, p. dz. bunches 2 0-30 Iris (Spanish), per dozen bunches 4 0-60 Lilac (English), white, p. bunch 16-26 — mauve 2 0-30 Liliuin auratum, per bunch ... 2 0-30 — longirlortim ... 2 0-30 — lane i f ol iuin rubrum ... 16-26 •— album 2 0-20 Lily of the Valley, p. dz. bunches 6 0-90 — extra quality ... 12 0-15 0 Marguerites, p. dz. bunches white and yellow ... 2 0-30 Mignonette, per dozen bunches Myosotis, per doz. bunches Narcissus, per dz, bunches O d o nto giossum crispum, per dozen blooms Pelargoniums, show, per doz. bunches — Zonal, double scarlet Ranunculus, perdz. bunches Richardia africana, per dozen Roses, 12 blooms, N'iphetos — Bridesmaid ... — C. Testout ... — K a i se r i n A. Victoria — C. Mermet — Liberty — Mme.Cbatenay s.d. s.d. 4 0-60 2 0-30 10-16 2 0-26 4 0-60 3 0-50 16-26 2 6-40 2 0-30 2 0-40 2 0-40 3 0-50 3 0-50 Mrs. J. Laing 2 0-40 — Richmond ... 3 0-60 — The Bnde ... 3 0-40 — L'lrichBrunner 2 0- 4,0 Spiraea, per dozen bunches 5 0-80 Stocks, double white, per doz. bunches ... 2 0-26 Sweet Peas, per dz. bunches ... 2 0-60 Tuberoses, per dz. blooms . ... 0 3- 0 4 — on stems, per bunch 0 9-13 Tulips, per dozen bunches, vingle 6 0-10 0 — best double varieties ... 12 0-24 0 — Darwin varie- ties 6 0-12 0 Cut Foliage, &c: Average Wholesale Prices. Adiantum cunea- uini, dz. bchs. Agrostis, per doz, bunches Asparagus plu- mosus, long trails, per doz. — — medm.,bch. — Sprengeri Berberis, per doz. bunches Croton leaves, per bunch Cycas leaves, each Daffodil foliage, p. doz. bunches... Ferns, per dozen bchs. (English) -- (French Plants in Pots. s.d. s.d. 6 0-90 9 0-12 0 10-20 0 9-16 2 6-30 1 0- 1 6- 2 0-26 s.d. s.d. Galax leaves, per dozen bunches 2 0-26 Hardy foliage (various), per dozen bunches 3 0-90 Honesty (Lunaria) per bunch ... 10-16 Ivy-leaves, bronze 2 0-26 — long trails per bundle 0 9-16 — short green, perdz. bunches 16-26 2 0- 0 6- 3 0 09 Moss, per gross Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English ) small-leaved... — French Smilax, per dozen trails 5 0-60 4 0-60 10-16 4 0-60 Acacias, per dozen Ampelopsis Veit- chii, per dozen Araha Sieboldii, p. dozen — larger speci- mens — Woseri Aiaucaria excelsa, per dozen — large plants, each ... . ... Aspidistras, p. dz., green — variegated Asparagus, plumo- sus nanus, per dozen — Sprengeri — ten u is si mus Azaleas (Ii di .n). p. dozen . Boro n i a mega- stigma, pt r doz, — heteropl y'la... Calceolarias, her- baceous, dozen .. — yellow .. Cinerarias, dozen Average Wholesale Prices s.d 8 0 per per , &0 s.d. s.d. i s.d. s.d, 12 0-18 0 Clematis, per doz. 8 0-90 | - in flower 12 0-18 0 6 0- 8 0 i Cocos Weddelli- I ana, per dozen... 18 0-30 0 4 0- 6 0 ! Crotons, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Cyclamen, pr. doz. 9 0-15 0 Cy peru s alterni- folius, dozen ... 4 0-50 — laxus, per doz. 4 0-50 Dracaenas, perdoz. 9 0-24 0 Erica persoluta alba, per doz. 12 0-24 0 — candidissima, per doz. ... 18 0 24 0 — Cavendishi.dz. 24 0-36 0 Euonymus.per dz., in pots 4 0-90 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 8 0-12 0 — in small and large 60's ... 12 0-20 0 — in 48's, perdz. 4 0-60 — choicer sorts... 8 0-12 0 — in 32's, per dz. 10 0-18 0 Ficuselastica.p.dz. 8 0-10 0 — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 Fuchsias, per doz 8 0-10 0 Genista fragrans, per doz. - 6 0-80 6 0-90 Grevilleas, per dz. 4 0- fi 0 9 0-12 0 4 0-601 12 0-30 0 3 6-50 15 0-24 0 30 0-42 0 12 0-18 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 24 0-36 0 24 0-30 0 12 0-18 0 6 0-80 5 0-70 Hardy flower roots, per dozen Heliotropiums, per dozen Hydrangea Thos. Hogg, per dz. — hortensis Isolepis, per dozen Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen — Fosteriana, dz. Latania borbonica, per dozen Lilium longi- florum, per dz. — lancifolium, p. dozen... Lily of the Valley, per dozen Marguerites, white, per dozen M ign onet t e, per dozen Musk, per dozen... Fruit: Apples (Tasman- ian), per case : — Ribston Pippin — Scarlet Pear- main — Cox's Orange Pippin ... — Alexander — Prince Alfred.. — (Australian), per case: — Dunn's Seed- ling — Cleopatra — Jonathan — Ribston Pippin — California Newtown Pip- pin, per case, 4 tiers — 4$ tiers — (American), per b:trrel : — Nonpareils ... — Oregon New- towns, per case Bananas, bunch: — Doubles — No. 1 „ ... — Extra „ ... — Giant (l ... — (Claret) „ ... — Jamaica „ ... — Loose, per dz. Cranberries, per case Cherries (French), per box Custard Apples ... s.d s.d 1 0- ■ 2 0 G 0 8 0 10.0- 12 0- 4 0- 15 0 24 0 6 0 15 0-24 0 18 0-30 0 12 0- 18 0 12 0-18 0 12 0- 24 0 18 0-30 0 6 0-80 5 0- 3 0- 7 0 4 0 Pansies, per box of 24 plains, each Pelargoniums show varieties, per dozen _ — Ivy leaved ». — Oak leaved ... — Zonals Rhodanthe, per dz. Rhododen drons, each Roses, H.P.'Si per dozen — Polyantha va- rieties — Ramblers, each Selaginella, per dz. Spiraea japonica, p. dozen Stocks (intermed- iate), w h i t e, crimson, and pink, per t'oz. Verbenas, per doz. Average Wholesale Prices, s.d. s.d. Gooseberries (Eng- lish), per peck 9 6-11 0 Grape Fruit, case Grapes (new) 9 0-10 6 Guernsey Figs, dz. Lemons, box : 13 0-14 0 — Messina, 300 .. 8 6-96 — Do. 360... 9 6-10 6 — (Naples), per case Limes, per case .. I.ychees, per box... 10 6-12 6 Melons, each 10 0-12 0 Nuts.Almonds.per 10 0-13 0 bag 9 6-11 0 — Brazils, new, perewt. — Barcelona, bag — Cocoa nuts. 100 8 0-96 Oranges (Denial... 8 0-96 — Californian seedless, per case IB 0-20 0 — (Valencia) per case (420) 9 0-11 6 — per case (714)... — Jaffas 9 0-10 0 — Palermo Blood 6 6-80 — Murcia Blood, 8 0-90 per case (200)... 10 0-12 0 Pears (Australian), 5 0-76 Winter Nelis, 5 0-56 per tray 0 6-10 — Calabash, per trav 13 0-14 6 Pineapples, each ... — (Natal), perdz. 10-13 Strawberries, lb ... 3 0-12 0 — second quality s.d. s.d. 12 0-18 0 6 0-80 4 0-60 5 0-70 5 0-60 2 0-50 12 0-18 0 12 0-18 0 5 0-10 6 4 0-60 6 0-70 8 0-12 0 s.d. s.d. 4 6-50 9 0-12 0 2 6 — 4 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 6 18 0-25 0 5 0 — 10-13 2 0-80 38 0-40 0 33 0-35 0 30 0-32 0 10 0-14 0 11 0-25 0 11 0-13 0 10 0-20 0 10 0-18 0 7 0-10 0 7 0-10 0 7 0-90 5 0-60 5 0-70 19-36 4 0-60 2 0-26 10-16 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices, s.d. s.d. Arlichokes(GIobe) per dozen ... 2 0-26 — white, p. bushel 2 0-26 — per cwt. ... 3 6 — Asparagus, per bundle: — Dijon 0 8-10 — Giant 3 6-50 — Spanish ... 0 7-0 10 — Sprue 0 6-08 — Paris Green ... 16-20 — Toulouse ... 13-19 Beans, per lb. : — (English) ... 0 8-09 • — (French) .. 0 8-09 — (Guernsey) ... 0 8 0 10 Beetroot, per bushel 2 6-30 Cabbages, per mat 3 6-40 — per crate ... 7 0 — — per box (24) ... 2 6 — — Greens, per bushel 10-16 Cardoon (French), per dozen ... 8 0-10 0 Carrots (English), dozen bunches 4 0 — — washed, bag ... 5 6-60 — unwashed ... 4 0-50 — (French), p. pad 2 fi- 3 0 Cauliflowers, doz. 2 0-26 Celeriac, per doz, 16-26 Chicory, per lb. ... 0 3J- 0 4 Cucumbers, per dz. 2 0-26 F.ndive, per dozen 13-19 Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles ... 17 0-21 0 t.eeks, 12 bundles 2 0-26 Lettuce (French), per crate ... 2 0-26 — Cos, per dozen 3 0-36 Mint, doz. bunches 6 0 — Mushrooms,per lb. 0 8 — — broilers ... 0 6 — s.d. 1 0 — 9 0-10 0 9 0-11 0 8 0-96 0 4 4 6 Mushrooms, but- tons, per lb. ... Mustardand Cress, per dozen pun. Onions, per bag ... — (Valencia), case — Egyptian, case — pickling, pec bushel 6 0 Parsley, 12bunches 2 0 — i sieve 1 6 Peas (French), pkt. 0 3- — i French), p. pad 3 6- — (English), dried, per dz. packets 2 6 — — (Guernsey) ... 0 8-0 10 Potatos (Guernsey), per lb 0 2A — — (Algerian), cwt. 10 0^11 0 — (French), p. lb. 0 2-0 2j — Tenerifie, cwt. 11 0-11 6 Radishes (French), per doz. bunches 13-16 Rhubarb (English', forced, per dz. bundles ... 0 6-09 — Natural, p.tally 4 0-46 Salsafy, per dozen bundles Seakale, per dozen punnets Spinach, per crate — per bushel Stachys tuberosa, per lb Turnips, per dozen bunches — washed, p. bag Turnip Tops, bag Tomatos (Tener- iffe), per bun- dle of 4 boxes 10 0-18 0 — p. 12 lb. basket 4 6-50 Watercress, p. doz. 0 4-06 4 0-46 12 0 4 0- 1 0- 5 0 1 6 0 5 — 4 0 — 4 0-46 2 0-26 Remarks. — The first consignments of English Goose- berries have been received. They are from Kent, and marketed in peck baskets ; their prices are lower than is usual for first arrivals of this fruit. There are large sup- plies of French Asparagus, which is sold very cheaply. Cherries are arriving from France in boxes, but the fruits are very small. Tasmanian Apples have been received in increased quantities, and have met with a good demand. Strawberries still remain a bad trade, with no prospect of improvement. Peas are cheaper, as also are Beans. Trade eenerally is quiet. E. H. re., Cogent Garden, Wednesday, May 12, 1909. 320 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [.May 15.. 1909. Kents - s.d. s.d. Scottish Triumphs.. 3 6-40 Up-to-Date 3 6-40 Lincolns— s.d. s.d. King Edward ... 3 0-36 Blacklands 2 6-30 Dunbars - Langworthy, red soil 5 0-53 Up-to-Date, ted soil 3 6-40 ,, grey soil 2 9-33 Yorks - Up-to-Date 3 6-40 Lincolns — Royal Kidney ... 2 9-33 Up-to-Date 3 3-39 Maincrop 3 3-40 Evergood 2 9-83 Remarks.— Trade is very bad, and large stocks of tubers have accumulated in the markets. Supplies of new Potatos from Teneriffe, Lisbon, 8tc, tend to make the trade for old tubers still worse. Edward J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St. 'Pancras, May IS, 1909. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. All the stands in the flower market are fully occupied, and there are in addition many temporary stands under the foreign flower market. Trade was brisk this morn- ing (Wednesday), and yet a considerable quantity of aowers remained unsold. Roses seem to be a drug on the market, and it is disappointing to see so many good blooms unpurchased. I was offered fine blooms at 6d. per dozen. At one time Roses at this season would have sold for 6s. per dozen. The varieties with strong stems are in most demand. The varieties Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, Frail Karl Druschki, and The Bride take the lead. Pink varieties of the Catherine Mermet type have decreased in value since blooms of Mrs. J. Laing, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, and others with good stems have become more plentiful. In red Roses Capt. Hayward is the most prominent, but Richmond is also a favourite. Carnations are plentiful ; fairly good prices are sustained for the best blooms. Flowers of the Enchantress variety have been over plentiful, and some blooms are sold at very low prices. Spanish Irises are now taking the place of Daffodils, which are seen in much fewer quantities. There is a great difference in the prices of these Irises; those from the Channel Islands do not make more than from 4s. to 6s. per dozen bunches, while those home grown reach 9s. per dozen bunches. Darwin Tulips are very good, but they do not sell well. Large supplies of Hyacinth blooms have arrived from Hol- land, but the inflorescences are cut without foliage, and are sold cheaply. Liliums have been extra plentiful; the best blooms can be purchased at about 3s. per bunch. Sweet Peas are abundant and their prices low. The white varieties seen are very fine, and Dorothy Eckford remains the favourite. Miss Willmott and Lady Grisel Hamilton aie also popular with market buyers. Stephanotis Eucharis, and Gardenias are procurable ; some growers have considerably reduced their stocks of Gardenias. Callas (Richardias) continue plentiful and cheap. Pot Plants. Pelargoniums are a feature. The Ivy-leaved varieties include Galilee, Mrs. Hawley, Madame Crousse, and Chas. Turner. The show or decorative sorts are better than I have seen them for some years past. Amongst the Zonal type Paul Crampel is most in demand. Verbenas, Miss Willmott and Princess of Wales, are very good. Good spring-grown Mignonette is seen, but plants raised from autumn-sown seed are not yet finished. A few good Azaleas are noticed, but they are nearly over for the season. Ericas Cavendisliii, candidissima and persoluta alba are all good. Cinerarias are becoming scarcer, and Genistas are nearly over. Marguerites in all sizes are good. Other plants in- clude Rhodanthe, Yellow Calceolarias and Intermediate Stocks. Palms are making better prices ; Kentia seeds pro- mise to advance considerably in value, which will raise prices still higher. Ferns are well supplied and their prices are low. Aralia Sieboldii and the variety Moseri are plenti- ful, but some have soft foliage still. Aspidistras are not making such good prices as in previous years. Araucaria excelsa also is cheaper. There is a brisk trade in summer bedding plants. Plants in store boxes are making barely half the prices they did a few years ago. A. H ., Covent Garden, Wednesday; May 12, 19U9. THE WEATHER. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending May 8, is furnished from the Meteorological Office: — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather.— Except in parts of Scotland quite early in the week the condition was dry and almost cloudless over the whole Kingdom. The temperature was low at the beginning of the week, but afterwards high for the time of year, and in all dis- tricts the mean for the period was in excess of the average, the greatest divergence being about 3° in Scotland N. and in Ireland. The highest of the maxima, which were gener- ally recorded between the 6th and 8th, ranged from 75° in Scotland K., and 74° in Scotland W. and England N.W., to 66" in England E. and N.E. Along the east coast the maxima were little above 50°. The lowest of the minima occurred on the 2nd, and ranged from 24° in Scotland E., 25" in Scotland W., and 27° in England S.E. and Ireland N., to 32° in Scotland N.,and to 38" in the English Channel. On the grass the thermometer fell to 14° at Llangammarch Wells, 18° at West Linton, 19° at Burnley, 20° at Greenwich, Newton Rigg, and Southport, 21° at Hereford and Markree Castle, and below 25° in several other localities. The rainfall.— Over the greater part of England the week passed without rain, but oti Sunday or Monday a few slight falls were experienced in the west and north of the Kingdom. The bright sunshine was unusually abundant, the number of hours being twice as great as the average in most parts of England. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 89 in England S.E., 87 in England E., and about 80 in most other English districts, to 63 in Scotland W.,57 in Ire- land N., and to 51 in Scotland N. The greatest number of hours at individual stations were 96 at Worthing and Great Yarmouth, 94 at Southend-on-Sea, Brighton, Hastings, and Jersey, and 93 at Cambridge, Oxford, Wisley, Southamp- ton, Bournemouth, We>mouth, and Cardiff, from 90 to 94 per cent, of the possible. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending May 12. Cold nights and warm sunny days.— During the past week the days proved warm, and on two days the highest reading in the thermometer screen rose to or exceeded 70°. On the other hand the nights again proved cold, the exposed thermometer on the two coldest nights registering respectively 8° and 7° of frost. On the 11th the difference between the lowest and highest read- ings in the thermometer screen amounted to as much as 40°, which is the greatest range in temperature in any one day that I have yet recorded here in May. The tempera- ture of the ground is still about seasonable at 2 feet deep, but 1° warmer than the average at 1 foot deep. No rain has fallen for ten days, and no measurable quantity of rain- water has come through either percolation gauge for more than a week. The sun shone on an average for 12$ hours a day, or for more than twice the usual duration at the beginning of May. The first four days of the week proved exceptionally sunny, the record of bright sunshine on each of those days exceeding 13* hours. The winds proved rather high in the early part of the week, but in no hour did the mean velocity exceed 14 miles— direction E.N.E. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by as much as 15 per cent. A Blenheim Pippin Apple tree growing in my garden first came into flower on the 7th, which is one day later than its average date for the previous 23 years, but nine days earlier than last year. E. M., Berkhamsted, May 12, 1909. Correction. For Rhododendron adenopodium on p. 291 read Rhododendron adenopodum. Cucumbers Diseased : E. A. H. The plants are affected with the blotch disease (Cercospora melonis). The best plan is to burn the plants. sterilise the soil, thoroughly cleanse the house (using carbolic acid in the water), and start afresh. Correspondents have stated that car- bolic acid diluted with water and placed in pans about the houses has proved effectual in combating the disease. Gooseberries: II". M . In order to preserve Gooseberries by bottling, take some bottles with air-excluding stoppers, and nearly fill them with carefully-selected fruits. The fruit should be as nearly perfect as possible. Put them into the oven, and let them remain there for a few minutes, until the fruits show signs of cracking, then pour boiling water over them and seal the bottles at once. This is a very simple method, and there being no sugar used, the fruits remain as nearly as possible in a condition similar to that of fresh fruits. Another plan is to place the berries, after first wiping them on a clean cloth, in a bottle filled almost to the top with cold water. Take a large, deep saucepan or fish-kettle, and stand the bottles in this. Fill the pan with water, and bring to the boil. When the water in the bottles is at boiling point insert the cork or bung. Place a little hay between the bottles in the pan to prevent them knocking together and breaking. This system is that known as sterilising by steam. Grape Vines Unhealthy: J. A. There is no disease present in the vines. The cause of the foliage dropping prematurely appears to be due to some cultural error. If the borders are allowed to become dry or, on the contrary, the roots are dosed with strong applications of chemical fertilisers, trouble of this nature generally follows. Grapes Diseased : J. W. and G. R. Your Grapes are affected with Grape-rot, caused by Glueosporutm ampelophagum. Dredge the bunches and foliage with flowers of sulphur mixed with about one quarter of .its volume of quicklime. Remove all diseased fruits and leaves and burn them. Helxine Soleirolii : Aquatias. The plant has not been in cultivation for many years, and its name does not appear at the present time in the gardening books. It is a native of Sardinia, and belongs to the Nettle family. The plant resembles Sibthorpia europsa in appearance, and is valuable for covering bare spaces in a warm plant-house. It grows with great free- dom in the Economic House of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, where it forms a carpet of greenery over large pots and stonework. Insects on Rose and Ficus : G. N. P. The in- sects on the Rose twig are all females of the common Greenhouse Scale (Lecanium hesperi- dum) ; the cocoons on the creeper (Ficus stipu- lata) are those of a species of Ichneumon. The latter are harmless, and may have parasitised the larvae of a moth of some kind, though there is no trace of the host left. The scale is most injurious, and the insects should be removed with a stiff brush at once, as the young are already hatching out from beneath their parents (the brown scale). In the autumn dress the tree with paraffin emulsion. Names of Plants: Aquations. This may be Scirpus sylvaticus, but it is impossible to identify the species with certainty from such a specimen. — G. It. II. 1, Salix Caprea (Goat Willow) ; 2, we cannot name this without better material ; 3, Primus triloba fl. pi. ; 4, Cupressus obtusa var. nana ; 5, Sequoia sempervirens ; 6, Rhododendron myrtifolium. — T. H. C. Your specimen appears to be the Rough Meadow Grass, Poa trivialis.— L. M. No. 1, Prunus Pseudo-cerasus James H. Veitch ; No. 2, also a form of P. Pseudo-cerasus, the varieties of which, in Japan, are almost as numerous as varieties of Apples and Pears in this country. ■ — O. W. W. 1, Kerria japonica; 2, Berberis Darwinii ; 3, Cephalotaxus drupacea. — R. T. 1, Pteris arguta; 2, Adiantum hispidulum ; 3, Selaginella ca?sia. — W . C. S. Laelia Boothiana, often called Cattleya lobata in gardens. — J . L. Ccelogyne ochracea. — F. G. Dendrobium albo- sanguineum. — Constant Reader. Gardenia florida and Ixora coccinea. — T. C. A species of Ruscus, but it is impossible to determine which from the scrap you send. The portion bearing the red berry, which you refer to as a leaf, is a phylloclade or flattened stem. — L. F. 1, Prunus japonica fl. pi. ; 2, Berberis Aqui- folium. — Arbor. Prunus japonica fl. plena. — Novice. 1, Asphodelus albus; 2, Choisya ter.- nata ; 3, Tierilla cordifolia; 4. Saxifraga (Megasea) sp. ; 5, Skimmia Fortunei ; 6, Tha- lictrum flavum. Peach Mildew: J. H. M. The fruits are affected with mildew — Oidium leucoconium. Tin- leaves should be dusted with flowers of sulphur whilst damp, or if the attack is serious, let the pipes be painted with sulphur when they have been made very hot, perform- ing the operation at dusk, and closing the house for an hour afterwards. Guard against a damp atmosphere insufficiently heated ; also dryness at the roots. Sowing Cabbage Seeds: Anxious. The best time to sow Cabbage seeds for raising plants for use early in spring is at about July 21. A second sowing may be made in the first week of August. Veitch's Model Broccolis should be sown some time between the third week of April and the end of that month. Unless the ground is exceptionally hard it should not be dug, except for very late plantings, but in all cases the soil should be made very firm about the young plants with a view to promote slow, firm" growth ; thus the plants will become well hardened before winter. White Web from Vine: Northants. The web is the nest of the vine-coccus (Pulvinaria vitis). The brown scale-like object is the female, the white " web " the egg sac. As the young are now hatching you should lose no time in remov- ing the webs from the vines before the young escape and take up fresh positions among tin- branches. Give the vines a thorough dressing in the winter with some good insecticide ; any scale which may not be destroyed by the spray should be removed in the early spring before the white egg sacs are formed. Wireworm Attacking Tomatos : W. C. You appear to have dosed the border with suffi- cient insecticides to kill all insect life in the soil. Try traps of some vegetable placed near the roots of the Tomatos. Place a Potato or a portion of Carrot below the soil, and mark the spot with a stick ; examine the baits at in- tervals. Bisulphide of carbon may be effectual where the proprietary articles failed. Pour a quarter of an ounce of this liquid into a small hole made not too close to the plants, and cover the hole with a piece of slate. You must not bring a light near to this substance, as it is highly inflammable, and poisonous. The quantity of bisulphide given is sufficient for each square yard of surface. Communications Received. — H. L-., W. J. D. — A. G, — G. O. P.— P. W.— E. M.-F. M.— T. H. C— W. W. P.— J. O'B.— T. J. C— E. B.— J. W. P.-Rev. C. B.— J G. W. — T. M.— H. W. W.— E. A. B— S. A— W. D.— C. H. P.— A. D. W.— H. S. Thompson— F. J. C.-R. A., Cap d'A.itiles — M. M. M. S.— G. P.-W. M.-T. H. Max 22, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 321 THE No. 1,169— SATURDAY, May 32, 1909. CONTENTS. Bequests to a gardener 329 Books, notices of — Beautiful Flowers an 1 How to Grow Them 322 Journal of the Board of Agriculture ... 322 The Small Holder's Guide 322 Trees and Shrubs of the British Isles ... 322 Carnations, perpetual- flowering, for bedding purposes 330 Chicory, blanohing of... 335 Cineraria flavescens ... 322 Coombe Wood Nursery, notes from 324 Davidia 321 Fernery, the 323 Grapes, a new method of packing 330 Iris disease, an 330 Nicotine poisoning, nar- row escape from ... 330 Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and non-leguminous plants 329 Obituary — Cookson, Norman C. 334 Odontioda x Ernest Henry 321 Orchidacere, the evolu- tion of the Peach culture in spring and summer Plants, new or note- worthy— Rhododendron Victor- ianuni Plants, the " blood " of Potato scab Rhododendrons at The Beacon, D o r m a n s Land Rosary, the SchizanthusesatWisley Gardens Societies- British Gardeners' .. Dutch Bulb-growers' French Chrysanthe- mum Ghent Horticultural National Tulip Royal Horticultural.. The Warren House, Stanmore Vegetables — Asparagus Veitch, Mr. Harry J. . . Week's work, the 32( ILLUSTRATIONS. Aecidial stage of the Anemone rust Cineraria flavescens x Clerodendron fallax Cookson, Norman C, the late Croquet lawns, designs for laying out Odontioda x Ernest Henry ... Rhododendron Gloria mundi, a bed of, in the Royal Gardens, Kew Rhododendrons at The Beacon, Dormans Land (Sup- plementary Illustration) Roses at The Warren House, Stanmore The Warren House, Stanmore, Middlesex 325 321 S2K 330 829 325 834 834 334 334 333 331 324 329 ,327 822 824 334 326 323 in plants raised from seed would not accept these shades of differences as of more than individual value. Dode's Latin diagnoses of his species are reproduced below : — Davidia Vilmoriniana, Dode, species nova, foliis subtus glaucis, glabris vel glabrescenti- bus, longe setaceo-dentatis, ovario brevius at- tenuato, fructu magis globoso. Davidia lreta, Dode, species nova, foliis sub- tus glauoo-lutescentibus, glabris vel glabre- scentibus, breve setaceo-dentatis, ovario breve attenuato fructuque subgloboso. To his D. Vilmoriniana he refers Dr. A. Henry's dried specimens numbered 5,577, and Mr. E. H. Wilson's specimens numbered 642. He also refers the figure in Hooker's Icones Plantarum, t. 1961, to this species, which he states is the one raised by Vilmorin in 1897. To D. lseta he refers the plants raised by Messrs. Veitch & Sons from the seed sent home by Mr. Wilson when on his first journey, which, he states, is also in cultivation at Barres-Vilmorin and other places in France. He further states that the Davidia figured in Veitch's List of Novelties, 1903, is 1). lata, as well as the germinating seeds in the fruits by the writer in the Journal of the Linnean Society, vol. xxxv., p. 036, t. l'J ; but it is DAVIDIA. THE question as to whether there is more than one species of Davidia in cultiva- tion has been put to me more than once, and I answered it in detail in the Kew Bulle- tin, 1907, p. 301, though not conclusively. I gave it as my opinion that the differences ob- served in herbarium specimens and cultivated plants were not sufficient to justify specific segregation. Since then Mr. L. A. Dode has attempted (Revue Horticole, September 1, 1908), to define three species, with what suc- cess I will endeavour to explain. I have re- examined all the materials previously under observation, and I have seen additional culti- vated specimens. Several articles on Davidia have already ap- peared in the Gardeners' Chronicle, the most important being in vol. xxxiii. (1903), p. 235, where there is a full-page representation of flowering and fruiting branches from dried specimens; and vol. xxxix. (1906), p. 346, where the first flowering in Europe is illus- trated by a specimen received from Mr. Maurice de Vilmorin. Dode's differential characters of his species are taken from the leaves : — 1. Leaves silky beneath. — D. involucrata, Baillon. 2. Leaves glabrous and glaucous beneath. — D. Vilmoriniana, Dode. 3. Leaves glabrous and yellow-green be- neath.— D. lseta, Dode. The characters given in the foregoing key to the species do not correlate with any others given in the detailed description, so that it is justifiable to say that the " species " are based solely on these differences. True, the author describes the petioles of D. Vilmorin- iana as green and the bud-scales as red-brown, and those of D. lseta as red and green re- spectively ; but most persons practically acquainted with the range of variation usual '^R^CKROrT- ■5 1 FlG. 138. — ODONTIODA X ERNEST HENRV. (Awarded R.H.S. First-Class Certificate on April 6 last.) difficult to understand how he arrives at these conclusions. As recorded in the Kew Bulletin, Kew pos- sesses fragments of the types of Davidia in- volucrata, Baill., collected near Moupine, Western Szechuen, and Mr. Wilson collected corresponding specimens, n. 3702, in the same district. They differ from all the other speci- mens collected by Wilson and Henry in the mature leaves being clothed on the under sur- face with a white tomentum. In other re- spects the Moupine specimens differ less from the glabrous or glabrescent-leaved specimens than the latter do from each other. I was of opinion at first th.it there were two species, but as I failed to find any other character to support this view, I held my hand. In this decision I was influenced by the fact that the leaves of seedlings of the Moupine hairy variety sent to Kew by Messrs. Veitch were glabrous, except for the presence on the under surface of some long appressed hairs along the principal veins. I was assured that there could be no mistake about the parentage of these seedlings. If so, the only difference is not hereditary. With regard to the differences between D. Vilmoriniana and D. lseta, Dode, the descrip- tions speak for themselves. From communica- tions on the subject with Mr. M. de Vilmorin, I think I am right in saying that he is in accord with me that the variations are indi- vidual ; and he has also put on record that there is considerable variation in the shape, size, and coloration of the bracts of the in- florescences of the plants he has in cultiva- tion. After all, the principal point, so far as the potential purchaser is concerned, is that the differences exhibited by the plants at present in cultivation are so slight that one is ap- parentty as good as another. I wish to state in conclusion that I am giving my opinion on the subject without any pretension to superior knowledge as to the limits of species, and I may add that the naming of plants is not a science : it is a means to an end to make clear what we are writing or talking about. W. Tiotting Heinsley, Strawberry Hill. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. RHODODENDRON VICTORIANUM. In the temperate house at Kew there is now in flower a hybrid Rhododendron of extraordin- ary interest and beauty. It was purchased two years ago from M. Jules de Cock, nurseryman, Meirelbeke, Ghent, under the name of R. Dal- housiae Victorianum, which is the name of a Rhododendron figured in Flore des Serres, t. 2466 (1879), and described as a hybrid between R. Dalhousiae and R. Nuttallii, raised and flowered in 1877 by M. Victor Cavelier, a Belgian amateur, after whom it was named. But as the plant is unquestionably a hybrid between the two species mentioned, the original name is mislead- ing, and both custom and propriety will be satis- fied if the name is altered to R. Victorianum simply. The habit of the hybrid is an improvement upon that of either of its parents, which are somewhat straggling and awkward, whereas R. Victorianum forms a compact bush with numer- ous short erect branches. It is also very free- flowering, the flowers are large and lasting, de- lightfully fragrant and milk-white with a tinge of yellow in the throat. There are from three to six flowers in each head, and each flower is 4 inches long and the same across ; the segments of the corolla are elegantly recurved, and at the base there are five deep depressions as though the tube had been finger-pinched. The charm of all the big-flowered Rhododendrons is due quite as much to their fragrance as to their form and colour. We have already a race of Dalhousiae X formosum hybrids, which are grown here and there as conservatory plants, though not nearly as well known now as they were 30 years ago. It is evident that R. Dalhousiae is a good breeder, and it would be quite worth while to turn it to account in the same manner as has been done with R. Auck- landii, the hybrids from which have become so popular. II'. W. ODONTIODA x ERNEST HENRY. Our illustration (see fig. 138) represents a flower of this richly-coloured hybrid, which was raised from seed obtained by crossing Odontoglossum X Queen Alexandra (Harryanum x triumphans) and Cochlioda Noezliana. The flowers, in general appearance, are nearest to O. Charlesworthii, but the colour is of a bright mahogany-red with an orange-coloured tint around the yel- low crest of the lip. It was shown by H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, West Hill, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting held on April 6 last, when the Orchid Committee awarded it a First-class Cer- tificate. 322 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 22, 1909. NOTICES OF BOOKS. *The Small Holders Guide. This pamphlet is useful for those who may be desirous of taking advantage of the Small Hold- ings Act and becoming cultivators on a small scale. It tells them what they would have to do in managing a small garden and farm, and the capital required for the development of a holding of the usual character. The little work himself. It is essential that he should possess experience in matters connected with the work- ing of the land and the farming stock. It is this that no work on these subjects can supply. We are constantly being informed of the work requiring to be done, but rarely •are we told how it is to be performed. We would, therefore, advise all town-bred men to undergo a two to three-years' course of in- struction on a farm of small dimensions before Wm FlG. 139. — CINERARIA FLAVESCENS X I FLOWERS YELLOW, PASSING TO PALE CREAM COLOUR OR WHITE. will do good by showing how the small holder can increase the food supply of the country by raising vegetables, poultry, milk from cows and goats, rearing rabbits, pigs, sheep, calves, horses, by bee-keeping, and making butter and cheese. The most important factor for success or failure is, as the author states, the small holder • By T. W. Sanders. Published by W. H. and L. Colling- ridge, 148-149, Aldersgate Street, London, E.O. Price Is., in cloth Is. 6d. taking a farm. There is so much to learn by practical work, under experienced teachers, that is essential to the small holder ; moreover, the prudent landowner insists on the persons apply- ing for a holding having a practical acquaintance with gardening or farming. It is usually the lack of this knowledge on the part of the holder which causes his failure, but the need of sufficient capi- tal is another cause. Mr. Sanders advises the prospective small holder to select land of a fertile nature in a locality near to good markets, and to adapt himself to the existing conditions of a district, for it is not always easy to obtain land just where it is wanted. The proper course is to ascertain the kind of produce that is saleable in a district, and endeavour to make the land yield that produce. The booklet contains useful advice in regard to common rights, compensation for improvements, the buying and renting of land, the planting of fruit trees and bushes, and on the cultivation of Strawberries, Aspara- gus and Rhubarb. M. The Journal of the Board of Agriculture. From our occasional references to the subjects dealt with in the Journal of the Board of Agri- culture our readers are cognisant of the fact that the Journal deals not only with matters of purely agricultural interest, but also with those concerning horticulture. We would point out that the Journal is issued monthly at the cost of fourpence per month, and would suggest that all interested in the progress of horticulture should both sup- port the Journal by becoming subscribers and by bringing it to the notice of others. We learn from the March number that the bound volume of the Board's leaflets, Nos. 101 to 200, is now ready, and can be obtained from the Secretary, Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, 4, Whitehall Place, London, S.W., price 6d., post free. The leaflets deal, among other subjects, with insect and fungus pests, and contain brief descriptions of the diseases, illustrations of the appearances presented by the diseased plants, and recommendations as to remedies. f Trees and Shrubs of the British Isles. Part II. of the work of the above title, by Messrs. C. S. Cooper and W. Percival Westell, is now published. The work, to be completed in 16 parts, contains brief descriptions and numerous full-page plates, many in colours, of the chief British trees and shrubs. The text, though concise, is brightly written, and many of the illustrations are excellent. I Beautiful Flowers and How to Grow Them. Part 12 of this copiously illustrated work deals with the subject of arches, pergolas, pillars and stumps, beautiful walls and fences, and with Orchids. As in preceding parts of this work, so in the present instalment, a large amount of useful information is conveyed in pleasant form. Of the six coloured plates included in the number, that of Pansies is particularly effective. CINERARIA FLAVESCENS. (ClNESABLA FELTHAM BEAUTY X SENECIO AURICUL ATISSIMUS. ) Tuns hybrid has been raised by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., and exhibited by them at recent exhibitions of the Royal Hor- ticultural Society. When presented to the Floral Committee at the meeting held on May 4, it received an Award of Merit. The plant has the appearance of a rather compact- growing Cineraria with creamy-yellow flowers, the younger blossoms being of a richer, almost canary-yellow tone. As a new break the cross has considerable promise, and no doubt it will prove the forerunner of a useful race of winter-blooming plants. The greenhouse Cine- raria has a wide range of colours in its flowers, but there is always room for greater variety, and the addition of pleasing yellow tones will be acceptable. The peculiar constriction in the middle of the leaf is well shown in Mr. Worth- ington Smith's sketch (see fig. 139), which il from material kindly supplied by Messrs. Veitch. It may be mentioned that, since Cineraria cruenta is synonymous with Senecio cruentus, the hybrid is properly a Senecio. t J. M. Dent & Co. J Edited by Horace J. Wright and Walter P. Wright. Complete in 17 parts, eaoh Is. net. (T. C. & E. C. Jack), May 22, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 323 THE WARREN HOUSE, STANMORE. The beautiful estate which forms the domain of The Warren House, the residence of Mrs. Bischoffsheim, is in the Metropolitan area, and little more than half-an-hour's journey from London. But the visitor, unacquainted with this fact would scarcely conceive this possible, but, from the sylvan beauty of the place, would imagine himself in some remote part of the country. An important part of the boundary of the estate consists of original woodland, in which some of the old tracks formerly used by the way- farer still remain. The views through the glades of Oak, Beech, Birch, and Fir trees, with the undergrowth- of Hazel, and, occasionally, the more recently-introduced clumps of Rhododen- drons, or other flowering shrubs, are charming at all seasons, but at the present time, when the undulating surface of the ground is carpeted with myriads of Bluebells, the tints of blue varying with light and shade and blending with the soft, green tints of the young foliage, the effect is in- describably beautiful. Acres of the bright blue flowers are seen on either side of the woodland The grounds are studded with fine old Oaks and Conifers, including a grand Cedar and a good specimen of Araucaria imbricata. Dense masses of Rhododendrons are about to furnish their magnificent display of flowers. In a shel- tered nook is a Deodar planted by his Majesty King Edward VII. The Dutch garden of clipped Box and Yew, with a few Hollies, is an extensive and well- arranged feature, effective as a whole and also interesting by reason of the quaintness of many of the specimens. Backed by the tall Pines and other trees, this nook is sheltered from cold and heat, and forms a pleasant retreat in summer. Showy herbaceous perennials are planted in the borders and shrubberies wherever space is available, and an enclosed, herbaceous plant garden, containing the best varieties, is a never- failing source of interest, for a varied succession of flowers appear there during the greater part of the year. On one side are tanks planted with Nymphaeas and other aquatic plants ; on the walls of this garden is a variety of flowering climbers. The glasshouses were constructed a few years FlG. 140. — THE WARREN HOUSE, STANMORE, MIDDLESEX. walks ; sometimes in dense patches, forming with their surroundings a natural wild-garden, more lovely than any other part of the grounds. The outlying portions of the grounds are used as golf links, the course measuring four miles, and there is a bungalow for the accommodation of the players. For a considerable distance the links are bounded by an irregular herbaceous border and a grass path at the back, all being in har- mony with the woodland surroundings. In a nook, the orchard, with its Apple trees now in full bloom, and the range of forcing-houses are situated. The more modern garden surrounds the residence, and contains a display of flowers throughout the season. At the present time the flower-beds are glowing with the colours of variously-tinted Tulips, each bed having a carpet of dwarf blue Forget-me-not, the latter plants forming a sheet of colour that will continue long after the Tulips are over. Below the terrace are beds of Roses, and beyond this is a Rose garden, with festoons of rambling and trailing Roses. Roses are simi- larly trained in other parts of the garden, and by the herbaceous borders (fig. 142). ago by Messrs. Mackenzie and Moncur. In the Orchid houses are many plants of Odontoglossum crispum, and also smaller numbers of most of the showy Orchids. Many plants of fine forms of white and rose-tinted Odontoglossum crispum are in bloom, together with others of 0. Hallii, 0. luteo-purpureum, O. Pescatorei, 0. Ander- sonianum, Cymbidium Lowianum, a clear white form of C. eburneum, a batch of brilliant scarlet Sophronitis grandiflora, some clear yellow Onci- dium concolor, and various other pretty Orchids. But the most striking feature in the cool houses, and one which shows the skill of Mr. Taylor, the Orchid grower, is a batch of about 90 robust plants of the scarlet Disa grandiflora, with very stout growths, promising well for flower. These have been propagated and grown from the few original plants at The Warren House, by remov- ing the stronger offsets and potting them as re- quired. The thick, shining, green leaves are in perfect health. Mr. Taylor considers that once the culture of Disa grandiflora is understood, the plant gives less trouble than many other Orchids, and yet a large proportion of our best Orchid growers fail to cultivate it satisfactorily. The two large intermediate houses contain fine plants of Cattleya Mossise, C. Mendelii, C. Dowiana aurea, C. Warscewiczii, Lwlia pur- purata, and other showy species. All are thriv- ing well, and a good show of flowers is made by Lselia purpurata, Cattleya Schroderae, C. Skinneri, and other Cattleyas. With them in flower are Brasso-Cattleya Digbyano-Wars- cewiczii, Cattleya Parthenia Prince of Wales, La;lio-Cattleya highburyensis, and other Lselio- Cattleyas, Dendrobium Brymerianum, D. primu- linum, Odontoglossum citrosmum, &c. Separate glasshouses are devoted to the grow- ing of Souvenir de la Malmaison and winter- flowering Carnations ; also for Roses, which have furnished a supply of fine blooms for a consider- able time and are still flowering abundantly. Stove plants for decorative purposes are grown in batches ; one house is filled with Anthuriums, the plants being well furnished with their banner- like scarlet spathes. The scarlet-flowered Clero- dendron fallax (see fig. 141) is especially well grown, and forms an excellent decorative plant when in flower. Various florists' flowers are grown, with a view to keeping up the succession of blooms for decorative purposes. This supply is in succession to forced plants such as Daffodils, Arum Lilies, and Lily of the Valley. The corri- dors of the plant-houses are brightened by densely-flowered Schizanthus, Cinerarias, annual Chrysanthemums, of which the large canary- yellow variety called " Morning Star " is the most beautiful, and other- annuals. In one of the houses Tritonia Prince of Orange is very bright, and in others the Codiaeums (Crotons) and other foliage plants are in good condition. The long range of fruit houses promises good crops of Peaches, Nectarines, Grapes, Figs, and other fruits. Strawberries in pots have fur- nished fine fruits for some time past, and there are others for providing a succession. Mrs. Bischoffsheim takes a personal interest in the gardens, and has herself designed some of its most effective improvements. J . THE FERNERY. THE NEWER VARIETIES OF NEPHROLEPIS. Eleven months ago I secured plants of Nephrolepis exaltata Piersonii, N. e. Todeaoides, and N. e. Whitmanii. They were in 5^-inch pots, but have been shifted until now they are in 14-inch pots. The plant of N. Piersonii is at the present time more than 7 feet through and 5 feet high, whilst the specimen of N. Todeaoides is 5 feet through and 4 feet high. This latter variety forms an excellent specimen plant. The habit is stiff and the fronds are of a pale green colour ; they are fringed and beautifully taeselled. The fronds of N. Whitmanii are not so densely divided as in N. Todeaoides; it is described as a sport from N. Fosteri. My specimen of this plant is 5 feet 6 inches wide and 4 feet high. Another Fern worthy a place in gardens is Nephrolepis exaltata superba. The compost I use for the Ferns consists of one part turfy loam, one part leaf-mould, a small quantity of bone- meal, and a little of some approved fertiliser, with a fair sprinkling of broken crocks and lime rubble. Microlepia speluncea is another fine deco- rative Fern that soon develops into a large plant. Davallia braziliensis, for which Messrs. H. B. May & Sons received an Award of Merit from the R.H.S. in 1907 is an advance in the Davallia section. The habit is close, and the fronds finely cut. Amongst other Ferns doing remarkably well in these gardens are Asplenium Belangeri, Polypodium irioides ramo-cristatum, and Adian- tum polyphyllum (cardiochlana). Wm. It. Prince, Norton Manor Garden*, near Taunton. 324 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 22, 1909. , NOTES FROM C00MBE WOOD. A visit paid to Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons' branch nursery at Coombe Wood on May 13, was for the purpose of inspecting some of the intro- ductions of Wilson, and, incidentally, those of the late James Herbert Veitch from Japan in 1892. Wilson's introductions from Western China are of great value to cultivators in all the temperate and sub-tropical countries of the world. The following notes, however, are not confined to plants introduced by the explorers I have men- tioned. Quercus acuta (Buergeri) is a half-tree with evergreen foliage of a dark green colour and of large size, and with shoots of an olive tint. It was introduced in 1861 from Japan. Q. cuspi- data is another evergreen Oak from the same country, and forms a small tree, graceful in habit, with pendant, slender branches. Its leaves measure from 3 to 5 inches in length, and 1 to 1^ inch in breadth ; they are bright green above, and glabrous, silvery-white beneath. There is a variegated form of this, differing from the type in that its leaves are smaller and have irregular creamy-white blotches. Acer vitifolium is a midrib and chief veins of a silvery tint. The leaf tints change, as regards the ground colour to red, whilst the veins and mid- rib remain silvery. Plants of this vine in process of forcing at the present date were per- fectly indicating the leaf markings. V. armata is a valuable ornamental plant, the dark green leaves of summer changing to bright red tints in the autumn. V. armata var. Veitchii is one of the best decorative vines. The large leaves acquire in the autumn a rich crimson tinge, whilst in the summer months they present a bright bronzy-green tint. V. repens is a self- climbing plant, and a robust grower. The older leaves, about 5 inches in length, are somewhat three-lobed and of a deep, velvety green tint. The young growths are brownish, and the young leaves of a red-brown colour. As objects for covering a wall or clothing pillars, chains, arbours, or such outstanding objects as Fir poles in a flower border, they are finely ornamental. They require the same kind of treatment as the Wild Vine (Ampelopsis). Actinidia chinensis is a woody climbing plant, having yellow-coloured flowers lj inch across and sub-orbicular leaves. It is hardy and flowers with freedom on the ■ **A •via '& ■ ,&. 1^ ""Up Jl ^» vi' "■ fcw3 ' W*fi*V <*&* ^u w * ■ 1 , '<■-'.' Bit' x I—, Ea.rich.rnn 1 . ■,-.. v - - ■ - FlG. 141. — A FINE PLANT OF CLERODENDRON FALLAX AT THE WARREN HOUSE GARDENS. (See p. 323.) handsome half-tree or big bush with leaves now of a greenish yellow tint which changes to red and yellow in the autumn, a specially fine lawn tree. A white-flowering weeping plant is Cytisus elongatus, looking at its best worked on stems 8 feet high. C. X kewensis, raised at Kew, is a very free-flowering hybrid similarly useful. Vitis megalophylla is a remarkable plant with bipin- nate leaves 2 to 3 feet in length when full grown ; they are glabrous, dark green above, and pale glaucous green beneath. The plant makes growths of 10 feet in one season. I saw some plants being forced, which had leaves I5 feet long already. The pole to which a plant of this species growing in the open border was fixed was 18 feet high. Other species of Vitis being forced or in cultivation in the open ground included V. leeoides, with leaves resembling those of Leea amabilis; V. flexuosa var. Wilsonii, a very de- corative plant with leaves the upper surface of which is of a dark bronze tint and metallic lustre, whilst the lower surface is bright purple. V. Henryana, a most attractive plant with leaves of a digitate form and five serrated leaflets. The leaf is a deep velvety-green, with matured shoots. Rubus flagelliflorus is a showy species having white flowers borne on shoots 7 to 8 feet long. Its chief attraction are its cor- date acuminate leaves, which are of a metallic hue and irregularly serrate at the edge. Like other Rubus species, the underside is covered with a thick tomentum. Viburnum rhytidophyl- lum (see Gardeners' Chronicle June 30, 1906, p. 418, fig. 167), is a fine evergreen shrub with broadly lanceolate leaves about 8 inches in length and 2 inches in breadth, dark green, channelled on the upper surface, and having a thick tomen- tum beneath. Its growths support corymbs of whitish-yellow flowers, which are succeeded by red berries. The plant retains a handsome ap- pearance throughout the winter months. Jas- minum primulinum (Gardeners' Chronicle, March 28, 1903, p. 197, fig. 83) is a native of Yunnan, where it is found in copses and hedge- rows at considerable elevation. The flowers bear resemblance to those of J. nudiflorum but are larger. So far it has proved hardy at Coombe Wood, but if planted out in the open the species may need some protection. I observed some plants in pots in a forcing-house that were show- ing flowers pretty freely. Philadelphus Le- moinei purpureo maculatus makes a small compact bush of 2 to 3 feet in height, pro- ducing, at the end of short axillary shoots, flowers about 2 inches across, white with a light purple spot in the middle. P. Banniere is a white-flowered variety, having semi-double, fragrant flowers. A large plant was noted of that rare Japanese plant Trochodendron ara- lioides. It measures 12 feet in height and rather less in diameter. The flowers are greenish and inconspicuous, but the plant grows with rapidity in this country. The leaves on the Coombe Wood plant were about 4 inches in length, dark green and shining. Berberis acuminata is an attractive evergreen with arching growths, the rind of which in the young state is of a red tint. The bronzy-yellow flowers come in clusters in the axils of the leaves. The neat-growing Hex Perneyi, whose mature leaves are lj inch long, and pale in tint on the young shoots, become of a very dark green on the older ones. Clematis montana var. rubens is an acquisition, resembling the type in foliage and habit but the flowers are of rosy-red tint, making an effective contrast to C. montana. One of the finest lots of Sciadopitys verticillata to be observed anywhere was noted in the peaty soil at the lower end of the nursery ; oft-trans- planted, symmetrical, healthy plants. The Um- brella Pine is bad to beat as a specimen on the lawn. Cotoneaster applanata is a free-growing plant, with ovate leaves, dark green in colour, with a greyish felt on the lower surface. The fruits are scarlet, and are produced abundantly. The plant is excellent as a solitary specimen on the turf. The remarkable Primula pulverulenta, which in leaf and habit resembles P. japonica, was noted in some quantity in the open ground. The dark, rich purple flowers are larger than those of P. japonica. F. VEGETABLES. ASPARAGUS. To have Asparagus in quantity and of the best quality it is necessary to raise fresh plants occasionally. If forcing is practised it becomes necessary to sow seeds annually, sowing is best done in April. Select an open position, with a rather light soil if possible, and draw drills 1 inch deep and 1 foot apart. Sow the seeds wide apart, so that no thinning will be ne- cessary. There is much variation in the seed- lings, and if thinned in the rows the chances are that those plants which would otherwise form the best crowns are thrown away. The better plan is to leave all the seedlings, and when planting them in their permanent positions select only the best and strongest crowns. Asparagus is largely grown as a market crop, and it is easily produced, provided the soil be sandy or loamy up to a heavy stage, without being clayey, and fairly moist. There is not tho least necessity for trenching the soil and applying large quantities of dung deep down. The plant is not nearly so deep-rooting as is thought by many, and if rotten dung is freely employed in the composition of new beds many of the thick, succulent roots will turn black and die outright during the winter months. At Reading we have two extremes as regards soil : one portion is light and sandy overlying a coarse, red gravel, and the other, a greasy loam, overlying clay. In neither case have ani- mal manures been given to the soil before plant- ing or since, and I question if the results would have been much improved had such been ap- plied. Young roots of this plant grow very freely in quite ordinary field or garden soil ; moreover, the produce from young beds is al- ways earlier than that from established beds. For forcing purposes crowns three and four years May 22, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 6Z0 old are far superior to those that have yielded crops in the open for a number of years. I have tested planting in single rows 1 yard apart upon the flat ; in beds 3 feet wide containing two rows of plants at 18 inches apart, allowing, when the beds are shaped, 9 inches from each row of plants on either side of the beds, and also three rows of plants in a 3-foot wide bed, one row down the centre and the two outer ones a foot on either side, leaving 6 inches to the edge of the bed upon either side. The beds 3 feet across planted with two rows give the best results. In form- ing a series of beds space is allowed for an alley 18 inches wide, which allows the plants between two beds 3 feet of space, with 18 inches space between the two rows. When planting, no raised bed was formed ; a simple flat-bottomed trench was dug out, about 3 inches deep, with a spade in the case of the garden, and with the plough in the case of the farm land. The roots were laid in the trench, being either one or two- year-old crowns. They were planted in April, when growth had started, and covered with 2 inches of soil, the ground being quite flat. Strong stakes were driven in at the end of each row to indicate the lines. These stalks are neces- sary because catch crops are taken from between the rows and also from between the plants during their first season's growth. As the crowns in- crease in size a line is stretched across the ground, and alleys are formed by removing soil from the centre to place upon the beds on either side. Thus, raised beds result, and, if this sys- tem is tested upon light soil against plants grown upon the flat, it will be found to produce Asparagus nearly a fortnight earlier. Accord- ing to the soil the grower has to deal with, so should he regulate the raising of his beds. The quantity of earth placed over the crowns will also have some effect upon the earliness or late- ness of the produce. I never cover Asparagus beds in the autumn with rotten manure, as is usually done, but as soon as cutting ceases, quickly soluble, stimulating manures are ap- plied to assist the growths to form good crowns for another season. Cow dung applied when growth has practically ceased keeps the air out of the soil, makes it cold and wet, and, in old beds, causes many of the roots to decay. The temperature of the soil is also lowered, and the shoots in consequence are later in developing. Far better give manure from spent hot-beds to light soils when cutting has ceased. I use soot freely and apply it early in the yfar. because I find in ordinary winters young roots begin to push early from crowns from one year up to 10-year- old plants, after which stage they are later in starting. A light sprinkling of lime given every three years or so in the case of heavy soils and powdered chalk to light, sandy soils are also beneficial. Superphosphate of lime three parts (37 per cent, solubility) and ammonia sulphate one part, mixed and applied at the rate of 2 to 3 ounces per square yard during February or March, will assist the crop. Salt is recognised as a necessity, but from trials made over a number of years its application has no effect upon the yield, although in the case of light soils weeds are less troublesome when it is applied. I have found kainit of value to this crop, and when given there is no necessity to apply other saline matter. Of all potash manures given, none has proved so good as wood ashes. It should be used at the rate of one pound to the square yard. It tends to make light, chalky soils more reten- tive of moisture. Varieties of of Asparagus are few ; amongst the best are Perfection, Connover's Colossal and Giant French. In France greater at- tention is paid to the selection of stocks for planting than in England, although in the Eve- sham district the growers mark good crowns that produce best shoots with close scales. This se- lection has been continued for several years, and many of the Evesham nurserymen have very uniform stocks. I have had under observation for some years past marked crowns that produce varying quantities of seeds, and, however heavy the crop may be, it does not appear to influence the general vigour of the stems the following spring. There is doubtless good work to be done yet with regard to further testing the possibili- ties of this plant. It will grow well in sandy wastes where other plants would perish. Charles Foster, University College, Reading. THE ROSARY. PEACH CULTURE IN SPRING AND SUMMER. Failure to produce a satisfactory crop of Peaches in spring and summer may generally be traced to improper cultivation, such as allowing the trees to suffer from insect pests, neglect to afford sufficient root waterings, or the improper disbudding of the young shoots. The blossom is usually afforded protection in some shape or another, but this avails little if the trees do not receive the necessary attention after- wards. The blossoming of the trees this season has been all that could be desired, and the weather in this western locality has been favourable for the setting of the fruits, so that with good management one may safely predict a satisfactory crop of Peaches out of-doors. Mild weather usually favours green and black aphis, the last-named being the worst pest that attacks the Peach and Nectarine. Unless prompt measures are taken to eradicate them, they quickly cripple the young growths upon which next year's crop is developed. In some seasons black aphis appears in clusters around the fruit- buds before they are expanded, at which stage it is most difficult to dislodge them, because the application of liquid insecticides at that period is attended with considerable danger. Tobacco powder is the safest specific to apply, and this should be dusted well amongst the buds. The removal of surplus shoots should afterwards be undertaken, removing a few only at a time, and allowing a week or ten days to intervene between the thinnings. Remove the shoots which develop on the under side of the fruiting branches right and left of the tree, and some of those on the upper side of the same branches, retaining the nearest basal shoot, which will be the fruit-bearing shoot for next year. As a rule, this one growth is sufficient, besides the leading growth on the fruiting branch, if the latter is Decenary for the extension of the tree; if not. the point can be nipped out at the fourth or fifth leaf and the old shoot cut clean out close back to the new branch which is to be retained, as soon as the fruit has been gathered. Occasionally a second shoot midway may be left, provided a space can be found for it, but it must be remembered that overcrowding the young wood during summer prevents the proper ripening of the fruiting shoots, an evil that cannot be too strongly condemned. The thinning of the fruits where they have set freely demands attention when they are of the size of Peas. This thinning should also be done at intervals, retaining the most promising and best placed fruits, which should not be closer to each other than 12 inches on a healthy tree. The young shoots should be carefully secured to the wall when they are long enough for training, but I am never in a hurry to do this, as they not only protect the young fruits from frost, but they themselves grow better when left undisturbed for a time. Root waterings must be given when- ever necessary, affording a stimulant each time to well-established trees. As young trees usually make very strong growths they are better without manurial assistance. Frequent syring- ings or washings of the foliage are necessary during the active growing season — that is, from early June onwards — evening being the best time for the work. Apply the spray well under the foliage where red spider generally congregates. The border should be covered with a strawy mulch towards midsummer to retain the moisture in the soil ; in wet seasons this mulching is best dispensed with. Should leaf-curl put in an appearance, the affected foliage should be picked off at once and burnt. James Mayne, Bicton. ROSE-GROWERS' PROBLEMS. We extract the following racy remarks from a paper read before the New York Florists' Club by Mr. William H. Elliott, and reported in Horticulture, April 24, 1909. After emphasising the need for those who take up the cultivation of the Rose for commercial purposes to consecrate their lives to this work, and to put forth every ounce of energy they possess, Mr. Elliott described how to plan an establish- ment, and indicated the necessity for procuring a level tract of land near a railway station. In re- spect to size of houses, he went on to say: " My recommendation is the large house. My latest house — 60 feet by 1,340 feet — I find none too- large. The advantages over smaller houses are many, and are summed up in the fact that they produce better stuff and more of it. We do not find that those who have built the large houses have given them up and gone back to the smaller ones. If they build again they build larger houses. " The best Roses are not grown by any secret process, but by the most careful attention to every detail. Eternal vigilance is the price of good Roses If anything has been accom- plished by the use of chemicals, I should like to know it. I find plenty of care and cow manure produce much better and surer results. Aim to cut your Roses when the demand is good. The grower that produces a large supply on an over- stocked market, and a small supply when the market is short, must not expect to get a very large return. How do you decide which old variety to give up to make room for the new ? What are you going to take out to make room for White Killarney? Will you give up The Bride this year? Do you think White Kil- larney will replace The Bride? Have you given up your Maids, and are you growing Killarneys instead? I have given up Maids; next year I expect to give up Brides. What about the other new varieties? Rhea Reid I shall continue to> grow, but not very extensively. This Rose came very near to being one of the best Roses ever produced. Maryland I think very well of, and a good safe one to grow. William R. Smith is a very promising Rose for summer. I intend to grow it, but only to a limited extent. Kaisirine does not give any light-coloured, summer Rose much show. Mrs. Jardine and Queen Beatrice I have discarded." COMPARISONS OF VARIETIES FOR MARKET PURPOSES. At a meeting of the Gardeners' Club, held at Boston, in April, in speaking of Roses, Mr. Reuter said that his plants, with the exception of Chatenay and a few of My Maryland, were grafted stock. Regarding the latter, he said that the grafted plants seemed more disposed to take a winter rest than the own-root plants, and for this and other reasons he is disposed to favour the own-root method for this variety.' He will, however, try a few more grafted stock in the coming year, with a little higher temperature, and will also give this promising variety a trial for summer flowering. Mr. W. H. Elliott said that, in his experience, Richmond Bride and Bridesmaid had yielded scarcely one-half of the results which Killarney had given him. Rhea Reid had been a disappointment at the finish, but it just narrowly missed being a big success, and he purposed to hold on to it for another trial. Mr. Eber Holmes pronounced Killarney to be the best paying Rose grown, and Bridesmaid better than Bride. Certain people had propa- gated White Killarney surreptitiously from pieces of stems, therefore the wise man would keep his novelties under lock and key. He estimated that in the hands of a clever propagator, with adequate facilities, a single eye might be in- creased to a quarter-million rooted cuttings- within two years. F. M. 326 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 22, 1909. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C, Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Thyrsacanthus rutilans. — Cuttings of this plant may be inserted either singly or by putting three or four around the sides of a small pot con- taining sandy soil. The pots should be plunged in the propagating frame until the cuttings have formed roots, at which stage the cuttings should be potted up singly into 5 or 6-inch pots. Until the plants have become well established in the larger pots they should be grown in the stove, but afterwards they may be removed into an in- termediate house. Camellia. — When it is seen that the new shoots have finished their growth the plants may be given cooler treatment. Gradually increase the ventilation, so that after the lapse of a few weeks the ventilators may be opened to their full extent by night as well as by day. Those speci- mens which are growing in pots or tubs may then be placed out-of-doors. Hippeastrum. — Let the plants which have finished flowering be exposed to full sunshine. Do not hasten the ripening of the bulbs, however, by withholding water from the roots, but rather •encourage growth as long as it is possible to keep the leaves green. An occasional application of weak manure water will be beneficial until the decay of the leaf. Care must be exercised at all times to avoid excessive watering. Carnations. — Any plants which are in flower, or that are about to flower, should be lightly shaded from the midday sun. They require a •comparatively dry atmosphere and Abundant ven- tilation whenever the weather is favourable. Cut- tings that have been rooted in the present spring should be removed to a frame, placing them close to the glass. Keep a sharp look-out for aphis, ■ and destroy them directly they appear. Selaginella Kraussiana. — This well-known Selaginella is most useful for surfacing the pots containing Palms and other plants used for house decoration. It is usual, therefore, to cultivate a considerable stock in small pots which are ■crocked to one-half their depth. We use a rough, lumpy soil so that when the plants are turned out of the pots the root mass does not fall to pieces, but a little fine soil is necessary for sur- facing. Dibble cuttings thickly into the pots, and place them in partial shade in a warm, moist atmosphere. If they are removed to a cool house for a few days before they are needed for the dwelling-rooms they will last all the longer in good condition. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Early-/ 'ruiting vines. — As much air as outside conditions will allow must be given the vines during the time the fruit is ripening. If the roots are at all dry, they must be given a moder- ate watering with clear, tepid water, but the atmosphere should now be kept dry. When the fruits are ripe, let a double thickness of fish net- ting be placed on the glass. It will break the power of the sun's rays, and the Grapes will therefore keep fresh over a longer period. Keep a sharp look-out for mealy bug. Grapes to ripen at midsummer. — Examine the vines, and if the berries need to be further thinned, let this be done before they get over- crowded, or there will be a greater danger of some of them getting rubbed. Assuming that there is a sufficient covering of foliage over the trellis, the lateral growths must now be kept constantly pinched out. If the least evidence of red spider is to be seen, let the affected leaves be sponged with a weak mixture of soft soap and sulphur in water. Vines affected with this pest should be syringed with soft water in the after- noon at closing time, but this should be discon- tinued when the berries commence to colour. After the second thinning has been done, the borders should receive a liberal surfacing of rich, decomposed farmyard manure, and following this a thorough watering with tepid water. Id adresfield Court Crape. — This most excel- lent, mid-season Grape requires a little extra care and attention during the ripening period, as the berries are liable to cracking. I believe this ■cracking often occurs as tha result of some degree of drought felt by the roots. It is a mistake to lessen the supply of water at this critical stage, when the vines probably absorb as much mois- ture as at any other season. When colour com- mences to develop on the berries, the atmosphere should be kept freely circulating, but the strictest care must be taken to prevent draughts of cold air. It is well to allow the laterals a certain amount of free growth until the danger of crack- ing is passed. In order to prevent excessive mois- ture rising from the borders after they have been watered, a surfacing of clean straw is useful. Madresfield Court Grape should be cultivated in a well-drained border of restricted size, and one in which the soil is rammed thoroughly firm. Cucumbers.- — The stopping and regulating of shoots should be carried out at least once each week. As soon as numerous roots are seen on the surface of the border, apply a top-dressing of loam and decomposed horse manure. Open the ventilators a little during the forenoon, but close them again about 3 p.m.; when the house and plants are syringed. Should the Cucumber blotch disease (Cercospora melonis) appear on the plants, cut off any affected leaves and burn them. Dis- continue the syringing for a time, but maintain the atmosphere moist by frequently damping all the available surfaces in the house. Another large measure it may be prevented if a mulch of some suitable material is placed on the soil sufficiently early. For all the larger growing vegetables there is nothing better than stable litter, but for smaller growing crops, such as Beet, Onions, Carrots, Lettuces and Turnips, manure obtained from a spent Mushroom or hot- bed, with some leaf-mould, are the best materials. These materials should be passed through a coarse meshed sieve in order that they may be easily worked between the plants and rows. If nothing better is obtainable, the mown grass from the lawns will answer the purpose. Watering. — It will now be necessary to com- mence watering in dry weather. When- ever water is applied let sufficient be given to thoroughly saturate the soil as deeply as the roots penetrate. Manure water of some kind is essential to most of the crops if the best results are to be obtained. Ordinary house sewage, if used with care, is an excellent stimulant, there- fore, provision should be made for preserving a sufficient quantity for kitchen-garden purposes. Drainings from the farmyard are excellent if care is taken to dilute them sufficiently before apply- ing them to the crop. As far as circumstances will allow, all watering should be done late in the afternoon or during the evening. Fig. 142. — rose festoons in the warren house gardens, stanmore. {See p. 323.) batch of plants will be necessary to take the place of those now fruiting when the latter cease to be productive. Excellent Cucumbers may be grown at this season of the year in un- heated frames. The recommendations given in a previous Calendar for the cultivation of Melons in frames may be followed in the case of Cucum- bers, with the additions that a covering of de- cayed leaves be placed over the whole of the bed 3 or 4 inches thick, and the young Cucumber plants be planted on mounds composed of loam and leaf-mould in equal proportions. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Mulching. — It would be difficult to overesti- mate the value of a good mulch to most vegetable crops, whether they are cultivated in light or heavy soil. Contrary to the general belief, I am convinced that a mulch is even more necessary on heavy ground than on light, porous soils. Heavy land contracts during dry weather in sum- mer, and exhibits much cracking and the crops suffer from this condition of the soil. In a Dandelion. — The Dandelion is regarded by many as one of the best salads obtainable, and by some as one of the best vegetables for cooking purposes. Seeds should be sown thinly in rows 15 inches apart, and the seedlings thinned as early as possible to 1 foot apart. Potatos.— Use the flat hoe over the ground between the rows and Potato sets directly the growth appears above the ground level. When- ever there is the slightest fear of frost (and it should be remembered that frost is possible dur- ing the whole of the present month), let the tops be either covered with soil or protected with some other material. Examine frequently old tubers which have been stored for use. Rub off any growths that appear upon them and make sure that they are in the coolest place avail- able. Spinach. — The earliest sowings made this spring should now be affording leaves for con- sumption. The plants in successional batches should be thinned out to 6 inches apart in order that the finest produce possible may be obtained. Continue to sow small quantities of seed once a fortnight, selecting the sites between rows of Peas or some other partially-shaded situations. May 22. 1909. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 327 THE FLOWER GARDEN. By \V. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Bamboos. — Any varieties of Bambusa, Arun- dinaria, and Phyllostachys that have been re- cently planted should be given occasional water- ings, as these plants become dry very quickly in the presence of a drying wind. It is useful also to spray the foliage occasionally with clear water. Arundinaria nitida and A. anceps are greatly af- fected by dry conditions, the leaves frequently showing signs of shrivelling during an east wind. Large clumps of Bamboos can be improved in condition by applying water from the hose. It must be remembered that the arrangement of the leaves tends to divert much of the water that falls upon them to an area not covered by the roots. If a small jet of water is made to run for several hours in the centre of a plant it will be sure to do that plant good. Any other trees and shrubs that have been moved should be examined for the same reason. First of all make the soil thoroughly firm about the roots and then apply water. Narcissi. — The foliage of Narcissus and all bulbs should be allowed to die naturally. There- fore, if the site where the Narcissi are growing is needed for any other plant the Narcissi should be lifted carefully and laid in a trench where they may finish the ripening process. I 'ulcuolaria. — Any Calceolarias to be used in the scheme of summer bedding not already planted in their permanent position should lie re- moved thereto without delay. They require deeply-dug and richly manured soil, and plant ing should be done very firmly or the plants will die suddenly during a period of hot weather. Hollyhocks. — Turn up a leaf occasionally to see if there are signs of the fungus disease (Puccinia malvacearum). If the plants are sprayed suffi- ciently early with permanganate of potash or sul- phide of potassium the disease will be checked. Hollyhocks are noble border plants and their cul- ture is recommended. Senecio. — S. japonica, S. Veitchii, and S. Wil- sonianus are apt to have their leaves disfigured by insects. Therefore sprinkle about the plants a quantity of soot, lime, or kainit, these being distasteful to creeping insects Helhbdrus. — Plants that were shifted at the commencement of the month must be watered from time to time. Rhododendron. — As Rhododendrons pass out of flower, especially the Himalayan species, let the seed vessels be picked off, as this will have the effect of making the plants grow more strongly. Afford any plants water that appear to require it, and apply a mulch to isolated speci- mens that, having no shade, would be liable to very warm soil about their roots. Alpine plants. — See that shade is afforded such plants as Schizocodon Shortia, and Ramon- dia. Many of the Saxifragas do better if shaded from the midday sun. They should be planted in a north-west aspect. Gerbera Jamesonii. — Plants of this species are now growing freely. Take away a little of the surface soil and apply a top-dressing. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W, H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Calanthe. — In the warmest house the deciduous ( 'alanthes are in various stages of growth. Those which have unfolded their leaves are looting freely towards the sides of the pot. Such plants must now be afforded more water at the root, and the quantity should continue to be gradually increased as the plants make further progress. Those that are more backward should lie set aside by themselves, for great care must still be exercised in watering them. At Burford I find it necessary to give extra shade from sunshine to these Calanthes until the plants are thoroughly established, and for this purpose, in addition to the lath blinds, we use thin archangel mats which are half worn out ; these are kept on the glass during the hottest part, of the day. Such eversreen Calan- thes as C. veratrifolia, C. Masuca,, and C. macro- loba should now be opening their flowers, and if the plants are placed in a cool, shady part of the intermediate house, they will remain beautiful for several weeks. Whilst in bloom, the plants only require about half as much water as when they are in full growth — a too liberal supply at this time will cause the flowers to become spotted and to fall away prematurely. The proper time to repot these plants is when new growth com- mences, which usually occurs about a month after flowering. Being strong, free-rooting sub- jects they require rather large pots, which should be one-third filled with drainage. For a compost, use one-half of fibrous loam, one-fourth leaf mould, one-eighth Osmunda fibre cut up rather small, and for the remainder small broken crocks and coarse silver sand. Pot the plants moderately firmly, as when planting an ordinary stove or greenhouse plant, and allow a good space for water on- the surface. Brown scale insects and green and yellow aphides often attack these plants just as the flowers commence to open, and if not destroyed at once, they spoil the whole inflorescence. Thunias. — Thunias have grown strong and well. As the flowering racemes commence to ap- pear on the apex of the new growths, afford copious waterings at the root, and weak liquid manure water about once or twice a week until the flowers expand. When in bloom, the flowers will last longer if the plants are arranged m the less warm atmosphere of the Cattleya house. Pleiones. — Such Pleiones as P. maculata, P. lagenaria, and P. concolor now suspended to the roof 'if tin- Cattleya or intermediate house, and others as P. humilis and P. Hookeriana which are near a ventilator in the cool house, must receive sufficient water to keep them de- cidedly wet, and a good spraying overhead several times a day so that the foliage will be fresh and. clean. When thoroughly established in the potting material, all of these" Pleiones en- joy exposure to light, and will keep the tips of their leaves green longer than when grown in a shady position. They should not, however, be ex- posed to strong direct sunshine. Chysis. — In the Cattleya house, plants of Chysis bractescens, C. Limminghii, C. aurea, C. Sedenii, and C. Chelsonii, &c, are now in full growth. Those that were repotted last year and need no disturbance now, will require abundance of water at the root. If any require re- potting the operation should be done at once. The plants grow well in equal parts of Osmunda and Polypodium fibre cut up moderately fine and with plenty of small crocks intermixed. Pot each plant firmly and suspend it in the lightest position in the house. Instead of the usual shal- low Orchid pans, we find the ordinary flower-pot more suitable, these having three holes drilled just under the rim, and with copper wire handles they are easily suspended. All through the grow- ing season these plants are extremely liable to the attack of small yellow thrips. When these tiny insects get a footing low down in the funnel- shaped growths, it is difficult to dislodge them. A good plan is to dip the growths in some safe insei t hide, afterwards rinsing it off in clean, soft water, then lay the plants down on their sides until the water has drained out of each growth. It is advisable to place the plants in any house whenever it is being fumigated with a vaporising compound. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener lo H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Forced Strawberries. — Where the later batches of these have not been too hardly forced, they should be set aside and hardened off gradually, with a view to planting them in the kitchen gar- den. This class of plant, if well rested, will usually produce a good crop of Strawberries in the autumn, and a heavier crop in the following season. Strawberry plants under glass are very suscfeptible to red spider and mildew, and some- times whilst the plants are standing about, pre- vious to being sufficiently hardened for planting, these pests increase in number. As a precautionary measure, it is well to dip the foliage in a strong mixture of sulphur or other insecticide, so as to ensure the plants a clean start in their new quarters. Where this method of cultivation is practised yearly, a piece of ground will have been already prepared, and the soil by this time will have settled down. All that now remains to do is to loosen the top soil, and, before planting, to work in a mixture of soot, lime and wood ashes. Rake the surface level and draw lines at 2£ feet apart. If Strawberry plants grow strongly in the garden as a rule, then allow the plants the same distance in the rows. For some of the more compact or weaker-growing varieties 2 feet will be found sufficient. Thoroughly break the ball and disentangle the roots, or the latter will have some difficulty in establishing them- selves in the new soil. Plant firmly and apply a thorough watering afterwards. In the event of a spell of dry weather, watering must be con- tinued till the plants are well established. Where a large number of runners is required for raising plants for forcing, it is a good plan to set apart a bed of late-planted Strawberries, and to use these merely for providing runners. The blooms should be pinched off as soon as they appear. This is a better plan than to depend on a fruiting plantation for the runners — as before the fruit is cleared a considerable time will have elapsed, and the runners may be damaged by the pickers. Where early forcing is done, it is a gain to get the plants established in the fruiting pots early. Early Strawberries. — If the present dry weather continues, warm borders set apart for the production of early fruit will require frequent waterings, otherwise the plants will be checked in their growth and the fruits prevented from swelling sufficiently. If extra fine fruits are desired, thin them out as soon as the bloom is set, leaving about 12 fruits on each plant. This will be a considerable help to the plants, and will hasten the development of the fruit3 by a few days. THE APIARY. By Chloris. Water for Bees. — Now that the bees are rais- ing large quantities of brood, much water will be required, and where there are no natural sup- plies of pure water it is necessary to afford a supply. The best and simplest way to provide water for bees is to fill a 3-lb. jam bottle with water, and invert it on a plate in the vicinity of the hives. Arranging an apiary. — Bright sunshine has a great influence upon the activity of bees, and the hives should be so placed that the entrances catch the early morning sun, that is, facing the south-east. Some protection, such, as is afforded by a high hedge, should be given against the north and east winds, but the hives should not be crowded under hedges, al- though this is often the case. Such a situation prevents easy manipulation of the hives, and causes them to be damp from the constant drip from the trees. The hives should be so placed that a person can easily get behind them. Place the hives about two yards apart ; let the alighting board be sloping, and not more than a foot from the ground. If the apiary is in a field keep a space around each hive clear of grass and weeds, so that the bees will be able to enter the hives- freely. Should the queen be lost when examining the hive she will be more readily found if the ground around is clear. An apiary should, if possible, be established in the midst of honey- producing flowers. Plants that furnish honey in quantity. — Many persons imagine that any and every flower will give its share of nectar to the honey bees, but this is not so. There are many blooms which are of no value to the bee because the nectar is situated too far down the corolla for the tongue of the bee to reach it. The following plants aro especially valuable for honey producing : All fruit trees, Lime, White Clover, Borage, Mignonette, Mustard, Heather, and plants of the Brassica family, especially when grown in large quantities for seed. Swarms. — May is one of the best months to commence beekeeping, especially if good swarms can be obtained. One of the readiest means of judging whether a new stock is strong is to weigh it. A good swarm, when just hived, should weigh from 4j to 5 lbs. ; a medium one from 3 to 3j lbs. Before bees swarm they con- sume a considerable amount of honey, which they convert into wax for building comb in their new home. When bees are dispatched some con- siderable distance by rail they consume some of this honey as food, therefore the swarm weighs less on arrival than when dispatched. Fitting a hive for a swarm. — A swarm generally builds worker comb during the first season after swarming. Fit the frames with starters about an inch and a half deep. Over these frames place zinc queen excluders, and above these place shallow frames containing drawn-out comb. The bees will then have a place in which to store their nectar and thus leave- plenty of room for the queen to lay her eggs. 328 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 22, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens or plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. i ommunieations should be win i txn on onk side only of the paper, sent as early in the week as possible and duly signed (.f tli,- writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee cf good faith. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be carefulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to set. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, MAY 24— Anniversary meet, of Linnean Soc. TUESDAY, MAY 25- Roy. Hort. Soc. Sh. in Temple Gardens, Thames I nibankment (3 days). Ann. meet, and dinner of the Kew Guild at the Holborn Restaurant. WEDNESDAY, MAY 26— British Gardeners' Association Annual Meeting at Essex Hall, Strand, London, at 7 p.m. Bath and West and Southern Counties Sh. at Exeter (6 days). Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 55'7°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Il/crfncsrfav, May 13 (6 p.m.): Max. 6b ; Min. 41". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.— Thursday, Hay 20 (10 a.m.): Bar. 30'2 ; Temp. 68°; Weather— Sunshine. Provinces.— Wednesday, May 19 (6 p.m.): Max. 63° Bury St. Edmunds ; Si in. 54° Scotland E. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY— , . , . , .. Unreserved sale of 150 Magnificent Orchids, including some rare Cattleya Rex, by order of Messrs. Sander & Sons, by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., at 2.30. WEDNESDAY— .. , Choice and Rare Orchids, many being certificated plants, by Protheroe & Morris, at 1. THURSDAY— Hardy Bulbs and Tubers, at 12; Palms, Bays, Ferns, &c, at 1.30; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. JTRJDAY Imported and Established Orchids, Orchids in flower and bud, at 67 & 63, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45. It has long been known that the The blood of animals contains sub- Bpi>°r?ts>.f stances— respiratory pigments— which act as carriers of oxygen; that is, which are capable of uniting with oxy- gen and of yielding it up to the tissues of the body. Such respiratory pigments are con- tained, for example, in mammalian blood, and to them that fluid owes its characteristic colour. The change of colour which blood undergoes in passing from the arterial to the venous state is due to the change in colour of the respiratory pigment. When united with oxygen it is bright red, and when de- prived of oxygen it is of a darker colour. Again, it is well known that in the process of respiration, both in plants and animals, the energy which this process releases and puts at the disposal of the organism is in part due to oxidations. The raw materials of respiration are complex organic compounds — sugar and also nitrogen-containing bodies : the final '■ waste " products of the process are fully oxidised substances, such as carbon-dioxide, water and the like. It has always been a puzzle to physiologists to understand by what chemical course of events the respired substances are oxidised in the cells of the plant or animal. It has been evident for some time that re- spiration is not a simple oxidation process, for if it were, then increasing the supply of oxygen should result in increased respiration. This is not the case with plants, for the amount of oxygen in the air supplied to the plant may be varied within extraordinarily wide limits without increasing the rate of respiration. That certain processes go on in the plant preliminary to the oxidative processes which constitute the last stage of respiration is evi- dent from the study of fermentation by yeast. Yeast is a fungus which, as is known to all, converts certain sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisese) is remarkable in as much as it may live in the presence or in the complete absence of oxy- gen ; or, in other words, it can live perobically or anrerobkally. When oxygen is present yeast, besides fer- menting a certain amount of sugar to alco- hol, converts some sugar into carbon dioxide and water, that is, it sets up fermentation and also respires like an ordinary plant. When oxygen is absent yeast obtains its sup- plies of energy solely by breaking sugar mole- cules into alcohol and carbon-dioxide. Yeast, as an aerobe, derives the major part of its energy thus : — 06 H12 06 + 6 02 = 6 C02 + 6 H2 O as an anaerobe, thus : — C0 HM Oc = 2 C2 H5 H O + 2 C02, and since the energy obtainable from a given weight of fermentaljle sugar is greater when the oxidation is complete, as in the former case, than when the sugar molecule is split into an unoxidised part (alcohol) and an oxi- dised part (carbon-dioxide), it follows that, to get the energy necessary for its routine work of living, yeast as an anaerobe must decompose considerably more sugar than when it is living as an aerobe. This is confirmed by the experi- ence of brewers, who limit the amount of oxy- gen available for the yeast during alcoholic fermentation. Till recently the facts of alco- holic fermentation were regarded rather as curious than significant. Two sets of obser- vations have forced them into prominence as throwing light on the chemistry of respira- tion. The first set of observations indicates that alcoholic fermentation is not confined to yeast and various other micro-organisms, but may be demonstrated to occur among the higher plants. That this is so, anyone may determine very readily by keeping Bean seeds under water for a few days, and then rubbing the seeds between the fingers, when a distinct smell of alcohol is to be recognised. Experi- ments on the behaviour of the higher plants when deprived of oxygen have led to the con- clusion that in these circumstances, though no oxygen is absorbed, carbon-dioxide continues for some time to be evolved; and, as we have just seen, alcohol is also produced. This pro- cess of respiration without oxygen is called generally intra-molecular respiration. It agrees in the most exact manner with the alcoholic fermentation of sugar by yeast, and, indeed, only takes place in plants which .con- tain sugar in their tissues. The second set of observations bearing on the chemistry of respiration are due to Buchner, who has suc- ceeded in isolating from the living yeast-cell a definite substance which he terms zymase and which, like the living yeast-cell itself, has the power of decomposing sugar into alcohol and carbon-dioxide. From these results it would appear probable that in yeast, living in oxygen, respiration takes place in a series of stages, of which the first is the disruption by zymase and similar agents of complex, organic substances such as sugar (and also nitrogen-containing bodies), and the second the oxidation of the alcohol and other substances, produced by this dis- ruptive action. If this is the probable course of events in the respiration of yeast it is also, for the reasons already given, the probable course of events in the respiration of all plants. In this scheme the respiratory pigments find a definite place. These pigments consist of readily oxidisable bodies, and, under the influence of special agents of oxidation called oxidases and peroxidases take up oxy- gen. They act as temporary storers of oxygen. The oxygen, which they hold but loosely, is taken from them and induced to combine with the products of the disruptive process described above, with the consequent production of fully-oxidised substances — the so-called products of respiration — such as carbon-dioxide and water. A respiratory pigment may have different colours accord- ing as it is in the oxidised or the reduced state : thus indigo is blue in the former, but colourless in the latter condition. Various fungi, such as species of Boletus turn blue when broken and exposed to the air owing to the taking up of oxygen by the respiratory pigment. Many of the common colour changes in vegetables, as, for example, the browning of Apples, may be the visible sign of a similar oxidative process whereby a respiratory pigment is con- verted from its reduced, colourless state to its oxidised, coloured condition : the oxygen so taken up being destined for respiratory pur- poses. In as much as bodies, having these peculiar relations to oxygen and exhibiting marked colour characteristics when oxidised, exist in the sap of the most varied kinds of plants, it has been suggested by Palladia, to whom the most recent investigations are due, that the cell-sap of plants, because it contains these respiratory pigments and also the oxidising agents, is to be regarded as fulfilling the same respirator}- functions as the blood of animals. Looking at matters from the standpoint of the plant, the problem which it solves by respiration is how to obtain the energy for doing its work. The complex substances which it manufactures contain potentially great stores of energy. All that is required is that these substances should be oxidised. At the low temperature at which plants work this cannot be done directly. It is done in- directly in two series of operations. First, by special, clastic (decomposing) agents, like zymase, the organic substances are split up into intermediate bodies. In the second set of operations oxygen is brought into close association with the respiratory pigments. In the last place, this store of oxygen is intro- duced to, and caused to combine with, the de- composition-products of the first stage. Thus more or less fully-oxidised products are evolved, the fulness of oxidation being a mea- sure of the completeness with which the potential energy of the original food sub- stance is liberated. Although it cannot yet be described in simple language, easy of ap- prehension to the layman, the great problem of the mode of origin of the vital energy of organisms, by virtue of which they live and move and have their being, begins to be in- telligible. May 22, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 329 Our Supplementary Illustration repre- sents a view ot the Rhododendrons in the pleasure grounds at The Beacon, Dormans Land, Sussex. The bushes, many of them 30 feet high, form an undulating hedge on either side of the path known as the " Broad Walk." This path measures 16 feet across and extends a dis- tance of 90 yards. The plants are principally varieties of R. ponticum, though here and there are hybrids, some with white flowers. The bushes have been planted for upwards of half a century. The soil varies in texture from a more or less light loam to a stiff clay, being a staple that is not considered very suitable for Rhodo- dendrons. Nevertheless, they flourish and pro- duce annually a grand display of blossoms. Through the kindness of the owner, opportunity to witness the display is extended to all who care to do so, and no permission is necessary. The site is shaded slightly by big trees, which afford protection for the flowers with- out obscuring the light to any great ex- tent. The group of Rhododendrons shown in fig. 143 is the beautiful variety Rosa mundi, growing by the side of the formal lake oppo- site the Palm house in the Royal Gardens, Kew. This spot is one of the gayest in these famous gardens at all times, and especially in spring, when the large beds which face the Palm house are filled with a beautiful display of bulbous plants, most of them massed in colours. The Tulips have been especially fine this season. The Rhododendron Rosa mundi is early in flowering, and, as will be seen from our picture, it is extremely floriferous. Later, when the flowers are over, the dark greenery of the foliage affords a pleasing contrast to the wealth of summer-flowering subjects which take the place of the bulbs in the flower-beds. The stone vases, which appear in relief against the water, are then filled with showy trailing and other plants. The lake is of considerable extent, and numerous and varied water-fowl make it their home. The tiny island seen in the middle of the lake is a favourite spot for a pair of cormorants, which birds, disporting themselves and diving into the water after the food thrown them by their keeper or visitors, provide a constant source of • entertainment. On a fine summer's afternoon, and especially on Sundays, the margins of the water are crowded by visitors, the vicinity of this lake and the Palm house being the most fre- quented spot in the gardens. Flower Shows at Birmingham. — The Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society have decided to hold, in accordance with prece- dent, two summer flower shows at the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, this season. The forthcom- ing shows will be held on June 9 (Orchids and early summer flowers) and July 21 (Roses and midsummer flowers). Schedules may be obtained from the hon. secretaries, Messrs. Humphreys and Whitelock, at the Botanical Gardens. Kensington Gardens. — The Times on the 13th inst., reports the following questions and answers in the House regarding the management of Kensington Gardens : — Mr. Rees asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he would consider the propriety of extending the ride from Hyde Park into Kensington Gardens? Mr. L. Harcourt : I cannot give any encouragement to this suggestion. It would destroy the amenities of Kensington Gardens, and I am glad to think the cost would be prohibitive. Mr. Rees : Will the right hon. gentleman consider the desira- bility of keeping members of Parliament and others in good health, and the difficulty of get- ting sufficient exercise at present? Mr. L. Harcourt : I attach more importance to keeping the children in Kensington Gardens in good health. The Hurst and Son Musical Society and the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Insti- tution.— This society gave a performance of a musical play entitled " In Cyderland" on the 10th inst., at the Cripplegate Theatre, Golden Lane, London. The play was written by Mr. R. Carey Tucker, and the music composed by Mr. Edward Sherwood. There was a good attendance, and the performance was greatly enjoyed. We under- stand that Mr. Edward Sherwood will be en- abled to make a contribution of £100 to the funds of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Insti- tution as a result of the performance. A Proposed National Vegetable Society. — A meeting of several persons in- terested in vegetable culture was held in the Board Room of Country Life, Limited, on Tuesday after- noon last. Those present included Mr. A. Dean (in the chair), and Messrs. O. Thomas, G. Wythes, W. Poupart, C. Foster, H. Markham, C. Hob- day, E. T. Cook, J. T. Quick, and F. W. Har- vey. The feeling in favour of the formation of a Vegetable Society was unanimous, and it was agreed to convene by circular a meeting of all interested in the project. This will be held in the Essex Hall, Essex Street, Strand, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon next. At that meeting full opportunity will be given for discussion and pro- posals will be submitted. Mr. A. Dean is to preside, and Mr. Quick will act as hon. sec. pro tern. Mr. H. J. Veitch. — We have received th following note upon a subject which we are quite sure will have the active sympathy of our readers: — "With the increasing love of plants and gardens it may possibly be forgotten to what a really vast extent the present and succei ! i generations are indebted to Mr. Harry J. Veitch, V.M.H., not only for his invaluable work amongst plants, but also for the assistance lie has invariably rendered, personal as well as financial, to the great gardening charities. A few of his friends and admirers (both amateur and professional) are, therefore, desirous of having his portrait painted by one of our leading artists, in order that it may be hung permanently in the buildings of the Royal Horticultural Society. A sum of 600 guineas will be required. Of this a very substantial sum has already been received, but it is thought that amongst many of his friends there will exist a feeling that an oppor- tunity to subscribe should also be afforded them. It is proposed, should the funds admit, to pre- sent each subscriber of one guinea and upwards with an engraving of the portrait. Subscriptions 1 1 1 . i > be sent to either Mr. H. B. May, of Stan- more, The Green, Chingford. or to the Revd. W. Wilks, Shirley Vicarage, Croydon." British Gardeners1 Association. — The annual general meeting will be held in the Essex Hall, Essex Street, Strand, London, on Wednes- day, May 26, at 7 p.m. (the second day of the Temple Show). Mr. E. F. Hawes, Chairman of the Executive Council, will occupy the chair. Thrips in Greenhouses. — Experiments made by Mr. A. C. Beale on the best means of destroying thrips on Cucumbers and published in the Gardeners' Chronicle of America (No. 1, vol. ix., April, 1909) have led to the following conclusions : Hydrocyanic acid gas, at the rate of 1 ounce of potassium cyanide per 1,000 cubic feet, is effectual. (This method must not be used unless the operator adopts proper precau- tions, since hydrocyanic acid gas is extremely poisonous). Spraying with a 40 per cent, nicotine preparation (one teaspoonful to a gallon of water) will keep down thrips on Cucumber with- out injury to the plant, provided that the nicotine water is washed off, before it has had time to dry on the leaves, by spraying with ordinary water. Bequest to a Gardener. — The late Dowager Duchess of Marlborough (Lady Wil- liam Beresford), whose will has just been pub- lished, made a number of bequests to her servants, among them a sum of £500 to Mr. F. Chamberlain, her gardener at Deepdene, near Dorking. Rhododendron Pink Pearl. — Speculations having been advanced in a contemporary as to the parentage and origin of this Rhododendron, Messrs. John Waterer & Sons, Ltd., Bagshot, ask us to state that it was raised in their nur- sery. Messrs. Waterer state that they are mak- ing similar crosses to that which produced Pink Pearl, and have hopes of raising even better varieties. Protection of Wild Plants in Surrey. — In order to preserve as much as possible the beauties of rural waysides in the area under its administrative authority, the County Council of Surrey has recently passed the following by-law : — " No person shall uproot or destroy any Ferns or other wild plants growing in any road, lane, roadside waste, wayside, bank or hedge, common or other public place, in such a manner or in such quantities as to damage or disfigure such road, lane, or other place. Provided that such by-law shall not apply to persons collecting speci- mens in small quantities for private or scientific purposes. Any person offending against this by- law shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding £5." Lord Farrer asked that the middle clause be omitted, as members of so-called Nature Study classes uprooted everything. It was de- cided that as the by-law was identical with that adopted in Devonshire, the proposed rules should be passed, without alteration, to see how they worked. Nitrogen - fixing Bacteria and Non- Leguminous Crops. — In a paper read before the Royal Society on May 6, Professor Bot- tomley gave an account of the results of his experiments on applying to the roots of non- leguminous crops (Oats, Barley, Parsnips, &c.) cultures containing two nitrogen-fixing micro- organisms, viz., Pseudomonas radicicola and a species of Azotobacter. Pot experiments with Oats grown in sand and manured with phos- phates, potash, and lime gave : — Treated pots, watered once with the mixed culture solution, average weight for plant = .74 grams ; un- treated, .42 grams ; increase in favour of treated plants = .32 grams, i.e., 76 per cent. Barley: Field experiments on limed plots of 484 square yards. Seed only treated with bacterial culture. Yield of treated,691 lbs. ; of untreated, 608 lbs. ; increase, 83 lbs., or 13.6 per cent. With bulbs, Galtonia candicans, 250 bulbs in each plot, grown in sandy soil, manured and limed, Professor Bottomley obtained the following results : — Weight of Lulbs when lifted and dried at end of season : treated, 82 lbs. 1£ oz. ; untreated, 69 lbs. 3 oz. ; increase, 12 lbs. 14^ oz. = 18.6 per cent, in favour of the treated bulbs. Parsnips, grown in garden soil, manured and limed, half the bed watered once with mixed culture solution, showed, with respect to weight of the roots: — Treated, 65 roots weighed 26 lbs. 10 oz., average per root = 6.55 oz. ; untreated, 68 roots weighed 22 lbs. 14 oz., average per root 5.38 oz. ; increase per root, 1.17 oz. = 21.7 per cent. Tree Grubbing by Steam Engine.— On an estate near Bulwell, Nottinghamshire, belonging to Messrs. Richard Sankey & Son, Ltd., a seven-acre wood has been cleared by means of a , powerful traction engine. The soil at the foot of each tree was slightly loosened, a chain placed around the trunk, the engine put in motion, and the tree hauled out of the ground. 330 THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. [May 22, 1909. A Narrow Escape.— Under the title, "A Warning to Gardeners," the Hants and Sussex County Pros fur May 15 reports a narrow escape from death from nicotine poisoning. It appears that a boy employed at a nursery took home some nicotine preparation used for fumi- gating purposes, and that his mother employed it on the heads of two little girls. Both children were rendered unconscious by the poison, and only prompt medical aid saved them from death. It cannot be too often insisted upon that all poi- sonous preparations used by horticulturists should be properly labelled, and, above all, kept under lock and key. The Evolution of the Orchidace/e.-- Under the above title Mr. R. A. Rolfe com- mences in the May number of the Orchid Ii''ii< w a series of articles on the relations in which the several genera of this most interesting group of plants stand to one another. He points out that the most primitive of existing Orchids is the genus Newiedia. with some half-dozen species, and insists that, though the flowers of this genus differ very considerably from those of other genera, Newiedia is rightly included in the Orchidacese. He describes in brief but adequate fashion the characters of the sub-orders, Diandra; and Monandr*. The dis- tinguishing features of the two tribes, Apos- tasies and Cypripedieae, into which the former sub-order is divided, are given, the classification of the Monandra; being left for subsequent treat- ment. We commend Mr. Rolfe's article to the notice of all those who are interested in what Darwin rightly called " the most singular and most modified forms in the vegetable kingdom." Scab on Potatos.— It having been observed in Yorkshire that scab is more prevalent in a dry than in a wet season, experiments were instituted by the Agricultural Department of the University of Leeds (Bulletins 63 and 70) in order to ascertain whether by treating land with substances capable of holding water the disease might be prevented or reduced. The substances used were :— sawdust, shoddy, Rape meal and peat moss, each of these substances being used with and without salt. The sawdust and peat moss were soaked in water before being applied over the sets at planting time. The best results were obtained by the use of 50 cwts. of wetted sawdust; the addition of salt, however, reduced the yield. Steeping the " seed " in formaline (8 fluid ounces of commercial formaline to 15 gallons of water) reduced the amount of scab in the crop. Coke for Keeping Potatos.— According to a German publication, the Practical Adviser in Fruit Raising and Gardening, Potatos may be kept and prevented from sprouting by placing them on layers of coke. Though it is not apparent by what properties of coke this effect is produced, the fact would appear to be well vouched for. It is stated that by the use of layers of coke Potatos may be kept in good con- dition till July. A New Method of Packing Grapes.— An improved method of packing Grapes for market, devised by M. Barody. is described in the Bi vue Horticole (May 1, 1909). A portion of the stem is left attached to the bunch, and the two cut ends of the stem are covered with wads of cotton wool well soaked in water. Pieces of waterproof paper are wrapped over the wool and kept in place by elastic rings. The Grapes are then put up in boxes, with the usual packing between the bunches. L' Agriculture Commer- cials '^ives an account of the success which attended an exacting trial of this method. Bunches packed by M. Barody's method and others packed in the usual manner were despatched from one part of France to another, and after having travelled over a thousand miles were inspected by competent judges. Those specially packed were found to be as fresh as when cut; the others, packed in the ordinary way, were in a lamentable state. The extra cost of the special packing comes to two or three shillings per 100 lbs. Publications Received.— Insect Pests on Fruit, by Fred. V. Theobald, M.A., &c. (Pub- lished by the author, Wye Court, Wye.) — CEco- logy of Plants : An Introduction to the Study of Plant Communities, by Eug. Warming, Ph.D., assisted by Martin Vahl, Ph.D. (Oxford : Claren- don Press.) Prioe 8s. 6d. net, cloth; 10s. net, morocco.— Kew Bulletin. (No 3.) Containing The Flora of Ngamiland, A Funtumia Disease, The Herbarium Savatier, &c. (London : Wyman & Sons, Ltd., Fetter Lane ) Price 6d. — Beautiful Flowers and How to Grow Them, by Horace J. and Walter P. Wr girt. (Part XII.) (London: T. C. & E. C. Jack.) Price is. net.— Trees : A Handbook of Forest -Botany for the Woodlands and the Laboratory, by the late H. Marshall Ward, So.D., F.R.S. Vol. V. : Form and Habit, with an Appendix on Seedlings. (Cambridge : University Press.) — The Journal of the Cooper Research Laboratory, edited by Walter E. Collinge, M.Sc., F.L.S., F.E.S., Director. (Berk- hamsted: The Cooper Research Laboratory.) Price 3s— Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States. (April ) (Singa- pore : The Methodist Publishing House.)— The Women 's Agricultural and Horticultural Inter- national Union Monthly Leaflet. New series, No. 11. (London : 64, Lower Sloane Street, S.W.) Price 2d.— The Tropical Agriculturist and Magazine of the Ceylon Agricultural Society. (March.) (Colombo: A. M. & J. Ferguson.)— Tenth Annual Report on the Destruction of Charlock. (London: Spottiswoode & Co., Ltd.) — Twenty-first Annual Report of the Agricultural Experiment Stations of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College for 1908 to the Gov- ernor, by W. K. DoJson, Director. (Baton Rouge: The New Advocate, Official Journal of the State of Louisiana.) HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) An Iris Disease.— Growers of Pogoniris will welcome Mr. Dyke's timely note (p. 294) on the treatment of the combined fungal and bacterial disease which has been increasingly in evidence during the last few years. It is satisfactory, especially in the case of seedling Irises, to know that it need not necessarily involve the loss of the whole plant. Last season, however, I ob- served a final stage of the disease, which leads me to suggest that it is important to thoroughly destroy every portion of the rhizome that is actu- ally diseased. Three Iris seedlings that had been attacked, but not entirely destroyed, were left in the ground, and in November I found the rotted main rhizome of each of these swarming with a quantity of small grubs, some of which I sent to the R.H.S. Scientific Committee for identifica- tion and advice. I was informed that they were larvae of a two-winged fly, and probably had no connection with the disease. But it seems not unlikely that as they were feeding on the dis- eased tissue they might act as disseminators of the bacteria, either mechanically, or, perhaps, as migration hosts (as in the case of the try- panosome and the tsetze fly), and that later on, when the mature insect lays its eggs in the Iris rhizome, it may at the same time introduce the bacteria again. Indeed, the way in which single plants are attacked at random here and there throughout a bed of seedlings planted in fresh soil suggests this as one way in which the bacteria may be disseminated. A. J. Bliss. Perpetual-flowering Carnations for Summer Bedding. — We arc so accustomed to see Carnations cultivated near the vegetable quarters that the impression exists that they are only useful as plants to afford flowers for cutting. In the case of the border Carnation this is easily understood, principally owing to the fact that they require to be planted in the autumn or early spring, thus putting early spring bedding stock out of the question. But in the case of the perpetual-flowering Carnation it is possible to put out the plants in May after the spring bed- ding has been removed. We plant our Carna- tions at the same time as the Pelargoniums and Fuchsias, and they commence to flower very souii afterwards. Cuttings rooted late in the previous spring and wintered in cool or cold frames pro- vide idoal stock for this purpose. If stopped for the last time in September, the growths will be elongating for flower at the time of planting in May, when they should be in 5-inch pots. Plants which have flowered during winter under glass will produce quantities of bloom all summer if planted out during the spring. The superiority of the perpetual Carnation over the border Carna- tion, from a flowering standpoint, will be apparent to all, for the former commence to bloom in the spring and continue until the autumn. A friend residing at Bournemouth says : " I regularly gather a bunch of perpetual Carna- tion bloom on Christmas Day from the garden." So, like the Rose, we never quite know which is the last Carnation of summer. The question of varieties is not a perplexing one. For the best reds I would recommend Britannia and Beacon ; pinks, Enchantress, Rose Pink Enchantress, Mr. Burnett, and Winsor ; white, White Perfection, White Enchantress, and Lady Bountiful; while The President is the best crimson flower for the purpose. Montagu C. Allwood. A Fine Hardy Primrose. — Whilst the whole world has been scoured to collect specimens of the great Primrose family, yet of all the numerous forms in cultivation perhaps none excel in at- tractiveness or beauty the cross-bred products of Primula Auricula and P. vulgaris, these being our garden Auriculas, Polyanthuses, and Prim- roses. All of these flowers have been seen this year in many directions in wondrous beauty as ordinary greenhouse or border flowers. But at Wisley, in a retired spot beneath the trees and, oddly enough, quite alone, I saw recently a strong plant, with leaves vieing in luxuriance with the foliage of P. japonica which grows so finely, so beautifully, and so naturally here, the finest, richest coloured, single crimson Primrose I have ever observed. How it came there, or what is its origin, perhaps no one can tell, but it is a recent seedling. Such a plant if it seeds, as it is hoped it may, should prove to be the progenitor of a new and superb race of garden Primroses. A. Schizanthuses at Wisley. — In one of the large span-roofed houses at Wisley there is at . present a collection of superb plants of Schizan- thus. The plants are in 6-inch pots, and were raised from seeds sown in August last. Many of the plants range from 24 to 30 inches in height, and are of corresponding breadth. It is unfortunate that such a fine group of this simple, yet beautiful, hardy annual should be so remote as to be seen only by visitors to Wisley. Apart from the merits of the strain, the culture reflects high credit on the Wisley staff. D. Temple Show and Refreshment Tents. — Referring to your correspondent A.'s remarks, p 316, I would suggest that the secretaries of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution and the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund ask the permis- sion of the Temple Garden authorities to place collecting boxes in prominent places. If a por- tion of the amount usually spent in re- freshment at this show be contributed to the boxes these deserving charities will be benefited. An Old Subscriber to Both. TRADE NOTE. MR. JOHN FORBES. The well-known and old-established business of John Forbes, nurseryman, Hawick, has been incorporated as a private limited company under the Companies (Consolidation) Act 1908 uuder the name of " John Forbes, Hawick, Limited." We understand that the shares are all taken up by Mr. Forbes and his family, and that the in- corporation is made for family purposes only. Max 22, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 331 SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Mat 18. — The usual fortnightly meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday last in the Horti- cultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, con- currently with the annual exhibition of the National Tulip Society, a report of which ap- pears on p. 333. The building appeared more crowded than ever with exhibits, and so numer- ous were visitors that it was at times almost as Congested as a Temple Flower Show. The Com- mittees all met in the upper rooms, the annexe, usually utilised as a meeting place for the Orchid Committee, being occupied mainly with the exhi- bits of the National Tulip Society. From a spec- tacular point of view, the exhibition was a great success, but there was no feature of exceptional Floral Committee. Present : W. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman) ; and Messrs. Chas. T. Druery, John Green, T. W. Turner, G. Reuthe, J. W. Barr, R. C. Notcutt, W. J. Bean, A. Kingsmill, C. W. Dixon, Arthur Turner, Wm. Cuthbertson, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, Wm. J. James, George Paul, Ed. Mawley, F. Page Roberts, W. A. Bilney, Geo. Gordon, J. F. AIcLeod, Wm. Howe, Jas. Hudson, and E. T. Cook. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, again showed their brilliantly-flowered Zonal Pelargoniums, and some equally attractive Phyl- locacti, having exceptionally choice varie- ties of these latter plants splendidly in bloom. Messrs. W. Ctjtbush & Son, Highgate, Lon- don, N., again staged varieties of the perpetual- blooming Carnation, and a selection of flowering shrubs. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. Charles Turner, Slough, showed varieties of Lilacs, the double-flowered varieties being very choice; we also noticed a batch of seedling A' thurium Scherzerianum, elegant little plants of Primula Sieboldii in numerous shades, and a row of the pretty-leaved Saxifraga sarmentosa. (Sil- ver Banksian Medal.) Miss Willmott, Warley Place, Great Warley (gr. Mr. J. Preece), exhibited a new Wallflower labelled Cheiranthus Allionii hybrida; the in- florescence bears a number of brownish-yellow flowers about the size of those of the Common Wallflower. Some very pleasing subjects were shown by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, En- field, their Roses and Carnations being very at- tractive, also Hydrangeas, Meterosideros flori- bunda, Acacia, Schizanthus, and Gt>i'bera Jame- sonii. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Fig. 143.- -RHODODENDRON GLORIA MUNDI IN BLOOM IN ROYAL GARDENS, KEW. (See p. 329.) [Photograph by A. J. H artless. interest if the exhibit of new Primulas, shown by Messrs. Bees Ltd., be excepted, and these were disposed in an out-of-the-way corner in one of the annexes. The exhibits under the jurisdic- tion of the Daffodil Committee comprised some very showy and extensive groups of bulbous flowers, mainly Tulips, the largest group staged being composed of Tulips in pots. This Com- mittee granted an Award of Merit to a variety of Tulip ; the Floral Committee conferred two First-class Certificates and two Awards of Merit. The Orchid Committee awarded one First-class Certificate. The Fruit and Vegetable Com- mittee granted two Awards of Merit to new varieties of Strawberry. At the 3 o'clock meeting a lecture on "Alpines in their Native Homes " was given by Mr. A. Clutton Brock. Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, Surrey, ex- hibited a trailing form of Cytisus scoparius An- dreanus. A batch of about 40 varieties of the common Hartstongue Fern, Scolopendrium vulgare, formed the principal feature in the group dis- played by Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nur- series, Edmonton. The fronds were serrated, crested and tasselled in the most elegant manner, whilst the splendid culture evinced in the speci- mens rendered the plants additionally handsome. A row of Lygodium japonicum and Vitis hetero- phylla formed a suitable setting at the back. Adjoining the Ferns, Messrs. May & Sons showed Vei-benas in variety, Ixoras, Pelargonium Clorinda, and bunches of Zonal Pelargoniums in variety. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Heath & Son, Cheltenham, showed about 40 varieties of Fancy Pelargoniums and a large assortment of the scented-leaved type. Amongst the newer varieties of the fancy class were Souvenir de Marie Aldebert (white, semi- double flowers), Souvenir de Mme. Royer (dark crimson), Monsieur Duvillard (a very free-bloom- ing kind, the carmine petals having darker spots), Mons. Gaston Allery (red and purple), and Heroine d'Orleans (a fine white variety). Messrs. Heath also showed Alpine plants on a rock- garden exhibit. Sir Edmund Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Hors- ham, Sussex (gr. Mr. W. A. Cook), showed many interesting plants from his noted collection. The Rhododendrons were especially choice, the more notable being R. cinnabarinum, R. kewensis, R. Collettianum, ,R. yunnanensis, and R. Princess 882 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 22, 1909. of Wurtemburg. Other plants of interest were Larix Griffithii and L. microcarpa, both with cones; Magnolia Lennei, Fendlera rupicola, Rubus delioiosaj Limonia trifoliata, Akebia quinata and Ranunculus amplexicaulis. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. G. Reuthe showed Rhododendrons m variety, also many plants of hardy species. We noticed a fine basket of the crimson-flowered Primula pulverulenta. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Bees Ltd., Liverpool, showed batches of three new Primula including Primula Bulley- ana (see Awards), P. muscarioides, a small- flowered species having an inflorescence resem- bling a purplish blue Lantana ; P. cortusoides var. lichiangensis, with rose-red flowers with greenish-yellow " eye." Another interesting plant in this group was Incarvillea Bonvalotii, which may be likened to a glorified I. Delavayi. A group of a tall-growing Calceolaria, after the type of C. Burbidgei, was shown by Leonard Sutton, Esq., Reading (gr. Mr. F. Townsend). It was labelled Calceolaria profusa; the flowering is free and the plant highly deco- rative. Displavs of Roses were staged by most of the leading Rose firms. Mr. Geo. Mount, Canter- bury, again staged cut blooms of remarkable quality, having well-known varieties in large batches of beautiful flowers. (Silver Flora Medal.) The most imposing group of these flowers was a bank of pillar varieties staged by Messrs. T. Rochford & Co., Turnford Hall, Broxbourne. The varieties were the best of the class, those that produce a wealth of blossoms forming huge bouquets of flowers. Wo noticed Crimson Ram- bler, Dorothy Perkins (the loveliest of all), Lady Gay, Tausendschon, Cant's Blush, &c The group had a frontage of 45 feet. High culture was exemplified in a striking manner in this group, which is a feature of this firm's exhibits. Their nurseries were not inappropriately termed by a visitor a " plant factory." (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Herts., also showed climbing Roses with baskets of H.P.s and others along the front. The new variety Elsie is a Wichuraiana hybrid with good- sized flowers slightly flushed with rose colour. Coquina is a charming single variety with long sprays of beautifully-crimped, rose-pink blos- soms. The yeilow Claire Jacquier was also admired. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Ben Cant & Sons, Colchester, showed Roses of the rambling type, with large-flowered varieties in boxes along the front of the group. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, showed Roses and Rhododendrons. White Dorothy Rose was well shown by this firm. Messrs. Frank Cant & Co., Colchester, showed Roses as tall plants and cut blooms. Among newer kinds were the red-coloured Rhea Reid, Mme. Maurice de Luza, and Austrian Striata, a cross between Austrian yellow and Austrian copper. The variety Lady Roberts was in fine condition. Mr. Maurice Prichard, Christchurch, Hants., exhibited Alpine and hardy garden plants, including a fine selection of Bluebells. Among these last-mentioned we noticed large batches of Scilla campanulata Excelsior, a fine shade of blue; Scilla nutans rubra, S. n. rosea maxima, S. n. violacea, S. n. Rosalind (blush- colour), and others. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. H. Hemsley, Crawley, Sussex, showed a rock-garden exhibit of considerable pretensions, the stonework being well disposed and planted with a variety of subjects, including, at appro- priate spots, dwarf Conifers and shrubs. The very dark-coloured Viola Bowie's Black was noticed. Mr. Amos Perry, Enfield Chase, Middlesex, set up a good exhibit of bulbous and hardy flowers. It contained a wealth of beautiful sub- jects arranged with excellent effect. We noticed many choice Irises, including I. longi- petala, Lithospermum prostratum Heavenly Blue (a charming carpet plant), the double-flowered Cardamine pratense, Camassia Cuisickii, Aspho- delus ramosus, Helonias bullata, Peonies, with Tulips in numbers and many other spring- flowering subjects. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co., Ltd.. Maid- stone, Kent, filled a large table with flowering plants and sprays of shrubs and trees in bloom. Lilacs in variety, Azaleas, the floriferous Pyrus Malus Scheideckeri, pink-flowered Astilbes (Spiraeas), large batches of Tulips, Meconopsis integrifolia, Saxifragas pyramidalis and McNabi- aua, Irises, and a large selection of border and Alpine plants were included in the display. (Silver Banksian Medal.) M. Henry Coruevon, Floraire, Chene-Bourg Geneva, showed a small group of rare Alpines. Matthiola pedemontiana was nicely in flower, also Brassica repanda and Androsace helvetica. (Silver Flora Medal.) Exhibits of Alpine plants were staged also by Messrs. Whitelegg & Page, Chislehurst, Kent ; Misses Hopkins, Mere Gardens, Shepperton-on- Thames; Messrs. John Peed & Son, West Nor- wood (Bronze Flora Medal) ; Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Ltd., Dover ; and Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, Middlesex. This last-mentioned firm showed finely Androsace Chumbyi, Globu- laria vulgaris, Iberis Garrexiana, and Gentiana acaulis. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, Sussex, staged an interesting lot of shrubs in flower, having cut branches of Lilac, Magnolias, Cherries, Caprifolium tartaricum, Exochorda grandiflora (remarkably fine). Staphylea col- cicha, &c. (Silver Banskian Medal.) Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Stamford and Peter- borough, showed cut shrubs. Verbenas in variety, the large-flowered Gaillardia Lady Rolleston, Lotus peliorhvnchus. and Pelargoniums. Messrs. John Waterer & Sons, Ltd., Bag- shot, Surrey, staged a floor group of the beauti- ful rose-flowered Rhododendron Mrs. E. C. Stir- ling. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Carter, Page & Co., 52 and 53. Lon- don Wall, London, showed Cactus Dahlias, a selection of Violas, some charming vases of the pretty Viscaria oculata, and the showy Dimor- photheca aurantiaca. Messrs. Dobeie & Co., Rothesay, again showed Violas and Pansies havincc exceptionally fine blooms of all the leading varieties. The same firm showed vases of Sweet Peas, including the varieties Earl Spencer, Mrs. A. Ireland, Im- proved Mrs. H. Bell, and The King. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Baker's, Wolverhampton, exhibited their varieties of Saxifraga decipiens described on p. 314 in the last issue ; also a new one named after Miss Willmott, which is described under Awards. This firm also showed a selection of bedding Violas. Mrs. Bischoffsheim, The Warren House, Stan- more (gr. Mr. E. Anderson), showed large groups of Chrysanthemum Morning Star and C. Lord Beacon'sfield, both admirable subjects for fur- nishing a supply of cut blooms. The varieties may be raised easily from seeds. AWARDS. First-class Certificates. Rhododendron Souliti. — A miniature species from China, with relatively large flowers of bright rose colour suffused on a pale ground. The leaves are ovate-cordate and in the young state covered with a glaucous bloom. They are then reddish, as also are the young shoots, but afterwards they become green. The widely-ex- panded segments are divided not lower than one-third their depth, the blooms being about 4 inches in diameter. The stature of the plant, which was exhibited by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, was about 9 inches. The plant has proved perfectly hardy in the Coombe Wood Nursery. Primula Bulleyana. — Another newly-intro- duced species from China, where it was collected by Mr. Geo. Forrest, on behalf of Messrs. Bees Ltd., Liverpool, who exhibited a batch of plants in flower. The tall inflorescences bear orange- buff-coloured flowers in whorls, sometimes as many as three tiers. The leaves are very like those of the common Primrose or Polyanthus. The calyx is mealy and the flower-stem is also farinaceous in the upper part. Mr. Forrest states that P. Bulleyana is a tall, moisture-loving plant sometimes 3 feet high. In foliage it somewhat resembles P. serratifolia. The plant grows in huge colonies covering several acres. Shown by Messrs. Bees, Ltd. Awards of Merit. Hose Lyon Rose. — A Hybrid Tea variety of ex- quisite colouring, being a tone of coral red shaded with chrome. The flower and bud are of charm- ing form. Shown by Messrs. T. Rochford & Sons, Turnford Hall Nurseries, Broxbourne, and Messrs. Hugh Low & Co.. Enfield. Saxifrage, decipiens Miss Willmott. — A variety with flowers as large as those of S. d. Arkwrightii illustrated in the last issue, p. 314, fig. 135, but having a chocolate-coloured base in the interior of the blooms and dark-coloured flower-stems. The variety is very free in flower- ing, and forms an admirable plant for the rock- garden or as a border subject. Shown by Messrs. Baker's, Codsall. Narcissus and Tulip Committee. Present: H. B. May, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. G. H. Engleheart, F. H. Chapman, W. M. Copeland, H. A. Denison, W. W. Fowler, J. Walker, F. D. Hall, J. D. Pearson, G. W. Leak, J. Jacob, W. T. Ware. E. A. Bowles, Chas. T. Digby, R. Sydenham, W. Goldring, W. Poupart, and Chas. H. Curtis (hon. sec). Rarely if ever have so many fine collections of Tulips been staged at these exhibitions, and never in a more perfect condition. One of the finest collections was a magnificent group exhibited by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading. It was chiefly composed of Darwin kinds arranged in bold and effective groups. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. Barr & Sons. Covent Garden, showed a large and representative collection of Tulips. We noted, in addition to a very fine assortment of the Darwin varieties, a large number of Parrot, May-flowering and Cottage sorts. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. R. & G. Cutbush, Southgate, displayed a very fine collection of the Darwin and May- flowering Tulips in pots, arranged the whole length of the western end of the Hall. The exhibit was slightly raised above the floor level so that the whole of the varie- ties were seen to advantage. The method adopted of arranging about half-a-dozen pots in a group was pleasing, the batcli taking the form of a massed bed in the open and with a full com- plement of leafage. All the leading Darwin sorts were represented. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons, Newtownards, also showed a magnificent display of these hand- some flowers in a large number of the best sorts. (Silver-gilt Floral Medal.) A notable group of Tulips was shown by Messrs. R. W. Wallace & Co., Colchester, who. arranged a long table with the best of the Darwin and May-flowering kinds. The rich yellow colour of Bouton d'Or, the lovely shades found in the Inglescombe trio — yellow, scarlet, and pink, the unique orange colour of The Presi- dent, with the beautiful forms of Gesneriana, ired this a most charming group. (Silver- gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd.. Wisbech, also dis- played an excellent collection of Darwin and other Tulips in many diverse and beautiful varie- ties. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, brought a representative collection of these flowers, in which Darwin and Cottage varieties were of excellent quality. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Hogg & Robertson, Dublin, obtained a Silver Flora Medal for a fine assortment of Tulips that embraced May-flowering and Darwin sorts in considerable quantities. Lord Hillingdon. Uxbridge (gr. Mr. Allan), and the Rev. Canon Fowler. Reading, were each awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a capital display of these flowers. Messrs. Wm. Bull & Sons, Chelsea, staged an assortment of Tulips in many varieties. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Award of Merit. Tulip The President. — A striking and effec- tive variety of the May-flowering or Cottage class. The flower is of the largest size and coloured a reddish-orange. The expanded blossoms disclose a dark or clouded base. This remarkable Tulip ap- peared unique in its colouring in the large collec- tion of these flowers staged by Messrs. R. W. Wallace & Co., Colchester. Orchid Committee. Present: J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), Henry J. Veitch, de B. Crawshaw, R. Brooman- White. W. Bolton. Gurnev Wilson, H. A. Tracy, F. M. Ogilvie, J. Forster Alcock, R. G. Thwaites, J. Cypher. H. G. Alexander, J. Charlesworth, A. Dye, W. H. Hatcher, A. A. McBean, J. Wilson Potter, W. P. Bound, W. H. White, W. Boxall, H. Little, and Sir Jeremiah Colman,. Bart May 22, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. De B'. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Stables), secured the only Certificate of the day, viz., a First-class Certificate for his very handsome Odontioda Vuylstekeae Crawshay- anum, a very brilliant flower (see Awards). Mr. Crawshay also showed Odontoglossum Valkyrie (Wilckeanum X Nevadense), with deep-brown- blotched sepals and petals and large white- fringed lip, with brown blotches on the lower half ; and 0. Nerissa (nasvium X crispum), ele- gant in form, white, spotted with red. Henry Little, Esq., Baronshalt, Twicken- ham (gr. Mr. Howard), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a fine group of Lrelia purpurata made up of 38 well-flowered plants. Scarcely two were exactly alike in form or tint, the best noted being the pretty varieties Russelliana, Bella, rosea, and picta. Colonel G. L. Holford, C.I.E., C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), showed Lselio-Cattleya Zoroaster variety Rex (L. Latona x L.-C. Can- hamiana alba), a fine hybrid with the general characters of L.-C. Canhamiana. Flowers yel- lowish-cream colour with a violet-purple lip having a cream-white margin and yellow base. Colonel Holford also sent a fine spike of five flowers of the handsome Cymbidium Parishii Sandera?', the large, ivory-white flowers having the labellum spotted with deep crimson ; and a magnificent spike of Odontoglossum Pescatorei with 125 flowers. Baron Sir H. Schroder, The Dell, Egham (gr. Mr. Ballantine), sent the unique Cattleya tricolor described by the late Professor Reichenbach in the Gardeners' Chronicle, 1874, p. 126, and which has never been introduced since. It was originally acquired by Messrs. Veitch. but there is no information as to its origin. The flowers are white with a yellow disc to the lip, which has purple markings : they are very fragrant. H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), showed a very fine plant of Cattleya Dusseldorfei var. Undine with eight large, white flowers ; and Odontoglossum illustre (Vuylstekei x ardentissimum) with claret- coloured flowers margined with white. Mr. A. W. Jensen, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, staged a small group of fine varieties of Cattleya Mendelii, C. Mossise, and Odontoglossum crispum. Monsieur Mertens, Mont St. Amand, Ghent, showed a selection of hybrid Odontoglossums. J. Forster Alcock", Esq., Exhima, North- church, showed a hybrid Cymbidium said to have been raised between C. Tracyanum and C. elegans. The flowers, of which there were two on an upright spike, were cream-white, and re- sembled C. Colmaniae. AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Odontioda Vuylsteheoz Crawshayanum. (0 Pescatorei x C. Noetliana), from de B. Craw- shay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Stables). — A hybridist's surprise and of great beauty, although differing in a remarkable degree from the original form, which had a light ground colour, blotched and tinged with red and rose. The present variety retains all the fine form and breadth of petal acquired through 0. Pescatorei, but the flowers are of a uniform brilliant scarlet- red, the crest being marked with orange colour. There are varying tints in the glowing colour of the flower, but no indication of the spotting seen in Monsieur Vuylsteke's original form. At the same time, it may be said that Mr. Crawshay's variety is more what might be expected from the cross which gave it than the original, in which probably a blotched form of 0. Pescatorei was used. The Late Mr. Cookson. The Chairman spoke of the loss which the Committee had sustained by the death of the late Norman C. Cookson, a vice-president of the Committee. On the motion of Mr. R. Brooman- White, seconded by Mr. James O'Brien, a reso- lution was passed tendering the deep sympathy of the Orchid Committee to Mrs. Cookson and her family. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: G. Bunyard, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. A. H. Pearson, J. Cheal, H. Somers Rivers, C. Foster, G. Wythes, 0. Thomas, J. Davis. H. Markham, W. Pope, E. Beckett, P. D. Tuckett, A. Dean, W. Poupart, A. R. Allan, and J. Vert. A trial of Strawberries forced in pots having taken place at Wisley, a sub-committee who had seen them recommended two varieties as being much the earliest and best. These were Royal Sovereign and Climax, the latter not previously certificated. H. Staples, Esq., Swanley (gr. Mr. W. G. Sims), sent six plants in pots, and in fruit, of Strawberries " George Munro " and " Sims' Pro- lific," both seedlings from Royal Sovereign and Sir Charles Napier. They were prolific croppers, but George Munro was the earlier and better. It was decided that both varieties should be tried at Wisley, outdoors and as forced plants in pots. A collection of four dishes of richly-coloured fruits of Peach Alexander, from a tree forced for 30 successive years, two dishes of fine Royal Sovereign Strawberries, and two fruits of Melon Hero of Lockinge came from P. Brandt, Esq., Bletchingley, Surrey (gr. Mr. Banks). (Silver Knightian Medal.) The Jamaica Agency sent fruits of the large Mango. The flesh was yellow, soft, and very pleasant to the palate. From the same source came some Sapodillas. These fruits were about the size of hen's eggs, but pointed at one end ; in colour russety-brown, and with pulpy flesh, sweet like an over-ripe Pear. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, set up a collection of vegetables not merely of ex- cellent quality, but most tastefully arranged. There were 50 dishes and baskets, and the group included Cabbages Flower of Spring and April, Lettuce Golden Ball, Peas Ideal and Early Giant, Carrot Champion Scarlet, Asparagus Perfection, Climbing French Beans Princess of Wales, the Sutton Rhubarb, Market Cucumber, Mushrooms, and numerous Radishes. (Silver-gilt Knightian Medal.) Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, also staged a large collection of vegetables, but the group needed more room. Cabbages, Lettuces, Marrows, Broccoli. Carrots in variety, Tomatos, Asparagus, Peas, Kidney Beans, Ashl'eaf Potatos, Radishes, Rhubarb, Turnipr/ and other vege- tables all contributed to make a very varied and fine display. (Silver Knightian Medal.) The Stottr Valley Gardening Co. sent a varied collection of vegetables that would have looked better if more effectively arranged. Some of the vegetables had been cultivated under cloches. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Countess Cowper, Panshanger (gr. Mr. Staward), staged a collection of Lettuces, the best being Fermot and All the Year Round. Competitive Classes. The classes for collections of vegetables were poorly contested. In the class for nine kinds, the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House (gr. Mr. E. Beckett), was an easy first-prize winner, his products showing superb quality. His selec- tion included Asparagus, with mounds of small Cauliflower on one side, and of Moore's vegetable cream Marrow on the other. Favourite Carrots, supported by Perfection Tomatos and Early Giant Peas, with May Queen Potatos, Matchless Cucum- bers, and Canadian Wonder Beans. 2nd, Mr. Stawabd. There was no entry in the class for six dishes. Mrs. Dennison, Little Gaddesden (gr. Mr. Gentle), was the only exhibitor in the class for four dishes, having good Record Onions, Heart- well Cabbages, rather drawn Seakale, and small Asparagus. A second prize only was awarded. Awakds of Merit. Strawberry " George Munro." — This new variety somewhat resembles Royal Sovereign, but it is a much heavier cropper and the fruits are of excellent flavour. From Mr. Sims (gr. to H. Staples, Esq., Swanley). Strawberry Climax (Laxton). — Also much like Royal Sovereign. The awards were made in both cases for their value as forcing varieties NATIONAL TULIP. (SOUTHERN SECTION.) May 18. — The sixteenth annual exhibition of this Society was held in conjunction with the fortnightly meeting of the R.H.S. on this date, when a capital display of the English Tulip in all its phases was brought together. The display of blossoms did not afford much spectacular effect, but the individual flowers were extremely beauti- ful. So far as the show itself is concerned, we have it on the authority of the officials that the quality of the exhibits was in all respects good and decidedly above the average of last year. Twelve dissimilar rectified Tulips, two feathered and two flamed in each class. — Mr. C. W. Needham, Hale, Cheshire, was awarded the 1st prize in this class, his best flowers being Stockport (feathered), Rosalie (rectified flame), George Hayward (feathered bizarre), Dr. Hardy (flamed), Mrs. Lea (feathered rose), with Sir Joseph Paxton and Masterpiece. Altogether the display constituted a dozen admirable flowers ; 2nd, Miss Willmott, Warley Place, whose best flowers were Wm. Annibal (feathered bizarre), Annie McGregor (rose flamed), Duchess of Suther- land (flamed Bybloemen), and Sir Joseph Paxton ; 3rd, Mr. A. D. Hall, Harpenden, who had excel- lent flowers of Duchess of Sutherland and Samuel Barlow. Six dissimilar ratified Tulips. — Miss Will- mott secured the leading place with Sam Barlow and Wm. Annibal, the latter an excep- tionally well-feathered variety. Mr. Dunn, Cambridge, was placed 2nd, displaying in ex- cellent form Sam Barlow and the flamed Annie McGregor; 3rd, Mr. A. D. Hall, Harpenden. Three, feathered Tulips. — Miss Willmott was again placed 1st for flowers of Bessie, George Hayward, and Mrs. Atkins, all of excellent quality. Mr. Hall and Mr. Dunn took the 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively, the latter exhibitor having a fine bloom of Masterpiece. Three flamed Tulips. — Miss Willmott was again awarded the 1st prize, having good flowers of Sam Barlow, Annie McGregor, and Talisman; 2nd, Mr. Dunn, with Sir Joseph Pax- ton, Annie McGregor, and Adonis ; 3rd, Mr. Peters, Cambridge. Six dissimilar breeder Tulips. — Mr. Needham was placed 1st, Rose Hill, Mabel, and Sam Bar- low being his best examples; 2nd, Mr. A. D. Hall, Harpenden, who showed Gleam, Rose Seedling, and Jasper; 3rd, Mr. Dunn. Three dissimilar breeder Tulips. — The 1st prize was secured by Miss Willmott, who had a very good example of Annie McGregor; 2nd, Mr. Hall, who showed an excellent flower of Lin- nett Rose breeder. There were classes for single blooms of each of the following : — Feathered Bizarres, Roses, and Bybloemens, Flamed Bizarres, Roses, and Bybloemens. Feathered Bizarres. — Miss Willmott placed 1st with Wm. Annibal ; 2nd, Mr. A. D. Hall, with George Hayward. Feathered Rose. — Mr. A. D. Hall won the 1st prize with Sarah Ann. Feathered Bybloemens. — Mr. Hall si the best flower of this section, having Stockport : Miss Willmott followed with Guido. Flamed Bizarres. — Mr. Needham won the 1st prize with Sir Joseph Paxton; Mr. A. D. Hall and R. W Hall winning the 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively with Sam Barlow. Flamed Rose class. — Miss Willmott won both the 1st and 2nd prizes with Annie McGregor and Mme. St. Amaund respectively. Flamed Bybloemens. — Miss Willmott won all the prizes with Duchess of Sutherland, Talisman, and Adonis in the order given. For single blooms of each of the three classes of Breeders, Bizarres, Roses and Bybloemens, Mr. Dunn took the 1st and 2nd prizes with J. Heap in the former class; Miss Willmott being 3rd with Goldfinder. In the Roses, Mr. C. W. Needham obtained the 1st prize with Loveliness ; Mr. A. D Hall winning the 2nd and 3rd prizes with seedlings. For Bybloemens, Mr. Dunn was placed 1st with a capital bloom of Agnes; 2nd, Miss Willmott with Northern Light. The " Samuel Barlow " prizes for the best pair of Rectified Tulips was won by Miss Will- mott with flamed Annie McGregor and Wm. An- nibal (feathered) ; 2nd, Mr. A. D. Hall with Samuel Barlow (flamed) and Attraction (feathered). The best three flamed Tulips were shown by Mr. R. W. Hall, Cambridge, the varieties being Rose Hill, Queen of May, and Sam Barlow; 2nd, Mr. W. L. S. Loat, Oxon. Miss Hardcastle, Hardenden was placed 1st S3* THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 22, 1909. in the class for three dissimiliar breeder Tulips with Goldfmder. For two rectified Tulips, Mr. R. H. Hall, Cambridge, was 1st, having a good flamed flower of Dr. Hardy. Mr. W. L. Loat showed the best twelve varie- ties of garden Tulips; and Miss Willmott the best twelve varieties of Darwin Tulips. Premier classes. — Mr. Needham was placed 1st, with George Hayward (feathered) ; Miss Willmott with Annie McGregor (flamed), and Mr. A. D. Hall with his handsome seedling Gleam (breeder). DUTCH BULB-GROWERS'. GHENT HORTICULTURAL. May 1. — At a meeting of the Chambre Syndi- cate des Horticulteurs Beiges and the Societe Royale d'Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand on the above date the following Awards were made : — Certificates of Merit to Odontioda Brad- shawiae (C. Ncezliana X 0. crispum, from M. lb Dr. Ballion ; Miltonia Bleuana superba, Sophro-Cattleya Calypso, Odontoglossum cris- pum Oakfield Sunrise, Cypripedium Juliana Prin- cesse d'Orange-Nassau (Callosum Sanderae X Maudise), Trichopilia Backhousiana, Cattleya Schroderte Praetei, all from M. F. Lambeau ; to Cattleya Schrodera Cassar, from M. E. Praet ; Cattleya Lawrenceana Orchid Villa variety, Odontoglossum crispum var. Louis Valcke, and Cattleya Sehroderae alba, from M. Th. Pauwels ; C. Sehroderae, Cattleya Trianae, from Mme. Louis de Hemptinne ; Rhododendron Pink Pearl and R. White Pearl, from M. Pynaert-Van Geert ; Vriesia Sceptre d'Or, from M. Firmin de Smet; Clianthus florida alba, from M. Jules de Cock ; Azaleas l'Azur, Sultan, and Joseph Kratz, all from M. Eug. de Cock ; Azaleas Roi des Blancs and Mme. Blommaert, from the Soc. an. Louis Van Houtte pere ; Dracsena Marcelii (seedling 1908), D. Perle de Gendbrugge (seedling 1908), D. Princess Juliana d'Orange-Nassau, all from MM. G. Penninck et fils ; Saintpaulia ionantha var. pulchra, from M. le comte Jos. de Hemptinne ; Anthurium Rothschildianum striata, A. R. Charles Fraeys, and A. R. Jules de Cock, from La Societe an. Horticole Gantoise ; Anthu- rium Rothschildianum Vulcan and A. R. trans- lucens, from M. Louis de Smet ; Azalea Sou- venir de Rudolf Seidel, from M. Raphael Ver- vaene ; collection of 30 plants of Cineraria poly- antha stellata, Diosma ericoides alba, Erio- stemon liniarifolium, Epiphylum Mackoyanum, Grevillea rosmarinifolia, Adenandra fragrans, Vriesias magnesiana, flamea, conferta, Gravisii, Leonii, Sparanza, Kitteliana x Floriosa, Poelmanii, Poelmanii x mirabilis, Memoria Moensii, all from M. Firmin de Smet; collection of 12 Calceolarias, from M. Alph. Van Kerchove (gr. to M. J. J. Dierman ; Ataccia cristata, from the Societe an. Louis van Houtte pere. I/ASSOCIATION FRANCAISE DES AMATEURS ET JARDINIERS CHRYSANTHEMISTES. This recently-formed French Chrysanthemum Society, whose headquarters are at Paris, de- serves the congratulations of all interested in the flower. Its first balance-sheet has just been published, showing a total on the credit side of about £124 ; the expenses amount, roughly, to £108 odd, leaving a balance of nearly £16 in hand. The number of members at this date is 651 — a most satisfactory result for so young a society, but then, of course, Chrysanthemum exhibiting in France is in full swing, and reminds us of the palmy days of the flower here in Eng- land, 20 to 25 years ago. ROYAL GARDENERS' ORPHAN FUND. (LEEDS BRANCH.) The local committee of the above branch re- cently held a successful spring flower show in aid of the funds of the Charity. After the necessary expenses have been met a sum of about £10 10s. will be available for the fund. A sum of more than £7 was received from the sale of flowers at the close of the show. The following Awards have been given at recent meetings held at Haarlem : — First-class Certificates to single early Tulip " Mr. Burger," with pure yellow, globe-shaped flowers, raised from the single early Tulip Verboom ; to double-flowered early Tulip Schoonoord, a variety with pure white flowers, raised from the double-flowered early variety Murillo. Awards of Merit to Cyclamen latifolium (per- sicum) "Baroness Burdett-Coutts," a variety hav- ing large pure white flowers and oblate petals ; to double early Tulip Boule de Neige (Purity), with large pure white flowers, resembling the variety Murillo, but of a somewhat rounder form ; to single early Tulip " Yoost van Vondel rose striata," with large, long flowers, white, feathered rosy, and raised from the variety " Yoost van Vondel " ; to single early Tulip Duchess of Connaught, a variety having rosy-red flowers. BRITISH GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. (LONDON BRANCH.) May 13. — The first annual general meeting of this branch of the B.G.A. took place at Carr's Restaurant, Strand, W.C., on the above date. The progress of the branch and the association as a whole was considered satisfactory. The officers were re-elected and Mr. A. C. Barnes was appointed to the new office of treasurer. After the formal business was concluded, Pro- fessor W. B. Bottomley delivered a lecture on " Nitrogen Fixation in Plants." He thought the British Gardeners' Association was capable of doing good work for gardeners. He felt that gardeners and botanists should work together. The lecturer gave details of the work of bac- teria in the soil, illustrating his remarks by means of lantern slides. The extraordinary rapidity by which these organisms multiplied was demonstrated. He stated that experiments had been carried out, which, at no very distant date, would have a far-reaching effect on the culture of plants. Details of the trials with nitro-bacterine conducted at the Royal Horticul- tural Society's gardens at Wisley were given, and the lecturer appealed to gardeners to undertake practical tests on large plots of ground, to assist in solving the great problem of the fixing of nitrogen in the soil. The Chairman, Mr. E. F. Hawes, said he was prepared to carry out experiments, and he hoped others would follow the suggestions of the lec- turer. (Dbttuavi). THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending May 19. A very cold week. —The last two days have been moder- ately warm during the daytime, but with these exceptions both the days and nights proved very cold for the time of year. In fact, on two nights the exposed thermometer registered 6° of frost, on one night 8* of frost, and on the coldest night 11° of frost. In no previous May in the last 17 years has such a low temperature as the one last mentioned been recorded here. During the almost con- stantly recurring cold period in May, 9th-14th, the exposed thermometer this year showed 8° of frost on the coldest night. The ground has become a little warmer the last two days, but is still 1" colder than is seasonable, both at 1 and 2 feet deep. Rain fell on five days, but to the total depth of less than half an inch. There has been no measurable percolation through the bare soil gauge for more than a fortnight, and no percolation at all through that on which short grass is growing for more than a week. The sun shone on an average for 6J hours a day, or for half an hour a day longer than is usual in the middle of May. The wind has been very variable in direction, and as a rule light. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 8 o'clock in the afternoon fell short of a seasonable quantity for that hour by 8 per cent. The first Rose to bloom in my garden in the open ground was a variety of Rosa alpina, which was out on the 17th, or four days earlier than last year, but six days later than in 1907. E. M.. Berkhamsted, May 19, 1909. SCHEDULES RECEIVED. Hemel Hempstead Horticultural Society's 60th annual floral fete, to be held in the Bury Meadows, Hemel Hemp- stead, on Wednesday, August 18. Exhibition of Roses and Sweet Peas on Wednesday, July 7. Hon. secretary, Mr. Geo. Burrows, Shendish Gardens, Hemel Hempstead. Croydon Horticultural Society's 42nd exhibition, to be held in the Park Hill Recreation Ground, Croydon, on Wednesday, July 7. Secretary, Mr. A. C. Roffey, St. Andrew's Villa, 55, Church Road, Croydon. Chester Paxton Society's annual exhibition of Fruits and Chrysanthemums, on Wednesday and Thursday, November 17 and 18, at the Town Hall, Chester. Hon. secretary, G. P. Miln, Grosvenor Museum, Chester. Norman C. Cookson. — The news of the death, on the 15th inst., of Mr. Norman C. Cook- son, of Oakwood Hall, Wylam-on-Tyne, in his 69th year, will be received with the deepest re- gret by all interested in the cultivation of Orchids. During Mr. Cookson's residence at Oakwood Hall, extending for 30 years past, he has been an ardent horticulturist in its various branches. But his personal and active in- terest in Orchid cultivation and cross- breeding was best known to the public. As early as 1880 Mr. Cookson had com- menced the crossing of Calanthes, amongst some of the best of his earlier hybrids being Calanthe Alexanderi, C. Cooksonii, C. Clive, C. Bryan, and C. Wm. Murray. The hybrids Oakwood Ruby, Angela and Chapmanii especially indicate what great results may be obtained by skilful breeding, for these flowers, although almost en- tirely of a ruby-crimson hue, were obtained from the crimson eye of the otherwise white C. ves- tita. Mr. Cookson was equally successful in rais- ing hybrid Phaius of extraordinary value, P. Cooksonii, obtained from P. Wallichii, and P. tuberculosus appeared in 1890. In 1895 came P. Cooksonise, obtained from P. grandifolius and THE LATE NORMAN C. COOKSON. Humblotii, P. Phoebe was an improvement upon the hybrid just mentioned, and was obtained from P. Sanderianus and P. Humblotii. In 1897 P. Norman and its beautiful varieties appeared. Of Dendrobium hybrids raised by Mr. Cookson, we may mention D. Sibyl, D. Murrayi, D. Ken- neth, D. Venus, D. Owenianum, D. Harold, and D. Doris. Numerous Cypripedium hybrids have been raised at Oakwood, and it will be remem- bered that Mr. Cookson reproduced from home- raised seeds the coveted Cypripedium Lawrencea- num variety Hyeanum. In Odontoglossums Mr. Cookson, assisted by his skilful grower, Mr. H. J. Chapman, has not been less successful than in the genera we have already mentioned. Excellent hybrids from Odontoglossum crispum O. Pescatorei, and other species have been shown from time to time at meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society, at which Mr. Cookson was one of the most frequent visitors, being a mem- ber of the Orchid Committee. A few of the crosses effected by Mr. Cookson in other genera include Laelio-Cattleya Clive, Cattleya Harold, C. William Murray, and the reproduction of the natural hybrid Cattleya Hardyana. Mr. Cookson had been ill for some little time, and the end was not totally unexpected. May 22, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 335 MARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, May 19. rwe cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent the prices on any particular day, but only the general averages for the week preceding the date ot our report. The prices depend 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 occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.1 Cut Flowers. &o: Average Wholesale Prices. Plants in Pots, 8c: average Wholesale Prices (Contd.). s.d. s.d s.d. s.d. 2 6- 1 0- Anemone fulgens, p. dz, burches — double pink. p. dozen bunches Azalea, per dozen bunches Carnations, p. doz. blooms, best American (var.) — second size ... — smaller, per doz. bunches — " Malinaisons," p. doz. blooms Catileyas, per doz. blooms Cypiipediums, per dozen blooms.. Dendrobium nobile, per dozen ... 2 0- Euchans grandiuora, per dz. blooms 2 6' Freesias (white), p. doz. bunches... Gardenias perdoz. blooms Gladiolus, per doz. bunches Gypsophila ele- gans, per doz. bunches Iris (Spanish), per dozen bunches Lilac (English), white, p. bunch — mauve Liliiiiu auratum, pel bunch — loiigilloniin ... — lane i f o 1 intra , ruhium — album Lily of the Valley, p. dz. bunches — extra quality ... Marguerites, p. dz. bunches white and yellow ... gnonette, per dozen bunches 16-20 16-26 4 0-50 9 0-12 0 8 0-12 0 10 0-12 0 16-26 26 3 6 2 0-26 16-26 6 0-90 8 0-40 6 0 12 0 16-26 0 6-10 ■2 (I- 2 6- 1 6- 2 0- 9 6 Mig 6 0-90 12 0-16 0 16-26 4 0-60 Myosotis, per doz. bunches Narcissus, per dz. bunches — Double While, dozen bunches Odontoglossurn crispum, per dozen blooms Pelargoniums, show, per doz. bunches — Zonal, double scarlet Poppies. Iceland, per dozen, bunches Ranunculus, perdz. bunches Richardia africana, per dozen Roses, 12 blooms, Niphetos — Bridesmaid ... — C. Testout ... — Kaisertn A . Victoria — C. Mermet ... — Liberty — Mnie.Chatenay — Mrs. J. Laing — Richmond — The Bride ... — UlrichBi miner Spiraea, per dozen bunches Stocks, double white, per doz. bunches Sweet Peas, per dz. bunches Tuberoses, per dz. blooms — on stems, per bunch Tulips, Darwin varieties, per dozen 2 II- 3 0 10-16 2 0-26 2 0-26 4 0-60 3 0-60 2 0-30 2 0-30 16-26 2 6-40 2 0 3 0 2 0-40 2 0-40 3 0-50 8 0-50 2 0-40 3 0-60 3 0-40 2 0-40 5 0-80 2 0-26 2 0-60 0 9-18 6 0-12 0 Hardy flower roots per dozen ... 10-20 Heliotropiums, per dozen 6 0-80 Hydrangea Thos. Hogg, per dz. 10 0-15 0 — hortensis ... 12 0-24 0 Isolepis, per dozen 4 0-60 Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen 15 0-24 0 — Fosteriana, dz. 18 0-30 0 Latania borbonica, per dozen ... 12 0-18 0 Li 1 ium longi- florum, perdz. 12 0-18 0 — lancifohum, p. dozen 12 0-24 0 Lily of the Valley, per dozen ... 18 0-30 0 Marguerites, white, per dozen ... 6 0-80 M ignonet te, per dozen 5 0-70 Musk, per dozen... 3 0-40 Cut Foliage, lie.: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Adiantiim cunea- tinii, per dozen bunches Agrostis, per doz. bunches Asparagus plu- niosus, long trails, per doz. — — medm.,uch, — Spiengeri Berberis, per doz. bunches Croton leaves, per bunch Cycas leaves, each Ferns, per dozen bclis. (English) -- [French 6 0-90 16-20 S 0-12 0 10-20 0 9-16 2 6-30 10-13 16-20 2 0-80 0 6-09 Galax leaves, per dozen bunches Hardy foliage (various), per dozen bunches Honesty (Lunaria) per bunch Ivy-leaves, bronze — long trails per bundle — short green, perdz. bunches Moss, per gross ... Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English) small-leaved ... — French Smilax, per dozen trails 2 0-26 3 0-90 10-16 2 0-26 0 9-1 16-26 4 0-50 4 0-6 I 0- 1 4 0 6 0-80 4 0-60 9 0-12 0 4 0-60 12 0-30 0 8 6-50 15 0-24 0 30 0-42 0 12 0-18 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 Plants in Pots, &c, s.d. s.d. Acacias, per dozen 12 0-18 0 Ampelopsis Veit- cliii, per dozen Aralia Sieboldii, p. dozen — larger speci- mens — Moseii Araucaria excelsa, per dozen — large plants, each Aspidistras, p. dz., green — variegated Asparagus, plumo- sus nanus, per dozen ... — Sprengeri — ten u issimus B o r o n i a mega- siicma, per doz. 24 0-30 0 — heterophylla... 12 0-18 0 Calceolarias, her- baceous, per dozen 6 0 8 0 — yellow 5 0-70 Chrysanthemum cor on ar ium per dozen ... 8 0-10 0 Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Cinerarias, per dozen 6 0-90 Clematis, per doz. 8 0-90 — in flower 12 0 18 0 Cocos Weddelli- ana, per dozen... 18 0-30 0 Crotons, per dozen 18 Cyclamen, pr. doz. 9 0 15 0 Cyperus alterni- folius, dozen .. — laxus, per doz Oraca?nas, perdoz Erica persoluta alba, per doz — candidissima, perdoz. .. Ik 0 U 0 — Cavendishi.dz. 24 0-36 0 Euonymus, perdz., in pets. . ..40-90 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 — in small and large 60's — in 48's, per dz. — choicer sorts... — in 32's, per dz. Ficuselastica.p.dz. — repens, per dz. Fuchsias, per doz Grevilleas, per dz. s.d. s.d. 2 0-30 Pansies, per box of 24 plants, each Pelargoniums, show varieties, per dozen ... 12 0-18 0 — Ivy leaved ... 6 0-80 — Oak leaved ... 4 0-60 — Zonals 5 0-70 Rhodanthe, per dz. 5 0-60 Rhododendrons, each Roses, H.P.'s, per dozen ... — Polyantha va- rieties — Ramblers, each Selaginella, per dz. Spiraea japonica, p. dozen Stocks (intermed- iate), white, crimson, and pink, per doz. Verbenas, per doz. forced Strawberries are still very plentiful, 2s. 6d. being an average price per lb. for best fruits. Vegetables generally are a little firmer in prices. E. H. R., Covcnt Garden, Wednesday, May 19, 1909. Kents — Scottish Triumphs 2 0-50 12 0-18 0 12 0-18 0 5 0-10 6 4 0-60 8 0-12 0 6 0-70 8 0-12 0 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s d. | Grapes (new) Guernsey Figs, dz. Lemons, box : — Messina, 300... — Do. 360... — (Naples), per case Limes, per case .. Lychees, per box... Melons, each Nuts, Almonds, per 9 6-10 6 9 0-10 6 Apples (Tasman- ian), pet c.i^e : — Ribston Pippin — Scarlet Pear- main — Cox's Orange Pippin 13 0-14 0 — Alexander ... 8 6-10 0 — Prince Alfred.. 9 6-10 6 — French Crab ... 10 0-10 6 — (Australian), per case : — Dunn's Seed- ling 10 6-12 6 — Cleopatra ... 10 0-12 0 — Jonathan ... 11 0-13 0 — Ribston Pippin 9 6-11 0 — (American), per barrel : — Nonpareils ... 18 0-20 0 — Oregon New- towns, per case 9 0-11 6 Bananas, bunch — Doubles per No. 1 — Extra — Giant — (Claret) „ ... — Jamaica ,, ... — Loose, per dz. Cranberries, per case Cherries (French), per box — i bushel Custard Apples ... Gooseberries (Eng- lish), per peck Grape Fruit, case Vegetables Artichokes(Globe), per dozen — white, p. bushel — per cwt. Asparagus, bundle: — Dijon — Giant — Spanish — Sprue — Paris Green ... — Toulouse — Montanban — Beans, per lb. : — il- n^jlish) — (French) — (Guernsey) ... Beetroot, per bushel Cabbages, per mat — per crate — per box (24) ... — Greens, per bushel Cardoon (French), per dozen Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bag ... — unwashed ... 9 0-10 0 ... 6 6-80 ... 8 0-90 ... 10 0-12 0 ... 6 0-76 6 0-56 0 6-10 18 0-14 6 10-18 7 0 — 3 0-12 0 2 6-30 9 0-13 0 : Average Wholesale Prices, s.d. s.d. 2 0-26 2 0-26 3 6 — 0 8-10 8 6-60 0 7-0 10 0 6-08 16-20 13-19 13-16 0 6-08 0 7-08 0 7-08 2 6-30 4 0-46 7 6-80 3 0-36 10-16 8 0-10 0 4 0 — 5 6-60 4 0-50 s.d. s.d. Mustardand Cress, per dozen pun. Onions, per bag ... — (Valencia), case — Egyptian, case — pickling, per bushel Parsley, 12 bunches — £ sieve Peas (French), pkt. — (French), p.pad — (English), dried per dz. packets — (t.uernsey) ... Potatos (Guernsey), per lb. ... ... 0 3 - — (Algerian).cwt. 10 0-11 0 — (French), p. lb. 0 2-0 2* — Teneritie, cwt. 13 0-14 0 Radishes (French), per doz. bunches Rhubarb (English), forced, per dz. bundles — Natural, p. tally Salsafy, per dozen bundles Seakale, per dozen punnets (French).bunch 0 5-06 Spinach, per crate 4 0-50 4 0-60 9 0-21 0 12 0-24 0 8 0-12 0 12 0-20 0 4 0-60 8 0-12 0 10 0-1K 0 8 0-10 0 6 0-80 8 0-10 0 4 0-60 Cauliflowers, doz. Celeriac, per doz. Chicory, per lb. ... Cucumbers, per dz. Endive, per dozen Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles Leeks, 12 bundles Lettuce (French), per crate — Cos. per dozen Mint, doz. bunches Mushrooms, per lb. — broilers — buttons, per lb. 6-3 6 16-26 0 3J- 0 4 2 0-26 13-19 17 0-21 0 2 0-20 2 3 3 6 2 0 3 0 6 0 0 8- 0 6- 0 8-0 10 12 0 4 0- 1 0- 0 5 4 0 4 0- Potatos. s.d. s.d. 8 6-40 Up-to-Date Lincolns— Royal Kidney Up-to-Date ... Maincrop Evergood King Edward s.d. s.d. 2 6 — 4 0-12 0 8 0-10 0 9 0-12 6 18 0-25 0 5 0 — 10-13 2 0-30 38 0-40 0 — Brazils, new, per cwt. ... 33 0-85 0 — Barcelona, bag 30 0-32 0 — Cocoa nuts, 100 10 0-14 0 Oranges (Denia) ... 10 0-21 0 — Cal if ornian seedless, per case 11 0-13 0 — (Valencia) per case (420) ... 10 0-18 0 — per case (714)... 10 0-18 0 — Jaffas 7 0-10 0 — Palermo Blood 7 0-10 0 — Murcia Blood, per case (200)... 7 0-90 Pears (Australian), Winter Nelis, per tray ... 5 0-60 — Calabash, per tray 5 0-80 Pineapples, each ... 19-36 — (Natal), perdz. 4 0-60 Strawberries, lb.... 2 0-26 — second quality 10-16 — (French), crate of 4 baskets... 15 0 20 0 .83-39 ...2 6-8 0 ... 3 0- 3 6 ... 3 0-39 ...2 6-3 0 ... 3 0-36 s.d. s.d, 2 6-29 Blacklands... Dunbars — Langworthy, red soil 4 9-50 Up-to-Date, red soil 3 3-39 n ,, Srey s0'' 2 6-30 forks— „ , „ Up-to-Date 3 6-40 Jerseys (new), cwt. 20 0 — Remarks.— Trade is still very slow. Prices are lower and stocks in London are large. Potatos are arriving from Jersey in increased quantities, and in the course ot two weeks the season for Jersey Potatos will.be in full i swing. E.J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St. Patterns, May 19, 1909. 1 0 — 9 0-10 0 9 0-11 0 8 0-96 6 0 — 2 0 — 1 6 — 0 3-04 3 6-50 2 6 — 0 7-0 10 13-11 0 6-09 4 0-46 4 0-46 5 0 1 6 COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. Trade seems to have revived a little, but it is a difficult matter to give accurate prices. This morning (Wednesday) there was considerable demand for Lilium longifloruni and the value of this flower advanced considerably. Good blooms of L. lancifohum (speciosum) are rather scarce. Yellow Daffodils are over for the season, and yellow Irises are making better prices. Tins n ominfi best samples were worth from 10s. to 12s. per dozen bu iches; white and mauve varieties were also selling well, but blue kinds were over- plentiful. Narcissus poeticus ornatus is plentiful; the double variety is also seen in large quantities. Roses, which were scarce on Saturday, 15th inst., are cheaper again, yet there is a prospect of a considerable advance in the near future, for the indoor crops will be over before flowers from the open are ready. Carnations are fairly plentiful, and their value is low. There is plenty of Stephanotis on the stands, but as several growers have given up the culture of Gardenias and Euchans supplies ot these are not excessive. Callas (Richardia africana) are marketed in large quantities, and many are sold at clearance prices. Of Sweet Peas only those with long stems make good prices; the best varieties for market purposes are Dorothy Eckford, Miss Willmott, and Lady Gnzel Hamilton. Gladiolus Colvilei and several other varieties are plentiful. Iceland Poppies are very pretty. Pot Plants. There is not much variation to record in this depart- ment. Intermediate Stocks are becoming scarcer. Spring raised Mignonette is good. The yellow Chrysan- themum coronarium (or segetumj is good. Genistas are over for the season, and Cinerarias are nearly finished. Pelargoniums of all sections are plentiful. The only varieties that promise to be scarce are the single white Zonal kinds. Ivy-leaved varieties are remarkably good. 1 all Fuchsias and Heliotropes are in demand. There is a con- siderable trade in bedding plants, for which good prices are obtained. Carpet bedding having largely gone out of favour, suitable plants are not so largely cultivated tor market as formerly, consequently care should be taken in accepting orders for such plants. A. H., Covent Garden, Wednesday, May 19, 1909. per bushel Stachys tuberosa, per lb Turnips, per dozen bunches — washed, p. bag 4 0-46 — (French). bunch 0 6-07 Turnip Tops, bag 2 0- 2 6 Tomatos (Tener- iffel, per bun- dle of 4 boxes 10 0-18 0 _ p. 12 lb. basket 4 6-50 _ (English), per 12 lbs. .. ... 7 0-80 — (English), s.s... 6 0 7 0 Watercress, p. doz. 0 4-06 REMARKS.-English Gooseberries are arriving in slightlj increased quantities : the cold weather of the past week 1 largely checked the development of the berries. . u„:«« ra~~\,.aA fmm France in half Sieve* French-grown Cherries are^now being received from France in half sieves as well as fn boxes: their quality is still very poor. French-grown Strawberries are received in crates containing tout cl up baskets. The prices of Australian and Tasinamal, Apr I es remain about the same as those of last weeK. YgtoMfa* to fooncknk English Blanching Chicory Out of- doors : //. A. The seeds should be sown at once in rows made 12 inches apart on fairly good ground which has been deeply worked. The seedlings should be thinned, after thev have developed their second leaf to 9 or 10 inches apart. The best way to blanch this useful vegetable is to lift the roots as required, placing them together rather closely in deep boxes, and standing the boxes in the darkest place available in a tempera- ture of about 50°. The labour of lifting is much less than would be required to blanch it satisfactorily in the open. For late spring use, however, 'inverted flower-pots covered en- tirely with soil and ashes may be used for blanching purposes, but it is essential that every ray of light be excluded. The heads should be cut for use precisely in the same manner as Seakale, when it may be used either as a vegetable or as a salad. Figs Decaying: C. A. B. The fruits are affected with " rot " caused by Botrytis cinerea. If growth is too much stimulated by the excessive use of fertilisers the fruit exudes a little sugary juice at the pore, on which the fungus spores germinate. Forming a Fruit Plantation : J. W. P. The soil being, as you state, a good deep loam resting on gravel, it' should prove suitable, other con- ditions being equally favourable, for the plant- ing of Apple trees. As you intend to plant the trees next autumn, you should prepare the land beforehand, and the sooner the better, afl any manure incorporated will be the better decomposed in the soil. The turves may be removed and used for potting purposes, but you must remember that the top layer, and especi- ally old turf, is the richest in plant food, there- 336 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 22, 1909. fore it should be allowed to remain. No sys- tem of tillage is so thorough as trenching, and even bastard-trenching is superior to ordinary digging. Work in plenty of farmyard dung as the ground is turned over, but place no manure about the roots when planting. If dug and manured at once, the land may then be utilised for a crop of green vegetables. November will be a suitable month to commence the planting of the fruit trees. Anemone Diseased : T. Tf". O. The leaves are badly infested with the disease known as " Cluster-Cups." The little cup-like struc- tures (Aecidia) contain the spores of the fungus which is known as Puccinia fusca. It is a virulent disease, because when the plant is attacked it remains infected for the rest of its FlG. 145. — AECIDIAL STAGE OF THE, ANEMONE RUST. life, as the mycelium passes into the root-stock where it is perennial. Diseased plants never produce flowers and should be removed and destroyed directly the complaint is detected. Be careful to burn all these diseased specimens, as the spores will infect healthy adjoining plants, and even those at a considerable dis- tance away. Loganberry Shoots Injured by Maggots : S. B. The shoots are bored by the larvae of the Raspberry moth (Lampronia rubiella). As long ago as 1853 the late Professor Westwood called attention to the injury caused by this pest in an article published in the Gardeners' Chronicle. The life history is briefly as foV lows : The female lays her eggs in the flowers, these hatch in a few days, and the young cater- pillar at once enters the centre of the young fruits without causing any apparent injury. Just before the ripening of the berries the insect crawls away and spins a silken cocoon in some convenient shelter on the canes or stakes, or near the ground on bits of sticks or stones. In such places it passes the winter. In spring the caterpillar leaves its cocoon usually about the end of March, ascends the canes or plants, attacking the partly-opened buds and shoots. The moths appear in May and June, and thus the life cycle is completed. The use of wooden stakes, especially those hav- ing rough bark, should be discontinued. Prune the plants back as much as possible ; remove all rubbish from them and fork the ground deeply. It has been found a good plan to smear the canes with a band of soft soap early in spring, about the end of April. Names of Fruits : E. S. The specimens are out of condition, but No. 1 is probably Dumelow's Seedling (Wellington). Can you send fresher fruits ? If not, send again earlier next season. — A. B. Earle. Lemon Pippin. Names of Plants : E. S., Scarborough. Phacelia tanacetifolia. — J. E. Ixia speciosa. — H. B. 1, Zygopetalum rostratum ; 2, Epidendrum oohraceum ; 3, Oncidiam triquetrum ; 4, Brojghtonia sanguinea ; 5, Lsalia monophylla ; 6, Oncidium pulohellum. — IF. E. S. Odonto- glossum triurnphans, showing an unusual amount of white in the petals. — Holyrood. Scilla nutans. — H. C. S. Small-flowered Sophora (Edwardsia) rnicrophylla, figured in Botanical Magazine, t. 1442. Sophora tetra- ptera, figured in The Gardeners' Chronicle, June 8, 1878, p. 729.— Subscriber. 1, Swainsonia galegifolia alba; 2, Choisya ternata. — Cor- respondent. 1, Tecoma (Bignonia) jasminioides ; 2, not recognised, send when in flower. — J. M. Anemone coronaria. — Novice. 1, Polemonium coeruleum ; 2, Genista pilosa ; 3, Ranunculus aconitifoliusflorepleno; 4, Arenaria trinervis ; 5, Primula cortusoides ; 6, Aspho- delus luteus. — W. H. A. Crataegus Crus-galli. — F. A. F. Cardamine pratense flore pleno. — S. K. Oncidium obryzatum ; Coronilla (next week). — C. B. 1, Cardamine pratense, a Cruciferous plant ; 2, Luzula sylvatica.— A. J. Spiraea bracteata. Plan of a Croquet Ground: B. B. C. For many years a croquet ground was laid out in accordance with the plan given on p. 288 in the issue for May 1, and the game is still played according to these rules where the influence be not less than 3J inches or more than 4 inches apart (inside measurement) from the ground upwards. The turning and the winning pegs shall be of wood, of a uniform diameter above the ground of 1£ inches. They shall stand 18 inches out of the ground, and be firmly fixed. The setting of the hoops and pegs shall be in accordance with one of the diagrams following, and the order in which the points are to be made shall be in' accordance with the arrows which appear thereon. Measurements : — Setting No. 1 : Pegs in centre line of ground 7 yards from nearest boundary ; hoops in centre line of ground 7 yards from peg, and 7 yards apart ; corner hoops 7 yards from nearer peg and 7 yards from the nearest boundaries. Setting No. 2 : The winning peg equi-distant from the cor- ner. Hoops in centre line of ground 7 yards from peg; corner hoops 7 yards from the nearest boundaries." (From Laivs of Croquet (1909). published for the Croquet Association by Harold Cox, Windsor House, Bream's Build- ings, London, E.C., price 6d.). In laying out a croquet ground it is essential to have suffi- cient room outside the lawn (35 yards by 28 yards) to allow of the roller or mower being turned. This is necessary to avoid unduly wearing the most important part of the turf, viz., that where the " yard line " is situated. iWk .1 1 1 A I 'fetwkwrii II ' VAnmryPy TSfitiX a S Setting No. 1. m m ,11 n I aTESmhrl^j "rP I -. iSbTcv •- *» * , WkmyRy Setting No. 3. Setting No. 4. (Prom Laws of Croquet, 1908.) Fig. 146. — the croquet association's diagrams. of the Croquet Association is not felt. The Croquet Association, however, is the only re- cognised authority for those who wish to play the game in the approved manner. We are indebted to the courtesy of the hon. secretary, Mr. F. Kenrick, for the following particulars as to the present regulations: — "The ground shall be rectangular, 35 yards in length by 28 yards in width, with a defined boundary. A flag shall be placed at each corner, and corner spots, 3 feet from both boundaries, shall be accurately defined. Points on the boundary 3 feet from each corner flag shall be marked by white pegs, not exceeding three-quarters of aii inch in diameter and 3 inches above the ground. The baulk (see diagrams) shall also be defined. The hoops shall stand 12 inches out of the ground, outside measurement, and be firmly fixed. The crown shall be straight, and at right angles to the uprights, which shall Tulips Injured : H. B. H. L. Although, in one case, we can detect a slight puncture which may be due to insect pests, we think the un- satisfactory condition of flowering is due to some irregularity in the bulbs themselves. The inflorescence seems so weakened and attenuated as to point to improper flower formation in the bulbs last autumn. We have had several similar cases this season, and we attribute it to the unsuitable weather last autumn for proper bulb ripening. Communications Received.— R. L. C.— W. W. P.— T. H.— R. H. B. (with thanks)— J. Weathers— G. C— W. J. D.— H. L., Cholsey— H. H.-A. S Baker's, Wol- verhampton— W. P.— E. B.— Lucas— A. O.— C. C, Wales — M. B., Java— R. I. L,.— J. D. G— J. O. B.— S. F. W.— A. C, Westonbirt— F. M.— W. D.— S. W. F.— W. C — A. G.— G. O. P.-F. W.— R. A. R.— A. K.— H. J. G.— W. S.-J. C. & Sons— W. A. C— J. G. W. -Frank C. A.— C. & Co. w in P CO Z u Q <: O z o o arbcncrsrCbronicIc No. 1,170.— SATURDAY, May 29, 1909. cor Acetylene gas refuse Dahlias, Cactus-flowered Fuchsia splendens and the allied species 333, ; Oerberas, hybrid Gill, Mr. Norman Heredity, principles of International Horticul- tural Exhibition at Kasan, Russia, forth- coming Kew Guild dinner, the Narcissus, a late flower- ing Orchids, sale of Plant notes— An elegant Calceo- laria Publications received... Railway rates and the need for co-operation Saxifraga decipiens bybrida grandiflora... ILLUSTRATIONS. Carnations and Roses, a group of, at the Temple Show 3-i9 Fuchsia splendens 338 Gerbera flowers at the Temple Show 350 Japane: e garden at the Temple Show 311 Odontioda chelseiensis .. 348 Roses, groups of, at the Temple Show 8«2, 354 Sansevieria Laurentii 347 Saxifragra decipiens " Miss Willmott " 343 Viburnum Carlesii 34n Viburnum utile 346 Wildernesse Park, Sevenoaks (Supplementary Illus- tr itiont. CACTUS DAHLIAS. IN the Gardeners' Chronicle for October 4, 1879, there is an illustration of Dahlia Juarezii (Mexico), the parent of our modern Cactus Dahlia. It is a fairly double, star- shaped flower, holding its head erect on a fine, long stalk. Its resemblance in colour to Cereus speciosissimus was the reason for its being termed a Cactus Dahlia. The plant was introduced into commerce in England by Mr. Henry Cannell in 1880. Seedlings were raised in great numbers by many growers, and such old varieties as Cochineal (crimson), Con- stance (pure white), and Glare of the Garden (crimson-scarlet) will be remembered by many. Why was the grand, decorative habit of the early plants gradually lost, and why was the ability of the flowers to hold themselves erect on long, upright stems also lost? The answer must be in the case of the Cactus Dahlia — and it holds good regarding many other flowers — the demands of the show bench. There seems to be a period in the life-history of every favourite flower when its virtues as a show flower are considered and developed almost to the exclusion of every other quality. A little reflection will convince everyone of the truth of this remark. At a big show where the Dahlia classes are strong, the stands of 24 single blooms of Cactus are marvellous examples of the cultivator's skill, and so are the stands of flowers in bunches, but the latter are all wired. A revulsion against wiring is entering strongly into the horticultural mind, and the day will come when even Cactus Dahlias set up at the National Dahlia Society and the Royal Horticultural Society will be " passed " if wired. During the last few years more attention has been paid to this matter of improved habit. The Royal Horticultural Society has carried out trials in its gardens at Wisley " to dis- cover those varieties possessing the floriferous character and showy habit of holding their flowers well above the foliage, though not losing sight of form and quality in the flowers." These trials have been carried on for four years. In 1905 and 1906 the trials were judged by a sub- committee of the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. In 1907 and 1908 the judging was done by a joint committee from the R.H.S. and the National Dahlia Society. In 1905 the following varieties were highly commended for garden decoration: — Amos Perry, Aral). Aunt Chloe, D. A. Dunbar, Dainty, F. A. Wellesley, Floradora, J. II. Jackson, King of Siam, Mary Service, Mavis, Mrs. John Barker, Mrs. John Goddard, Mrs. J. S. Brunton, Mrs. McKergow, Orion, Peace, Reliable, Spotless Queen, Standard Bearer, Waterloo. In 1906 the following were highly commended : —A. D. Stoop, Crepuscle, Mont Blanc, Pink Pearl, Prince of Yellows, Reggie, West Hall Scarlet. In 1907 the following were highly commended : — Beacon, Eclair, Lustre, Meteor, Molly, Prim- rose. In 1908 the following were highly commended : — Avoca. Brightness, Flash, Mary Carpenter, Miss Willmott, Stalwart. The R.H.S. gardens at Wisley are of a very sandy nature, and for this reason Dahlia growing there has never been a conspicuous success. By way of collecting the opinions of the mowers as to the best varieties for garden decoration and cut flowers, I have been in ci in munication with the undernamed, most of whom are growing several acres of Dahlias each season and whose opinions, therefore, are the very best obtainable. They are men who arc- living among Dahlias and constantly making observations and notes : — Messrs. Bakers, Wolverhampton ; Mr. W. Baxter, Woking; Messrs. Burrell & Co., Cam- bridge; Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons. Swanley ; Messrs. Carter Page & Co., London; Messrs. Cheat & Sons, Crawley ; Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay; Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury ; Mr. S. Mortimer, Farnham ; Mr. J. B. Riding, Chingford ; Mr. Seale, Sevenoaks ; Mr. H. Shoesmith, Woking; Messrs. Stredwick & Son, St. Leonards; Mr. Fred Treseder, Cardiff; Mr. J. Walker, Thame; Messrs. Ware, Ltd., Feltham; Mr. J. T. AVest, Brentwood. In the lists of varieties kindly supplied to me by the foregoing growers, each of whom I asked to name what they considered the best 12 Cactus Dahlias for garden decoration and cutting, there were over 100 varieties given. In order to arrive at a consensus of opinion, I made an election with the following results : — Order. Votes. 1 7 Caradoc, yellow (Keynes). 2 7 Star, yellow and bronze (Stredwick). 3 6 Amos Perry, XXX, E.H.S., crimson (Hob- bies). 4 6 Lustre, XXX, E.H.S., bright crimson I Burrell). 6 6 Primrose, XXX, R.H.S.. lightyellow (Stred- wick). 6 6 C. E. Wilkins, salmon pink and yellow (Stredwick). 7 5 Mrs. McMillan, white and pink (Stredwick). 8 4 A. D. Stoop, XXX, R.H S., crimson (Car- p?nter-Baxter). 9 4 H. Shoesmith, crimson-scarlet (Shoesmith). 10 4 Harold Peerman, yellow (Stredwick). 11 4 Rev. A. Bridge, rose pink on yellow (Stred- wick). 12 4 Thomas Wilson, reddish-fawn (Keynes). 13 3 Alexander, maroon (Mortimer). 14 3 Australian, purple (Kerslake-Keynes). 15 3 Dreadnought, crimson-maroon (Dobbie). 16 3 D.licatissima, pale pink (Keynes), Order. Votes, 17 8 Flame, orange-scarlet (Shoesmith). 18 3 Ibis, orange (Burrell). 19 3 Mauve Queen, clear mauve (Cheali. 20 3 Mrs. H. L. Brousson, pale salmon (Stred- wick). ; 21 S Mrs. G. Stevenson, yellow (West). 22 8 Thos. Parkin, terra-cotta (Stredwick). 23 3 Tressie, cardinal (West). 24 3 White Lady, white (Shoesmith). These varieties having been tested in different parts of the country, one may feel safe in coming to the conclusion that they are likely to prove satisfactory in most localities. This year a number of new varieties are being put on the market having claims to be considered effective for garden and cutting purposes. Messrs. Stredwick & Sons are offering a new pure white variety named " Snowdon," which has long, wiry stems, and also a yellow and rose variety named " Rev. J. W. Jamieson," with flowers also on perfectly rigid stems. Both varieties have received the National Dahlia Society's First-class Certificate, " Snowdon " also having been honoured by the R.H.S. Messrs. Keynes, Williams' & Co. have two new varieties this year possessing the desired qualities. They are " Miss Hessey," a fine pink, and " Success," beautiful clear yellow. Messrs. Ware are offering " Vivid," a grand variety equally good for massing or planting out singly, with flowers of bright orange-scarlet. Messrs. Dobbie & Co. claim for their new in- troduction, " Sentinel," that it has a dwarf, sturdy habit, throwing its rich, yellow flowers well above the foliage. Mr. H. Shoesmith sends out " Ideal," bronzy- yellow with lighter centre, and " Splendour," rich crimson, claiming for both that they belong to the improved and desired type. Mr. J. T. West's " Nellie Riding " is a bi- color, rich crimson with pure white tips. It certainly has a double qualification, having received both the National Dahlia Society's and Royal Horticultural Society's Certificates and having a good, garden habit. Mr. W. Baxter is sending out " Brightness," a beautiful carmine-red with a bushy and free- flowering habit. This variety stands in the unique position of having received an award from the R.H.S. and N.D.S. at Wisley last year. Messrs. Hobbies and Mr. S. Mortimer have for many years been persistently working towards the end I have in view in this article, and many of their varieties have received recognition at the hands of the R.H.S. " Amos Perry " (Hobbies) had the honour of receiving Mr. Alex ander Dean's Silver Medal offered for the best garden Cactus Dahlia in commerce. Mr. Mortimer began as far back as 1889 work- ing for erect stems in his flowers, and the R.H.S. has recognised quite a number of his varieties, notably " Mrs. J. S. Brunton " and a fine new crimson variety of last year named " Stalwart." Messrs. Burrell are offering no fewer than five new varieties for exhibition, all of which they claim to have a remarkably free and erect habit. The names are "Brigadier," bright crimson; "Echo," silvery-rose; " Mercia," amber-shaded salmon; "Monarch," bronzy-red, with yellow centre ; and " Una," rose-pink. A garden Cactus variety emanates from the same firm, named " Magnet," salmon-buff. A word as to cultivation. For the purposes in view plants should only be grown moderately strong to get the best results. Some varieties will want thinning, but this should be done in moderation. My ideal plant should require little or none of it. In the words of a well-known grower," grow naturally and well and do not poison the plants by over-feeding with either manure or chemicals." William t ii/hbt rtson. 338 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 29, 1909. FUCHSIA SPLENDENS AND THE ALLIED SPECIES. The Fuchsia cultivated in European gardens under the name of F. splendens was introduced by the Royal Horticultural Society, through their traveller Hartweg, in 1841. Whether it is the same as F. splendens, Zuccarini (Flora, 1832, vol. ii., Beiblatt, p. 102), incompletely described from great elevations up to 10,000 feet, and is one of the most brilliantly coloured in a genus abounding in striking species. The broad, fleshy tube of the flower is of a deep, shining crimson, the erect calyx-lobes and somewhat shorter petals are green, and the shortly exserted stamens are yellow, offering a contrast brilliant rather than beautiful. Although introduced nearly 70 years ago it is seldom seen in cultiva- of which there is a coloured figure in the Botanical Magazine, t. 4174. Coloured figures of the plant here represented in black and white are to be found in the Botanical Magazine, t. 4082, and the Botanical Register, 1842, t. 67, that in the Botanical Magazine being especially characteristic. The closely allied F. cordifolia, Bentham, was discovered and introduced by Hartweg in 1840, and there is a coloured figure "T^>^th< r words, there would be a saving of Is. llJ,rf. in the carriage on each consignment/ In Salop and Kent. The same method can be employed with equal effect in any district, and with every class of goods. There are two rates for the conveyance of vegetables from Newport (Salop) to London, namely, 26s. lid. for 1-ton lots, and 33s. 8d. per ton for smaller quantities. A 2-cwt. consignment between these points would therefore cost 4s. ; but 10 such lots lumped together could be sent for 26s. lid., or, approximately, 2s. 8£d. apiece. Between Rainham (Kent) and London, too, there are several rates, ranging from 7s. id. to 15s. 2d. per ton, and in their " Fruit and Vege- table Tariff " the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway Co. give notice to this effect : — " When a sender forwards from the same station or siding to the same salesman and market in London, a consignment of fruit or vegetables, or a consignment con- sisting partly of fruit and partly of vegetables, and elects to lump and tender such consignment at one time, the rate or rates applicable to such consignment will be subject to a reduction of 10 per cent, when the aggregate weight exceeds 2 tons, and to 15 per cent, when the aggregate weight exceeds 4 tons. "The same allowances will be made when a consignment of fruit or vegetables, or consisting partly of fruit and partly of vegetables, is the property of two or more senders, but in such cases, one of their number is, by arrangement amongst themselves, to be selected as the nominal sender. His name is to appear as such on the consignment note handed to the company, and he is to be authorised by his co-senders to receive, on their behalf, the allowances above referred to." The Only Alternative. There is no gainsaying the fact that the horti- culturist of this country is severely handicapped by high railway rates ; but from the foregoing it is perfectly obvious that he can, to say the least of it, considerably lessen his burden by taking an example from his Continental brother, and co- operating with his neighbour for the collective sale of his produce. A suggestion to this effect was thrown out by the Departmental Committee (on Railway. Rates) of 1906, which reported that : "The most effective way in which '.he home producers can claim and can obtain lower rates is to combine and co- operate with the object of sending their produce in larger quantities, and packed so as to give good loading in the trucks . . . " The desirability of co-operation seems to be so generally recognised, that it is to be regretted that its adoption should make so little progress . . . " The committee are of opinion that co-operation affordj a practical method of enabling farmers to meet foreign competition and to put themselves in a position to obtain lower railway rates for the conveyance of agricultural pro- duce. Co-operation has the advantage over other sug- gestions that have been made, of being a remedy which the railway companies have ihown themselves ready to welcome and assist." Seeing, therefore, that co-operation has been tried with beneficial results on the Continent, it but remains for the English horticulturists to em- brace the principle and do exactly the same as the railway companies themselves are doing, namely, amalgamate for the good of each other, for, as has been shown, an enormous saving can be effected by this means in the matter of railway charges, often to the extent of 50 and 60 per cent. Geo. B. Lissenden. HYBRID GERBERAS. I have been interested so long in Gerberas that I would like to make a few remarks supplemen- tary to the notice of the article in the Revue Horticole by Mons. Ph. de Vilmorin, a digest of which has recently appeared in these pages. I received my first seeds of G. Jamesonii in Janu- ary, 1888, and in 1891 a Certificate for an exhibit was awarded me by the Royal Horticultural Society. The flower-heads exhibited on that occasion were gathered from a plant growing at the foot of a south wall, a fine example, flowering for six months at a time, bearing 15 heads at once (at its best period), and each 4j inches in diameter. Our interest, however, lies for the present with the hybrids. Geebera viridifolia. — Seeds of this very im- portant parent I received in 1894 from Mr. R. W. Adlam, and in the following year the name adopted was given me from the Kew Herbarium. Both parents are therefore as authentic as they can be, and it is possible even that the specimen of G. viridifolia I sent to Kew may have been preserved. Authentication now proves im- portant, as the plant used in hybridising was lost, but here I desire to remark that its loss had nothing to do with difficulty of cultivation. The plant, in fact, was easy to grow, and, if G. Jamesonii is really difficult, G. viridifolia has given a perfect facility of culture to the hybrids. In Herbaria one name is not uncommonly used to cover several plants that are really seen to be different, and which on cultivation are proved to be quite distinct. It may be that this name is used for more than one plant, for, by the courtesy of the Kew authorities, I have another G. viridifolia, which is quite distinct, though, no doubt, in Herbaria it would be quite right to include both under the same species. There are numbers of plants which it is impossible to understand without growing them. This plant from Kew is now in flower, and besides having much rounder leaves than the original viridifolia, has shorter flower-stems and ray florets distinctly purple below. My G. viridifolia, so named for me at Kew, had rather erect foliage, which M. Adnet notes in the hybrids. It was quite a pale-flowered plant, ami this may have been advantageous for purposes of hybridising, in making a strong break without interfering too much with other colours, except as a white. I am trying some crosses, however, with the Kew plant. Mendelian Records. — It is much to be re- gretted that I could not keep a full record of all the crosses I made, and so work with a scientific as well as an ornamental object in view. I went a long distance, however, in doing it, but it be- came impossible. It is a comfort, however, to know that a great authority does not think that Gerberas are important for Mendelian observa- tions. There are ' two species, however, still available when wanted, and also some of my first crosses, which I still have. The leaves show G. viridifolia strongly, and the flowers are some shade of pink. Gerberas in the Future. — It is impossible, 1 think, that there can be other than a great future 340 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 29, 1909. for hybrid Gerberas. In G. Jamesonii we have a plant that is far finer than the original Chrysanthemum, and the hybrids of Gerbera have already shown evidence of perhaps all the variations that are now found in the Chrysan- themum. In purity, brilliancy, and variety of colour they are already a good match for the Chrysanthemum. Moreover, the plants are quite easily grown. They can be had in flower from seed in from seven to nine months. As examples of what I have now in flower, I may mention a pure, clear yellow 3| inches in diameter, a deep ruby pink, a beautiful Peach colour with two flowers on same small plant, salmon, pink, rich red, orange, each 3| inches in diameter and all pinks inclined to " double," and it is curious that doubling should appear in flowers of the same colour but not of quite the same parentage. It has been remarked that the flower-heads of these hybrids are larger than those of either parent. This is not a new thing to happen. I once crossed a Fuchsia, I believe, corallina, with one of the indoor varieties, and it was remarkably larger in all its parts than either of the parents. Its stalk and sepals were so long as to suggest a great hanging spider. Self Sterility. — I have always held that Ger- beras were self-sterile, and I still believe thorn to be so. For on this theory, for a number of years, I was able to supply as many G. jatnesciriii as I that Gerbera Jamesonii is self-sterile. Under the* same conditions pollen from another plant pro- duced seed. Cultivation. — I begin to doubt whether G. Jamesonii was ever difficult to grow. Not know- ing how to do a thing and the presence of a real difficulty are not quite the same thing. It seemed to be decidedly difficult to grow, but now one never has any trouble. The plant, as seems to be not infrequently the case, is perhaps becoming accustomed to cultivation. Or it may be that attempts were formerly made to grow it without sufficient moisture. Imperfect informa- tion of habitat — conditions of wild life being never possible of entire reproduction — has often Fig. 148. — viburnum carlesii as growing in the royal gardens, kew. (See p. 311.) [Photograph by C. P. Raffill. in 48 pots. When gardeners get the right idea of cultivation, as they very soon will, there is no doubt that the various selections of colours and forms attracting attention will be grown from seed to order just as are Primulas. It is a bold venture to refer to Primulas or to Chrysanthe- mums, but neither of them has so brilliant and continuous flowering a progenitor in com- position as Gerbera Jamesonii. Some of the colours now come fairly true from seed, and there is no doubt that any forms may be fixed. I have one or two not indicated by M. Adnet. I have, for instance, yellow tipped with red, and a salmon ■with remarkably short ray florets. I have two wanted for correspondents by pollinating for and saving my own seed. A paragraph in Mons. Ph. de Vilmoiin's article may be understood better if I remark that first of all the flower-heads of Ger- bera are exclusively female, then for a time, while the styles and stigmas are still in perfect condition, the pollen ripens and self-fertilisation of the head would be quite possible — but it does not happen. Later on, the head becomes exclu- sively male. On the point of fertility as hybrids, it may be remarked here that they are perfectly fertile. Since writing this paragraph, Miss Saunders has kindly informed me of her results, which show conclusively by actual experiment done very much more harm than good in gardens. Gardening must always be an experimental art, and though information may be valuable, it is sometimes fatal to be influenced by travellers' notes, true though they may be — so far as they go. The cultivation of the hybrids is the same as for G. Jamesonii, except that they are easier to grow, and, I believe, likely to be less tender. Of several plants I tried in the open, with slight protection, last winter, two have survived. G. Jamesonii under the same conditions was killed. Mons. Adnet has also found that the hybrids are the hardier. While growing, Gerberas like a fair amount of atmospheric moisture, occasional use May 29, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. U\ ■of the syringe, and a moist surface to stand upon, and they do not like to be dry at the root. More- over, pot Gerberas certainly like a little shade. It has often been said that Gerberas are liable to rot, but I think it may be that, after being starved for want of water, they are unable to bear contact with it when they do get it. While .at rest, Gerberas may be kept ori the dry side, but while growing they require moisture. The soil they like is good loam, some peat, and sand, the usual half-and-half mixture suiting them very well. Having command of good loam I have had fine flowers without manure of any kind, but I have no doubt that Gerberas may often benefit by it. They are very liable to the Begonia mite, and this immediately checks growth, but it can be cured by means of liquid XL-All, in which the foliage should be dipped. A check of any kind •during growth is distinctly injurious. No one seeing my batch of plants, now in an intermediate house, could suppose that they are any more difficult to grow than weeds. When G. Jamesonii was valuable for exchange, it was my custom to raise young plants from seeds in the tropical pit ■in the early part of the year, and good plants were then ready for planting out in the beginning of June, but seeds of the hybrids have been sown when ripe. Plants now in strong flower for young plants were raised from seed sown last June and July. Gerbera Jamesonii " Clibran's Orange." — I may draw attention to this form, and so give it a name. I was going through Clibran's nursery two years ago, and found this fine variety, which differs from typical Jamesonii in ■colour and also somewhat in foliage. B. Irwin Lynch , Cambridge Botanic Garden. P.S. — Since the above note was written I have -obtained further evidence in regard to self- sterility. I have pollinated several of the hybrids with their own pollen, and find that good seeds have been formed, so that self-sterility cannot be universal. As this -does not agree with the result of Miss San- ders' experiment, it is possible that the hybrids are not so self sterile as G. Jamesonii. Protogyny (a term meaning that the stigmas are ripe before the anthers) in any case is always a pronounced feature in Gerbera. and no seeds can be expected without artificial pollination. U. 1. L. _____^_ VEGETABLES. variety, having long pods of superior quality. It is a cross between the older Mohawk and the small, but early, Ne Plus Ultra varieties. Another even earlier variety, but with pods a little smaller, is Early Gem, the result of crossing Sion House with Progress. This is the earliest Bean I have cultivated, and I have grown all the early kinds. Progress, having well-shaped pods of superior quality, is a splendid early Bean, and a variety with robust growth. It is especially valu- able in a cold soil, and is not readily affected by drought. One of the dwarfest Beans grown, and, for its size, wonderfully productive, is Sutton's Forcing. It is valuable for frame or pot culture. Sown on a warm border, it requires little space. The well known Plentiful is a very fine, early Bean, stringless,. and a great cropper. The stringless Beans are much less cultivated in this country than on the Continent, and tbjsis easily accounted for because we do not cook Beans in the same maniter as is practised there. Abroad, Beans are cooked when quite young and whole. This system is ibetter than slicing them, for flavour, colour and general appearance are all VIBURNUM GARLESII. Tins distinct and handsome species was well shown at the meeting of the R.H.S. on May 4 by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., when it received a First class Certificate. It flowers at the end of April and early part of May in the open air, and is one of the most beautiful shrubs which blouin at that time. It is a native of Corea, and was raised from seed received from that country by the well-known nurseryman, L. Boehmer, of Yokohama, Japan, by whom it was first in- troduced to the Royal Gardens, Kew, in 1902, where it flowered for the first time in Europe in May, 1906 (see illustration of flowering spray in Gardeners' Chronicle, May 30, 1908, fig. 155). The plant has grown freely, and has proved to be quite hardy, having passed through the severe weather experienced during the early part of this year without any pro- tection, although growing in an exposed posi- tion. Writing in the Gardeners' Chronicle of October 11, 1902, in regard to this plant, A. Anger stated that it was his belief that it SOME GOOD EARLY DWARF BEANS. When the soil is in a cold, wet condition, much can be done to procure an early crop of this vegetable by sowing the seeds under glass, other- wise the seeds germinate slowly, and the seed- lings are often much crippled by the cold. For ■an early supply there is no better plan than to make a sowing in 3-inch pots, raise the seedlings in frames, and, when large enough, to plant them in deep drills. If the soil is heavy in texture, it can be made suitable by adding lighter materials, such as manure from an old hot-bed, ■or charred refuse. The dwarf Bean is valuable because it can be obtained early in the season, when the supply of vegetables is limited. The plant does not thrive in a cold, heavy, wet soil, therefore the ground should be selected with care, and be prepared in advance. Though I advise a change of "site for vegetables as far as is practicable, a change of quarters cannot always be given in the case of early crops of vege- tables, because they require a warm, dry border and prepared soil. In the case of dwarf Beans, a change of soil is the less important, as the plant is not a gross grower, does not remain in the soil a long time, and can readily be fed with fertilisers. Even with the earliest varieties, it is not well to crowd the plants. Of late years there have been some excellent varieties introduced to commerce The pods of these early kinds are of a medium size, and are freely produced. One of the best in this respect is Early Favourite, an early Fig. 149.— view of a Japanese garden exhibited by Messrs. jas. carter and co. at the temple show on tuesday last. preserved, and there is less waste of the plant's energies when the pods are gathered young. A new Bean of excellent merit is Superlative. I have not forced it, but for the open ground it is splendid, being a robust grower and a variety that will thrive with less shelter than others, owing to its free growth. As a summer dwarf Bean, it is a splendid introduction, being a very heavy cropper, and bearing long, handsome pods in profusion. I have alluded to the stringless type; another excellent variety is Stringless Hol- born WTonder, a remarkably prolific variety, excellent for cooking whole, and of very delicate flavour. It is suitable either for forcing or for cropping in the open. Another very distinct type of dwarf French Bean is Perpetual. The plant yields pods over a long period, hence its name. In addition to being a remarkable cropper, it bears very early. It requires plenty of room, food and moisture. The haulm is very robust ; the pods are long, thin, quite straight, and delicious if cooked whole. G. II . " would be quite as hardy as Magnolias, Pyrus, Cydonia, &c, and that it would form a valuable addition to European gardens." His opinion has been amply verified by the behaviour of the plant at Kew during the last seven years. The flowers are disposed in clusters nearly 4 inches in diameter. They are borne at the ends of the branches, are pink in colour, fading to white, and are half-an-inch in diameter, with a tube half- an-inch long. They emit a delicious odour such as is possessed by few plants, and which alone renders the plant well worthy of cultivation. The habit is that of a rather loose-spreading shrub, with dark green, ovate or orbicular leavLS from 1 to 3 inches long, with serrate margins, and densely clothed with stellate hairs. Its early-flowering habit and fragrant flowers should render this plant of considerable service as an early-forcing shrub. It is certainly one of the most promising shrubs of recent in- troduction, and likely to become a general favourite in the near future. C. P. 11. 342 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [May 29, 1909. PLANT NOTES. AN ELEGANT CALCEOLARIA. In the conservatory attached to Sir William Farrar's residence, Sandhurst Lodge, I saw recently a fine Calceolaria some 3 feet in height and having a head of bloom nearly as broad. This is a new or rare Calceolaria of which Mr. Townsend, the gardener, could not give me the name, as he said that even the Kew authorities had been unable to identify it. The clusters of bloom are borne on long, slender stems; the flowers are rather long and narrow and of a pleasing straw-yellow colour. The plant has long, lanceolate or pointed leaves, somewhat Sage-like, and the plant is distinct from both the well-known C. amplexicaulis and C. Burbidgei. It has been grown for several years at Sandhurst Lodge. That it is a distinct species seems probable. Can it be identical with the variety now being offered by a Cheshire firm, the description of which seems to fit the Sandhurst Lodge Calceolaria? ^4. D. SCOTLAND, A MANSE GARDEN IN MAY. To the ardent horticulturist and lover of Nature, this is the most interesting and pic- turesque season of the year. Its greatest glories are, unquestionably, the flowering trees. Sel- dom have I seen these more luxuriant in their beauty, notwithstanding the cold weather, which has been somewhat modified by bright sunlight. Fortunately, my own garden is pro- tected by Sycamore trees and high Hawthorn hedges from the east and north winds. Prunus Pissardii, the Persian Plum, has been especially fine ; during the last fortnight its blossoms have been so exceptionally abundant that I am hoping it may, with more favourable atmos- pheric conditions, be successful for the first time in forming and developing its fruit. This is one of the loveliest of all flowering trees, and would be of the highest value for garden decoration if only in virtue of its exquisite, chocolate-coloured leaves, which are especially conspicuous among those of its fairest contemporaries during the summer months. Two years ago, by way of ex- periment, I grew Tropaeolum canariense among its dark branches, with very memorable effect. Another highly ornamental tree, which is ex- tremely profuse with its delicate blossoms at present is Pyrus Malus floribunda, a native of Japan. Its flowers resemble somewhat those of the Apple, but they are of a deeper shade of pink, and extremely small. The Almond (Amyg- dalus communis) has flowered in my garden this season for the first time for several years. This may be partly attributable to an application of lime given to all my " stone fruits " during last October, and partly also to the ripening influence of the sunlight of last summer upon the flowering shoots. Both influences are required by Oriental trees in our somewhat too cold and variable climate. My Plums, Cherries and Damsons are at pre- sent exhibiting a gratifying quantity of bloom, especially such familiar varieties as the Early Rivers, Black Eagle, May Duke and Morello Cherries, the Prolific, Czar and Victoria Plums, and the American Superb Greengage. My first flowering Apple, the Irish Peach, showed its bright colour in the blossom on May 1. This variety is usually followed in my garden by Beauty of Waltham and Duchess of Oldenburg, the flowers of the latter, greatly admired by pomologists, being almost pure white. Under such promising floral conditions, it will be no- thing short of a calamity if the frost which, for some time past, has prevailed in the early mornings, sometimes to the extent of 10° or 12°, does not soon disappear, and more favourable atmospheric conditions supervene. Otherwise, even our finest Rose trees, on which we rely so greatly for artistic effects and combinations in the garden, will assuredly suffer. In April of last year we had during one evening 21° of unexpected frost, and the consequence was that all of my Austrian and Penzance Briar Roses lost their entire first flowering shoots, while some of my strongest Hybrid Teas were so seriously affected that, for a very long period, they refused to grow. Magnolia Watsonii, which did not flower last season, promises well for this year. David B. Williamson. The Week's Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Late Strawberries in pots.-Endea.vour to pre- vent any break occurring between the indoor and the outdoor crops. At this time of the year forced Strawberries need a house devoted entirely to their culture, and, if the roof is fitted with can- vas blinds, which can be lowered during the hottest part of the day, it will be beneficial, but, should blinds not be available, syringe a little limewash over the glass. Late batches of Strawberries do very well in cold frames ; if the pots are partially plunged in a bed of leaves the plants will not require nearly so much attention in regard to watering as those grown on shelves. If space in the pots permits, a top- dressing of loam mixed with a little appro- priate fertiliser should be given the plants, as the roots will have absorbed most of the nourishment from the soil, and Strawberry plants need very liberal feeding to mature a good crop of berries. About 8 or 10 fruits on each plant will be sufficient. The flower trusses should be securely staked to prevent the stems becoming broken. Except when the plants are in flower, the foliage should be thoroughly syringed two or three times a day. The atmosphere of the house must also be kept moist by damping at frequent intervals all bare spaces about the plants, as moisture is necessary to prevent red spider, whilst a humid atmosphere assists the fruits to swell freely. The special plants in the open from which it is intended to secure the runners for next year should have all their in- florescences removed in order that all the nourish- ment may be devoted to the plantlets. Hoe the soil between the rows and see that all weeds are destroyed. Then apply a mulching of short litter and, if necessary, afford the plants a copious watering. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Cozloqyne cristata. — This plant, and the varie- ties lemoniana and hololeuca, hold a prominent place in Orchid collections, and even in gardens where Orchids are not largely grown C. cristata is valued for supplying flowers during the winter. By cultivating a considerable number of plants, a succession of bloom can be maintained if some are placed in various degrees of warmth just at the time when their flower-spikes begin to push from the base of the newly-made pseudo-bulbs. C. cristata is too well known to need description. Its variety lemoniana is distinguished by its flowers having a lemon-coloured centre, and it blooms several weeks later than C. cristata. The pure white variety C. c. hololeuca is also later in flowering, and this variety, being a scandent grower, the leading bulbs quickly get beyond the limits of the receptacle. However, these can be easily turned in, and, if pegged down firmly on to the compost, will soon become well-rooted, and make strong-flowering bulbs. Coelogynes are now beginning to grow ; established specimens in good condition not requiring room for further development, should be elevated well up to the roof glass in a cool part of the intermediate house. The span-roofed Odontoglossum house will not be found too cool for them during the summer months, provided that they are exposed to sufficient light. If grown in too shady a posi- tion, the plants seldom produce their full com- plement of flowers. When watering, carefully examine each plant, and. if the soil is dry, give it a thorough soaking. Unless the plants are in a very exposed position, they may not require watering again for another fortnight. Keep the surroundings well moistened by damping between the pots several times every day, and spraying them overhead occasionally with tepid rain-water on warm, sunny days. All the plants should be thoroughly cleaned, and any specimens which have reached an inconvenient size may be divided and repotted. Plants which are to be grown into large specimens should be repotted. It matters little whether they are grown in pots, shallow pans, or baskets, but, whatever the receptacle, it should be filled two-thirds its depth with material for drainage. Over the crocks place a thin layer of rough Sphagnum-moss, and for a compost use good, turfy loam, peat, and Osmunda fibre in equal parts. Cut the fibre up moderately small before mixing it with the other materials. A little Sphagnum-moss and plenty of small crocks may also be added. Last year, as an experiment, I potted some pseudo-bulbs of C. c. hololeuca in the Osmunda and Polypodium mixture, with a liberal addition of small crocks intermixed, but no Sphagnum-moss or peat, and at the present time the little specimen is doing well. It will generally be observed after repotting the divided plants that the pseudo-bulbs shrivel slightly. The plants should not be watered heavily with the idea of inducing plumpness, for if kept in a saturated condition the old roots will decay, and the pseudo-bulbs continue to shrivel. A better practice is to afford them occasionally a gentle dewing overhead with the fine sprayer, keeping the atmosphere around them moist, and at the same time carefully shading the plants from all sunshine. Towards the end of the growing season expose the plants to more light and air. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Gooseberries. — We have a splendid crop of this fruit, and the berries are swelling rapidly. Where they have set very thickly a portion of them should be gathered for present use, whilst some may be used for preaerves. Gooseberries that are grown especially for dessert purposes should be very freely thinned, and if the work has not already been done a mulching of manure should be applied. To secure extra fine Gooseberries, copious waterings must be given, also manure water and artificial stimulants, the latter in small quan- tities at intervals of a few days while the fruits are swelling ; directly the berries show signs of ripening all feeding should be withheld. The nets must be got in readiness to protect the ber- ries from birds. Guard against caterpillars and other insect pests ; up to the present our bushes are very free from these insects. Gordon-trained Gooseberries are suitable for planting' by the side of paths, especially when the owner prefers to gather the fruits for consumption on the spot. In planting in this manner and for this purpose be careful to provide for a succession of fruits by having both early and late varieties. Cordon-trained Gooseberries require considerable attention to keep the shoots within proper limits to allow the sunlight and air to reach the fruits. This pruning is best done by pinching when the growths are quite young. Pinch the side-shoots to five leaves, and, if the buds on these growths start, the secondary shoots may be taken off en- tirely. The leading shoots may be allowed to remain intact, unless the plants have already filled their allotted spaces. Cherries. — The trees have, in most cases, set their fruits well, although doubtless a consider- able quantity will drop during the stoning period. Any shoots not required for extension should ba pinched back to four or five leaves. Rasjuberries. — The frost in many parts very severely damaged the canes, and, where only a limited number is cultivated, and especially when Raspberries are valued highly, every effort must be made to assist the crop. Allow as much light as possible to reach the fruiting canes and afford a thick mulching of manure about the roots. If, when the fruits are set, the weather is dry, root waterings must be afforded, particu- larly on light, porous soils. Loganberries. — The cold of last winter has killed our plants half-way to the ground level. This emphasises the need of having the young shoots thoroughly ripened before winter arrives. Therefore thin the canes early in the season, retaining only those that are absolutely necessary. Mat 29, 1909] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 343 THE FLOWER GARDEN. By VV. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Summer bedding. — This work may now be com- menced. But the move tender plants, such as Iresiue, Alternanthera, and Mesembryanthemum, should be planted after the hardier subjects, such as Pelargoniums, have been put out. The season {or summer bedding being very short, the plants should be placed rather thickly together that they may soon produce a good effect. When the planting is complete, sprinkle the plants over- head occasionally with clear water. Before any planting is done, the colour effect and the general design should have been well thought out, in order that the most may be made of the subjects available. Violas are exceptionally good plants for car- peting the ground beneath tall-growing species -such as Palm, Phor.niumtenax and tall Fuchsias. If the plants are kept well watered and the old flowers are removed before setting seeds, Violas will flower all through the season. A bed of Marguerites, with a groundwork of blue Violas and dot plants of Lobelia Queen Victoria is a pleasing combination. Salvias, especially the water or guano dissolved in water are beneficial. Remove all the haws as soon as the petals have fallen. Half-hardy annuals. — Those that were sown in the open ground should be thinned well apart, and both they and also transplanted plants should be sprayed with clear water late in the day. Dahlias. — Plant Dahlias 3 feet apart. Before planting ascertain that the soil is moist, and when the operation is finished place a mulching of ■ horse-droppings or cow manure over the soil to keep the roots moist. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Chrysanthemums. — These plants will require very careful attention during the next five or six months, especially in the matter of watering at the present time when the roots are penetrating into the new soil. As growth proceeds, the shoots need to be tied securely to the stakes and unnecessary side growths must be removed. The growing points shculd be dusted LecucnUy with Coitus thyrsoideus and Moschosma ripartum are two valuable plants for decoration in late autumn and winter. Cuttings of both these plants make roots and grow very quickly. After they have been potted singly into small pots, the leading shoots should be pinched two or three times. In the case of the Coleus, if plants are required for flowering in small pots, a batch may be grown specially for this purpose, leaving the shoots unstopped. Cyclamens. — These should now be moved to an unheated frame. Although sunlight is necessary for their well-being, the foliage should not be unduly exposed to bright sunshine. Keep the surroundings moist or thrip will soon infest the leaves. General work. — The plants in the various houses should be rearranged at intervals of a few weeks. Advantage should be taken when re- arranging the plants to cleanse at least the lower portion of the structures such as the stage or shelves and to tidy up the plants themselves. At the same time lightly prick up the surface soil in the pots, and, notwithstanding that they may appear to be clean, scrub the outsides of the flower-pots. FlG. IjO — SAXIKRAGA DECIPIENS "MISS WILLMOfT " : FLOWERS WHITE WITH REDDISH- BROWN COLOURED CENTRE, EXHIBITED BY MESSRS. BAKER'S AT THE TEMPLE SHOW. (See ante p. 332.) scarlet kinds, form exceedingly showy beds. Cosmea bipinnata and the pink-coloured form, if planted in moderately-rich soil, will make tall and effective plants in the flower-beds. Vases and boxes.— The colours of the plants should be so blended that they will not clash with plants in the adjacent beds. For climbing and trailing plants Ivy leaved Pelargoniums and Tropaeolums are especially suitable. Taller plants for the centre include Grevillea, Fuchsia, Abutilon, and Carina. On terraces, where there is a lot of stone work, scarlet flowers are very effective ; in fact, flowers of this colour are suit- able for almost any vase work. Very tall or tender plants should not be employed in situa- tions exposed to winds. Roses. — Various insect pests will cause much mischief among these plants unless means are taken to destroy them. The foliage shculd be syringed with quassia extract at rather greater strength than is recommended by the makers. Roses in flower on walls and other warm situa- tions need to be syringed occasionally with cold water, and if the soil is dry, water should be supplied to the roots. Applications of manure tobacco powder, applying it in the evening and washing it off again with clear water on the fol- lowing morning. The tobacco powder will destroy aphis, but the leaf-miner is not very easily combated. If the fly which deposits the eggs of the leaf-miner is seen upon the plants, dust the foliage with fresh soot, and at once pick out with a pointed stick any maggots that are detected in the tissues of the leaves. On dry days sprinkle frequently the outsides of the pots and their surroundings with water. Eeinwardtia tctragyna and R. trigyna. — Cut- tings of these winter flowering plants should now be inserted in sandy soil, placing the pot in a brisk bottom heat. After the cuttings have rooted, pot them singly into small pots, keeping them in a close and warm atmosphere for a few days, subsequently removing them to an inter- mediate temperature. The plants should be potted finally into 5 or 6-inch pots filled with fairly light soil, that must be pressed firmly. The* foliage should be syringed freely. Pine J out the ends of the growing shoots occasionally. Towards the end of June the plants may be placed in an unheated frame until the autumn. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibes, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Runner Beans. — Plants which have been raised under glass, if properly hardened, may now safely be planted in trenches out-of-doors. A space of at least 12 inches should be allowed between the plants, and it is best to place two rows in each trench. Insert each plant well up to the seed leaf, and make the soil very firm about the root. When all is finished, apply* a thorough watering, and place a little finely-sifted cinder ashes around the collar of each plant. Staking must be done immediately after plant- ing. Insert them firmly into the ground, and apply longer and stouter stakes at intervals to give greater support to the others. On these longer and stouter stakes co. ds should be stretched. Make a final sowing of seeds out-of- doors some time in June. Dwarf or French Beans. — Like Runner Beans, these also may be planted out-of-doors. Plants growing in frames should be liberally mulched with half-rotten manure. During dry weather water them liberally at the roots and drench the f iliage twice each day with water applied by a syringe. Maize or Indian Corn. — During a favourable season satisfactory returns may be expected from this crop in this country. It is necessary, how- ever, to raise the plants in heat, grow them on in pots and plant them out into fairly good ground in the most sheltered and sunny part of the garden. For an earlier supply, a few plants I ight be put out in a hot-bed and covered with frames, but they must not be forced severely. Asparagus. — Although very late this season, Asparagus is now yielding a good supply. Give the, beds a good soaking with farmyard manure water and keep them free from weeds by hand- pulling. The strongest Asparagus growths should be cut every day, severing them with an Asparagus knife. Seedling beds should be thinned until the plants are 6 inches apart. If from any reason the seed has failed to come through the soil, it will be well to sow fresh seeds in 3-inch pots, placing two or three in each, afterwards thinning the plants out to one in each pot. Later the pots should be plunged in ashes, and in autumn they should be covered entirely to a depth of about 4 inches with very fine ashes. Such plants will be in a fit condition for planting into permanent beds early next April. Take care to select only the best varieties. Lettuce. — Sow seeds of both Cos and Cabbage varieties once each fortnight. Thin out previous sowings whilst the plants are still quite small. Plant a few Lettuces in various parts of the garden, as by this means a supply can be ob- tained at all times. Lettuces require abundant supplies of water, both at the roots and overhead. Endive. — Sow seeds of the Batavian and curled- leaved varieties at intervals, but only sufficient for immediate use, as Endive in summer-time quickly runs to seed. Radishes. — Sow seeds once a fortnight in the shadiest part of the garden, affording protection against birds. 344 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 29, 1909. APPOINTMENTS FOR JUNE. THURSDAY, JUNE 3— Linnean Soc. meet. SATURDAY, JUNE 5— Soc. Fran? d'Hort. de Londres meet. TUESDAY, JUNE 8— ' Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 8 p.m. by the Rev. Prof. G. Henslow, on " Old Superstitions about Plants "). British Gard. Assoc. Ex. Council meet. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9— Roy. Cornwall Sh. at St. Columb (2 days). MONDAY, JUNE 14- United Hort; Ben. and Prov. Soc. Coin. meet. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16— York Gala (3 days). THURSDAY, JUNE 17— Linnean Soc. meet. TUESDAY, JUNE 22- Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Masters' Memorial Lecture, on " Masters' Vegetable Teratology," by Prof. Hugo de Vries at 3 p.m.). WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23— Gard. Roy. Ben. Inst. Ann. Festival Dinner at Hotel Metropole, London. THURSDAY, JUNE 24— Midsummer Quarter Day. SATURDAY, JUNE 26— Windsor and Eton Rose Sh. MONDAY, JUNE 28-Isle of Wight Rose Sh. (provisional). TUESDAY, JUNE 29- Southarnplon Roy. Hort. Soc. Summer Sh. (2 days). Brighton Fl. Sh. (2 days). Canterbury and Kent Rose Show at Canterbury. = WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30- Richmond (Surrey) Fl. Sh. Ipswich Fl. Sh. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 57'8°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— It cdntsday. May 26 (6 p.m.): Max. 62°; Min. 49°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London —Thursday, May 27 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 29 6 ; Temp. 60° ; Weather— Sunshine. Provinces.— Wednesday, May 26 (6 p.m.): Max. 64" Oxford ; Min. 48c Yorkshire, SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY— Gladiolus, Begonias, I.ilinms, Carnations and numerous other plants and bulbs, at 12 ('Palms! Bay, Ferns, &c, at 1.30; by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C. THURSDAY— Clearance Sale of Greenhouse and Bedding Plants, at the Gardens, Effingham Hill, near Dorking, by order of the Executors of Czarnikow, Esq. ; by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. The As these pages go to press, the Temple twenty-second annual exhibition Show. of tne Roya] Horticultural Society in the Inner Temple Gardens is draw- ing to a close. It was opened on Tuesday last amidst a downpour of rain, which gradu- ally decreased until the afternoon, when the weather became fair but dull. On Wednes- day the weather was even worse. The month of May, however, has been so uniformly dry, ■and rain was so badly needed in every part of these islands, that there was some com- pensation for the inconvenience suffered in consequence of its fall. The Temple Shows have been so well man- aged that they have never failed to represent the very best products of British horticulture. On these occasions there are always new hybrid Orchids, new varieties in florists' flowers and other plants. Less often the public is startled by the appearance of some extraordinary novelty, such, for instance, as the first Odontioda, which was shown three years ago. There was no such outstanding novelty on the present occasion. The Orchids, whilst filling a space equal to that of former years, appeared even more showy and brilliant than ever; but there were no bi-generic hybrids which we have not previously seen. Perhaps one of the most striking Orchids exhibited was the variety of Odontoglossum crispum known as Solum in Messrs. Sander's group. This had a magni- ficient spike of its unique flowers, with pure white segments and claret-red labellum. But it is two years since we first saw flowers of this variety, though never such fine ones as on this occasion. It becomes increasingly difficult to obtain Orchid novelties of superior merit to those already in cultivation, but the magnificent groups contributed by such skilful and enthusiastic ama- teurs as Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., the Duke of Marlborough, and Mr. F. Menteith Ogilvie and such nurserymen as Messrs. San- der & Sons, J. Charlesworth & Co., and G. F. Moore, Ltd., collectively represent most of the choicest varieties in existence. It may be stated here that this year there was no exhibit from Sir Trevor Lawrence or Colonel Holford. The group of Vanda teres from the collection of Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, at Gunnersbury Park, was the finest exhibit of this somewhat difficult species that Mr. Rothschild or any other cultivator has ever exhibited. Messrs. Sander & Sons ex- hibited excellent specimens of most of the now plants which they contributed to the Ghent International Exhibition of last year, but owing to the fact that they have been longer in cultivation, several of these plants were shown in better condition than we have previously seen them. Most of them have been already illustrated in these pages. We now figure Sansevieria Laurentii, an inter- esting and ornamental plant introduced from the Congo by the late M. Laurent. Messrs. Cannell & Sons showed a new pillar Rose from America in a mast enchanting man- ner in the large group mainly composed of this variety, and staged in the large marquee containing the Orchids. The variety is known as " American Pillar." It is a profuse bloomer, and the flowers, as large again as those of Hiawatha, are pink with a white centre. The charm of the flower consists more in the peculiar richness of the shade of pink than in its large size and excellent form. M. Adnet, from Cap d'Antibes, contributed an exhibit of cut flowers of his extraordinary hybrids of Gerbera, which were beautiful and elegant, notwithstanding the fact that they had travelled a distance of 1,000 miles since being cut from the plants. M. Adnet found it impossible to exhibit the flowers in so natu- ral a manner as they were seen at Berlin, or in such great variety, but such as were sent excited great admiration, and there can be little doubt but that Gerberas will bs largely cultivated in this country. In Sir Trevor Lawrence's garden at Burford, some plants have proved sufficiently hardy to remain in an open position out-of-doors all the winter, although they received but slight protection. At Kew they survive out-of-doors at a dis- tance of about 2 feet from the wall of a heated house. It seems pretty certain that beds or borders might very well be planted with Ger- beras in most localities, if the plants were covered with temporary frames during win- ter. Mr. Lynch's article on these plants, printed on another page, deserves to be widely read. Tuberous Begonias from Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon, Ware, Ltd., and others were as brilliant and as large as ever, and, notwith- standing the great variety now existing in these flowers, we noticed several novelties. Roses, always one of the prominent fea- tures of a Temple Show, were even more gorgeous and plentiful than usual. Probably many would be inclined to the opinion that the group exhibited by Messrs. William Paul & Son, was one of the finest ever seen, whilst the groups from Messrs. Paul & Son, Ches- hunt, and others were all remarkable for ex- cellent quality. Carnations were shown well, and the rich colouring in the corner group of Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son was worthy of special remark. Messrs. Sutton's Cinerarias, Gloxinias and other florists' flowers showed the highest possible development in cultivation, the Clarkias being interesting as showing what excellent specimen plants in pots may be obtained even from this hardy annual under suitable treatment. As for Rhododendrons, Messrs. Waterer, Cuth- bert, and others have added to their tints so much in recent years that, arranged as they usually are on the side of the tent facing the Orchids, they are now not a whit less brilliant than their more aristocratic associ- ates. Hardy flowering plants appear to receive an increased amount of attention each year, and at no exhibition in this country may they be seen in better condition or in larger num- bers than at the Temple .Shows. It was un- fortunate that during the first day of the exhibition, most of these flowers being staged in the narrow tent, their colours could i scarcely be seen, owing to the saturated can- vas obstructing the light. Fruit and vegetables were not more numer- ous than on previous occasions. Neverthe- j less, Messrs. Bunyard's Apples were as well preserved as usual, notwithstanding the ad- vanced season. Messrs. Laxton's Straw- berries, Messrs. Rivers' magnificently-cropped fruit trees in pots, and Messrs. Sutton & Son's choice vegetables were alike of excel- lent quality. A number of visitors present from the Continent declared that the Show contained more variety, more brilliantly-coloured flowers, and represented even better culture than any of its predecessors. Orchid Sale. — The sales of Orchids held annually by Messrs. Protheroe & Morris during the Temple Show week, prove that- high prices can still be obtained for exceptionally fine Orchids. In the sale held on Wednesday last, six rare Cypripediums from the collec- tion of Colonel G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O., Westonbirt, caused very spirited bidding, the beauty of the plants being well known and the quality of the specimens sent up by Mr. H. G. Alexander, the Orchid grower at Westonbirt, superb. Lot 201, Cypripedium nitens Leeanum var. Hannibal was purchased by Mr. E. Roberts, of Eltham, for 100 guineas ; Lot 202, Cypripedium Moonbeam (Thompsonii X Sallied Hyeanum) fell to Mr. Cither's bid of 210 guineas. The next lot, Cypripedium Sultan (Mons. de Curte X Milo Westonbirt variety) was purchased by Mr. William Bolton, of Warring- ton, for 130 guineas ; the same buyer secured Lot 206, Cypripedium Beryl (Mrs. Wm. Mostyn X Beekmannii) for 55 guineas. The other two lots, viz., Cypripedium Actreus Bianca (Leeanum Pros- pero X insigne Sandera?) and Cypripedium Helen n. Westonbirt variety, were purchased by Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Hay wards Heath, for 110 guineas each. The plants were all dupli- cates of the original certificated specimens, and were offered without a reserve price. May Z9, ia09.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 345 Fuchsia splendens (see p. 338). — Since our frcmt pages were stereotyped we have received the following additional information from Mr. W. Botting Hemsley : — " I have just had an opportunity of seeing the type of F. splendens, Zuccarini at Kew, whither it was sent on loan by Dr. Radlkofer, the Director of the Munich Botanic Garden. I am now able to say that the plant figured on p. 338 is correctly named. Our staff took place at the Holborn Restaurant on May 25, the opening day of the Temple Flower Show, Dr. L. C. Burrell, M.A., presided. Previous to the dinner the annual meet- ing was held in the same building, there being about 30 members present, a fewer number than usual. This was accounted for by there being only six of the young gardeners pre- sent. Mr. Watson presided. The annual Report THE TEMPLE SHOW. FlG. 151. — VIBURNUM UTILE EXHIBITED BY MESSRS. JAS. VEITCH AND SONS: FLOWERS WHITF. best thanks are due to Dr. Radlkofer for an stated that: "The resolution adopted at the opportunity of deciding the point. In his measurements of the flower Zuccabini appears to have included the ovary." Kew Guild Dinner. — The annual gathering of past and present members of the Kew Garden last annual meeting with regard to the Journal, &c, was submitted to the whole of the members and the result is recorded in the Journal for 1908, p. 410, ' The Forward Movement.' It will be seen that a large majority voted for the reso- lution. In consequence of this decision, the fol- lowing members of the committee have decided to resign : Messrs. W. Dallimore, H. Spooner, W. Hales, W. N. Winn (secretary), and H. H. Thomas (treasurer)." This part of the Report formed the principal subject of discussion, and it was eventually decided to ask those members of the committee who desired to resign to recon- sider their decision, but in the event of any or all declining, Messrs. Raefill, Hutchinson, Mayhew, and Cole were nominated to fill the vacancies. A National Vegetable Society.— A meet- ing was held at Essex Hall, London, on Tuesday last to consider the formation of a National Vege- table Society. Mr. A. Dean, V.M.H., presided, and amongst others present were Messrs. Owen Thomas, G. Wythes, J. Harrison, J. Lyne, S. Mortimer, E. Hobday, E. Massey, C. Foster, S. Cole, W. F. Giles (Sutton & Sons), W. Pou- part, R. J. Steel, J. Cheal, J. Gibson,. D. B. Crane, E. Beckett, V.M.H., E. Moly- neux, W. A. Cook, W. H. Young, E. T. Cook^ J. C. Newsham, and Walter P. Wright. Let- ters approving the scheme were read from Messrs. P. C. M. Veitch, J. Bowerman, T. Coomber, R. Sydenham, W. G. Lobjoit, W. P. Wood, W. Barnes, Sutton & Sons, J. Veitch & Sons and J. Basham. After a considerable amount of dis- cussion Mr. E. Beckett proposed that a society be formed. Mr. C. Foster seconded, and the motion was carried. A committee consisting of Messrs. E. Beckett, A. Dean, C. Foster, E. Hobday, 0. Thomas, S. Mortimer, W. Poupart, (i Wythes, R. J. Steel, and J. Lyne was formed to draw up the rules. Bath and West and Southern Counties. Society.— The Exeter exhibition of this old- established society was opened on Wednesday last and will continue until Monday next. The horticultural exhibits are accommodated in a pavilion specially constructed for the purpose. There are exhibits illustrating Nature Study, and a section devoted to forestry. Near the forestry gallery demonstrations of tree-pruning will b& given. Mr. J. R. Jackson, who has for 25 years sorved upon the staff of Amateur Gardening, lias resigned his position for an appointment with Messrs. Clay & Son, of Stratford. Mr. Jackson has received a souvenir from Messrs. Collinoridge in the form of a gold watch, bear- ing this inscription upon the dome: " Presented tD John Rishton Jackson by W. H. and L. Collingridoe, in appreciation of 25 years of loyal service, 1884—1909." Mr. Norman Gill, a former member of the garden staff at Kew and son of Mr. Gill, Tremough Gardens, Cornwall, has been selected: by the Government of India to fill the newly- created post of Superintendent, Kumaon Govern- ment Gardens, Jeolikote, District Naini TaL United Provinces, India. Since leaving Kew in. 1900, Mr. Gill has had varied experiences in. gardening matters in different parts of India. International Horticultural Exhibi- tion at Kasan, Russia. — An horticultural exhibition will be held at this city from June 1 to August 30 of the present year, to which foreigiL firms are invited. It is stated that the exhibits, or many of them, can be disposed of readily after the exhibition, more particularly Palms, Arau- carias, Azaleas, Camellias and Orchids. Informa- tion may be obtained from the Horticultural Com- pany at Kasan, which undertakes to convey the plants from the railway station and to look after their requirements during the time of the exhibi- tion 346 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 29, 1909. Principles of Heredity. — The Aldred Lecture of the Royal Society of Arts was given before the members of the Society on May 12. The lecturer, Professor Dendy, chose for his sub- ject " The Principles of Heredity as Applied to the Production of New Forms of Plants and Ani- mals." After a brief account of Mendel's work and reference to that of Bateson, Hurst and Biffen, the lecturer gave an account, based on that in De Vries' little book on Plant Breeding, of Mr. Burbank's " productions." It is unfor- tunate that this account was of an uncritical kind and consisted of the usual enumeration of Mr. Burbank's creations. Whilst a careful in- vestigation of these productions would be of no inconsiderable value, a mere repetition of the statements of which all practical men have heard so much cannot, in the present state of opinion with respect to certain of those statements, be considered as a useful contribution to knowledge. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. — Part II. of this Society's Transactions con- tains, among other reports, that of the Librarian, from which we make a few ex- tracts. The Society's library is now in receipt of 150 different periodical publica- tions relating to horticulture published in various countries. Other classes of horti- cultural literature have not been neglected, and a list of additions to the library is ap- pended. It is worthy of note that, on the occa- sion of last year's count, the library, one of the finest, if not actually the finest, in the world, amounted to 17,440 volumes. There is also a fine collection of trade catalogues. The report expresses the need for a new and complete cata- logue. Such a work would be of great interest tD students of horticultural literature the world over, especially as the last printed cata- logue issued by the Society was published more than 30 years ago, and, in the meantime, the additions have been enormous. We recom- mend as a model the admirable catalogue of the National Horticultural Society of France, whose capable and learned librarian,' M. Georges Gibault, has produced a classified list, such as no other horticultural library possesses. With occasional supplements, such a catalogue would be invaluable. Publications Received. — Adaptations Cul- tarales et Variations des Solanees Tuberiferes. Extrait du Bulletin des Seances de la Sociele Nationale d'Agriculture de France, Nos. deFeviier et Decembre, 1908. (Paris : Librairie Agricole de la Maison Rustique, 26, Rue Jacob.) Price 1 franc. — The Philippine Agricultural Review. (January and February.) (Philippine Islands: Bureau of Agriculture. )— The Journal of Botany. (May.) (London: West, Newman & Co., 54, Hatton Garden, E.C.) Price Is. Qa.-Kew Bulletin. (No. 4.) Containing Diagnoses Africanse: XXVIII., Peglera and Nectaropeta- lum, &c— Birds Useful and Harmful, by Otto Herman and J. A. Owen. (London : Sherratt & Hughes.) Price 6s. net— Darwin and Modern Science, Edited by A. C. Seward. (Cambridge : University Press.) Price 18s. net. — The Small Holders' Guide. (London : Farm and Garden Office, 148 and 149, Aldersgate Street, E.C.) Price Is. net. — London and South Western Railway, 1909. The Company's Official Illustrated Guide and List of Hotels, Boarding Houses and Apart- ments.— Outdoor Carpentry, by S. Walter New- comb Second Edition. (London : Dawbarn & Ward, Ltd.) Price 6d. net.— Hints on Vegetable Culture, by Geo. L. Macfarlan. (London : The Agricultural Offices of the Potash Syndicate, 117, Victoria Street, Westminster.) (Gratis).— The Country Gentlemen's Estate Book, 1909. Edited and compiled by Wm. Brookhall. (London : Year Book of the Country Gentlemen's Associa- tion, Ltd., 24-25, St. James's Street, S.W.)— Thirtieth Annual Report of the Ontario Agricultural and Experimental Union. 1908. (Toronto : Ontario Department of Agriculture.) — Thirty-Fourth Annual Report of the Ontario Agricultural College and Experimental Farm, 1908. (Toronto : Ontario Department of Agri- culture.) HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Schizanthuses. — During the past few years these useful and decorative greenhouse plants have been much developed and improved. I have been particularly pleased with the quali- ties of some of the new hybrid varieties under my care, and, being in the neighbourhood of Bristol recently, I paid a short visit to Messrs. Garaway & Co.'s nurseries at Keynsham. There I found a display of plants, which, for profusion of bloom, variety of colour, and symmetry of habit, would be very difficult to surpass. Most of the plants were in 6 and 7-inch pots; the specimens were about 4 feet high and 3 feet in diameter. So sturdy were the growths, that stakes were not needed to support them. Many of these plants were exhibited at the Temple Show, so visitors had the oppor- tunity of seeing the wonderful specimens for which this firm has become noted. I believe that in many gardens several successional sow- ings are made, with very good results, but here, at Westonbirt, I only have one batch, which is raised from seed sown early in October. The plants are kept in cool quarters during the winter months, and are at their best by Easter time. They continue to flower until June is well ad- vanced. A little feeding in the shape of a chemi- cal fertiliser, when the pots are full of roots, is given, but great care is exercised in the water- ing. S. Grahamii, one of the older kinds, is very useful for house and table decoration. Arthur G/tapman, Westonbirt Gardens, Gloucestershire. Schizanthus at Wisley. — On p. 330 there was a notice of the Schizanthus now in culti- vation at Wisley. May I say that this is a special strain sent to Wisley by myself? Sobert Xych nham. A Late-flowering Narcissus.— 1 saw in Messrs. Pearson's collection en May 17 a bed of Narcissus in full flower. The variety proved to be one of Mr. Engleheart's raising, and known as Steadfast." It has a medium-sized trumpet, which is pale yellow, and broad, white corolla segments, which overlap each other, forming a very firm flower of good shape, and quite as large as the well-known Sir Watkin. Its constitution is vigorous, and the flowers stand up well above the foliage. IF. H. Divers. Acetylene Gas Refuse.— I have seen refuse lime from the acetylene gas generator used on a garden for two years. I cannot recall a single bad result from its use. As an agricultural student, I feel that the pot cultures (see p. 264) were hardly fair to the lime, as in most cases the dressings were much too high for ordinary appli- cations. The smallest of them would be next to impossible unless the garden was very small and the gas consumption high. I have calculated the following figures for three classes of soil, taking a depth of 6 inches, whereas when possible for all analytical purposes 8 inches is the usual : — Arable Soil. Per cent. of Lime Tors required Refuse applied. per Ai-re. 1 per cent. ... 8.215 10 per cent ... 82.15 20 per cent. ... 164.3 30 per cent ... 246.45 50 per cent. Clay Loam. ... 410.75 1 per cent ... 8.605 10 per cent. ... 86.05 20 per cent. ... 172.1 30 per cent ... 258.15 50 per cent Garden Mould. ... 430.25 1 per cent. ... 6.87 10 per cent. ... 63. 7 20 per cent. ... 157.4 30 per cent ... 206.1 50 per cent. ... 343.5 the soil was already rich in lime compounds. Any artificial manures applied at this rate, slaked lime included, would, I am sure, have yielded similar results. Altogether I am afraid it will do much to discourage the use of a cheap source of lime to those who are fortunate enough to have an acetylene gas plant in a garden deficient in lime. I don't wish to say that it is as good as ground lime, because I don't think it is, the ground lime, being finer, mixes more readily with the soil ; but i do think that if left on the surface like gas lime for a few weeks before use, it will do no harm. Frank G. Athinson. A New Saxifrage.— In regard to the Saxi- fraga decipiens hybrida grandiflora, which re- ceived an Award of Merit at the R.H.S. meeting on April 20th, may I be permitted to say that I had decided to call it Bathoniensis, but upon application to the Floral Committee at the in- stance of some of the largest trade buyers, they decided that S. decipiens hybrida grandiflora was the better name. So I must abide bv that ruling. Thos. Kitley, Bath. From these dressings, you will see that 6| tons per acre is the smallest application — surely a very heavy dressing ! I notice a large quantity of leaf-mould was used which would reduce the percentage of lime in the soil, but I think some account of it should have been taken ; perhaps WILDERNESSE PARK, SEVEN0AKS. (See Supplementary Illustration.) The county of Kent is called the Garden of England, and, assuredly, the traveller in that county who admires tree life, either of the park, garden, orchard, or hillside, will not long have passed beyond the confines of wide-spreading London before he sees ample to confirm the just- ness of the phrase. No matter which road is taken, the charm of the varied scenery is soon apparent, and by the time Sevenoaks is reached the conviction is established that it would be difficult to find elsewhere such delightful pro- spects as have met the eye within the limited compass of about a score of miles. Of the surroundings of the town of Sevenoaks it- self it would be impossible to speak too highly. Here are hill and valley, superb woodland and fertile field, and, although I have traversed Kent from end to end many hundreds of times within the past 15 years, I have never seen any more beautiful region. But my present task is not so much to sing the praises of the county as to speak of some features of the garden attached to the residence of Lord Hillingdon at W ildernesse Park. The mansion of Wildernesse is in every respect worthy of high rank among the stateliest homes of England, since it conveys the impression of solidity and stability, which are generally ac- cepted as characteristics of our nation. One wing of the mansion is shown in the Supple- mentary Illustration to the present issue. Imme- diately around it are the flower gardens and plea- sure grounds, and though these are not quite as extensive as might be anticipated, there is ample and suitable space for further extension. The photographs illustrating Wildernesse Park were taken in the late summer, whereas the visit now described was made in the spring, but the features of to-day and the representations of those of other seasons of the year show that the plan of bedding is bold and striking, and in complete h;,rmony with the mansion itself. Here are no small beds containing a dozen or more kinds of plants, but masses of colour, which make at once for conspicuous effect. Upon the occasion of the latest visit, brilliant red and yellow Wallflowers shone in the sun and diffused a delicious fragrance over the lawns, whilst, in the large border-like beds, May-flowering Tulips in clumps of one variety reared their handsome blooms 2 feet and more in height and swung to the breeze. At the south end of the mansion lies the Rose garden. Though not extensive, it is laid out intelligently, in that there is ample grass walk for comfortable locomotion. More- over, the beauty of the different varieties is well displayed, the beds containing each but one variety. The walls of the house are freely planted with many distinct kinds of climbers, and at the time of my visit a Wistaria was bloom- ing magnificently. IT. ( To be continued.) Mai 29, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 347 TEMPLE SHOW, THIS, the greatest floral event of the year, was held on the above dates, and was another brilliant success, save only in the matter of weather. As usual, the attendance of visitors was very large, and the tents each day soon became un- comfortably crowded. Everything, however, passed off without a hitch, and for the admirable management the thanks of all are due to the Superintendent, Mr. Wright, and the London officials, including the Secretary, Rev. W. Wilks, M.A., and his assistant, also Mr. Frank Reader and the other members of the office staff. Orchid Committee. Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq. (in the Chair), and .Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), de B. Crawshay, R. Brooman-White, Sir Jeremiah Colman, E. Ashworth, G. F. Moore, J. Cypher, W. Boxall, H. J. Chapman, W. H. White, H. G. Alexander, H. Little, A. Dye, Stuart Low, W. Cobb, R. G. Thwaites, F. M. Ogilvie, W. Bolton, H. A. Tracy, J. Wilson Potter, Gurney Wilson, H. Ballantine, W. H. Hatcher, and C. J. Lucas. Entering the great tent, principally devoted to Orchids, the first section of the central staging on the right hand side was taken up by a very fine group staged by Mr. Collier (gr. to Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park, Reigate). As is customary in groups from Gatton Park, rare species and curious hybrids of Orchids formed a feature. Several of the species secured Botanical Certificates. Of the rare species noted were Gongora quin- quenervis, Lissochilus parviflorus, Bulbophyl- lum Lobbn Colossus, and other Bulbophyl- lums ; Cirrhopetalum pulchrum, and various Masdevallias. Among the showy species were a good selection of varieties of Odontoglossum crispum, including the blotched 0. c. Surprise, 0. c. Duchess of Connaught, 0. c. Cooksonii, 0. c. Mrs. F. Peeters, 0. c. Colmam'ae, and 0. c. Margery Tyrell Giles. Of Cattleyas there was a good selection, the forms of C. Mossiae being well furnished with good flowers. Epidendruin Boundii, with its orange and scarlet flowers. \\;is very effective in the back of the group ; the prim- rose-coloured form of Dendrobium Dalhousieanum, the ivory-white Cymbidium Colmaniae, Spatho- glottis hybrids raised at Gatton Park, Cattleya Pittite, C. intermedia coerulea, good Miltonia voxillaria, and other finely-flowered varieties. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans and Bruges, came next with one of the finest and most interesting groups, in which the central figure was a noble plant of the unique Odonto- glossum crispum Solum, with its milk-white flowers having deep claret-red labellums and an occasional blotch of the same colour on the sepals. The exhibit included several, elevated, smaller groups, with corresponding valley- like arrangements, the whole forming a pretty picture. At the central highest point was a grand plant of Cyrtopodium Saintlegeri- anum, with several strong spikes, around it being the graceful sprays of red Odon- tioda Devossiana, the bright yellow Onci- dium Marshallianum, and other elegant species, fronted by handsome Brasso-Cattleyas. Other lobes were of Cattleyas and La?lio-Cattleyas, the most beautiful being the pure white C. Dusseldorfei Undine, C. Niobe Sander's variety, raised at Bruges, with large fleshy-rose and white flowers ; Laelio-Cattleya Aumonier Menley (L. purpurata X C. Vulcan), a charming rose, white, and purple flower ; and Sophro- Laelia Dame superba, a very handsome dwarf hybrid with large rose and white flowers. Odontoglossums, both species and hybrids, were finely represented, some of the home-raised, blotched forms of 0. crispum running the im- ported varieties very close in point of beauty. .Among the hybrids were several new forms, 0! tigrinum being a remarkable, yellowish flower evenly spotted with red, and ' different from any other, though not so handsome as MA Y 25, 26 and 27. some. Miltonia Bleuana Mrs. F. Sander had fine white flowers, with light rose lines on the lip. Maxillaria Van Houtteana, Vanda Parishii Mar- riottiana, the white Brasso-Cattleya Queen Alexandra, pretty Odontoglossums of Messrs. Sander's 0. Dreadnought type, and some good forms of 0. Lambeauianum were also noted. F. Menteith Ogilvie, Esq., The Shrubbery, Oxford (gr. Air. Balmforth), staged a splendid group, in which were many remarkable varie- ties ; all well grown and quite worthy of the show-stand. The setting of the group was of fine Odontoglossums, and in the ele- vated parts were beautiful arrangements of Odontoglossum crispum and hybrid Odontoglos- sums, among which were arranged scarlet Odon- tioda Bradshawise, O. Charlesworthii,, and other Odont'idas, the yellow sprays of Qdontogl THE TEMPLE SHOW. FlG. 152. — SANSEVIERIA LAURENTII EXHIBITED BY MESSRS. SANDER AND SONS. (See p. 351.) luteo-purpureum Vuylstekei appearing among them. On each side were large batches cf the green and white Cypripedium Lawrence- anum Hyeanum, C. L. Marjoiie, C. Maudiae, and C. callosum Sanders. Prominent fea- tures were made in the group by fine speci- mens of Cattleya Dusseldorfei Undine, which is one of the best white Cattleyas, Trichopilia Backhousiana, a white, fragrant flower which also told well in other groups ; Odontoglossum eximium and 0. percultum. of very rich colour; a clear scarlet form of Odontioda Vuv'stekeae, Odontioda Devossiana, and some specially fine forms of Lselia purpurata. Among species Cattleya citrina, with its clear yellow, fragrant flowers, and Epidendrum falcatum were noted. Messrs. Armstrong & Brown, Tunbridge Wells, followed with an effective group, in which was a batch cf well-flowered Cvpripcdium glau- cophyllum. together with Bulbophyllum bar- bigerum, a very fine scarlet Sophronitis grandiflora, and the new Odontoglossum Arm- strongiae, a showy hybrid of unrecorded parentage with white flowers evenly blotched with violet. In a batch of Brasso Cattleyas were B.-C. Mrs. Francis Wellesley Leyswood variety, with blush-white flowers. Among hybrids, several plants of Laelio-Cattleya Aphrodite alba had fine white flowers with ruby-crimson front to the lip ; Cypripedium callo-Rothschildianum had a fine spike of four flowers; Cattleya Skinneri Temple's variety showed it to be the finest coloured variety of the best old form of C. Skinneri ; the pure white specimen shown being also of the same type ; Dendrobium nobile virginale was shown in several fine specimens ; Odontoglossum crispum roseum giganteum was a noble flower. A pretty effect was made in the coup by the arrangement of scarlet and crimson Masdevallias in the grotto-like recesses between the elevated portions. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Enfield, staged a group in which the forms of Cattleya Mendelii and C. Mossiaj were specially good. With them were Cattleya Skinneri alba and other Cattleyas, a good selection of Cypripediums, the hand- somest of which were C. chrysotoxum Victor and C. Lawrenceanum Hackbridge variety. Otheis noted were Oncidium macranthum, 0. unicorne, 0. pulchellum, 0. phymatochilum, Gongora nigrita, Spathoglottis aureo-Veillardii, &c. Missis. William Bull & Sons, King's Road, Chelsea, finished the side of the central staging with a grjup of good Odontoglossum crispum, the best forms of which were 0. c. M u, white, blotched with purple; 0. c. Em- press, 0. c. Florence, and O. c. Diadem ; a good selection of Cattleyas, including C. Mendelii, Countess, Empress, and Diadem; C. Mossiae Edward VII., a good, bold flower, and C. M. 1 it. Missis. Bull also showed good Odon- toglossum hybrids, and three plants of their Odontioda chelseiensis, with cream-white flowers tinged and blotched with rosy-lilac (see fig. 153). On the other side of the central staging Messrs. CHARLESWORTH & Co.. Havwards Heath, occu- pied the chief pi sition with a magnificent group, in which the only two plants entered to go before the Committee, viz., Oncidium Charlesworthii and Laelio-Cattleya Eurylochus, secured First- class Certificates (see Awards). The group con- tained fine representatives of all the showy species procurable at this season, and a re- in:1 lkable selection of hybrids and home-raised seedlings, among which the spotted forms of Odontoglossum crispum were remarkable. The typical white and rose-tinted forms of 0. crispum also were fine ; 0. Othello, remarkably rich in colour; 0. percultum and 0. Lambeauianum varieties, perfect in form and handsomely marked; and 0. Pescatorei Charlesworthii, pretty form and very distinct. Odontioda Charlesworthii, 0. Bradshawias, and several varieties gave a scarlet colour ; Cattleya Men- delii and C. Mossiie were shown in many fine forms, including the best white C. Mossiae Wageneri ; Lselio-Cattleya Golden Glory, a very fine set of L.-C. Fascinator, L.-C. Feronia, and cither Laeho-Cattleyas were well displayed, and among the numerous good things noted were the pure white an 1 fragrant Trichopilia Baekhousieana, a floriferous plant and a free grower; Cymbidium Huttonii, C. Devonianum, Aerides Houlletianum, Vanda suavis pallida, a very rare albino ; Ansellia africana, Oncidium O'Brienianum, and a large number of other plants" of interest. The Exoits. of the late Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr. Mr. H. J. Chap- man), showed Odontioda Cooksonise (C. Noezliana X 0 ardentissimum), a pretty flower with the inner parts of the segments orange colour bordered with white, and with rosy margins; O. Bradshawiae Oakwood variety, prettily tinged end blotched with scarlet : Odontoglossum per- cultum C'.ive, white blotched with violet; 0. Solon Cookson's variety and 0. Cooksonianum (mirificnm X crispum), a large, well formed, and heavily-.] lotehed flower. Messrs. Jas. Cypher & Sons. Cheltenham, staged a good group of Odontoglossums, Mil- tonia vexillaria, Cattleyas, &c.. among which were noted a fine lot of Odontoglossum crispum^ 348 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 29, 1909. O. percultum, a nicely spotted hybrid between O. cirrhosum and 0. ardentissimum, Coelogyne Dayana, Maxillaria Sanderiana, Cattleya Dussel- dorfei Undine, Oncidium Lanceanum, Den- drobium clavatum, Odontoglossum Wilckeanum rubrum, of a pretty red-tinted form ; Vanda teres gigantea, and other uncommon varieties, speci- ally well grown. Messrs. Moore, Ltd., Ravvdon, Leeds, staged one of the best arranged groups in the show and one which contained many good and attractive Orchids. In the centre, high up, at the back were fine plants of the large white Moth Orchid known in gardens as Phajsenopsis amabilis Rimestadtiana. The sunk effect on either side was very skilfully arranged with Odontoglossums of fine quality, a very hand- somely-marked O. Ossulstonii named Rawdon variety, 0. percultum, 0. crispo-Harryanum with two spikes, some spotted 0. crispum being among them ; also brightly coloured Odontiodas, a fine selection of large-flowered Cattleyas, a very handsome form of C. Mendelii, with purple feathered lines on the petals, being specially attractive. Others noted in this effec- tive group were scarlet Renanthera Imschootiana, the pretty rose :.nd white Disa Luna, Odontioda Ghent, staged a selection of hybrid Odontoglos- sums, three of the best of which secured First- class Certificates (see Awards). Mr. John Robson, Altrincham, showed a selec- tion of seedling Orchids, among which were four handsomely blotched 0. crispum, raised between the varieties Maria? and Luciani ; also a bright scarlet Odontioda between Cochlioda Noezliana and 0. ardentissimum Among the other hybrids was a superb form of 0. Lam- beauianum, with very large and finely marked flowers. Richakd Ashwokth, Esq., Ashlands, New- church, Manchester (gr. Mr. Fletcher), staged a group m which was a good selection of blotched Odontoglossum crispum ; that named Black Prince having a specially clear white flower with distinct chocolate-purple blotches. 0. crispum Rebus, 0. c. rubrum, and 0. c heliotropium were also well shown, together with some Cattleyas, and a very fine plant of the blue Dendrobium Victoria Regina with many flowers, for which a Cultural Commendation was awarded. Mr. Reynolds (gr. to Leopold de Rothschild, Gunnersbury Park) arranged most effectively on one side of the large tent a large number of splendidly-grown plants of Vanda teres, literally Fig. THE TEMPLE SHOW. 153. — ODONTIODA CHELSEIENSIS EXHIBITED BY MESSRS. BULL AND SONS. (See p. 817.) Bradshawiie, with its parent the scarlet Coch- lioda Noezliana, Triehopilia Backhousieana, Oncidium Krameri, 0. Batemannianum, Epi- dendrum Wallisii, Cypripedium caudatum, Vanda pumila, and Dendrobium atro-violaceum. His Grace the Duke cf Marlborough, Blen- heim Palace, Woodstock (gr. Mr. Hunter), showed a group in which were a good selection of Lselia purpurata, Cattleyas, finely-flowered Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, a splendid specimen of the pure white Chysis bractescens with two spikes, Miltonia vexillaria, Odontoglossums, &c. Mrs. Wood, Moorfield, Glossop (gr. Mr. W. T. Gould), showed a group of well-grown Orchids, the central plant in which was a fine specimen of Cymbidium Lowianum with ten spikes. With it were a selection of Odontoglossums, Cattleya Mossise, Lselio-Cattleya highburiensis, Lfelia Latona, L. tenebrosa, and Phalaenopsis Schil- leriana. Messrs Stanley & Co., Southgate, showed a small group of Cattleya Mossiaj, which included a fine plant of C. M. vestalis, white with coloured lip. and C. M. Thompsonii, a pretty, blush-tinted form ; also the white Lselia purpurata The Queen. Monsieur Charles Vuylsteke, Loochristy, covered with their large, deep rose-coloured flowers. Probably such a fine lot, so well ar- ranged, has not been seen before, and it is highly creditable to Mr. Reynolds that he should for so many years continuously and successfully grow this fine old species. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, King's Road, Chelsea, staged a neat group of Cattleyas, in- cluding the white C. Mrs. Myra Peeters, Disa Luna with five spikes, good Odontoglossum crispum, Oncidium Marshallianum, &c. The Orchids were arranged in the centre of a large group of foliage plants, with handsome-leaved Bertolonias interspersed between them. R. E. Chalmers, Esq., Aveling, Bromley, sent Dendrobium lituiflorum. AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Oncidium Charlesworthii, from Messrs. Charleswortii & Co., Haywards Heath. A very handsome, large -flowered Oncidium of the 0. crispum section, and probably a natural hybrid of that species. Its broad sepals and petals are of a deep chestnut-brown, with slight, wavy transverse lines, \he base of the lip being bright yellow, the front blotched witli brown and sug- gesting 0. Marshallianum. Lcelio-Cattleya Eurylochus (Schofieldiana X Lady Miller), from Messrs. Charlesworth & Co. A pretty novelty, with flowers of good shape and of a glowing orange tint shaded with bronze. The lip is light ruby-crimson and the tube yellow. The spike bore four flowers. Odontoglossum mirum Emperor of India (Wilckeanum X crispum). — A large flower of fine shape and substance, white, heavily blotched with purple. Odontoglossum Aglaon (Vuylstekeoz X cximium). — In form and colour nearest to the pretty 0. Vuylstekeas, and with the well-formed, shitjld-shaped lip of the latter species. The ground colour of the flower is white, but the surface is almost covered with reddish-orange- brown blotches, with a crimson glow in places. Lip white, with chestnut-red blotches. Odontoglossum Princess Victoria Alexandra (parentage unknown). — A handsome variety with flowers of _ an intense claret-red, with silver- white margins. The above three Odontoglossums were shown, by Mons. Chas. Vuylsteke, Loochristy, Ghent. Award of Merit. Cattleya Mossice Gatton Park variety, from Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., V.M.H. A very pretty form of a soft shade of rose-pink, with broad segments, the slightly decurved petals- showing remarkable development. Lip broad, marbled with violet-purple, the crimped margin, silver-white. Botanical Certificate. Bulbophyllum lemniscatoides, from Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart. A singular species- from Java, figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle, January 30, 1909, p. 68. The flowers are in a nodding raceme, nearly black with silvery, hair- like appendages, which in the plant shown had: not had time to develop fully. Gongora quinqucnervis, from Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart. The flowers are produced in. elegant sprays, insect-like in form and of a deep, red-brown colour. Sigmatostalix Eliae (Rolfe), from Mr. J. Birchenall, Alderley Edge. A charming new species of small growth, with a slender raceme of yellow flowers spotted with red, the stalked lip with a hroad blade being very peculiar. Oncidium Retemeyerianum. — A dwarf, thick- leafed species, with a straggling spike of fleshy flowers spotted with brown, the curious labellum. being claret-coloured. From Mr. J. Birchenall. BEGONIAS. Messrs. Blackmore & Lancdon, Twerton Hill Nursery, Bath, showed tuberous-rooted Begonias of remarkably fine quality ; the plants were not arranged too thickly, and hence their full beauty was displayed. The exquisite shades of colour seen in the varieties are probably unsurpassed in any flowers, tones of pink, salmon and crimson being especially pleasing. The blooms were very large and remarkably fresh in appearance. A selection of the best kinds in the exhibit includes Marie Nicholas (salmon), Duchess of Portland (orange-red), Mrs. P. Clowes (rosy-salmon), Ava- lanche (white). Pink Pearl, Mrs. W. L. Ainslie (yellow), Mrs. D. I'uterson (very pale yellow with rose edge), and Millicent (salmon). Overhanging baskets contained drooping varieties, the pen- dant growths terminating with dense bunches of flowers. These included Gladys (red), Mrs. Bilkey (orange-salmon), and Carminea (carmine- rose). Messrs. John Laing & Sons, Forest Hill, Lon- don, also showed a batch of tuberous-rooted Begonias, having many choice kinds in small- flowered but well-coloured examples. Messrs. T. S. Ware, Feltham, exhibited nearly 300 plants of tuberous-rooted Begonias of their well-known strain. The group, as a whole, was very effective, and although these flowers are somewhat stiff in appearance, their colouring is exquisite, snd, viewed in a mass, remarkably effective. There were considerable numbers of seedlings, the majority of excellent quality, and certainly admirable as bedding subjects. Amongst the named kinds we noticed Miss Fairlie Harmer (reddish-scarlet), Mrs. A. P. Brandt (almost white, with a pale rose suffusion). Patrick Ainslie (crimson, and with pretty crimpled petals), Mrs. Whitelaw Reid (salmony pink and a white edge), May 29, 1909. j THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 349 Mrs. John Brinsmead (cream colour), Mrs. Arthur Hill (crimson-scarlet), and Countess of Dartmouth. All those mentioned were big plants, with large, bold flowers. Decorative plants of Begonia hybrids were shown by Frank Lloyd, Esq., Coombe House, Croydon. They were labelled Begonia Lloydii. Some were in baskets, for which mode of display they are especially adapted. CARNATIONS. In the large Orchid tent a bright corner ex- hibit was made by Messrs. Wi. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London, N., with Carnations in con- junction with Roses (see fig. 154). These highly decorative plants were both finely shown, the Carnations being especially pleasing. These lat- ter flowers were admirably arranged, some in large mounds. Notable varieties were Lady Coventry, Robert Craig, Enchantress, White Perfection, and Lord Rosebery. Another excellent exhibit of Carnations was made by Mr. W. H. Page, Tangley Nurseries, Hampton. He showed thorn in his usual superb Mr. C. Englemann, Saffron Walden, showed popular varieties in excellent condition, trails of Asparagus being freely utilised in the display. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, exhibited a remarkably fine and varied group, having such beautiful kinds as Winsor, Britannia, Afterglow, Enchantress, and Black Chief in splendid condition. A fine assortment of well-grown flowers was staged by Mr. A. F. Dutton, Bexley Heath. Other exhibitors of Carnations as cut blooms were Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham; Mr. James Green, March ; Mr. C. F. Waters, Bal- combe, Sussex ; Mr. C. H. Herbert, Birming- ham; and Mr. W. H. Lancashire, Guernsey. CALADIUMS. Although these plants are not so extensively exhibited at this sh/vw as in former years, there were some well-grown plants shown, notably a very fine exhibit by Messrs. John Peed & Son, Norwood. The plants were large and their colouring splendidly developed. Among the more) noticeable varieties were Diamantir.a, green Viticella type or the smaller-flowered rubella of the Jackmanii class appealed most to us. The double-flowered Venus Victrix was especially effective shown as a climber. A group of these showy flowering plants was also staged by Messrs. Geo. Jackman & Son, Woking Nursery, Surrey. The plants were trained in a pyramidal or globular manner, the growths being entwined, so that the flowers appeared as though on dwarf bushes. The assort- ment of colours was varied ; perhaps the most pleasing was the comparatively sirall-flowered G. Jackmanii rubra ; the petals of this variety are of a wine shade. Others of merit were Ville do Lyons, carmine-red ; Fairy Queen, white with rose suffusion : Nelly Moser, one of the best of the large-flowered type ; Lord Neville, helio- trope ; and Marie Boisselot, the beat of the white- flowered kinds. RHODODENDRONS. A charming display of Rhododendrons was made by Messrs. John Waterer & Sons, Ltd., Bagshot, Surrey. The beautiful Pink Pearl was THE TEMPLE SHOW. FlG. 154. — MESSRS. cutbush's group of carnations and roses. style, with tall epergnes of Liliums and banks of Roses intermixed. The group also contained Pelargoniums and pink-flowered Astilbes. Messrs. Bell & Sheldon, Guernsey, showed superb examples of the perpetual-flowering Car- nation, the colours being exceptionally fine. The arrangement was excellent. The American Carnation Nursery, Saw- bridgeworth, staged a bright exhibit of popular varieties, tall stands being requisitioned for their display. Mr. H. Burnett, St. Margaret's, Guernsey, made a very bright group, having a Selection of the best kinds, all effectively displayed. An attractive group of Carnations was seen in Messrs. R. H. Bath & Co.'s exhibit of these flowers adjoining their display of Tulips. Mr. C. W. Breadmore, High Street, Win- chester, showed Carnations in conjunction with their group of Sweet Peas. Mr. H. Mortimer, Farnham, had a pleasing group in which the flowers were arranged in tall receptacles. with rose maculations and silvery blotches ; Sir Oswald Moseley, a fine shade of red with green margins ; John Peed, one of the largest and most elegant, the colour being rich velvet-green merging to red in the centre and with red veins ; Candidum", pure white with green tips ; Henry Lovatt, with paler maculations and rose- coloured ribs and centre ; a very large plant of Marquis of Camden ; Silver Queen, of palest colour, faintly tinted with green; W. E. Glad- stone, Mrs. Tilton, Oriflamme, and Triomphe de Comte, the last-named being bright red. CLEMATIS. Messrs. Richabd Smith & Co., Ltd., St. John's Nurseries, Worcester, showed large flowering Clematis, some as balloon-trained and ethers more naturally growing as climbers on Bamboo supports. A few Rambler Roses at the back of the group showed how pleasingly the Rose and Clematis may be combined for decora- tive purposes. The showiest variety was the heliotrope-coloured Sensation, but those of the the feature of the group, there being numerous large plants of this peerless variety, all magnifi- cently bloomed. In addition, were other smaller but equally beautiful varieties, such as Marquis of Waterford, shown as a standard plant ; and Lady Clementina Walshe, a pale flower of large size, suffused with rose and dotted with yel- lowish-green. Messrs. R. & C. Cuthbert, Southgate Nur- series, Southgate, exhibited a large group of hardy Azaleas. Prominent among the group were standards of R. occidentalis exquisita, the colour being pale, with lemon-spotted upper petals ; Florodora, a large-flowered variety with salmon-red flowers ; the single Ghent Azalea Fanny, also Comte de Kerchove ; the double Ghent Azalea Raphael de Smet, of blush tone, and Nancy Waterer, yellow. Mr. Chas. Turner, Slough, showed pyramidal- trained plants of Rhododendron (Azalea) indicum. The plants were not so well flowered as those seen earlier in the year ; still they were very decora- tive subjects. 350 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 29, 1909. MISCELLANEOUS GREENHOUSE PLANTS. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, staged varieties of Phyllocacti, a row of the pretty, pink-flowered German Empress variety occupying the front. Among the larger kinds were Schlimmii, Henry Cannell, Teutonia (yel- low), Dr. Herum (pink), Leopold, and Croisali. Adjoining these plants was a batch of Fuchsia splendens in variety ; Begonia nitida alba form- ing a suitable background to the Fuchsias. Plants of the new American Pillar Rose, with their large bunches of single flowers of. a rose- pink shade, were prominent (see fig. 156). Messrs. Cannell & Sons also showed a magni- ficent group of Cannas, in all 160 plants, in SO varieties. Among the more elegant varie- ties were noticed Ch. E. Hodel (crimson), Frau G. Borsig (deep rose), Goethe (yellow and (Amaryllis), the plants being in especially good form for so late in the season. A feature of the exhibit was the sturdy, dwarf character of the specimens, all of which showed excellence of cul- ture. Many of the flower-stalks bore four and sometimes five individual blooms. There were over 100 plants in almost as many varieties. Those of the Nestor type — that is, crimson, with white tips — were especially good ; others of note were Admiral Togo (rcsi-cerise), Picotee (the ground of this variety is white, the edge being reddish), Hercules, Empress (crimson), and Chiron (crimson). Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea, showed an extensive group of greenhouse flowering plants, in which Cinerarias were the more important subjects, including the variety Feltham Beuuty. Hybrid Gerberas THE TEMPLE SHOW. Fig. 155. — m. adnet's exhibit of gerbera flowers. orange), Furst Wied (deep crimson), Niagara (reddish, bordered with yellow), Meteor, Gaikwar of Baroda (a yellow ground, speckled with bright red), Dr. Marcus (reddish, with darker spotting), and Frau E. Kracht (pale salmon). The King's Acre Nursery Co., Hereford, showed Heliotropes in variety. The variety Mme. Marie Andre was displayed as a standard plant. Others of especial merit were Mme. Fillary (a very fragrant variety) and Lord Roberts. Messrs. P. Ker & Sons, Aigburth Nursery, Liverpool, showed their strain of Hippeastru'm showed considerable advance upon these ex-, hibited last season. Kalanchoe flammea . was conspicuous with its dense heads of reddish flowers. Another interesting subject was Am- phicome Emodi ; the flowers of this plant are not unlike those cf Streptocarpus ; they are coloured a shade of rose, with orange in the throat. A new silver-leaved Pelargonium, with pure white flowers, was labelled " Snow Queen." It should be a serviceable bedding variety. There were also many other plants, including" Cannas, Streptocarpus, Lobelia tenuior, Blandfordia nobilis, and Ricbardia Elhottiana, with Ferns and Palms as greenery. Messrs. James Carter & Co., High Holborn, London, staged a very pretty exhibit in the long, narrow tent. They furnished the corners on either side of the entrance with bold masses of Calceolarias and Cinerarias. At the back of the Calceolarias were some floriferous plants of Schi- zanthus, whilst a few of the new coloured Spiraeas were utilised at one of the corners. A consider- able portion of tabling was utilised by this firm to display greenhouse flowering plants that are usually raised from seeds. They had some re- markably fine Cinerarias, showy Schizanthus, some as basket plants suspended from iron sup- ports, which were entwined with greenery, a pretty feature ; also good strains of Petunias and Gloxinias, the latter plants being remarkably well cultivated. The pretty Delphinium " Blue Butterfly " was conspicuous, also a selection of popular varieties of perpetual-flowering Carna- tions. The whole group demonstrated what a wealth of beautiful flowering plants can be easily raised from seeds. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, had an ex- cellent group in the largest tent, where it occu- pied the whole of one of the ends. The various subjects were magnificently in fluwer, and the general design was pleasing, consisting of a large central bay with two smaller ones on either side. Pyramidal-trained plants of Clarkia pulchella were remarkably effective, and we have never before seen this pretty annual better shown. Herbaceous Calceolarias were remarkably fine, as were Schizanthus in variety and Nemesia stru- mosa. The largest central bay was comprised al- most entirely of beautiful Cinerarias, and pro- minent in the front was an unnamed variety which may prove to be a new species. Two of the bays were devoted to Calceolarias of the large-flowering variety, intermixed with Bego-.- nias, and choice Gloxinias. Ferns, Palms, and other foliage plants were freely employed to em- bellish the group and as relief to an almost un- broken sheet of brilliant flowers. Several exhibits of herbaceous Calceolarias were shown in the longest tent. Vivian .Phil- lips, Esq., Crofton, Orpington, Kent (gf. Mr. T. Hobbs), displayed a group of these plants, and another fine exhibit of these was made by Wilk- iiam Noakes, Esq., Selsdon Park, Croydon (gr. Mr. Howarth). The Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree (gr. Mr. E. Beckett), displayed a batch of Streptocarpus. The plants were exhibited in batches of mauve, white, pink, heliotrope, blush, &c. Gloxinias were shown by Messrs. Toogood & Sons, Southampton, and Louis van Houtte Pere, Ghent, Belgium. Messrs. James Garavvay & Co., Durdham Down, Clifton, Bristol, displayed plants of their noted strain of Schizanthus, having magnificent specimens, literally smothered with flowers in beautiful shades of orange, rose, purple, &c. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Enfield, displayed miscellaneous greenhouse plants, making as usual a feature of Metrosideros floribunda. Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Stamford, showed the new double-flowered Marguerite " Perfection," also Verbenas, Heliotropes, Spiraeas, Pelar- goniums, and other flowering plants. Mr. Wm. Iceton, Putney, exhibited two pyra- midal groups of Lily of the Valley, set in Adian- tum Fern and bordered with the pleasing Cala- dium argyrites. Sir. W. J.' Godfrey, Exmouth, Devon, dis- played varieties of Show and Fancy Pelar- goniums. They were a very fine collection, nota- ble varieties being Ruby, Black Prince, God- frey's Success, rose-pink with dark blotches ; H. S. Davy, reddish flowers with darker blotches ; and Lady Decis, a very pale rose-coloured variety. Messrs. Waverin & Kruyff, Sassenheim, Hol- land, showed plants of the pink-flowered Astilbcs (Spiraeas), Queen Alexandra and Peach Blossom A batch of a Pelargonium named James T. Hamilton and stated to be raised from an ivy- leaved variety (" Charles Turner ") crossed with " Ethel Lewis," of the Zonal section, was shown by Messrs. W. H. Rogers & Son, Ltd., Red Lodge Nursery, Southampton. SOME CUT FLOWERS. GERBERAS. It will be remembered that when commenting on the late Berlin Exhibition we referred especi- ally to a magnificent collection of hybrid Ger- beras, shown by Mons. R. Adnet, Cap d'Antibes. May 29, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 351 This gentleman showed. a few of his hybrids as cut flowers (see fig. 155), arranging them at the end of the Orchid table in the large tent. The flowers were of many shades of colour, ranging from the deep red of the type through shades of pink, to quite pale forms. (See article by Mr. Lynch on p. 339.) GROUPS OF PLANTS. A magnificent group of exotic plants was shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea. The exhibit embraced the finest of ornamental-leaved plants, with a batch of showy Orchids as a centrepiece. The colouring in the leaves of the Caladiums, Codianims (Cro- tons), Cyanophyllum magnificum, Anthuriums, Helliconia illustris rubricaulis, and similar plants was magnificently developed. The ar- rangement and blending of the various subjects were skilfully carried out, and the exhibit was freely decorated with Palms and Ferns. Among the more notable of the plants may be instanced Alocasia argyrea, with a sagittate leaf suffused with a metallic sheen ; A. montefontainensis, of dark green colour; Dieffenbachia Jenmanii, with zebra-like markings of pale yellow ; Aralia ele- gantissima as tall plants ; Caladium Rose Lain;-! ; C. Louis A. van Houtte ; Cyanophyllum magnifi- cum ; and Medinella magnifica. As foils were tall Crotons, Draca?na Sanderiana. and a branched in- florescence of Oncidium Marshallianum. Tn the same tent, but on the opposite side to this exhibit, Messrs. Veitch displayed a group of large dimensions, consisting of showy- flowered plants of a hardier nature. Plants of Clematis, Roses, Rhododendrons, Wistarias, and other floriferous subjects formed a blaze of colour, and were interspersed with rarer sub- jects, such as the pleasing Clematis montana rubens, Andromeda speciosa, the branches of which were crowded with w-hite, bell- shaped flowers ; Rosa hugonis, with pale yellow blooms; Styrax japonica, a very elegant shrub, shown as a" standard; Vitis flexuosa Wilsonii, a useful and graceful climber ; and V. Henryana, V. armata and V. heterophylla variegata. Huge bunches of blossoms were borne by plants of Hydrangea paniculata grand iflora, and there ■were others of the hortensis type with blue flowers. Philadelphus Banniere, as a dwarf shrub, attracted notice with its pure white blooms. We have no room to mention the large number of varieties of Rhododendrons and Cle- matis, which embraced some of the choicest in cultivation. Messrs. Sanders & Sons, St. Albans, staged a group of new and noteworthy plants, hav- ing most of the fine species which were shown by this firm at the last Ghent Exhibi- tion and illustrated at that time in the Cardeners' Chronicle. We noticed the unique Anthurium Laucheanum, Ptychoraphis Sieber- tiana, an elegant Kentia-like Palm ; Bil- bergia Forgetiana, the stiff leaves being ribbed with green and yellow, the latter colour pre- dominating ; Anthurium Warocqueanum, having green, velvety leaves, 2 feet or more in length ; several Cycads, notably Bowenia spectabilis serrulata and Cycas Micholitzii ; Furcroya Wat- soniana, like an American Agave, with yellow and green foliage ; Clerodendron Campbellii. freely in flower ; Ficus australis variegata ; Anthurium Sanderi ; Diona?a muscipula ; Dracaena Broom- fieldii superba, with elegant silver veining; Cala- mus ciliaris ; Bromelia tricolor ; and Sanseviera Laurentii (see fig. 152) Messrs. Wm. Bull & Sons, King's Road, Chel- sea, staged a batch of ornamental-leaved plants of exotic species, including Caladiums, Dractena Victoria, Alalia Chabrien. Codianrms (Crotons), Bertolonia maculata in variety, Filicum deci- piens, a plant with elegant, pinnate leaves, Tree Ferns, &c. In the centre of the group was a batch of Hippeastrums, principally scarlet- flowered varieties which attracted much notice. A showy group of stove and greenhouse plants, all with richly-tinted foliage, was displayed by Mr. L. R. Russell. Richmond. The plants in- cluded Caladiums, Crotons, Aralia eiegantissima, Maranta Veitchii, M. Van den Heckei, Helli- conia illustris (beautifully barred with rose lines), Anthurium Scherzerianum, whose scarlet spathes added additional brightness to the group ; Alo- casia argentea, and Cyanophyllum magniiicum, quite the handsomest in the collection, with its broad leaf of velvety green, ribbed in the most elegant manner. The assortment of Caladiums was varied, especially fine being the pale Silver Cloud variety. Others shown well were John R. Box, Mrs. L. R. Russell, L'Automne and Mar- quis of Camden. At the back of the exhibit were tall specimens of Dracaena Sanderiana, Codireum Mrs. Luther, and graceful Arun- dinarias. Mr. Russell also showed a number of the handsome-leaved Bertolonias, and Sonerila argentea, Maranta Makoyana, Leea amabilis and Eranthemum Lindenii, all similar-habited plants. FERNS. Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, Edmonton, had a grand exhibit. Larger specimens were employed than usual. In the centre o^ the group was a fine specimen of Cibotium Schiedei, elevated to a height of fully 20 feet, and another of Acros- tichum aureum was placed nearly as high. In the foreground was a grand specimen of Poly- podium Knightise. Davallias included fine speci- mens of D. Fijiensis robusta, D. braziliense, D. epiphylla and the pretty little D. alpina gracil- lima. Other choice plants noticed included Poly- podium Mayi, Nephrolepis Fosteri, N. Amer- pohlii, N. YVhitmanii, N. superba, N. todaeoides; Platycerium Veitchii, P. grande, P. alcicorne and P. Cordreyi (a garden variety) ; also Pteris tricolor, P. cretica Summersii, and P. Childsii. Of Adiantums were shown A. Veitchii, A. macro- phyllum, and A. Farleyense. Gymnogrammas in- cluded the best silver and golden coloured varie- ties. Messrs. May exhibited as a separate group in the open a number of hardy Ferns ; many were elegantly crested. Plants of Polystichum angu- lare included some beautiful varieties, those of the diversilobum type being specially good. There were also Osmundas in variety, Ceterach officinarum, Pteris Nicholsonii, a remarkable variety of P. Aquilina, and the finest varieties of Asplenium Filix-fcemina. Scolopendrum vul- gare muricato-fimbriatum should prove a useful garden Fern. Messrs. J. Hill & Sons, Lower Edmonton, staged a fine group of Ferns. The plants in the background were elevated, and a tall specimen of Cibotium (Dicksdnia) Schiedei was one of the finest in the exhibit. A large Osmunda gracilis. also Platycerium grande, P. Williiickii, P. Hillii, and Gleichenias were well shown. Others of ex- ceptional merit were Polypodium lepidopteris sepultum, various Davallias, Onychium aura- tum, Polypodium plesiosorum, and Anemia tomentosa. Mr. H. N. Ellison, West Bromwich, showed a number of choice little plants of Nephrolepis Amerpohlii, Pteris scaberula. Pteris internata, Adiantopsis radiata, Lastrea lepida, Davilla im- mersa, Osmunda palustris Mayi, Davallia ornata, Doodia aspera multifida, Acrostichum crinitum, Goniophlebium glaucophyllum, and many others. The group exhibited a neat arrangement, which appeared more effective even than the larger groups. SWEET PEAS. Several Sweet Pea specialists showed these flowers in considerable numbers. The more con- spicuous groups were as follow : — Messrs. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., Birmingham, had good vases of standard sorts and novelties. These in- cluded excellent blooms of the white Spencer and George Herbert varieties. Mr. Sydenham also showed some delightful sprays of Lily of the Valley from plants grown in fibre. Another excellent exhibit of Sweet Peas was displayed by Messrs. H. J. Jones, Ltd., Lewis- ham. The varieties represented a large assort- ment, and they were presented in the best manner. Very beautiful, too, were Sweet Peas shown by Messrs. E. \V. King & Co., Coggeshall, Essex, who utilised Bamboo stands and vases to display the flowers. In this collection we noted Evelyn Hemus, Lord Charles Beresford, Mrs. Wm.' King, and Princess Victoria, these being the more conspicuous of a very fine display. Mr. W. Breadmore, Winchester, had a charm- ing group. Etta Dyke, Audrey Crier, Princess Juliana (pale primrose), Dazzler, and Elsie Her- bert were among the best varieties. Another fine group of Sweet Peas was made by Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay. The flowers w'ere particularly fine and the vases well dis- posed and arranged. Dobbie's Mid-Blue, Earl Spencer, Betty Cantley, and Mrs. Ireland were all conspicuous and good. Mr. Robert Chaplin, Waltham Cross, showed a collection of the best kinds in commerce. White Spencer, E. J. Castle, George Herbert, and Mrs. Collier being a few of the more notable sorts. Both Messrs. J. & A. Clark, Dover, and Messrs. G. Stark & Son, Great Ryburgh, also staged these popular flowers in variety. ROSES. The Show was remarkable for the extra large plants of Rambler varieties, which must have been trained for several years. Raiely have finer cut blooms been observed so early in the summer, a fact for which the abundance of sun- shine during the present month is mainly re- sponsible. The sunshine has permitted the grower to afford ample ventilation, thereby in- creasing the substance and enhancing the tints of the petals. Mr. Geo. Prince, Longworth, Oxford, showed a group of thickly-disposed Rambler Roses in pots, of which Dorothy Perkins, Hiawatha, Lady Violet Henderson (a white, semi-double flower), and Lady Gay were the more conspicuous plants. Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Herts., showed a great group of climbing Roses, grown as pillars, columns, weepers, &c. (see fig. 157). We noticed Fairy (white), Coquette (pink), both single-flowered ; Tausendschon, Stella, Crim- son Rambler, Goldfinch, and many more of the Rambler class beautifully flowered, and grand decorative subjects. The plants stood 5 to 10 feet high, and were profusely bloomed. Among these were placed H.P., H.T., and T. Roses as dwarf plants. We remarked Lyon Rose, Marquis de Siiifty, a globular, canary-yellow variety that opens well, has great substance, and is not too weighty for the stalk ; Margaret, a fine, flesh-coloured flower of nice shape, when half open it is a grand thing ! Coquina, a pink, single Rambler, very free; Elaine is a prettily- formed, white T.H., and at its best when half open ; Le Progres, a good coat flower in colour of an orange shade with a pink suffusion; David Williamson, a large crimson flower, and White Maman Cochet. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, made a neat display with Rambler Roses as small plants, the brilliant Baby Rambler Mme. N. de Levavasseur making a fine feature as plants of 1 to 2 feet high. The new hardy " American Pillar," the flowers of which are single and of a crimson colour and white in the centre, are 4 inches in diameter. It is very free in flower- ing (see fig. 156). All the different Rambler varieties were profusely bloomed in this exhibit. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, of Highgate and Barnet, employed around and as a group carpet between the plants and cut blooms of Carna- tions shown by them in a large corner group in the great marquee, a large number of Ram- bler Roses in crimson, white and pink varieties, and numbers of very large Polyantha, and Wichuraiana hybrids were arranged in a line at the back of the group with pleasing effect. The variety Veilchenblau was shown well. Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Ches- hunt, made a great show with Roses of the Rambler and Polyantha classes, of large-sized plants, and of varied forms. The rest of their group consisted of Roses of varying heights and sizes. There were noted well-flowered plants of H.T. J. B. Clark (a flower of a dark crimson tint). H.T. Richmond, H.T. Friedrichsruh, -H.T. Marquis de Sinety ; H.T. Mme. de Luze, H.T. Chateau de Clos Vougeot, H.T. David Harum, H.T. Joseph Lowe, H.T. Queen of Spain (in fine form), H.T. W. Shean, the new Tea Rose Paula (a white bloom with a suspicion of green), Rhea Reid, T. Lady Roberts, the grand H.T. Mrs. Aaron Ward (an enormous bloom, very full of creamy-white, with an orange tint in the centre), and H.P. Frau Karl Druschki (a grand plant of this variety). Messrs. R. Smith & Co., St. John's Nursery, Worcester, had put a fine backing of Crimson Rambler Roses to their Clematis group. Mr. Charles Turner, The Royal Nurseries, Slough, arranged an extensive group of Roses — H.T.s, T.s, H.P.s and Ramblers in variety. We noted fine examples of Hugh Dickson, Mme. Jean Dupuy, Frau K. Druschki, Sou- venir de Pierre Notting, Mrs. J. Laing, J. B. Clark, Mme. V. Verdierj Mme. Jules Gravereaux, and other favourite Roses. The display was made with standard plants of varying heights in the case of Ramblers and other varieties. Messrs. Frank Cant & Co., Braiswick, Col- chester, staged ' many finely-bloomed Rambler Roses, as, for example, Minnehaha, Hiawatha, Philadelphia, Austrian, and Copper Briars, Tausendschon, Dorothy Perkins, &c. 352 THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. [May 29, 1909. The cut blooms of H.T.s, H.P.s, and T.s were of fine proportions, and in the best condition. Mr. G. Mount, Canterbury, made a magnifi- cent display of cut blooms, having bold masses of the most effective varieties. Especially good were flowers of the white Frau Karl Drnschki variety. Messrs. Hoeeies, Ltd., Dereham, Norfolk, staged a group consisting principally of climbing varieties. Messrs. Benjamin R. Cant & Sons, Col- chester, arranged a. stand of climbing and Rambler Roses, fronting which were show boxes filled with cut blooms of many cf the finer varieties of H.T., HP., &c. A character, nor has the quality ever been so high. It is to be noted with satisfaction that the small, meaningless — and, therefore, unnatural — exhibits of rockwork of past years have given place to a more pleasing form of exhibit. The disposal of the rocks and the grouping of the plants, if not of an ideal character in all cases, were decidedly good in the main. Among the most interesting and suggestive of Alpine and rock-garden exhibits was that from the Craven Nursery, Clapham, Lancaster. Most prominent among the best things were such species as Daphne rupestris, the tufts crowded with rosy blossoms, Edraianthus serpyllifolius major, Haberlea rhodopensis virginalis, Saxi- and others. Other plants of note included Ere- muri, hybrid Irises of several sections, Calo- chorti, Incarvillea grandiflora, Ixias, and hardy Cypripediums. Mr. Howard fi Crane, Highgate, had a pretty group of the Violas and their diminutive sisters the Violettas. The plants, arranged in pans, were particularly pleasing and effective. Messrs. Baker's, Wolverhampton, in an ex- tensive exhibit, displayed a large collection of Violas, together with a well-arranged Alpine and rock-garden exhibit, including Dodecatheon, Sar- racenias, Cypripediums in variety, Irises and Saxifragas were freely and effectively set out. The King's Acre Nursery Co., Hereford, THE TEMPLE SHOW. FlG. I56. — MESSRS. CANNELL's EXHIBITION OP ROSES, INCLUDING THE NEW VARIETY "AMERICAN pillar." (See p. 354.) neat crimson Rose is King Cole ; Prince de Bulgarie is good in tint, but the form is flat ; and Mme. A. Chatenay is another flat Rose, but the colour redeems it. The bloom of J. B. Clark was likewise good in this collection. HERBACEOUS AND ALPINE PLANTS. Herbaceous and Alpine plants and flowers have for years past constituted one of the leading fea- tures of the Temple Show, but probably never before have there been so many exhibits of this fraga Aizoon rosea, S. a. lutea, S. a. flaveseens. perfect carpets of Iris cristata, the lovely Aqui- legia glandulosa, Eritrichium nanum, Myosotis rupicola, Androsace villosa, and sheets of blos- soms of Primula farinosa. Of quite another pattern was the sumptuous and extensive group of hardy plants from Messrs. Wallace & Co., Colchester. Here Lilies were in great force, splendid groups of such species and varieties as Brownii, japonicum col- chesteri, Hansonii, Thunbergiaum Orange Queen, sent a capital display of hardy plants, including Ramondias, Haberlea rhodopensis, Alpine Phloxes, Primula Sieboldii in variety, Edelweiss, and other interesting species. Messrs. Lilley's, Guernsey, had a very showy lot of the early-flowering Gladioli, Ixias, and the so-called Peacock Iris, I. pavonia. Messrs. Jackman & Sons, Woking, exhibited an excellent display of many of the best herba- ceous plants, a centre being formed of Cypripe- diums, including C. spectabile, C. acaule, C. May 29, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Caleeolus. and C. pubescens. A mass of Daphne Cneorum in this group was particularly fine, whilst Irises, Eremuri, Globe Flowers and Lupins were freely displayed. From Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Ltd., Dover, came a very good exhibit, Iris tectorum album, I. Susiana, and the single Pyrethrum John Mal- colm, a fine pink flower, being prominent. Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth, had many of his varieties of the Oriental Poppy in shades of crimson, salmon and pink. The display of Tulips from Messrs. Hogg & Robertson, Dublin, was very fine, the Darwins and May-flowering types being alike represented. Mr. B. Ladhams, from Southampton, brought many good hardy plants, a conspicuous feature being made of a brilliantly-coloured Henchera named " Shirley." Ostrowskia magnifica and Aquilegia Stuartii were excellent. Mr. Wm. Artindalb, Nether Green, Shef- field, brought an excellent arrangement of Violas, with Cypripedium macranthum, Mertensia I'l'imuloides, a most distinct plant, also Primulas of many kinds and a large number of Alpines. Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, had a most effective group of the best perennials, in- cluding Paxmies, Irises, Poppies, Eremuri, Pyre- thrums, Darwin and other Tulips and Saxifraga pyramidalis. Many Alpine and dwarf-growing plants were staged effectively by this firm. Messrs. Gunn & Sons, Olton, near Birming- ham, had a fine bank of Viola cornuta atropur- purea, the mass of blossoms making quite a dis- play. V. cornuta type and V. c. alba were staged in smaller patches to show their distinctive fea- tures. Some very good hardy plants came from Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, who had also set up a pleasing and naturally-disposed rock- garden, which was greatly admired. The plant- ing of this left little to be desired, and large numbers of Alpines were arranged with skill. Messrs. Storrie & Storrie, Glencarse, Perth- shire, exhibited a capital collection of named Polyanthuses, some of them being very fine. An excellent variety of Perpetual Pink, named Progress, was shown by Mr. C. H. Herbert, Acock's Green, Birmingham, the variety posses- sing very long stems and well-formed flowers. An extensive and interesting exhibit of hardy plants came from Mr. Amos Perry's Hardy Plant Farm. Enfield, the group being particu- larly rich in Irises. Daphne Cneorum, Gerberas, Phlox canadensis Perry's variety, and Tree Peonies of many showy kinds. The Cushion Irises and their hybrid allies, the Regelio-cyclus varieties, were here in plenty. Iris pallida Wm. Marshall is said to attain to a height of 5 feet. There was a remarkable wealth of material in this group and many choice and interesting plants. Mr. H. Hemsley, Crawley, arranged a some what extensive rockwork exhibit, usefully em- ploying a number of choice Alpines and Bcwfer- ing and coniferous shrubs, the Ramondias, Saxi- Eraga longifolia, Alpine Phloxes, Aubrietias, and a delightful lot of Iris cristata being noted among many kinds. Mr. M. Prichard, Christchnreh, Hants, brought a particularly showy lot of hardy peren- nials, the Oriental Poppies, of which Fringed Beauty, Crimson and Queen Alexandra were the best, being very striking in large masses. Iris filifolia, a bulbous species like a large Spanish kind, was also good. From Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, came a very striking exhibit of Irises, Ixias, Tulips, Early Gladioli, hardy Cypripediums, Pfeonies, Pyrethrums and Alpines, the very showy Orange Daisy, Dimorphotheca aurantiaca, from Namaqua, being of especial merit. Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay, staged in ad- mirable fashion one of their extensive collections of tufted, exhibition and fancy Pansies, among which were many Violas cut from two-year-old plants in Essex, to show their hardiness and perennial character. The Columbines from this firm were excellent. Alpines and rock shrubs were nicely displayed on a small rockery contributed by the Hardy Plant Nursery, Guildford, the Edraianthi, Anthvllus montana, Androsaces, and Alpine Phloxes being particularly good. Messrs. Reamsbottom & Co., Geashill, King's Co., Ireland, had fine strains of Anemones and Mimulas. Mr. G. Reuthe. Hardy Plant Specialist, Kes- ton, surpassed himself on this occasion with a particularly good, interesting and choice lot of Alpines and Rhododendrons, the latter including such species as R. Dalhousieana, R. Keysii, R. Falconeri, R. Roylei and others. The Alpines were very numerous, and among novelties we noted Haberlea Ferdinandi Coburgii, a pale blue and white form of merit and evidently of good growth ; Anemone sulphurea, Tricuspidaria lance- olate, Cypripedium macranthum, Daphne alpina (white), D. caucasica (white), Ourisia coccinea, Daphne Cneorum, Fritallaria camtschatica, and Tanakea radicans were also noted in a very large collection. Messrs. Geo. Mallet & Co., Cheddar, had a somewhat extensive display, in which Gerberas, Irises, Tulips, Lithospermu'm, and the rather dis- tinct Aquilegia flabellata alba were seen. Mr. R. C. Notcutt, Woodbridge, brought a showy collection, such as Globe Flowers, Lupins, Poppies, Pyrethrums, and the pretty Iris Tolmieana, which is very distinct at this season. A rocky bank well planted with Alpine and other plants from Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, contained many good things, the chief of which were Trilliums, Dodecatheons, Cypripedium macranthum, very fine, Androsace Chumbyi, Silene virginica, Saxifragas in many kinds, and Gentians. Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., had a very showy lot of Darwin and May -flowering Tulips, each group being well represented. Messrs. Harkness & Sons, Bedale, Yorkshire, had a splendid display of Globe Flowers, which showed superior cultivation, the handsome blos- soms and rich colouring being very striking. Bees Limited, Liverpool, had a capital lot of Primula Forrestii, P. Bulleyana, P. cortu- soides var. lichiangensis, and Incarvillea Bon- valotii. Iris pallida dalmatica alba, from Mr. Walter R Price, Canterbury, appears to be a novelty of merit — it is said to be a sport — but it lacked size through having been brought in too early. We hope to see the plant again. Mr. N. Lowis, Bridgwater, showed a capital group of Anemones, Poppies, and other plants; Messrs. Gilbert & Son, Bourne, displayed Ane- mones in variety; Messrs. W. Bdll & Sons, Tulips; and Mr. J. Forbes, Hawick, Pansies, Phloxes, Pentstemons, Delphiniums, and other species. EXHIBITS DISPLAYED OUT-OF-DOORS. Many exhibits were placed on the turf for lack of space under canvas or because of their char- acter. Heavy designs and models of rockeries, g;-rden pools, &c, were features more common than on previous occasions, and these, perforce, could only find a place in the open air. Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, had thrown up a mound 4 feet high, inserting an imitation of a massive piece of rock at one side, and in front of this a small lake had been made and planted with water Iris, water Lilies, &c. The mound, made a week before the show, was planted over with Conifers, Japanese Maples, and the flat turf plot with Iris in bloom, Saxifragas. and various Alpine plants in bloom (see fig. 149). Messrs. Jas. Veitcu & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, were perhaps the largest exhibitors of hardy flowering plants on this occasion. A large corner group was admirably filled with Rhododendrons, with Bay trees in the background, among which were well-flowered Pink Pearl, R. Memoir, and other varieties. In front of these there were placed little groups of plants in bloom, among which were Canna J. D. Isele, a grand flowering plant with bright crimson flowers. It is of dwarf growth, and the flowers are of great size for those of a Canna. As noteworthy among the tribes of dwarf plants, we observed Eremurus, Laburnum Vassi, Actinidia chinensis, Wistaria sinensis, Weigelas, Japanese Acers, Cytisus, Viburnum utile (see fig. 151), &c. The low-grow- ing plants in the front consisted of new intro- ductions from eastern Asia, Thibet, and Japan. There was a scarlet-flowered Primula, a cross between P. Cockburniana and P. X Unique; P. sibirica, with rosy-purple flowers borne high above the leaves; and P. Veitchii. The Misses Hopkins, Mere Gardens, Shepper- ton-on-Thames, constructed a rockery of Kentish ragstone, and planted many species of Alpine and other dwarf plants. Messrs. Gunn & Sons, Olton, Warwickshire, showed the new Viola cornuta purpurea, the best purple variety of this plant. ^ Mr. Amos Perry, The Hardy Plant Farm, Enfield, showed boxfuls of Lithospermum pros- tratum "Heavenly Blue," a plant undoubtedly useful for its colour and dwarf habit of growth'. The same exhibitor showed Phormium tenax in variety, Bambusas, Aralia, &e. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co.. Bush Hill Park, Middlesex, showed Souvenir de la Malmaison and perpetual-flowering Carnations in quantity, ar- ranged in flat hampers, with a surrounding margin of Rambler and other climbing Roses in much variety. These plants consisted" chiefly of abundantly-flowered standards and dwarfs. Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Surrey, showed a big group of hardy shrubs and half-trees. There were Azalea rustica, Rhodo- dendrons, green-leaved and variegated Ivies, Chinese Vitis, Aralia Mandschurica, Acer poly- morphum purpureum, and others, Clematis, Wis- taria sinensis, and variegated trees of many species. Messrs. W. Fromow & Sons, Sutton Court Nurseries, Chiswick, exhibited Acers, of Japanese and other species, in abundance. Mr. R. C. Notcutt, The Nursery, Woodbridge, was an exhibitor on a rather large scale of flower- ing and ornamental-foliaged shrubs and trees such as Azalea mollis, Kalmia latifolia, Phila- delphus Lemoinei Couquete (a largish white flower and of slender habit), Weigela Mont Blanc (white-flowered), Erica australis, Fabiana imbri- cata, Deutzias, and Sambucus racemosa serrati- folia aurea, a pretty form of golden Elder. Messrs. John Waterer & Sons, Ltd., Bag- shot, exhibited hardy Rhododendrons in large numbers, of which mention should be made of the varieties Duchess of Connaught, Lady Hillingdon, Baroness Henry Schroder, Pink Pearl, Lady Cle- mentina Walsh, Doncaster, Cynthia, and Viscount Powerscourt. Some of the plants were of large size, and every one of them carried fine heads of flowers. This floral display was well set off by the addition of Japanese Acers, Birches, and a few Conifers. Some nice examples of Viburnum plicatum in full flower were remarked in the col- lection. Plants of Kalmia latifolia were shown in capital flowering examples. Messrs. Thomas Cripps & Son, Ltd., The Nurseries, Tunbridge Wells, showed a large col- lection of Acers. Good examples of Rhododen- dron Pink Pearl came also from this firm. Messrs. Pulham & Son, 71, Newman Street, Oxford Street, W., showed a method of construct- ing a rockery out of Kentish ragstone, the bold effect of the large masses of this stone and its admirable adaptability for making artificial rockeries were apparent. Topiary work in Bay trees was exhibited in numerous examples by Messrs. W. Cctbush & Son. Messrs. J. Piper & Son, Bishops Road, Bays- water, were smaller exhibitors of this sort of garden decoration. Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Ches- hunt, exhibited Catalpa pulverulenta, the leaves of which are spotted densely with white ; Mag- nolia parviflora, having an expanded flower ; Lilacs Belle of Nancy, Marie Legray, and Sou- venir de Louis Sp.ith. Messrs. Wallace & Co., Colchester, had con- structed an Alpine pool with some ponderous masses of sandstone, very realistic and valuable as an example of good workmanship. The sides were planted with quite a number of suitable plants. Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, showed pigmy trees. Some of these were new in form and treatment. Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nurseries, Upper Edmonton, showed some standard-trained Cape Pelargonium Clorinda, also Heliotropes and Fuchsias, and Verbenas, Heliotropes, Lobelias, Pelargoniums, Salvia Zurich, full of flower ; and Ferns in pots. Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, Sussex, made a large show with variegated-leaved shrubs and trees; Azalea mollis, Rhododendrons, Cle- matis, Spiraea, Aralia mandschurica variegata, Acer palmatum, and others, various Lilacs, Vitis from China, &c. Messrs. H. Lane & Son, The Nurseries, Great Berkhamsted, made an exhibit of Azalea mollis Rhododendrons, including Doncaster, Mrs. Hunnewell. Mrs. W. Bovill, George Peabody, Sefton, and Pink Pearl. 354 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 29, 1909. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, had made a large rockery and a pool of irregular shape — all very naturally designed. Messrs. J. Backhouse & Son, Ltd., York, ex- hibited a specimen on a large scale of their art of rockery construction. The design was pleas- ing, and the plants employed were such as the artistic gardener would select for this purpose. Messrs. Carter, Page & Co., London Wall, E.C., showed Violas, Saxifragas, Spergula, Aren- aria, Iberis, Erigeron aurantiacus, Sedum, &c. The whole was surrounded on three sides with tall plants of Clorinda Pelargonium. Mr. Clarence Elliott, Six Hills Nursery, Stevenage, exhibited rock plants in much variety on a bench covered with pieces of rock. Mr. Maurice Prichard, Nurseries, Christ- church, had constructed a small table rockery AWARDS. Awards of Merit. Rose Coquina. — A Wichuraiana variety hav- ing large trusses of single flowers with prettily cupped petals. The plant is of vigorous habit, sending forth numerous long pendent shoots from the ends of which the trusses of flowers are borne. The colour is a shade of pink tipped with rose. Shown by Messrs. Wm. Paul & Sons and Messrs. Hobbies, Ltd. Rose Margaret. — A hybrid Tea variety of large size. The colour is a delicate pink, the tone being deepest in the centre. Shown by Messrs. Wm. Paul & Sons. Rose Mrs. Taft. — A Polyantha variety, as ex- hibited, about 2 feet high. The stiff shoots are crowned with bunches of double flowers that are •ize and of the type known as rose-centred. Shown by Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon, Twer- ton Hill Nursery, Bath. Carnation Carola. — A large, clove-coloured variety, possessing considerable fragrance, the perfume resembling the Clove Carnation. The habit is vigorous and the flower-stems very long. Shown by Mr. C. Englemann, Saffron Walden. Ficus avstralis variegata. — A number of plants, each about 8 inches in height, were dis- played in a basket. The foliage is smaller, but shaped similarly to that of F. elastica, and it is densely variegated with gold. Shown by Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans. 7'ti/chographis Sieberfiana. — A Palm resem- bling an elegant plant of Kentia Fosteriana. I* THE TEMPLE SHOW. FlG. 157. — GROUP OF ROSES SHOWN BY MESSRS. W. PAUL AND SON. (See p. 351.) about 20 feet long and 6 feet wide, in which there were small rocky pools and " pockets " for holding Alpines. We remarked Calceo- laria plantaginea hybrida, Aster alpinus ruber, Anthemis Aizoon, Thalictrum adiantifolium, Scutellaria indica japonica, Trillium stylo- «um and T. ternatum, and Primula Bulleyanum. Floral Committee Present: W. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. E. H. Jenkins, Chas. Dixon. Wm. Howe, J. F. McLeod, C. R. Fielder, N. F. Barnes, W. G. Baker, John Green, C. Blick, C. E. Shea, G. Reuthe, R. Hooper Pearson, H. J. Jones, T. W. Turner, W. J. James, Wm. Cuthbertson, F. Page Roberts, J. W. Barr, Herbert J. Cutbush, W. P. Thomson, Chas. T. Druery, W. Bain, George Gordon, and A. Kingsmill. a deep shade of rose. Exhibited by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. Rose American Pillar. — A charming pillar variety with relatively large, single blossoms borne in big clusters. The colour is rose-pink, the base of the petals being white. A variety that is sure to become popular. Exhibited by Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons. Rose Jessie. — A dwarf Polyantha Rose, some- what similar to the well-known lime. N. Leva- vasseur va.-kty. Tile petals are a beautiful crim- son tint. The plant is very suitable for pot- culture. Shown by Messrs. Henry Merry- weather & Sons, Ltd., Southwell, Notts. Begonia Pink J'earl. — An exquisite variety, the petals being soft rose-salmon. The plant was especially vigorous and had no fewer than eight fully-expanded blooms. These are of the largest is described and illustrated in the issue for April 25. 1908, p. 257. Shown by Messrs. San- der & Sons. Marguerite ]YIiite Perfection. — A double- flowered variety of the common Marguerite. The disc florets are white and elongated slightly, but they retain their tubular form, and give the flower the appearance of an " Anemone " centred flower such as is seen in some Pyre- thrums and Chrysanthemums. Shown by Messrs. G. & A. Ci.ark, Ltd., Dover. Iris hybrida " Sir Trevor Lawrence " (I. iberiea X I. pallida dalmatica). — The standards and falls of this fine plant are of a deep mauve colour, the former segments having very fine- pencilled white markings towards the outer edges. The falls, which are more heavily reticulated, are> white near their bases. May 29, 1909.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 355 Iris Kj/brida " Sir Dighton l'rohyn " (I. iberica X J. pallida dalmatiea). — A plant of fine stature and distinction. The standards are of a rose-mauve tone, faintly yet freely lined with white. The falls are of purplish crimson with dark signal blotch. The style branches are of a brownish-crimson shade. Tins, and the preceding variety are hybrids raised by the late Professor Michael foster. Both were shown by Mr. Amos Perry, Enfield. FRUIT. Fruit cultivation was represented less e.\ti n sively than usual. This is unfortunate, since the vast number of persons who visit the Temple shows are too apt to assume that fruit culture is either at a low ebb in this country or that the culture of flowers dominates all other. Messrs. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, had u group of fruit trees in pots, the kinds including Peaches, Nectarines, Cherries, and Grapes. There were 40 trees in all, showing that fine form and abundant fruiting which invariably charac- terise the products of this firm. The Peaches were Duke of York, practically the best early forcing variety, and Peregrine. The fruits on both were of good size and rich in colour. The Nectarines were Cardinal and Early Rivers, both well-known varieties, and there were six trees of a new variety not yet named, but here numbered Seedling 101." This has large, smooth, and glossy fruits of a rich vermilion hue, and very hand- some. The trees fruit freely. The seed parent was Early Rivers, the pollen parent being a white-flowered seedling raised by this firm, but not put into commerce. More will no doubt be seen of this new variety. The Cherries were Early Rivers and Frogmore Bigarreau. Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, staged a large collection of remarkably well-preserved Apples, in all some 60 dishes, a central dish of 12 very fine, richly-coloured Uvedale's St. Ger- main Pears, and, with these, two trees in pots of the black Cherry, Guigne d'Annonay. Amongst kitchen Apples very fresh were Annie Elizabeth, Tibbett's Pearmain, Belle du Bois, Calville des Femmes, Newton Wonder, Dumelow's Seedling, Smart's Prince Arthur, Lane's Prince Albert, Belle Pontoise, and Bess Pool. Of dessert varie- ties, specially good were Lord Hindlip, Carmen Seedling, Baldwin, Allen's Everlasting, Ben Davies, Calville Malingre. Mclndoe's Russet, Profusion, Fallawater, King of Tompkins County. Wagener, Calville Rouge, and others. Messrs. Laxton Bros., Bedford, set up a very attractive collection of forced Strawberries, both plants in fruit and gathered fruit. They had seven large baskets of Royal Sovereign and Bed- ford Champion exceptionally good ; Cropper, a long, narrow fruit, having unripened points ; Epicure, much resembling British Queen; and Rival. The pot plants were Bedford Champion and Reward. There were also dishes of Peaches Duke of York and Hale's Early, capital fruits ; and Nectarine Cardinal. Messrs. J. & F. Chatfield, Southwick, Sussex, had two baskets, each containing 60 very fine fruits of Royal Sovereign Strawberry, also several fruiting plants. VEGETABLES. In this important section the honours of the show rested with Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Read- ing, who set up' a collection that not only com- manded the fullest attention, but came as a welcome change to visitors, whose eyes had been filled with such repeated masses of flowers. The firm, as usual, set up a collection of forced Potatos, in 40 dishes, pleasingly arranged, each dish being garnished with purple Beech foliage, thus presenting a striking contrast to the white skins of the tubers. The white varieties included Epicure, Centenary, Early Regent. Harbinger, White City, Ninetyfokf, Midlothian Early, Abundance. Sharpe's Victor, and Duke of York. Among the coloured varieties were Early Rose, Beauty of Hebron, Lord Tennyson, King Edward VII., The Dean, Flourball, Reading Russet, and Mr. Bresee. The general vegetables, also effec- tively grouped, included Cabbages Flower of Spring (very fine) and April. Cauliflower Mag- num Bonum. Broccoli Late Queen (a centre pyra- mid), Lettuce Golden Ball (in several baskets), fine Peas Duchess of York, Duke of Albany, Early Giant, and Sutton's Ideal (a blunt-ended Pea). The French Beans were of the climbing Princess of Wales ; Carrots Champion Scarlet and Favourite ; Cucumbers Matchless and Sutton's Market ; Tomatos Best of All, Winter Beauty, and the yellow Sunbeam ; Potato May Queen ; there were dishes of excellent Twentieth Century Mushrooms; numerous Radishes; and bundles of outdoor stems of the Sutton Rhubarb, very massive and of deep colour. Mr. S. Mortimer, Rowledge, Farnham, showed in shallow boxes some superb Cucumbers of the varieties Lord Roberts (from 16 to 18 inches long), Improved Telegraph, Tender and True, Express, and Bountiful (new), fruits very dark green, smooth and handsome, averaging 14 inches in length. Also six dishes of Tomato Sunrise, showing its great productiveness, as well as the beauty of its fruits. Six large bundles of Giant Asparagus set up on a carpet of Parsley, came from Mr. Stephen- son, Burwell, Cambridge. The stems were 10 inches long and very fine. From The Thatcham Flower Farm, New- bury, Berks., came a collection rather too closely packed to make an effective group. It included long white Turnips, Paris White Cabbage, and green Cos Lettuces ; French Breakfast and other Radishes, Early Gem Carrots, Cauliflowers, and Cabbages. Mr. Theo. E. Dawes, Syderstone, Norfolk, set up a single root — some 2 feet through — of his Giant Rhubarb Dawes's Challenge, carrying a large, solid body of stems 4 feet in length, the whole weighing 168 lbs. ; also stems from out- doors of several varieties. Awards made by the Council. (Sold Medals. J. Cbarlesworth & Co., Haywar s Heath; W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate; Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea; R. Wallace & Co., Colchester ; Win. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross ; Panl & Son, Cheshunt ; H. B. May & Sons, Edmonton ; H. Burnett, St. Margaret's, Guernsey ; J. Waterer & Sons, Ltd., Bagshot. Silver Cups. Sir J. Colruan, Bart., Gatton Park, Surrey (gr. Mr. J. Collier); Leopold de Rothschild, Esq., Gunnersbury Park, W. (gr. Mr. G. Reynolds) ; Mrs. Kershaw Wood, Glossop, Derbyshire (gr. Mr. J. Gould); Armstrong & Brown, Tun- bridge Wells ; Sander & Sons, St. Albans ; J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea ; L. R. Russell, Richmond, S.W. ; J. Carter A O.., Holbom, W.C. ; Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, W.C. ; G. Jackman & Son, Woking ; A. Perry, Enfield ; G. Reuthe, Keston ; H. Canncll & Son, Swanley ; J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley ; Bell & Sheldon, Guernsey ; F. Cant & Co., Col- chester ; the Craven Nursery, Clapham, Lancaster ; G. Mount, Canterbury; American Carnation Nursery, Saw- bridgeworth; T. Cripps & Son, Tunbridge Wells; Alex. Dickson & Sons, Newtownards ; Hobbies Ltd., Dereham ; J. Backhouse & Son, York ; R. & G. Cuthbert, Southgate.N'.; R. P. Ker & Son, Liverpool ; W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate ; Sutton & Sons, Reading ; T. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth. Silver-gilt Flora Medals. F. Lloyd, Esq., Coombe House, Croydon (gr. Mr. M. Mills); R. Adnet, Esq., Cap d'Antibes, France; J. W. Moore, Ltd., Rawdon, Leeds; M. Prichard, Christchurch, Hints.; Bakers, Wolverhampton; T. S. Ware, Feltham . Blackmore & Langdon, Bath; R. H. Bath, Wisbech; H. Low & Co., Enfield, N. ; C. Turner, Slough ; B. R. Cant & Son, Colchester; A. I'\ Dutton, lvir, Bucks: J. Peed & s. hi, W. Norwood; Mr. C.F.Walters, Balcombe ; J. Hill <£ Son, Lower Edmonton ; W. Frouiow & Son, Chiswick. Silver-gilt Knight/ian Medals. G. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone; S. Mortimer, Farnham, Surrey. Silver-gilt Banksian Medals. Mr. W. H. Page, Hampton ; Mr. R. C. Notcutt, Wood- bridge ; W. Bull & Son, Chelsea; R. Smith & Co., Wor- cester. Silver Flora Medals. The Hon. Vicary Gibbs. Elstree, Herts, (gr. Mr. E. Beckett, V.M.H.); Wickham Nuakes, Esq., Selsdon Park, Croydon (gr. Mr. W. Howarth) ; H. Ma'.hias, Esq., Stubbington, Hants.; Mr. A. R. Upton, Millmead, Guildford; Mr. Piper, Bayswater, W. ; the Misses Hopkins, Shepperton ; Mr. C. Engelman, Saffron Walden ; Messrs. Cypher, Cheltenham ; G.&A. Clark, Ltd., Dover; C. W. Breadniore, Winchester ; Dobbie & Co., Rothesay ; Hogg & Robertson, Dublin ; Mr. H. Helmsley, Crawley ; H. J. Jones & Co., Lewisham ; W. R. Chaplin, Waltham Cross ; J. Green, March ; E. W. King & Co., Coggeshall ; Ladhams, Ltd., Shirley ; W. H. Lancashire, Guernsey ; Geo. Prince, Longworth, Silver Knightian Medals. Hughes, Jones & Peers, Thatcham Fruit Farm, Newbury ; R. Stephenson, Burwell, Cambridge ; J. & F. Chatfield, Southwick, Sussex ; Laxton Bioi., Bedford. Silver Hanksian Med.ils. Stanley & Co. ; W. Artindale & Son, Sheffield ; G. Mallett & Co., Cheddar; W. H. Page, Hampton; King's Acre Nurseries, Ltd., Hereford; C. Elliott, S evenage ; H. N. Ellison, W. Bromwich ; Gunn & Sons, Olti n ; Frank Lilly, St. Peters, Guernsey; Storrie & Storrie, Perth; Vivian Phillips, Esq., Orpington (gr. Mr. T. Hobbs). Class 1 B (for Group of Orchids). 1st (Sherwood Cup, value £21), F. Mentieth Ogilvie, Esq., Oxford ; "2nd (Silver Cup), Sir Jeremiah Column, Reigate. Class 7 C (Group of Orchids not exceeding 75 square feet). 1st (Veitch Memorial Medal and ±'5), Duke of Marl- borough ; 2nd (small Silver Cup), Mrs. Kershaw Wood, Glossop. Class 7 D (for Orchids not exceeding 35 square feet). 1st (Silver Cup), not awarded ; 2nd (Silver Flora Medal), R. Ashworth, Manchester. M ARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, May 26. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several ofthe principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 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 occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.1 Cut Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Anemone fulgens, Mignonette, per p. dz. bunches 16-20 dozen bunches 4 0-60 — double pink, p. Myosotis, per doz. dozen bunches 1 G- 2 6 bunches 2 0-30 Azalea, per dozen Narcissus, per dz. bunches 4 0-50 bunches 10^16 Carnations, p. doz. — Double White, blooms, best dozen bunches 2 0-26 American (var.) 2 6-36 O d on to glossum — second size ... 10-20 enspum, per — smaller, per dozen blooms 2 0-26 doz. bunches 9 0-12 0 Pelargoniums, — "Malmaisons," show, per doz. p. doz. blooms 8 0-12 0 bunches 5 0-60 Catileyas, per doz. — Zonal, double blooms 10 0-12 0 scarlet 4 0-60 Cypripediums, per Poppies, Iceland, dozen blooms.. 16-26 (ii dozen. Euclians graiidiilora, bunches 3 0-60 per dz. blooms 2 6-36 Richardia africana, Freesias (white), p. pei dozen 2 0-30 doz. bunches... 2 0-26 Roses, 12 blooms, Gardenias per doz. Niphetos 16-26 blooms 16-26 — Bridesmaid ... 2 li- 4 0 Gladiolus, per doz. — C. Testout ... 2 0-30 bunches 6 0-90 — K a i se r i n A. Gypsophila ele- Victoria 2 0-40 gans, per doz. — C. Mermet 2 0-40 bunches 3 0-40 — Liberty — Mme.Chatenay 3 0-50 Iris (Spanish), per 3 0-50 dozen bunches 6 0 12 0 — Mts. J. Laing 2 0-40 — (German) 2 0-40 — Richmond 3 0-60 Ixias, per dz. bchs. 2 0-30 — The Bride 3 0-40 Lilac (English), — Ulrtcb Brunner 2 0-40 white, p. bunch 16-26 Spiraea, per .dozen — tnauve. 0 6-10 bunches 5 0-80 Lilimn auratuiti, Stocks, double per bunch 2 0-3 white, per doz. — iongillorum ... 2 6-30 bunches 2 0- 2 6 — lane i f ol iuin, Sweet Peas, per dz. rubru.ji 16-26 bunches 2 0-60 — album ... •J U- -1 6 Tuberoses, per dz. Lily of the \ blooms 0 3-04 p. dz. bunches 6 0-90 — on stems, per — extra quality ... 12 0-15 0 bunch 0 9-13 Marguerites, | Tulips, Darwin bunches white \ .ii lines, per and yellow ... 16-26 dozen 6 0-12 0 Cut Foliage, &c: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. S.d. s.d. s.d. Adiantum cunea- Galax leaves, per tum, per dozen dozen bunches 2 0-26 buuclies 6 0-90 Hardy foliage Agrostis, per doz. (various), per bunches 16-20 dozen bunches 3 0-90 Asparagus plu- Honesty (Lunaria) ruosus, long per bunch. 10-16 trails, per doz. H 0-12 0 1 1 \ li aves, bronze 2 0-26 — — mednit.bcu. 10-20 — long trails per — Spieiigen 0 9-16 bundle 0 9-16 Berberis, per doz. bunches 2 6-30 — short green, perdz. bunches 16-26 Croton leaves, per bunch 10-13 Moss, per gross ... Myrtle, dz. bchs., (English) small-leaved... 4 0-50 Cycas leaves, each 16-20 4 0-60 Ferns, per dozen — French 10-16 bchs. (English) 2 0-30 Sinilax. per dozen -- (French 0 6-09 trails 4 0 6 0 Plants In Pots , «c. : Ave vage Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Acacias, per dozen 12 0-18 0 Crassulas, per doz. s ii 1-0 Auipelopsis Veit- Crotons, per dozen 18 0-30 0 chii, per dozen 6 0-80 Cyclamen, pr. doz. 9 0-15 0 Aralia Sieboldii, p. Cy per us alterni- dozen 4 0-60 fdlius, dozen ... 4 0-50 — larger speci- — laxus, per doz. 4 0-50 mens 9 0-12 0 Dracaenas, perdoz. 9 0-24 0 — Moseri 4 0-60 Erica persoluta Araucaria excelsa, alba, per doz. 12 0-24 0 per dozen — large plants, 12 0-30 0 — candidissima, per doz. 18 0 24 0 each 3 6-50 — Cavendishi,dz. 24 0-36 0 Aspidistras, p. dz., Euonymus,per dz., green 15 0-24 0 in pots 4 0-90 — variegated 30 0-42 0 — from the ground 3 0-60 Asparagus, plumo- Ferns, in thumbs, sus nanus, per per 100 8 0-12 0 dozen 12 0-18 0 — in small and — Sprengeri 9 0-12 0 large 60's 12 0-20 0 — ten u is si mils 9 0-12 0 — in 48's, per dz. 4 0-liO Boronia mega- — choicer sorts... 8 0-12 ft stigma, per doz. 24 0-30 0 — in 32's, per dz. 10 0-1 8 0 — heterophylla... 12 0-18 0 Ficuselastica.p.dz. 8 0-10 0 Calceolarias, her- — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 baceous, p. dz. 6 0 8 0 Fuchsias, per doz B 0-10 u — yellow 5 0-70 Grevilleas, per dz. 4 0-60 C bry santhemum Hardy flower roots, coronarium per dozen 10-20 per dozen 8 0-10 0 Heliotropiums, per Cinerarias, per dz. 6 0-90 dozen 6 0-80 Clematis, per doz. 8 0-90 Hydrangea Thos. — in flower 12 0-18 0 Hogg, per dz. 10 0-15 0 Coco.s Weddelli- — hortensis 12 0-24 0 ana, per dozen... 18 0-30 0 Isolepis, per dejen 4 0-60 350 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [May 29, 19C9. Plants in Pots, *c. Kenlia Belmore- ana, per dozen — Fosteiiana, per dozen .. I.atama borbonica, per dozen L i 1 in in longi- flonini, per dz. — lancifohum, p. dozen... Lily of the Valley, per dozen Marguerites, white, per dozen Mignonett e, per dozen Musk, per dozen... Pansies, per box of 24 plants, each Pelargoniums, show varieties, per dozen. ... Average Wholesale Prices (Contd.). s.d. s.d s.d. s.d. Pelargoniums, 15 0-24 0 — Ivy leaved ... — Oak leaved ... 18 0-30 0 — Zonals Rhodanthe, per dz. 12 0-18 0 Rhododendrons, each 12 0-18 0 Roses, H.P.'s, per dozen ... 12 0-24 0 — Polyantba va- rieties 18 0-30 0 — Ramblers, each Saxifraga pyramid- 6 0-80 alis, per dozen Selaginella, per-dz. 5 0-70 Spiraea japonica, p. 3 0-40 dozen ... ... Stocks (intermed- 2 0-30 iate), whi t e, crimson, and p'nk, per doz. 12 0-18 0 Verbenas,, per doz. market last Tuesday. English Beans are plentiful. Trade 6 0-80 4 0 6 0 5 0-70 5 0-60 2 0-50 12 0-18 0 12 0-18 0 5 0-10 6 12 0-18 0 4 0-60 8 0-12 0 6 0-70 8 0-12 0 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. Apples (Tasman- ian), per case : — Ribston Pippin — Scarlet Pear- main — Cox's Orange Pippin — Alexander — Prince Alfred,. — French Crab ... — Stunners — (A us t ral ian), per case: — Dunn's Seed- ling — Cleopatra — Jonathan — Ribston Pippin — Romo Beauty.. — (American), per barrel : — Nonpareils ... Bananas, bunch: — Doubles — No. 1 ,, ... — lixtra ,, ... — Giant ,, ... — (Claret) „ ... — Jitnaica ,, ... — Loose, per dz. Cranberries, per case Cherries (French), per box — \ bushel Custard Apples ... Gooseberries (Eng- - lish), per peck — \ sieve... Grape Fruit, case Grapes (new) s.d. s d. 9 6-10 6 9 0 10 6 13 0-14 0 8 6-10 0 9 0-10 0 10 0-10 6 9 0-96 10 6-12 6 10 0-12 0 11 0-13 0 9 6-11 0 10 6-12 6 18 0-20 0 9 0-10 0 6 6-80 8 0-90 10 0-12 0 5 0-76 5 0-56 0 6-10 13 0-14 6 0 9-19 5 6-66 3 0-12 0 2 0-26 4 0-50 !i u l:s o 16-30 Guernsey Figs, dz. Lemons, box : — Messina, 300.. — Do. 360... — (Naples), per case Limes, per case .. Lychees, per box... Melons, each — Canteloupe ... Nectarines (Eng- lish) Nuts, Almonds, per bag — Brazils, new, per cwt. — Barcelona, bag — Cocoa nuts, 100 Oranges (Denia) ... — Cal if ornian seedless, per case — (Valencia) per case (420) — per case (714)... — Jaffas — Palermo Blood — Murcia Blood, per case (200)... Peaches (English) Pears (Australian), Winter Nelis, per tray — Calabash, per tray Pineapples, each ... — (Natal), perdz. Strawberries, lb.... — second quality — (French), crate of 4 baskets ... s.d. s.d. 4 0-12 0 8 0-10 0 9 0-12 6 17 0-23 0 5 0 — 10-13 10-26 19-26 4 0-12 0 88 0-40 0 33 0-35 0 30 0-32 0 10 0-14 0 10 0-23 0 10 0-12 0 10 0-18 0 10 0-18 0 7 0-10 0 7 0-10 0 7 6-96 4 0-18 0 3 6-46 4 0-56 19-86 4 0-60 16-26 10 — 14 0-17 0 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. Artichokes(Globe), per dozen — white, p. bushel — per cwt. A sparagus, per bundle: — Dijon ... — Giant — Spanish — Sprue — Paris Green ... — Toulouse — Montanban ... Beans, per lb, : — (English) — (French) — (Guernsey) ... Beetroot, per bushel Cabbages, per mat ■ — per crate — per box (24) ... — Greens, per bushel Cardoon (French), per dozen Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bag ... — unwashed — (French), bunch Cauliflowers, doz. Celeriac, per doz. Chicory, per lb. ... Cucumbers, per dz. Endive, per dozen Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles Leeks, 12 bundles Lettuce (French), per crate ' ... — Cos, per dozen Mint, doz. bunches Mushrooms, per lb. — broilers — buttons, per lb. s.d. s.d. 2 0- 3 0 2 0- 2 li 3 6 — 0 8-10 3 0- 4 (i 0 7-0 10 0 6- 0 8 1 6- 2 0 10-13 1 3- 1 6 0 6- 0 8 0 7- 0 8 0 7- 0 8 2 (!- 3 0 4 0- 4 li 7 6- 8 0 3 0-8 6 1 0- 1 6 8 0-10 0 4 0 5 6- fi 0 4 0- 5 0 0 5- 0 h 1 fi- 2 0 1 6- 2 6 0 8}- I) 4 2 0- a o 1 3- 1 9 17 0-21 0 2 0- 2 6 2 0- 2 3 2 3- 29 (S 0 — 0 H — 0 6 — 0 8-0 10 Mnstardand Cress, per dozen pun. 1 Onions, per bag ... 9 — (Valencia), case 9 — Egyptian, case 8 — pickling, per bushel 6 Parsley, 12 bunches 2 — £ sieve 1 Peas (French), pkt. 0 — (French), p.pad 3 — (English), dried, per dz. packets 2 — ( Guernsey) ... 0 Potatos (Guernsey), per lb 0 — (Algerian), cwt. 10 — (French), p. lb. 0 — Teneriffe, cwt. 13 Radishes (French), per doz. bunches Rhubarb (English), forced, per dz. bundles — Natural, p. tally Salsafy, per dozen bundles Seakale, per dozen punnets Spinach, per crate — per bushel Stachys tuberosa, per lb Turnips, per dozen bunches ... 4 — washed, p. bag 4 — (French), bunch 0 Turnip Tops, bag 2 Tomatos (Tener- iffe), per bun- dle of 4 boxes 10 — (English), per 12 lbs... ... 6 — (English), s.s... 6 Watercress, per dozen 0 s.d. s.d. 0 — 0-10 0 0-11 0 0-9 6 0 — 0 — 6 — 3-0 4 0-3 6 6 — 4-0 6 0-11 0 2-0 2£ 0-14 0 18-16 6-0 9 0-4 6 4 0-46 0 — 0-5 0 0-16 0 5 0 — 0- 4 6 4-0 7 0-2 6 0-6 6 6 - 4-0 6 Remarks.— The demand for Australian and Tasmanian Apples remains good. French Cherries are arriving in increased quantities, but they have not met with a brisk sale. Oranges of best quality are slightly cheaper. English Gooseberries are received in small quantities only. Nec- tarines are plentiful and fairly cheap. Peaches are a good trade and realising fair prices. Strawberries, both English and French grown, are exceedingly plentiful and very cheap. The vegetable trade is quiet. Green vegetables found a fair generally is fair. 26, 19U9. Kents - Up-to-Date ... Lincolns - Royal Kidney Up-to-Date ... Maincrop ... Evergood King Edward Blacklands... E. H. R., Covent Garden, Wednesday, May ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Potatos s.d. s.d. 3 3-39 2 6- . 3 0- . 2 9- 2 6- 3 0- 2 6- Dunbars— s.d. s.d. Langworthy, red soil 4 6-50 Up-to-Date, red soil 3 3-39 ,, ,, grey soil 2 6 3 0 Yorks — Up-to-Date 3 6-40 Jerseys (new), cwt. 14 0-14 6 St. Malo's 14 0 — Remarks.— The trade for old Potatos is not very good, owing to the larger quantities of new tubers now arriving. E.J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St. Patterns, May 26, 1909. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. During the past week the trade in bedding plants has been brisk. A few subjects are difficult to procure, but generally supplies are excessive. Bedding Pelargoniums (Geraniums) have sold well, also most other well-grown plants in small pots, suitable for summer bedding. Plants in store boxes are much cheaper than they were a few years ago. Cut Flowers. Roses are arriving in large1 quantities, and although their value advanced a short time ago, prices have fallen again. Carnations also are plentiful, and generally of good quality. The number of persons who cultivate this plant has largely increased, and although the demand for Carnations has also increased it has not been in the same proportion. Lilium longiflorum is good and rather over-plentiful. This rooming many of these flowers were unsold. Sweet Peas vary in quality ; only the best make more than 3s. to 4s. per dozen bunches ; some are sold as cheaply as Is. 6d. per dozen bunches. Of Callas only those of the best quality are in demand. There is an increased demand for Spanish Irises now that the Daffodils are over. Iris germanica does not sell so readily as the Spanish Irises. Gladiolus Colvilei in its several varieties is good. Iceland Poppies and other hardy flowers are plentiful. English growers now do an extensive trade in Gypsophila elegans. Pot Plants. Fuchsias in various sizes are well flowered. Since these have been used largely for bedding purposes, several growers market them in 3-inch pots. Marguerites are very plentiful. Of Mignonette the greatest demand is for the spring-sown plants, which are backward this season. The single yellow Chrysanthemum is sent by several growers; in most instances the plants are dwarfer than those seen a few years ago. Crassulas are well in flower, but it is only the dwarf hybrid varieties that are seen yet. Saxifraga (Cotyledon) pyramidalis is very pretty. Pelargoniums of all types are well supplied. Ferns and Palms vary but little. Aspidistras are cheaper. A. H ., Covent Garden* Wednesday, May 26, 1909. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending May 26. A most welcome rain. — During the past week there were five very warm daye and four moderately warm nights. On the three warmest days the temperature in the thermometer screen rose respectively to 79°, 78°, and 75". These are all high temperatures for the time of year. In fact, in only four of the last 23 years has such a high reading as 19c been recorded here in May. On the other hand, on the first night of the week the exposed thermometer registered 6° of frost. The ground, which during the last few days has been warm for the time of year, is now, owing to the colder weather of the last few days, only at about an average temperature. Rain fell on two days to the total depth of 3 inch, nearly the whole of which quantity was deposited between 4 and 10 a.m. on the 25th. This rainfall restarted the bare soil percolation gauge, but it had no effect on the gauge on which short grass is growing. The sun shone on an average for Sty hours a day, or for 3J hours a day longer than is usual at this period in May. Light airs as a rule prevailed, and their direction was mostly some point between south and west. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 8 p.m. fell short of a season- able quantity for that hour by 8 per cent. A selected tree of the Horse Chestnut first showed an open flower on the 8th, which is five days earlier than its average date for the previous 18 years, and 11 days earlier than last year. E. M., Berkhamsted, May 26, 1909. SCHEDULES RECEIVED. Cardiff and District Chrysanthemum Society's exhi- bition of Chrysanthemums and other flowers, also fruit, to be held in the Park Hall, Cardiff, on Wednesday and Thursday, November 3 and 4. Secretary, Mr. J. Mountney, 42, Royal Arcade, Cardiff. Bath Gardeners' Debating Society's Chrysanthemum show, to be held on November 3 and 4, in the Assembly Rooms, Bath. Hon. secretary, Mr. F. L. Ashman, 17, Prospect Place, Upper Weston, Bath. Doncaster and District Chrysanthemum Society's 17th annual exhibition, to be held on Wednesday and Thursday, November 3 and 4, 1909, in the Corn Exchange, Doncaster. Hon. secretary, Mr. J. G. Mitchell, 11, High Street, Doncaster. Great Yarmouth Flower Show, to be held on Thursday, July 15, 1909, in the Winter Gardens, Great Yarmouth. Secretary, Mr. Arthur A. Cash, Winter Gardens, Great Yarmouth. Abbey Park (Leicester) Flower Show, to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 3 and 4. Superintendent, Mr. J. Burton, Abbey Park, Leicester. Women's Agricultural and Horticultural Inter- national Union's show and sale of garden produce, at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, London, on Wed- nesday, July 21, 1909. Show secretary, Miss Bull, 64, Lower Sloane Street, S.W. Chrysanthemums : 77. J . G. For your purpose it will be advisable lo pinch the points of Niveum and Queen of the Exe at once, treating the other varieties in a similar manner in a fortnight's time. But do not stop the plants and transplant them at the same time. Cos Lettuce : W. P. To obtain Cos Lettuces of the variety mentioned by August 11, allow from 10 to 11 weeks from the time the seed is sown. Model Turnip will require from 11 to 12 weeks. To ensure that some will be at their best at that date, make two small sowings of each, cne week apart, as so much depends on the weather. Gardening Books: A. P. The works you men- tion are of little value; both are out-of-date, and, being plentiful, have little worth biblio- graphically. Grapes Diseased: A. B. The spotted berries are affected by the fungus Glceosporium ampleo- phagum. Those that have a rusty appearance have suffered some mechanical injury, such as rubbing by the scissors or the operator's hair during the process of thinning. In the case of the spot disease, cut out all the affected berries and burn them. Afterwards spray the bunches with liver of sulphur, using half an ounce in two gallons of water. Be careful not to let the liquid fall on the woodwork, as it turns white paint black. Market-garden Business : W. J. D. You can- not embark on the business of a market-gar- dener with the capital you mention witli any reasonable prospect of succeeding. To begin with, you would probably be required to pay a quarter's rent in advance, and this would leave you without sufficient working capital. Moreover, you appear to have had no previous experience in market-gardening work, which is very different, even in the methods of pro- duction, from that practised in the best pri- vate gardens. We would therefore advise you to procure employment for a year or two in a market-garden establishment, in which high- class produce in the way of fruits and flowers is cultivated, making the best possible use in the meantime of the opportunities thus offered you to acquire a practical knowledge of the work, in which you yourself intend to engage. Those who contemplate entering into the busi- ness of market-gardener, and who calculate upon the prices which good examples of Grapes, Peaches, Cucumbers, and Tomatos are likely to realise in certain months of the year, should also try to realise what the probable cost of production would be. Names of Fruits : H. P. M. Norfolk Beefing.— Bungay. Newton Wonder. Names op Plants : T. B. Prunus Padus, the Bird Cherry. — Lucas. Populus balsamifera. — Holly Bush. Polygonum alpinum.— (?. H. B. 1, Geuni coccineum ; 2, Phlox subulnta ; 3, Ornithoga- lum umbollatum ; 4, double flowered variety of Prunus japonica; 5, Viola cornuta ; 6, Sednm (Rhodiola) roseurn.— H. C. 1, Saxifraga Geum var. crenata ; 2, S. G. var. elegans ; 3, S. cunei- folia ; 4, S. o. var. subintegra ; 5,, S. crus- tata ; 6, Achillea umbollata. — J. L. II'. Hyoseyamus niger (Henbane). The Daisy presents a remarkable example of fasciation, or fusion of growth. — G. A. C. The yellow flower is Odontoglossum triumphans ; the smaller specimen is O. blandum. — F. H. 1, Odonto- glossum Lambeauianum ; 2, O. ardentissimum; 3, probably a form of O. Hallio-crispum (Hallii x crispum), — H. A. 1, Sigmatostalix radicans ; 2, Oneidium candidum ; 3, Masde- vallia tridactylites ; 4, M. O'Brieniana; 5, Stelis ophioglossoides ; 6, Ada aurantiaca. — A. J. Viburnum cotinifolium. — Novice. 1, Lithospermum prostratum ; 2, Anthyllis mon- tana; 3, Orobus aurantiaca; 4, Silene mari- tima fl. pi. ; 5, Primila japonica; 6, Verbaseum phceniceum.— G. Cooper. 1, Pyrus Sorbus ; 2, P. Aria var. Communications Received.— R- Hale (thanks for con- tribution of Is. 6d. to the R.G.O.P. box)— C. P. B.— W. C. & Sons— S. & Sons— F. S. & S.— C, Altrinchavu - H. P. H.— P. A.— W. J. D— B. L.— Marsh Mall .w - W. A. C— J. G. W.— W. D.-P. M.— W. W. P.— L. P.— H. N., Singapore-E. B.— E. M.-R. A. R.— A Rix-J. Hebden— C. S. & Co.-W. L.— A. R.— B. L.— Peaches - E. S.— A. 8.— A. W. G. & Co. Supplement to the " Gardeners' Chronicle. Photographs by H. N. King. Views in the gardens at Wildernesse Park, Kent. Printed by Temple Press Ltd., London, E.C. June 5, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 357 TIIK #ari)cncrs'(LrbronicIc No. 1,171.— SATURDAY, June 5, 1909. CONTENTS. Alpine garden — Plant poisons 366 Anemone patens Retarding of plants, lutea 366 artificial ... 366 American notes 359 Rhododendrons at the Banana cultivation in Royal Botanic Gar- the South of France 365 dens, Regent's Park 365 Books, notices of, — Rose Fortune's Yellow 365 The Insect and other Seakale as a green vege- Allied Pests of table 369 Orchard, Bush, and Societies- Hothouse Fruits ... 357 British Gardeners' ... 370 Publications received 3fi6 Manchester & North Calceolarias, herbaceous 358 of England Orchid 369 Carnations, forthcoming Royal Horticultural exhibition of 365 (Scientific Committee) 369 Carriage of vegetable Soil fertility and soil and fruit produce by exhaustion 364 railway 367 Syon House as seen from Climate and the chemi- Kew Gardens 364 cal composition of Thunderstorm, damage Wheat 366 by 368 Elm, English, seeding Trees and Shrubs — of the 369 Cytisus scoparius An- Flies, to kill 365 dreanus, forms of ... 361 " French " garden, notes Ribes sanguineum ... 361 from a 366 Viburnum Carlesii ... 361 Law note — Tulips 368 Breach of contract .. R69 Vegetables — Lime-sulphur wash ... 364 Broccoli Model 368 Manures 359 Butter Beans 368 Mouse trap, a novel ... 365 Weeds, destruction of, Obituary — by spraying 365 Bakewell, William .. 371 Week's work, the — Boxall, Frederick ... 371 Flower garden, the ... 363 Crump, Frederick W. 371 Fruits under glass ... 3G3 Onions for market 363 Hardy fruit garden ... 362 Orchid notes and glean- Kitchen garden, the... 36*2 ings 359 Orchid houses, the ... 363 Paraffin emulsion, a Plants under glass ... 362 new 366 Public parks and gar- Plants, new or note- dens 362 worthy — Wildernesse Park, Tillandsia Blokii ... 359 Sevenoaks 360 ILLUSTRATIONS. Avenue of Limes at WMdernesse Park 361 Group of Orchids exhibited at the Temple Flower Show ;i:;7 Sundial in Wildernesse Park Gardens 360 Syon House, Brent fore , as seen from the pleasure grounds in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Sup- plementary Illustration) Tillandsia Blokii, a flowering plant of 353 Vanda teres, a remarkable exhibit of 3d5 * INSECT PESTS ON FRUITS. THE publication of an extensive work on an important section of economic entomology by such an experienced observer as Mr. F. V. Theobald calls for something more than passing congratula- tion. Mr. Theobald receives some 3,000 appeals for assistance from anxious growers every year, and the material which thus passes through his hands places him in an excellent position for obtaining a varied, accurate, and detailed acquaintance with that branch of zoology which he has made his own. In Scot- land a somewhat similar position is occupied by Dr. R. S. MacDougall, and in Ireland by Professor Carpenter, but neither of these countries ran be said to present the same in- tensive field as England, nor have their pests been so sj-stematically and continuously in- vestigated . It is safe to say that the complete work on economic entomology has yet to be written, and it is difficult to see how it can ever be done by one man. There are two sides to the life of an insect, and the investigation of these embraces points of view so essentially diverse as to be too severe a tax on the versatility of any one individual. The practical man, on the one hand, spending every day amongst * The Insert and other Allied Pests of Orchard, Bush, and Hothouse Fruits, by F. V. Theobald'. Published by the author, Wye Court, Wye, 1909. his plants, observes many curious and obscure phases of insect life, and observes them all the more surely and readily because his imagination is unfettered by scientific tradition. The man of science, on the other hand, working mostly in his laboratory, and only at intervals sallying forth into the field, is well equipped, in virtue of his training, to work out complicated life histories, and to determine the physical conditions of insect ex- istence. He has to his credit, for example, our knowledge of the amazing life history of the Grape vine Phylloxera, but none the less he has his limitations. He can work out the development of the mole-cricket from the egg to the adult in every detail, but he fails to observe that the mole-cricket has a fatal weak- ness for meandering over smooth objects. In this particular instance the small fact to the credit of the practical man is, from the point of view of getting rid of the offender, worth all the remedies based on purely scientific knowledge. In another case, to quote only that of the winter moth, the scientific evi- dence may be sufficient in itself to suggest a satisfactory remedy. The point we wish to emphasise is that suc- cess in the destruction of insect pests is not the prerogative either of the scientific ex- perimenter or of the practitioner, and that only w hen the two consent to co-operate may complete knowledge be obtained. Both aspects are essential, but neither complete. At the present time it is to be deplored that the one is apt to discredit explanations based on observations difficult to understand (and often badly presented), and the other to reject evidence simply because he has not, and could not have, collected it himself, or because it is occasionally at variance with his profes- sional tradition. The education of both sides is however, proceeding, and there are signs that the entomological millennium, at any rate, may yet be realised. In this connection we may sympathise with a regret stated by Mr. Theobald that the recent work of Gillan- ders should not have been less scientific and more a record of his own peculiar ami interest- ing experience, and we can certainly echo the desire, expressed in the introduction to Mr. Theobald's book, for more advice and sym- pathy from the practical man. Against Mr. Theobald's book two criticisms will probably be levelled. He states in his preface that " the volume is by no means complete, but it has reached such proportions that it is impossible to give all the informa- tion it was hoped to give." The book extends to 550 pages, and, therefore, apart from any question of expense, is too extensive a work to place in the hands of a student, especially as it covers only a portion of the field. But for practical purposes it should be even more detailed, and in certain cases we have found his definitions too condensed for the satisfactory diagnosis of the insect. We should have preferred to see the book twice its size and encyclopaedic in character. Mr. Theobald would have found ample support in the publication of such a monograph. We may, therefore, express the hope that he will consider the expediency of publishing an ex- tended description of his material and results at some future date. The other point relates to the illustrations. Those drawn by Mr. Horace Knight are ad- mirable, and, to select only a few, we now have fur the first time, in an accessible volume, ex- cellent illustrations of the Apple blossom wee- vil, the bark bettle, the Raspberry shoot moth, the shot borer and Raspberry beetles, by which these insects may be readily identified. As we take this to be the sole function of the pictures, we differ from the author as to the advisability of using photography so largely for this purpose. It too often illustrates only the perils of the short cut (compare on p. 134 the careful drawing of Aphis sorbi with the photograph of the same species). In spite of some successes, such as the lappet moth (p. 21), the photographic reproductions fail either in the correct rendering of colour value (compare the vapourer moth, p. 39, and the codling moth, p. 71), or on account of the well- known difference between the sensitive plate and the retina of the eye as regards light and shade (compare the buff-tip moth, p. 295, the Pear fruitlets attacked by Pear midge larvae, p. 344, and the male mealy bugs, p. 486), or because of reflection from the object photo- graphed (compare the goat moth larva, p. 42, the Black Currant mite, p. 233, the slug worm, p. 336, and the cockchafer larva, p. 433). On p. 48 the characteristic feature of the male wood leopard moth does not appear at all. Further, we should have liked to have seen a calendar on the lines of the admirable exhibits one sees in some Continental museums illustrating the entomological year, from the economical standpoint, such a calen- dar would be of great value to the grower in assisting him to identify his pests. Finally, we hardly think the practical man can be expected to sympathise with the purely academic amusement of juggling with scien- tific terms which forms so large a part of the labours of the systematic zoologist. It is questionable how long this will be tolerated even in systematic zoology, but it is certain that the man of affairs, failing to see the humour of the game, will brush it aside as the baronet did the tiresome and frivolous accu- racy of the antiquary. Therefore, we prefer to think of the mussel scale still as Mytilaspis pomorum. However, these matters are by the way. Mr. Theobald has produced a great work, and one which will rank with John Curtis's Farm Insects as one of the classics of economic entomology. It is a work based essentially on the sound practical experience of many years, and no fruit-grower can afford to disregard so important and helpful a record. The scope of the work may be gathered from the lengthy list of plants dealt with. It includes the Apple, Apricot, Cherry, Cur- rants, Damson, Fig, Gooseberry, Loganberry, Nuts, Peach, Pear, Plum, Pineapple, Quince, Raspberry, Strawberry, and Vine. About 380 species of insect and other pests are men- tioned, and many of these are described and figured. They are given, as they should be, under the name of the plant attacked, and not in zoological sequence. Appendices have been introduced on such subjects as the possible spreading of imported pests, beneficial insects, and the composition, manufacture, and makers of insecticides and spraying apparatus. We are glad to find Mr. Theobald taking up a very cautious and judicial attitude on the value of remedial measures. Much harm has been done, and scepticism encouraged, by im- perfect observation and worse remedies. For example, to mention only three subjects 358 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 5, 1909. which have come under our notice within recent years, we are told one year that millipedes are very noxious forms, and the next that they do no harm ; or that it is vitally necessary to restore the balance of nature by introducing predaceous insects, and again, the futility of that proceeding is dwelt upon ; or that mussel scale is destroyed by lime wash and afterwards that that remedy is worthless. On this question Mr. Theobald maintains the thoroughly sound attitude that our present knowledge is wholly insufficient to deal satisfactorily with more than a very few pests, and he urges further research in this important direction. Research in economic biology must be undertaken by thoroughly competent, trained observers, and should, above all things, be refined and accurate. It is imperative that conclusions should be well tested before they are published, or the interests of the class intended to benefit may be sacrificed. The necessity to recant means not only that growers have spent their money on ill-advised remedies, but that their confidence in the trustworthiness of their advisers is destroyed. We noticed several misprints in reading the work, of which the most important were that Clisiocampa and Orgyia were wrongly spelt throughout. Once more we warmly congratulate Mr. Theobald on the publication of this important volume, which brings English work into line with the best achievements of the United States. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. HERBACEOUS CALCEOLARIAS. The requirements of these plants are simple, and anyone possessing a greenhouse from which frost can be excluded, can cultivate them with success. We sow the seeds about the middle or end of June, in pans, in a compost of equal parts loam and leaf-mould, with coarse silver sand, the mix- ture being sifted through a fine sieve. The soil in the pans should be well watered before sowing the seed. The seeds should be sown thinly, covering them very lightly with soil, and placing the seed-pans in a cold frame. A good plan is to place them on inverted flower-pots standing in saucers of water. The water in the saucers will keep the surroundings moist, which is congenial to the germination of the seeds. In addition it keeps slugs from the plants. If the frame is placed on the north side of a wall, so that direct sunshine cannot reach the seedlings, no shading will be necessary, and the plants will, in conse- quence, be much stronger. In the course of a few weeks the seedlings will be large enough to be transplanted into pans, which should be filled with the same kind of compost as before. As soon as they are large enough they should be potted singly into small pots and returned to a cold frame having a floor of ashes. Soot should be sprinkled about to keep away slugs. Abundant ventilation should be afforded at all times ; indeed, the lights should only be used to protect the plants from rain. As autumn advances the plants make rapid growth and re- quire larger pots. They should be grown in the cold frames until frosts appear, when they should be accommodated in a frost-proof structure. They must be kept cool and placed as close to the glass as possible. Some time in January the final shifting into pots having a diameter cf 8^ or 9| inches should be effected. The compost we use at this stage consists of two parts loam and one part leaf-mould, with dried cow dung and sand added. Grown in this manner, we have never failed to have a fine show of Calceolarias each spring for several years. Some of our plants measure 3 feet through. Aphis sometimes attacks the plants, also a small yellow thrip. These pests •can be kept in check by an occasional fumigating with a nicotine compound. Wilmot H Yates, Bother field Park Gardens. TILLANDSIA BLOKII. This giant TDlandsia flowered at Glasnevin during the year 1907, and was a conspicuous object for several months. When in flower the plant measured 6 feet high, the stout, branching inflorescence being 2 feet 3 inches in diameter, and clothed with crim- son, sheathing bracts which retained their colouring long after the flowers had faded. The flowers are borne on short stalks in two rows upon the lateral branches. The sepals are crim- son, thick and leathery ; the three yellow petals, 4 inches long, give quite a contrast in colour. In the Gardeners' Chronicle, vol. xxiii., p. 254, where T. Blokii was mentioned among other Bromeliads for exemplary culture at the Ghent Quinquennial Exhibition of 1898, it was said to be in flower and as tall as a man. Mr. F. W. Moore purchased the Glasnevin plant from L'Hor- ticulture Colonial, Pare Leopold, Brussels, in April, 1903, under the name of Vriesia Blokii, and was told that it was a seedling of the original shown at the Ghent Quinquennial. At that time it was about 1 foot high ; since then it has been growing among other Bromeliads in a minimum temperature of 60° Fahr. After flowering, the whole tuft of leaves dies away. Suckers are pro- duced by some of the Bromeliads at the base stem, but in this case they are very tardy in de- veloping, although a small one has appeared. '- Fig. 158. [Plwtogmph by C. F. Ball. -TILLANDSIA BLOKII IN GLASNEVIN BOTANIC GARDENS. HEIGHT 6 FEET. The leaves are 6 inches across at the base, gradually tapering upwards until they terminate in an abrupt point. Oblong reddish blotches mark the leaves of this new species, a character not found in the closely-allied Tillandsia regina. The illustration (fig. 158) shows the plant in fruit several months after flowering. The capsules are woody, 2 inches in length, tapering to a sbarp point ; when ripe they split up into three valves containing numerous seeds. The seeds are curious ; they are | to § of an inch long, brown and slender, with a fawn-col- oured tuft of hairs at both ends. The hairs of the lower end are like an inverted pappus of Composite, those at the other end being like a twisted tail, eventually dividing into a pappus- like arrangement. The larger-growing Tillandsias like a fairly strong soil; a mixture of peat and loam with some manure and sand suits them very well, while the smaller kinds thrive in peat, leaf-mould and Sphagnum-moss. Under natural conditions most of the smaller plants of this genus are epiphytic on trees. Roots are sparingly developed, but the channelled leaves conduct the moisture downwards to their sheathing bases, which form a number of small reservoirs. The object of this arrangement is seen when one places the epidermis from the base of the leaf under the microscope, for it is covered with numbers of thin-walled, gland-like structures which serve for the absorption of the collected water. C. F. Ball, Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. June 5, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 359 ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. AN AMATEUR'S EXPERIENCE. Finding that certain Orchids not only lived but flowered among my mixed amateur collection of plants, I procured one or two books on Orchids, and then purchased a few plants of Oncidium varicosum Rogersii, which flowered freely. I fol- lowed the general instructions as to potting ma- terial, &c, being careful to have ample drainage, and potting with Sphagnum-moss (of which quantities can be got in this neighbourhood), English Orchid peat and a little charcoal, with sometimes a little Jadoo fibre added. I cannot say I followed any strict rule as to watering, but was careful to see that the potting material did not become sour. Dendrobiums were fully ex- posed to the sun to ripen their growth. Cypripe- diums, in a considerable number of varieties, grew and flowered very freely. Vanda gigantea, Dendrobium speciosum, and several other Orchids were sent me years ago by a friend in the East. The plants were some years before getting perfectly established, but since that time they have flowered regularly, and I have several young plants, offshoots from Vanda gigantea. So long as they are not allowed to get a chill, my experience seems to indicate that they can live for some time in a fairly low temperature, though no doubt they would not flower if they were permitted to remain in such conditions. In my little house the temperature varies from 55u to 70u in winter, rising to 80° or 90° in summer, and my Orchids are crowded in among Palms, Ferns, Marantas, Caladiums, Hoya, Allamanda, and, in summer-time, Gloxinias, Achimenes and other plants. I append a list of the varie- ties of Orchids which are crowded into my little place. They seem to thrive, and most of them flower pretty freely. I still have a few which were sent from abroad which have not flowered, although they are quite strong and healthy. The larger and cooler portion of the house has been very bright with a crowd of Primula sinensis, Cinerarias, Clivias, and some 10 Hippe- astrums. Most of the Hippeastrums we have raised from seed. When these plants ceased to flower their place was taken by Show, Regal, Zonal and Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, Streptocarpus (from seed), Streptosolen Jame- sonii, Tuberous Begonias (from seed), and later by Gloxinias. I get excellent results in August, September and October from Gloxinias raised in February. I have often been struck by letters which 1 see in gardening papers with regard to growing Orchids. According to these letters, it would be useless for anybody to go in for Orchid growing unless he had some half-a-dozen houses. My experience has been very much the other way. I think there are few plants that stand neglect as they do. Take, for instance, Pelargoniums, Begonias, Gloxinias, &c. Were one to neglect watering these for two or three days the results would be serious; but with Orchids one might neglect watering them for a week or a month without killing the plants. I do not, of course, advocate neglect, but what I do say is that, with any rea- sonable treatment, a great variety of Orchids may be grown by amateurs with very good results. In summer-time my Cypripedium plants are put on the floor, so as to make room for Gloxinias, Marantas, Ferns, Caladiums, &c, and I find that they all thrive together in a very friendly man- ner. My house being a business or official resi- dence, and having no ground attached, seemed to present difficulties in the way of a greenhouse, but I was unwilling to give up the pleasure which I had for years in my previous house, and I there- fore managed to get a conservatory erected on the top of a wing of the building opening through what had been a staircase window. It is quite a small house, about 20 feet by 15 feet, with a division cutting off a portion where most of the Orchids are kept, which is about 15 feet by 5 feet. I think that many wriiirs on Orchids do a great deal to shut out many amateurs from the pleasure of growing these plants, and also do harm to the trade, since, were an amateur to accept all the statements, that this Orchid has to be grown in the Cattleya house, and another in the Odontoglossum house, &c, &c, he would never undertake Orchid growing. List of Orchids which thrive with me : — Cypripediums Spicerianum, superbiens, bar- batum nigrum, Orphanum, Germinyanum, gigan- teum, Leeanum. hirsutissimum, Charlesworthii, polystigmaticum, insigne, insigne Sanderae, Loonidas, callosum, Lawrenceanum, Chamber- lainianum. Dendrobiums aggregatum, Findlayanum, Pha- lsenopsis, nobile, thyrsiflorum, Wardianum, Juno, Pierardii, crassinode, chrysotoxum, formosum gi- ganteum, melanodiscus, Leechianum, suavissi- mum, nobile Cooksonii, speciosum, Apollo grandiflorum, Ainsworthii, primulinum, tereti- folium. Oncidiums varicosum Rogersii, incurvum, un- guiculatum, ornithorhynchum, sarcodes, Harri- sonianum, phymatochilum. Aerides odoratum. Vandas (flowered) coerulea, gigantea (un- flowered), Amesiana. Odontoglossum crispum, Schlieperianum, Pes- catorei, grande, Rossii majus. Oncidium leucochilum. Cattleyas Trianae, aurea and citrina. Cymbidiums eburneum, Lowianum, pendulum. Lselias superbiens, cinnabarina and pumila. Ccelogyne cristata, Epidendrum O'Brienianum. Ansellia gigantea, Trichopilia suavis, Miltonia cuneata, Lycaste (various). D. Campbell Brown, Banh of Scotland House, Oban, N.B. AMERICAN NOTES. SEED CROPS IN CALIFORNIA. The past winter was very severe, and there was more rain than has been experienced for 50 years past. On low-lying lands many seed crops have suffered, and in some cases all have been destroyed. This is specially true of the Onion crops in the Sacramento and San Joaquin river district. One seed grower lost 150 acres, and another, 25 acres. These losses were due to the breaking of a level, which flooded the land. In the Santa Clara "Valley district the Onions have suffered on the average from the excessive rain, fully 25 per cent., some crops of Onions being wholly destroyed, whilst others are not in the least degree damaged. In the opinion of the writer of the report appear- ing in Horticulture, April 24, there still remain in good condition sufficient bulbs going to seed to supply a reasonable demand of the seed trade for the season of 1910, except in the cases of Red Wethersfield and White Portugal, which will be deficient. Seeds of Lettuces at the present date are being re-sown, and at the best the prospects of any large crops are not promis- ing. Of Carrots there is a very limited area growing in California this season. These crops are looking well, and there is no reason why good crops of seed should not be harvested. Sweet Peas are flourishing; Radishes are promising ; Celery, Coleworts, Beetroots, Kohl-rabi, Leeks, Spinach, Parsley, Parsnip, Mustard and Endive all promise good crops. HORTICULTURE AT THE ILLINOIS STATE FAIR, SPRINGFIELD. The horticultural department has secured for the purpose of the next autumn exhibition the whole of the rotunda of the Dome Building, a circular space containing about 13,000 square feet of flooring, exclusive of the main aisle. The walls will be well decorated, and every facility provided for making the finest display ever shown in the State, outside of the Coliseum in Chicago. There are prizes of more than 2,700 dollars offered in this department. THE DREER ARBORETUM. Under this name a new experimental garden has been made at Riverton, New Jersey, and its formation will be justified when the large number of new and rare shrubs and hardy plants from all parts of the world are con- sidered. The garden is intended for the test- ing of plants not generally known or grown in the United States. An experimental sec- tion for out-of-door testing of new hybrid Tea Roses was established last year and proved so interesting that it has been largely extended this year. Two hundred varieties, most of them unknown there, are now under observation. An important issue of last year's work was the dis- covery of La Detroit, said to be one of the best bedding Roses extant, having more numerous blooms and being a stronger grower than any other. MANURES. The coming of the motorcar has had many economic issues besides those involved in its manufacture, the most important, from the gar- dener's point of view, being the shortage of stable manure caused by the general use of motor, in place of horse traction. More par- ticularly does this apply to market gardens and nurseries within easy distance of London, which depend largely on the Metropolis for supplies of manure. A few years ago there was no difficulty in procuring a hundred tons or so of fairly good stable manure from London in the course of a few days, while now one is lucky to get a couple of 10-ton truck loads after giving a week's notice, and the quality is ex- ceedingly bad. Stale fish, decayed vegetables from fruiterers' shops, ashes, and such-like mat- ter mixed with a little of the genuine dung are nowadays contained in a truck of manure., This scarcity of good stable manure is becoming a serious matter to market gardeners and nursery- men generally, and it is hard to say what sub- stitute as good and as cheap can be found to take its place. To firms that have been in the habit of using a thousand tons or more each year this is a grave question that will have to be faced in the near future. There are always various chemical manures that can be used, but it has to be remembered that the cost is an important item where manure is used on a large scale, and that also all manures have two effects on land, viz., chemical and physical. It is easy enough to be mathematically precise as to the actual amount of phosphates, &c, required by the growing crop, but the continued use of in- organic manures on many lands has the effect of leaving the soil very close and stiff, and in some cases almost unworkable. Good stable manure, on the contrary, besides containing plant food, forms after decomposition the rich, black mould so common in old kitchen and market gardens. The mechanical effect, therefore, is important, and on heavy or stiff soils stable manure, with plenty of long straw in it, is a valuable means of keeping the ground open and porous. Chemical manures may be profitably used in conjunction with stable manure, and on land that has been heavily dressed with natural manures for some years in succession appli- cations of an appropriate artificial manure will be found beneficial. Some of the elements in the chemical manure are capable of combining with constituents in the stable manure that are still present in the soil. In the case of such soil which is sometimes said to contain an excess of organic matter, a dressing of lime does much good. Soot is also beneficial, but it is seldom used. The amount of plant food in soot, as shown by a chemical analysis, is low in comparison with many artificial manures, but its effect on growing crops is stimulating and persistent. A mixture 360 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. LJune 5, 1909. of soot, slaked lime and wood-ashes in about equal proportions forms a capital plant food for many crops, more especially Potatos and other crops in the kitchen garden. Cow manure is useful on light, dry lands, especially for Rhododendrons and other peat-lov- ing subjects, but it is not obtainable in sufficient quantities to meet the requirements of big firms Pig manure is hardly worth cartage, as its chemi- cal value is low, it is cold and heavy, and pigs are usually littered down with any rubbish that may be handy, while weeds of all descriptions are thrown to them. In consequence of this a pro- lific crop of weeds follows its use. Probably everyone who has had to deal with the growing of various crops has noticed that although a piece of ground has been properly prepared by trenching and manuring in good time, and has seemed an ideal spot on which to grow a certain crop, yet the results have been far below expectations. Everything beforehand has been properly done, the crop has been planted at the right time, no late frosts have occurred to cause any injury, and yet the return has not been anything like what was anticipated. 1 have to deal exclusively with trees and shrubs, and have noticed this partial failure on several occasions with very different kinds of plants. On the contrary, when necessities of time or space have demanded it and certain sub- jects have been planted in what has seemed hardly the place for them, they have thriven splendidly. These items of where and what to plant require careful consideration in dealing with anything commercially, and especially with trees and shrubs, as besides the loss incurred through the growth being poor and stunted, there is also the time and labour wasted in plant- ing in the first instance, and afterwards of re- moval to a fresh piece of ground. It is an axiom of outdoor gardening nowadays that crops should be planted in rotation, or, in other words, that the same class of plant should not be grown on the same piece of ground twice in succession. This is a good rule, and one that it pays to follow as closely as pos- sible, though limitations of time and space often prevent its strict observance. Then it is that manure has to be used more freely to sup- ply the stimulus necessary for the crop. The recommending of certain manures for certain soils is an invidious task. Variations of climate and soil, a limited area of ground to work on, and the necessity for hurrying matters forward due to a late season : these and similar items call for care and thought, and it is these things that " the man who walks about with his hands in his pockets " has to determine satisfactorily. J. Clark, Bagshot, Surrey. tively limited extent, and the walls are utilised to the full for supporting the excellently-trained fruit trees with which they are clothed. All the usual kinds of fruits are trained in greater or lesser numbers, and no one need wish to see finer examples of culture or a superior set of fruits than may be found in the Wildernesse gardens this season. With the exception of Apricots, the trees are clean and healthy. Apricots, however, do not succeed, and Mr. Shelton, the courteous and capable head gardener, explained that he had had some difficulty in getting Cherries estab- lished ; now, however, there are several trees WILDERNESSE PARK, SEVENOAKS. (Concluded from page 346.) On the lawns, in addition to a grand Cedar of Lebanon, there are considerable numbers of Coni- fers, many of which have been so closely planted that they are now crowded, and thinning is needed to allow for further progress and the main- tenance of perfect form. The sundial shown in fig. 159 stands on one corner of the terrace near the mansion, and has lawns, trees, and flower-beds near to it. The pleasure grounds are conspicuous for splendid trees. Of the three avenues one, shown at fig. 160, consists of magnificent Lime trees. In the other and smaller avenues the trees are varied, there being Limes, Elms, Chestnuts, and others planted promis- cuously. Flowering trees and shrubs may be seen in considerable numbers, thus adding mate- rially to the charm of the grounds in the spring, and, indeed, at all seasons of the year. Separated from the pleasure grounds by a sub- stantial wall are the vegetable and fruit gardens and houses. The wall area is extensive, since the place is divided into gardens of compara- tarines, as well as Melons, Cucumbers, and Tomatos. The most conspicuous feature through- out the utilitarian department indoors is the scrupulous cleanliness, but it is equally pleasing, to see the regular crops that each tree carries. In addition to the fruit houses, there are sev- eral houses devoted to plants and flowers, of. which the prime favourites are clearly Carna- tions, chiefly Souvenir de la Malmaison and. Perpetual-flowering varieties. There are many hundreds of grand plants, some of which have given their blooms, others are doing so now, whilst there are yet others that will flower [Photograph by H. N. King. F'.G. I59. — SUNDIAL IN WILDERNESSE PARK GARDENS. which will yield a good account of themselves. Just as satisfactory as the trees on the walls are those in the open quarters, and it will have to be something exceptional that robs these gardens of a bountiful harvest this year. The culture of fruit under glass is equally extensive and the results are more than gratify- ing to the grower. Two houses are wholly de- voted to Figs and a third is to be planted in due course, as these fruits are in constant demand. Several other large and handsome structures are given up to Grapes, Peaches, and Nec- later. It is well worth a visit to Wildernesse to see only the Carnations, they are so clean, healthy, and vigorous. Good batches of a variety are the rule, and all the finest of the different sections are represented. It is notice- able as one proceeds round the houses that prac- tically all the plants are such as will provide blooms suitable for decorative purposes, or plants that will adorn the rooms. Among Orchids, for example, Odontoglossums are favourites at the moment, while in the autumn and winter a good' collection of Cypripedium insigne will furnish June 5, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 361 blossoms for cutting ; there are also small collec- tions of Cattleyas, Thunias, Ccelogynes, and other genera. All the plant structures are supplied from the numerous pits and frames, which are filled with excellent plants. In these, as in the houses, there is, on the one hand, no waste of space, whilst, on the other, there is no excessive crowd- ing. The vegetable department is conducted with similar skill. H. J. W. TREES AND SHRUBS. When Cytisus Andreanus was first introduced it was increased largely by grafting on to the Laburnum or common Broom, but the union in many instances was not a lasting one. For this reason plants on their own roots are to be pre- ferred, and the Newry-raised forms can be obtained in this way. W. RIBES SANGUINEUM. The typical Ribes sanguineum is a native of Western North America, and for its introduc- tion we are indebted to David Douglas, who sent it home in 1826. R. sanguineum, but it is quite distinct there- from. It is of hybrid origin, the parents being R aureum and R. sanguineum. R. x Gor- donianum is about midway between its parents- in habit and form of foliage, as well as flowers, which are a shade of yellowish red, an uncom- mon yet pleasing tone. Ribes X Gordonianum was raised by Mr. Donald Beaton (of Zonal Pelargonium fame) at Shrubland Park, some- where about 50 years ago, but whether it was the result of a definite, or an accidental cross, I cannot say. The plant is entitled to a place among the most select of the flowering Currants. VIBURNUM CARLESII. This species, which was illustrated in fig. 148 in last week's issue, is one of the best of the many Viburnums that have been introduced to gardens during the last few years. It was first brought to notice by means of herbarium material collected by Mr. W. R. Carles in Western China. In 1901 Messrs. L. Boehmer & Co., nurserymen at Yokohama, sent specimens, which had been raised from seeds collected in Corea in 1885, to Kew for name, and a year later a living plant was received. Doubts being entertained as to its hardiness, the plant was kept in a cold frame for three winters, but in 1905 it was planted in a bed of hardy Heaths. The protection afforded in this manner proved sufficient to keep it safe through the winter, and the first flowers were produced in the spring of 1906. Each year since it has blossomed well, and last year it developed upwards of 30 inflorescences. This particular plant is now about 2| feet high and 2£ feet through, whilst another example which originated from a cutting is almost as large. V. Carlesii is recognised by means of its oval, serrated leaves, which are hairy on both surfaces and have a greyish tint, and by its rounded heads of Rondeletia-like flowers. The flowers are borne in dense heads 2 to 3 inches across and open during early May. They are white in colour, slightly flushed with pink, and are deliciously fragrant. The species appears to thrive best in light, loamy soil with which a little peat has been mixed. Propagation is effected by means of cuttings which root readily in summer. W . D. FORMS OF CYTISUS SCOPARDJS ANDREANUS. This variety of the common Broom was dis- covered in Normandy by M. Edouard Andre, the celebrated landscape gardener, and soon became common in gardens. Not only is it grown as a hardy shrub, but it is cultivated in considerable numbers for flower- ing under glass early in the year. There are now several forms of Cytisus scoparius Andrea- nus which have been raised by Mr. T. Smith, of Newry, in whose nursery many beautiful and in- teresting plants are always to be found. As long since as the Temple Show of 1907 one of these forms, Firefly, was given an Award of Merit by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticul- tural Society, and at the meeting held on April 20 of this year this variety was particularly noticeable in one of the exhibits of flowering shrubs. Its flowers are very richly coloured ; in- deed, it is described by Mr. Smith as an im- proved Andreanus, the colour of both keel and wings being much intensified. Other forms distributed at the same time, with the raiser's descriptions, are Daisy Hill, an An- dreanus with white wings; Butterfly, bright golden-yellow wings and pale orange keel ; Dragonfly, the darkest of all, rich, almost black keel, the crimson of which is suffused over the wings ; and Mayfly, rich orange-yellow wings, and deep bronze or old gold-coloured keel. Up to the present none of the other varieties seem to have attained the same amount of popularity as the variety Firefly, which may come in time to supersede to a considerable extent the original form. [Photograph by H. N, King Fig. 160. — lime avenue in wildernesse park. (See page 860.) Among the most marked varieties may be mentioned albidum, with flowers blush white, atrorubens and atrosanguineum, both character- ised by deep-coloured blossoms, which are some- what smaller than those of the type ; carneum, a pink form, with large blossoms ; flore plena, with richly-coloured double flowers that are later in expanding than any of the others ; and malvaceum, a curious lilac-pink form not par- ticularly showy. Ribes X Gordonianum, also known as Ribes hybridum, is sometimes classed as a variety of Ribes aureum, above referred to as one of the parents of R. X Gordonianum, is also a desir- able garden shrub, but it is not nearly so sturdy a plant as R. sanguineum, and its flowers are yellow. R. aureum is also represented by several varieties. The variety aurantiacum has flowers of an orange tint, while the blossoms of the one known as prsecox expand before those of the type. Apart from their value as outdoor shrubs, these different forms of Ribes can be forced into flower very readily. W. 362 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 5, 1909. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Salvia. — rot plants of such species as S. splen- dens, S. rutilans, and S. Bethellii, which are in cultivation for flowering in autumn and early winter, may be placed in a cool pit or frame for the summer months. They must not be allowed to become root-bound, as the result would be that the lower leaves would fall. Pinch the shoots from time to time, in order to obtain bush- habited plants. Frequent syringings will serve to protect the plants against red spider. Cut- tings of S. splendens and its varieties, also of S. rutilans, may still be inserted. They will fur- nish useful flowering plants in small pots. Oaladium. — If large specimens are desired some of the best plants should be potted into larger receptacles, using a similar compost to that employed at the last potting. The utmost care must be taken to avoid damaging the leaves. Any plants which are required for decorating dwelling-rooms should be removed from the hot, moist atmosphere in which they are growing, to a drier and cooler structure, in which they may remain for a few days before they are subjected to the ungenial conditions in the dwelling-house. liichardia africana. — Plants of the common Calla may now be placed in a warm position out- of-doors, where the crowns will ripen. The practice of planting this Richardia in trenches similar to those for Celery still obtains in many gardens, but plants thus cultivated are not generally so early or so floriferous as those which are allowed a period of rest during the early summer. Poinsettia. — The cuttings which were recently potted singly will need to be shifted into 5- inch pots as soon as they have filled the smaller ones with roots. A suitable compost consists of turfy loam two parts, leaf-mould one part, and decomposed cow manure one part, adding to the whole a good sprinkling of silver sand. Pot firmly, and about 10 days afterwards remove the plants into a cool pit for the summer months. Care must be taken in ventilating the pit, as Poinsettia is very easily damaged by sudden fluc- tuations of temperatures. Two common causes of failure in these plants are (1) cold draughts, (2) overwatering. During the middle of sunny days, a slight shading will be beneficial. In the afternoon, when the shading material is removed, the plants should be lightly sprayed with clear water. In the warmer parts of the country it is usual to remove the lights entirely on warm even- ings when it is not expected there will be any heavy rain. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By W. W. Pettigrew, Superintendent of City Parks, Cardiff. Spring bedding. — For some years past spring bedding has been regarded as quite an institu- tion in municipal gardens, and, for many rea- sons, it is a form of park decoration highly ap- preciated by the general public. Owing to the lateness of the present season, which is probably the cause of so many different species and varie- ties of plants flowering simultaneously, instead of dissipating their blooming period over several months, the spring bedding has been more effective and attractive than usual. In the days when the success of spring bedding displays de- pended largely, if not entirely, upon the use of so-called Dutch bulbs, this form of garden em- bellishment was not carried out so extensively, nor with such pleasing effects as are now wit- nessed. With more numerous and varied plants at command, this phase of gardening has become not only superior in many ways to sum- mer bedding, but much less expensive. Preparations for next year. — As many of the preparations for next spring's show have to be made just as soon as the current season's display is over, it is necessary to decide the design and arrangement of this work a whole year in ad- vance. The necessity for this forethought has its advantages, for, while the new schemes are being drawn up, the failure and successes of the old are still fresh in the memory, and it is, therefore, the f:isier to avoid past mistakes. It often happens that plants which are admirably adapted for the mixed spring border, or for beds which can be approached and examined at near range, are absolutely useless in a design where the object is for each bed to show up at a distance and take a part in giving colour to the whole arrangement. On more than one occasion we have spoiled what have been otherwise pleasing arrangements by using a plant incapable of producing a definite colour effect. Three plants which have disap- pointed us in this manner are the double red Daisy, Aubrietia deltoidea var. Leichtlinii, and the Heavenly Blue variety of Grape Hyacinth. While each 'of these is a delightfully pleasing object when view.jd at short range, they one and all failed to show up for any considerable distance, and so spoilt the whole scheme. Again, the slightest difference in the time of the flowering of one kind of plant from another may also tend to weaken the general effect of such an arrangement, for it is almost essential that all the different plants used in it should be at their best at about the same time. For this reason it seems questionable if that remarkably fine variety of Aubrietia known as Dr. Mules, with all its advantages of habit and colour, will ever take the place of the older forms, Campbellii and Hendersonii, for bedding purposes. This season it has proved in this district to be almost a fort- night later than those varieties, and it is thus at its best when most beds are required for their summer occupants. For a similar reason Myo- sotis alpestris var. Victoria seems better adapted for the spring border than a position in a geometrical design, although even for such work it is a great acquisition. Isolated beds. — In planting isolated beds or even designs it is not at all necessary to confine oneself to the use of one variety or even species of plant for each bed. Striking effects may be obtained by the use of yellow Polyanthus Prim- roses mixed with a mauve-flowering Viola ; scarlet Tulips, with yellow Polyanthus Prim- roses ; double white Arabia, with scarlet Tulips ; or Aubrietia " Campbellii," with double Arabia. Where it is intended that each bed shall pro- duce a single tone of colour, there are very few plants to beat double Arabis for white, Viola " Bullion " for yellow, and Aubrietia " Camp- bellii " or " Hendersonii " for mauve. In com- bination, these plants are very difficult to beat, and they can always be depended upon to flower at about the same time. Of course, it is as well to remember that all positions in the flower garden are not equally suitable for the success- ful development of the plants just enumerated. We find, for instance, that the very best results are only obtained from Aubrietias when they are growing on a gentle slope, preferably facing south. Where such a position is not at one's command, an equally good effect may be had by the use of Viola cornuta var. Papilio, which has a colour very similar to the two Aubrietias previously named, and is one of the most floriferous varieties of Viola known to me. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. The weather. — The welcome change in the weather has done much to improve the crops. Slight applications of artificial manures may now be frequently made with advantage, and the surface soil should be kept frequently moved with the hoe. Onions. — The general crop which was sown in the open should now be moderately thinned. It is a mistake to do this too severely, as the Onion fly is apt to do serious damage to the outdoor sowings. Provided a good number has been raised in heat and planted out for supplying large bulbs, there will be no necessity to grow the out- door crop very thinly. Frequent dustings of soot during the evening or very early in the morning act both as a stimulant to the plants and a deter- rent to fly. Keep the planted beds well supplied with water and apply plenty of stimulants, damp- ing the growths well every afternoon on fine days. Sow small quantities for salads frequently. The silver-skinned variety may still be sown for pickling purposes. Vegetable Marrows. — The lights and frames may now be removed from those plants which have been yielding crops during the past six weeks or two months. Thin out the shoots and give a thorough good surface dressing of loam and half-decayed manure. Peg out the growths and keep them well supplied with water, giving occasional doses of properly diluted farmyard liquid. Under this treatment the plants should continue to bear profusely until the autumn. Later-raised plants may safely be planted in any fairly open part of the garden. They are very useful for covering large rubbish heaps or any unsightly places, but it is advisable to give them a good start by placing a reasonable quantity of good half-decayed manure under the roots when planting. Gourds and Pumpkins. — These require much the same treatment as Vegetable Marrows, ex- cept that in many places the majority are grown for their ornamental fruits, and are trained over pergolas, tripods, and similar supports. They should be liberally fed during the growing season. Globe Artichokes. — Artichokes require a liberal mulch with some good litter from the stables. If they are well supplied with waterings of properly- diluted farmyard liquid, both the size and quality of the heads will be much improved. Leeks. — Endeavour to obtain as soon as possible the desired height of blanching in the early Leeks, by gradually raising the collars and work- ing fine soil about the bottoms. Plenty of water must be given at the roots and the tops should be sprayed every fine afternoon. Continue to put out the later sowings as the plants become ready. For late plantings, deep holes may be bored, dropping the young plants in to the depth of about 10 inches' and gradually filling up as growth advances. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Peaches and Nectarines. — These having been disbudded as recommended in previous " Calen- dars" ; the young growths should now be tied or nailed in. In most cases, the shoots may be trained to the wood they -start from, as this will be removed after the fruit is gathered, but do not train in too many. Pinch out all lateral growths as they appear. Syringe the trees thoroughly on fine afternoons, wetting all parts of the trees, otherwise red spider and other in- sect pests will make their appearance. Remove any shoots that are growing unduly strong, for they would never be likely to bear well. The first thinning of the fruits may be commenced, for they are developing fast. Remove first those which are badly placed and others that are growing too thickly together. The final thinning must not be done until after the critical stoning period is past. Keep the trees well supplied with water. Young trees that were lifted last autumn should be watched closely and watered occasionally as required. If a good mulch has not been given such trees, let it be applied with- out delay. Trees in full bearing may be given a mulch of rotten farmyard manure, but for young trees growing strongly, a lighter and less forceful material will be more suitable, being required merely to keep the ground moist and cool. Apricots. — Continue to pinch back any shoots not required for extension, and secure longer growths to the wires. Give the fruits their final thinning where this is necessary ; but in cases under the writer's notice Apricots are only a very moderate crop, and, therefore, the fruits will be unusually valuable. When growing freely, the trees should be assisted by applications of manure water. Fruit trees on walls rarely get the full benefit from the rains at this season, and means should therefore be taken to make good the deficiency. Plums. — Plum trees need similar attention to Apricots in the matter of the leading shoots and pinching out those not required for extension. Stop all foreright growths at the fourth or fifth leaf, leaving the weaker shoots, which should be stopped later in the season. Examine the trees carefully for aphides, and if these insects are discovered, give the trees a thorough wash first with a good insecticide, and afterwards with clear water from the garden engine. As young trees are apt to grow very strong, do not apply rich manurial stimulants in the watering or mulching, but apply a mulch of some light ma- terial. At present Plums are looking well, and the fruits are swelling rapidly. General work. — Keep the hoe constantly at work, breaking up the ground sufficiently to en- sure a fairly fine surface. Where watering has been done, the soil is apt to become caked and hard, and finally to crack, but this can be pre- vented by frequently stirring. June 5, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 303 THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bar!., Burford, Surrey. Oaelogyne. — In addition to the Coelogynes men- tioned last week, there are other species which thrive well in an intermediate temperature, such as C. elata, C. burbata, C. speciosa, C. odoratis- sima, C. Micholitzii, C. conferta, C. Rossiana, C. ocellata, C. Lawrenceana, C. Sanderiana, and the rare C. Sanderoe. These are now making their growth and may be repotted. Employ a similar mixture to that advised for C. cristata, but containing rather less loam, and more of the two fibres. As C. Dayana and C. flaccida pro- duce pendulous racemes, they should be grown in baskets or shallow pans, which may be sus- pended. The warmth-loving C. Massangeana and C. tomentosa should also be cultivated in baskets. Whilst growth is being made, suspend them in a shady position in the East Indian house, and, during the resting period, in a similar position in the Cattleya house. C. asperata Lowii also requires stove treatment, and should be repotted, if necessary, directly after flowering. Shallow pans are preferable for the small, dwarf- growing varieties as C. odoratissima and C. Thuniana. After root disturbance, these Ccelo- gynes need to be well shaded, and water must be afforded them very carefully around the edge of the pot rather than in the centre. As each plant becomes re-established, it will require an abundance of moisture until the pseudo-bulbs are fully made up. During warm summer weather spray them lightly overhead with clear tepid rain-water several times each day. It will be observed that sometimes the tips of the young growths of several of these plants are covered with a sticky exudation, which, if not carefully washed off, will prevent the young leaves from expanding. Odonioglossum grande, 0. Schlieperianum and 0. I nslcayi will now be commencing to grow, and should be repotted into similar compost as advised in a former " Calendar " for Cattleyas. The compost should be made extra porous, for although these plants delight in plenty of water when growing, it should pass quickly away, otherwise the least stagnation in the soil will cause the fleshy roots to decay. A critical time is during the early stages of growth, as the young breaks soon damp off if the soil is kept in a wet condition. They are also apt to decay should water be allowed to remain in their centres for any length of time. At Burford, we find that they do best on a high, dry shelf in the cool house. This kind of treatment is also suit- able for the rare O. Williamsianum now coming into bloom. Oncidium ainpliatum, ice. — Plants that have passed out of flower should be placed in a cool intermediate house. While at rest very little moisture is required to keep the leaves fresh and the bulbs plump. As soon as growth recom- mences remove the plants to the warmer atmo- sphere of the East Indian house. Those plants of 0. leucochilum which have been flowering in the intermediate house should, immediately their spikes are cut, be placed in the cool house. Ow- ing to the great strain of carrying strong-branch- ing flower-spikes, the pseudo-bulbs become more or less shrivelled, but with proper care and at- tention they return to their normal condition soon after growth recommences. While at rest, keep the plants cool, and do not afford heavy waterings, but merely keep the surface of the compost just moist. At this season there are other Oncidiums, such as 0. Marshallianum, O. crispum. O. concolor, and O. prsetextum which are liable to become exhausted after flowering. Therefore, both owner and grower should take the future into consideration and remove the spikes after the flowers have been open a rea- sonable time. Any of these plants, or others which have not wholly recovered from the effects of last season's flowering, should not be allowed to bloom this year. With a season's rest, and all other conditions being favourable, they will regain their strength. Small, weakly plants should not be allowed to bloom at all. These remarks are also applicable to Odontoglossum crispum and its allies. There are many who pos- sess newly-imported plants of these species an ! who are anxious to see them flower ; others, too, who are flowering young seedlings for the first time, and are equally anxious as to the result. It is advisable to leave only one or two flowers to open so as to determine the variety, and then to grow the plant on for several years without flowering, by which time it will be so thoroughly established as to bring to perfection a strong inflorescence without causing distress to the pseudo-bulbs. Cattleya gigas. — Strong plants of Cattleya gigas, whether showing flower-sheaths in the young growths or not, should at once be elevated close to the roof glass of the house. Afford them plenty of water at the roots. Defer the potting of the plants until after they have flowered and the new pseudo-bulbs have fully developed. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Late vines. — As soon as the flowers are set upon late vines, it will be time to regulate the growths, the laterals must be stopped and shoots tied down to the wires. Much care must be exercised in this latter matter, especially with such varieties as Black Alicante, Appley Towers, and Lady Hutt, for at this stage the shoots are easily broken off. In any case, they must be trained in the right direction and gradually pulled down at intervals of a few days, until ultimately they can be tied to their proper posi- tion on the trellis. Remove all surplus bunches as soon as it can be seen which are needed for furnishing the crop. Late vines must not be overcropped, this being one of the chief causes of shanking, and a hindrance to perfect ripen- ing. The thinning of the berries must not be delayed when once they are large enough for the operation to be properly carried out. The free- setting kinds especially swell very quickly at this time of the year, and the berries are there- fore liable to get damaged through overcrowd- ing. Late Grapes should be more severely thinned than earlier ones, for they need more room for the berries to mature without unduly pressing each other, a condition which is against their good keeping. At the same time they must not be over-thinned, especially at the top of the bunch. In the case of varieties of compact habit such as Gros Maroc and Gros Colmar, the bunches may be increased in size if the shoul- ders are carefully looped up. The final thinning must be deferred for a week or two until it can be better determined which berries are going to swell best. If the borders are properly drained and the vines thoroughly well-rooted they must be given copious supplies of liquid manures and occasional sprinklings with some fertiliser. When the final thinning has been done, apply a good mulching of farmyard manure over the roots. Do not employ fire heat when temperatures can be maintained in its ab- sence, and at no time must the water pipes be overheated, as this condition encourages the spread of red spider. If this pest is present, sponge the affected leaves with soft soapy water. Late vines should receive plenty of ventilation; the rods should be trained sufficiently far from the glass to allow a free circulation of air about the foliage. The ventilators at the top of the house should be allowed to remain open just a little all through the night. At the same time draughts of cold air must not be permitted. The orchard house. — Complete the final thin- ning of Peaches and Nectarines and other stone fruits as soon as the stoning stage is past. In determining the number of fruits upon each tree, the operator should consider carefully the size and strength of the individual trees. Again, it must be said that overcropping should be avoided, as in all cases prejudicial to good gardening. Apply plenty of water to the roots and give liquid manure water at frequent intervals, increasing the strength of the manure water after the ston- ing stage is past. Mulch the trees with decom- posed horse manure and loam in equal propor- tions, adding small quantities of some approved fertiliser. Syringe the trees freely on bright days, and damp the surfaces in the house three or four times every day. Pinch the young growths, especially the strong ones. Tomatos. — Pot plants should be stopped when they have set four or five trusses of fruit, as they are not able to perfect such a large crop as plants which are growing in beds. Remove the side shoots and, where the foliage is obscuring the light and air from the fruits, the leaves must be partly cut away, but not too severely, for the fruits ripen better when partially shaded. Give the plants a top-dressing of some rich material such as loam and well-decayed horse manure in equal proportions. The roots should be watered and fed more frequently than hitherto. A batch of plants should be raised about the second week in June for supplying fruits in late autumn. When established, these plants should be placed in a sheltered position out-of- doors, and not be brought in again until the autumn frosts are apparent. By that time each plant should have set several trusses of fruits, and these will carry the supply till the end of the year. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G, Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Roses. — Endeavour to keep all the Roses clean of insect pests. Maggots require to be sought often, or they will disfigure the foliage. They are apt to hide themselves in the tip of the leaf, and commence to draw the flower-buds inside. Green fly can be kept under by spraying the plants with extract of quassia or petroleum emulsion. This latter remedy, however, must be applied with caution or the leaves may receive damage. Apply water to any that nwd it dur- ing dry weather. Tie in strong growths in order that they may not be damaged by winds, and remove all decayed flowers from early-blooming varieties. Employ the hoe frequently on the ground amongst the young Rose plants in the nursery. Examine the ties upon standard plants and make any good that require it. Rosa sinica Anemone and fulgida flowered grandly dur- ing the last fortnight. These are two excellent Roses for early-flowering, the colours being so exquisite. Summer bedding. — Complete the summer bed- ding as soon as possible, remembering the season at its best is only a short one. Give every plant all the facilities possible for making a good start. Keep the beds and borders free from weeds, and the edges neatly clipped. Annuals. — Those which have been planted out should be sprayed every evening villi water. Dimorphotheca aurantiaca is now flowering splen- didly, but it looks as if it will be short-lived. Seed sowing. — Anemone seed may now be sown on finely-prepared soil. Seed beds should be shaded by placing moss or some similar ma- terial upon them. The present time is suitable for sowing seeds of Aquilegia, Dianthus, Holly- hocks, Polyanthus, and other species required for spring gardening, if this work has not already- been done. Bog plants and aquatics. — Remove all the old soil and decayed matter from around the plants growing at the edges of lakes and ponds and apply a top-dressing in cases where this is neces- sary. Spiraeas and similar plants are much im- proved by a dressing of soot occasionally, especi- ally S. palmata, a variety which succeeds so well in these positions. If any waterside plants have to be planted the work may now be done, as the temperature of the water is now increased. Richardia afrioana, if it has been hardened off, may now be planted in Z feet deep of water. Some excellent plants for the water-edge include Lythrum roseum superbum, Calla palustris and Little Gem, • Aponogeton distachyon, Acorus calamus, Hottonia palustris, Menvanthes tri- foliata, Rumex Hydrolopathum, Zizania, the Water Rice, which grows 8 to 10 feet in height, Gunnera manieata, and G. scabra should now be freed from all protective material which should be spread about over the roots. Give manure as recommended in a former Calen- dar. If the flower-heads are removed as soon as they are seen the leaves will grow to a larger size. Kniphofias are fine plants for the waterside. They should receive heavy top- dressings of manure. Acanthus latifolius is a very stately plant with fine large leaves of glossy green and tall spikes of blue and white flowers. This plant should be planted out from pots. Petasites gigantea is a fine foliage plant for the margin of a lake or swamp. It is an ex- cellent plant for heavy soils. The plant flowers in spring before the leaves appear. Other good species include Rodgersia podophylla, Saxifraga peltata, and Rheum palmatum. General work. — Mow and clip the lawns fre- quently. Attend to watering, weeding, staking, and tying. First in importance is the proper care of the plants themselves. 364 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 5, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. tetters for Publication, as well as specimens of 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. 1/ 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 himsel] responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.- The Editor will be glad to receive andto select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c, but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, JUNE 8— Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p.m. by the Rev. Prof. G. Henslow, on " Old Superstitions about Plants "). British Gard. Assoc. Ex. Council meet. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9— Roy. Cornwall Sh. at St. Columb (2 days). Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 58-2°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, June 2 (6 p.m.): Max. 58°; Min. 50°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London— Thursday, June 3 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 30 0 ; Temp. 60° ; Weather— Overcast. Provinces.— Wednesday, June 2 (6 p.m.): Max. 63" Ireland N.W. ; Min. 51° Scotland East Coast. and Soil Exhaustion SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY— The valuable Freehold Horticultural Property, " Vale Nursery," Haywards Heath, Sussex, area 5a. 2r. 14p., with Bungalow, Cottages, Orchid Houses, &c, at The Mart, E.G. ; by Protheroe & Morris, at 2. WEDNESDAY— Bulbs and Roots in variety, at 1 ; Palms and Plants, at 1.30; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. FRIDAY— Choice imported and established Orchids, and a "Reich- enbachia" complete in four vols., at 67 & 68, Cheap- side, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45. Two theories as to the cause of Soil Fertility soil futility are in general vogue. According to one, which may be called the chemi- cal theory, a soil is fertile which possesses the chemical compounds such as nitrates, phosphates, and salts of potash, necessary for the growth of plants, in sufficient quantity and proper condition of solubility. The second, or physical theory, holds that the essential factor in soil fertility is its relation to water. Roots of plants require air as well as water. The root has to supply the leaves with large quantities of water. Only when the physical condition of the soil admits of the root of a plant obtaining adequate supplies of water and also of air, can the plant grow properly. On the physical theory alone such soils are fertile in which these conditions obtain. These two theories are not necessarily mutually exclusive. We may combine them into a chemico-physical theory, and attribute fertility, in part, to the presence in the soil of the essential mineral substances, and, in part, to the proper relations of soil to water. The extreme adherents of the physical theory go further than this, and are apt to maintain that a soil does not become ex- hausted by plants in consequence of the re- moval by the latter of the available, chemical food materials. They urge that as such materials held in solution in the soil-water are taken up by the roots of plants, corresponding quantities of similar substances pass into solu- tion and thus replace in the water of the soil those absorbed by the plant. On this view it is not easy to understand how the addition of definite chemical fer- tilisers produce their well-marked effects on soil fertility. If a soil lacks phosphates, for example, it is easy to understand the bene- ficial result following on the addition of phos- phatic fertilisers. But if a soil does not lack phosphates, how can the addition of these substances produce, as in certain soils, and on some crops it indubitably does produce, an improvement in fertility ? The workers in the Bureau of Soils of the United States Depart- ment of Agriculture propose to explain such foots as these on a new hypothesis of soil fertility and soil exhaustion. According to this hypothesis, soil fertility is not reduced because of the removal by the crop of mineral food materials, but because the crop forms a definite, chemical poison, which is liberated in the soil and acts adversely on the fol- lowing crop. The role of artificial, chemical manures is to neutralise the poisonous effects of the toxic root excretions. The supporters of the toxic theory, as it may be called, have brought forward a considerable body of evi- dence in support of the suggestion that plants excrete definite poisonous substances, and they urge that the common practice of rota- tion of crops lends support to their view. It is too early yet to pronounce definitely either for or against the toxic theory, though that it will replace altogether the chemical theory would seem improbable. It is not unlikely that the toxic substances produced in the soil represent not the excretion of plants but the by-products of the activity of certain races of soil bacteria. A vast and almost un- tilled field oi investigation is presented by the bacteria of the soil, and it is probable that soil fertility will be found to depend on chemical, physical and biological factors, not solely on one of these, and to be the consequence of complex, diverse conditions rather than of one condition only. Lime-sulphur washes, made Self-Boiled by boiling together suitable - I*™.?" amounts of lime, sulphur and Sulphur . Mixture. water (see our issue May 15, 1909, p. 313), though useful substitutes for the Bordeaux mixture for spra3'ing dormant trees, and often recom- mended for general spraying purposes, are apt to damage such tender foliage as that of the Peach. Hence the Bureau of Plant Indus- try of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has instituted experiments to investigate the use of a milder form of lime-sulphur wash, termed " self-boiled." In Circular No. 27 of the Bureau the method of preparation of this spray-material is thus described. The mix- ture can best be prepared in rather large quantities so as to get enough heat to produce a violent boiling for a few minutes. The quick- lime (20 lbs.) is placed in a barrel, and about 3 gallons of water is added in order to start slaking, and to keep the sulphur off the bottom. As much sulphur as quicklime is sifted in, and then, the mixture being vigorously stirred, enough water is poured in to slake the lime into a paste. When the violent boiling which accompanies the slaking is over more water is added, in order to stop the cooking. For use, the mixture must be diluted with water in the proportion of 100 gallons for 20 lbs. of lime and 20 lbs. of sulphur. It is claimed that, when prepared in this way, less sulphur goes into solution, and that, during the slaking, the sulphur is broken up into extremely fine particles, and thus makes with the lime a good mechanical mixture. The self-boiled wash thus obtained should be strained through a sieve of 20 meshes to the inch. The spraying outfit should be provided with a good agitator. Experiments made with the wash on Peach trees affected with scab (Cladosporium car- pophilum Thiim) and with brown rot (Monilia fructigena, Pers.) reduced the amount of diseased fruit from 36.9 to 12.2 per cent, in the case of the former disease and from 93 to 16 per cent, in the case of the latter. The trees, 20 in number, were sprayed three times — once in April and twice in May, the first spraying being about a month after the petals had fallen, the last, three weeks before the fruit was picked. No scorching of the leaves resulted from the use of the self- boiled material. Unfortunately, the wash produces a whitewashing effect on the fruit, but, if the spray is applied about a month before picking time, the stain, in large mea- sure, passes away by the time the fruit is ripe. Experiments were also made on Cherry-leaf spot (Cylindrosporium padi Karst), and showed that the defoliation, which is a consequence of the attacks of this fungus, is prevented by the use of self-boiled lime-sulphur wash, as it is also by Bordeaux mixture. In trials on Apple-scab the lime- sulphur wash appeared to give results in- ferior to those obtained by the use of either Bordeaux mixture or lime-sulphur wash made in the usual manner. Our Supplementary Illustration affords a view of Syon House, Brentford, the residence of the Duke of Northumberland, K.G., as seen from the banks of the Thames skirting Kew Gar- dens. The gardens at Syon are almost as famed as the residence, and in the glasshouses and grounds many species of plants have flowered for the first time in this country. The Daffodils on the Kew side, shown in the foreground, are now past, but this portion of the pleasure ground is still charming with the numerous shrubs in flower, the magnificent display of Rho- dodendrons, and the scene on the river itself. The Grass about the Daffodils is not mown until the leaves of the bulbous plants show signs of withering, generally about the end of June. Some varieties of Narcissi thrive even better in the " wild " garden than when grown in prepared beds or borders. The common double Daffodil N. Telamonius plenus is a particularly pleasing variety for effect at a distance; this, with pallidus praecox and the Tenby Daffodil N. obvallaris are the earliest to flower. They are followed by Sir Watkin, Emperor, Empress, Stella, Frank Miles, Autocrat, and N. poeticus praecox, all valuable varieties for naturalising in Grass land. N. Johnstonii Queen of Spain is delightful when thriving in the Grass, but only in some places does this variety succeed. The illustration is further interesting, for whilst the Daffodils are in Surrey, Syon House is in the county of Middlesex, the two counties being divided by the river. June 5, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 365 National Rose Society. — The summer show will be held in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, N.W., on Friday, July 2. The prizes include two champion challenge trophies, also numerous other cups and pieces of plate, and money prizes to the value of £400. Lun- cheon, tea, and light refreshments will be obtain- able in the gardens. Further particulars can be obtained from the hon. secretary, Mr. Edward Mawley, Rosebank, Berkhamsted. Fortunes Yellow Rose.— We have received a few flowers of this delightful Rose from Mr. G. H. Head, Kingston Manor Gardens, Taunton, Somersetshire, who states that a plant is at present flowering very finely on the southern aspect of the Manor House. The distinct colour- ing of this fragrant Rose makes it a desirable plant in any locality where it can be cultivated with success. Exhibition of Rhododendrons Messrs. John Waterer & Sons, Ltd., opened their annual exhibition of Rhododendrons at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Regent's Park, on Thursday, June 3. The show, which is beautifully arranged under canvas, consists of upwards of 2,000 plants, varying in height from 2 to 10 feet. About 200 varieties are represented. The exhi- bition will remain open until the end of the present month. A Novel Mouse Trap. — Among the many interesting subjects dealt with in the February number of the Queensland Agricultural Journal, we may draw attention to the following ingenious method, quoted from " Popular Mechanics," of catching mice. The materials required for the trap are a piece of an old bicycle tyre and a glass fruit bottle. One end of the tyre is placed in the mouse-hole and the other in the mouth of quite well in the dilute solution which he recom- mends. Those who are plagued in summer-time with flies would do well to try this method ; for, apart from the nuisance, flies are, by reason of their powers of distributing germs of disease, to be reckoned among the enemies of mankind. The Destruction ofWeeds by Spraying. —The value of copper sulphate as a means of destroying Charlock is well known, and it is un- fortunate that other specifics for other kinds of weeds among growing crops have not as yet been discovered. Extensive experiments have recently been carried out, apparently with success, in the Malay Straits in cleaning land not occupied by a crop by means of spraying with a solution of arsenate of soda. It is claimed that the cost of thus cleaning land about to be brought into cultivation is only 2s. per acre. Up to the pre- sent there is no reason, however, for believing [Photograph by A. E. Smith. Fig. i6i. — group of vanda teres exhibited by mr. Leopold de rothschild at the temple show. (See Report in last issue.) Royal Botanic Society. — At a meeting of the Fellows held last week, it was decided that each Fellow should make a contribution of five guineas towards the fund of the Society. It was explained by the chairman that unless such help was forthcoming within a month, the Society would have to go into liquidation, in which case the Gardens would revert to the Crown. The Perpetual - flowering Carnation Society has decided to hold a trial of perpetual- flowering Carnations in the open ground at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, N.W., in order to test the suitability of varieties for open-air culture. Members of the society are re- quested to forward plants to Mr. E. F. Hawes, at the above address, who has undertaken to conduct the trials. Plants should be forwarded carriage-paid as early as possible, and a list of varieties sent by each member should be included. The trials will be inspected by the Floral Com- mittee, marks given according to merit, and the results published in due course. the bottle. The mice run up the tunnel thus formed and so are imprisoned in the bottle with- out chance of escape. No bait is necessary. To Kill Flies.— Dr. Alexander Hill, writing in a recent issue of Nature, states that a dilute solution of formaline (two teaspoonfuls of the commercial 40 per cent, formaline added to a soup plate filled with water) makes an efficient fly-de- stroyer. Flies go to it to drink, and die, some in the water, others in the neighbourhood of the plate. So dilute a solution as that which suffices to keep down the flies is not enough to produce, by the vapour liberated from it, any harmful effect on people living in the room. Dr. Hill points out that the formaline method is free from the gruesome associations of fly-papers and other traps which hold their struggling victims, and that it may even be turned to ornamental uses, for the dish may be provided with a central wire cage and filled with flowers. Though for- maline is poisonous to plants as well as to ani- mals, yet, according to Dr. Hill, cut flowers keep that the use of arsenate of soda would be possible in the case of land bearing crops. Cupressus macnabiana.— We are asked to state that the Curator of the Botanic Garden, Cambridge, would be grateful to any reader of the Gardeners' Chronicle who would be so kind as to send him a plant of Cupressus Macnabiana. He would also be much obliged for a branch with cones if possible. The Cultivation of the Banana in the South of France. — Some five years ago young Bananas, introduced from Algeria, were planted in the open in the South of France (Department of Var). The only protection given to the plants was a wrapping of straw during the winter months. This year, according to Der Handels- gartner, the plants have borne fruit. Hence, it seems not improbable that French-grown Bananas may be put, in course of time, on the market, though it is more likely that, if Banana- growing in France is developed successfully, the market for them will be found in France and Germany rather than in this country. 366 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 5, 1909. The Royal Institution.— Dr. F. F. Black- man will deliver two lectures at the Royal Insti- tution on " The Vitality of Seeds and Plants " : 1 (June 5), " A Vindication of the Vitality of Plants " ; 2 (June 12), " The Life and Death of Seeds." The Artificial Retarding of Plants.— An interesting experiment in retarding the de- velopment of plants is published by M. P. Noel in Le. Naturaliste. For the following account of the experiment we are indebted to Dtr Han- delsgartner (May 8) : — The owner of a fine exotic species of Prunus observed that, though the plant flowered freely every year, it failed, owing to the frosts of early May, to form fruits. He determined therefore to try the effect of ether. To this end he made, in the neighbour- hood of the roots, a hole in the ground about 16 inches deep, poured in ether, and closed the hole. As a consequence of this root-etherisation, the Prunus flowered two weeks later than usual, escaped the late frosts, and set its fruits. It is curious that etherisation should, when applied to the shoots of plants, as in Johannen's well- known method of forcing, produce precocity of flowering, and, when applied to the roots, give rise to an opposite effect. More experiments are needed before this retarding effect of ether can be regarded as being of general application. Climate and the Chemical Composition of Wheat. — The influence of environment on the composition of Wheat, both as to nitrogen and ash content, is a question which is receiving much attention from agricultural chemists. Climate appears to be far more potent than soil fertility in influencing the composition of the Train. The researches of Lawes and Gilbert have shown that manuring has but little influence on the composition. The shorter the period which elapses from the formation of the grain until it is ripe, the higher the nitrogen content. High temperatures, long days, and absence of moisture during the ripening process hasten the maturation of the grain and increase its percentage of gluten. Recent researches of Mr. F. T. Shutt, carried out at the Canadian Experiment Station, Southern Alberta, have been devoted to the study of the influence of the moisture-content of the soil on the Wheat crop. A larger amount of moisture in the soil prolongs the vegetative processes and delays the maturation of the grain. Early ripen- ing tends to the production of a hard, glutinous Wheat. Prolonged vegetative growth induced by excessive moisture defers ripening and allows of the further deposition of starch. Whilst, how- ever, the amount of gluten is a product of the season, the character of the gluten depends on the variety of the Wheat. Plant Poisons.— Among the most remark- able of the occasional constituents of plants are those substances known to chemists as cyano- genetic glucosides. These glucosides are complex substances, which split up readily into a sugar (glucose) and other compounds, among which is the highly-poisonous prussic acid. Inasmuch as such glucosides occur in various fodder plants, it is not surprising that instances of poisoning occur occasionally among cattle which have fed upon these plants, e.g., Sorghum, Millet, &c. Within the past few years three new cyanogenetic glu- cosides have been isolated from plant tissues, viz., sambunigrin from the leaves of the Common Elder Sambucus nigra; prulaurasin, from the leaves of the Cherry-Laurel Prunus Laurocerasus, and amygdonitrile glucoside from the young twigs of Prunus Padus, and more recently from the bark of the Wild Cherry Prunus serotina. The last-mentioned glucoside is peculiarly inter- esting, inasmuch as it is a constituent of amyg- dalin, the active principle of bitter almonds, and was. indeed, prepared from amygdalin in the laboratory in 1895, 12 years before its discovery as a natural product of plants. The work of the chemists in isolating and examining the constituents of plants must lead ultimately to the goal so much desired of botanists, the discovery of the chemical course of events whereby the inorganic nitrogen taken in by the plant in the form of nitrates is built up into organic nitrogen. A New Paraffin Emulsion. — Paraffin, made into an emulsion with soft soap, has long been used as an insecticide, but one drawback to its use is the tendency of the paraffin to separate out from the emulsion. Mr. Macoun, horticul- turist to the Canadian Department of Agricul- ture, finds that when flour is substituted for soft soap the emulsion obtained is finer and more permanent. By mixing 1 gallon of paraffin, 2£ lbs. of flour (the poorest quality serves), and 9 gallons of water, and whipping the mixture vigorously for five minutes, an emulsion is ob- tained which remains good for 14 hours. If it is not required to keep the emulsion so long, half the quantity of flour suffices. It is best to add the flour to the paraffin, and then to pour in about four gallons of water, to beat the mixture vigorously till the emulsion is obtained, and then to make up with the rest of the water (five gallons). Publications Received. — Home - Bottled Fruits and How to do Them, by G. W. S. Brewer, F.G.S. (Cheltenham : Harvey & Heal- ing, Manchester Street.) Price 6d. net.— Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station. Bulletin No. 132 : Vol. XIV. Results of Co-operative Tests of Varieties of Corn, Wheat, Oats, Soy Beans, and Cow Peas. (190b.) Bulletin No. 133 : Vol. XIV. Commercial Ferti- lisers. (Indiana, U.S.A. : Published by the Station, Lafayette.)— Studies in Fossil Botany. (Part II.) By Dukinfield Henry Scott. (London : Adam and Charles Black, Soho Square, W.) Price 5s. net— Observing and Forecasting the Weather : Meteorology without Instruments, by D. W. Horner, F.R.Met. Soc. (second edition). (London: Witherby & Co., 326, High Holborn.) Price 6d. net — Circulars from Agricultural Journal of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon. (1.) Animals associated with the Hevea Rubber, by E. Ernest Green. (2.) Tapioca, Manioca, or Cassava, by M. K. Bamber. (3.) Oil-yielding Grasses grown at Bandarawela, by J. F. Jowitt, B.A. (4.) A revised list of the plots on the Experimental Station, Peradeniya, by R. H. Lock, M.A. (5.) The Cultivation of Passiflora fcetida and Mikania soandens to keep down other weeds, by M. Kelway Bamber. (6 and 7.) Abnor- malities in Hevea brasiliensis, by T. Petch, (8.) Cotton Cultivation: Its extension in Ceylon, by J. Stewart J. McCall. -Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. Leaflet No. 97 : Farmers' Co- operative Societies. No. 203 : The Larch Shoot Moths. No. 214 : Agricultural Banks. No. 219: Glanders and Farcy. No. 220: Agricultural Holdings Act, 1903. — Notes from the Botanical School of Trinity College, Dublin. No. 1, Vol. II. (May.) (Dublin : University Press.)— Straits Settlements Annual Report on the Botanic Gardens, Singapore and Penang for the year 1908, by H. N. Ridley. (Singapore : Government Printing Office.)— Beautiful Flowers and How to Grow Them, by Horace J. Wright and Walter P. Wright. (Part XIV.) (London : T. C. & E. C. Jack.) Price Is. net. — Liste Sommaire et Pre- liminaire de quelques-unes des Plantes du Jardin " Les Tropiques " a Nice, cultivees a I'air libre. (Toulon: Romain Liautaud, 56, Boulevard de Strasbourg, 56.) — Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States. (May.) (Singapore : The Methodist Pub- lishing House.) — Charles Darwin: Three Appreciations by J. M. Macfarlane. Lecture delivered before the Faculty and Students of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, when Delegate from the University of Pennsylvania, Feb- ruary 12, 1909— Annalen des K.K Naturhis- torischen Hofmuseums. Nr. 2-3. (Wien : Alfred Holder.) — The Journal of the Board of Agriculture of British Guiana. (Demerara : The Argosy Co., Ltd., Georgetown ) Price Id. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. One of the most important items in hot weather is that of watering, and this should be done in a thorough manner. For crops grow- ing in the open, the hose is usually employed, but for the young seedlings, as well as for plants under the lights, cans will be found most suit- able. Although it is preferable to water early and late in the day, yet on some occasions the grower is obliged to apply water all through the day. Cauliflowers and Carrots will not suffer any injury if watered in the middle of the day, but in the case of salads, especially Lettuces and Endives, water should only be given to these plants when the sun is not powerful. The beds will soon be cleared of Carrots, and the ground must then be hoed and thoroughly cleansed before the Cauliflowers spread their leaves over the beds. Cauliflowers will be show- ing their inflorescences in a few days, and must not be allowed to become dry, otherwise the heads will not develop well. The young seed- lings of this plant require light waterings daily. Thin them out if they are too numerous. Endives planted at the end of April are now ready for blanching. As the hearts of these plants decay if tied up too long, it is advisable only to tie sufficient batches to meet require- ments. The first batch of Melons is now fruiting. Great care and knowledge are required in select- ing the fruit to ripen; as a rule, it should be selected as far as possible from the main stem, on a strong and healthy shoot. The shape of the young fruit must be perfect. The plants make but little growth during the time the fruits are swelling. They require plenty of water (three gallons per light daily) when the weather is fine, and the lights should be opened wide whenever possible, closing them again to- wards evening. The main batch is now growing freely, and the side shoots are stopped to the second leaf. Occasionally small shoots break away from the main stem at the base of the side . shoots, but these must be removed. Although these plants will not require much water, they must be allowed ample ventilation so as to ripen the shoots. At the present time it is necessary to grow Melon plants hardy, for this will facili- tate the setting of the flowers later on. All Melons must be watered early in the morning. The grower should examine the plants in the course of the day and shade any which flag. We are now cutting the " Passion " Lettuces which were planted early in the spring. They do well in our garden, which is of a clayey nature. Cos Lettuces, planted late in March and early in April, are hearting. These plants re- quire heavy waterings, at least three times a week. Examine them from time to time, as the heart is liable to decay when the watering is done late in the morning. P. Aquatias, May 20. THE ALPINE GARDEN. ANEMONE PATENS LUTE A. There are few yellow-flowered Windflowers; they include the yellow varieties of Anemone patens, the Spreading Windflower, which is a near ally of Anemone Pulsatilla, the native Pasque Flower. The type flowers of A. patens are purple, but there is a North American form (by some authorities regarded as a species) which has also purple flowers, and of which ther? is a cream-coloured variety. The European plant gives, however, a form with pale yellow flowers, and this is called A. patens lutea. Anemone patens prefers a rather calcareous soil : it thrives in that which suits A. Pulsatilla, and delights in a similar situation. Pot plants should be purchased if possible, as these tap- > rooted Anemones are difficult to establish, and it is not advisable to disturb the roots more than is necessary. S. Arnotl. June 5, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 367 THE CARRIAGE OF VEGETABLE AND FRUIT PRODUCE BY RAILWAY. The article in last week's issue of the Gar- deners' Chronicle, by Mr. G. B. Lissenden on the subject of combination among growers for the purpose of the carriage of goods by rail raises once again a question which is well worthy of serious consideration. Undoubtedly lower rates can be obtained for the carriage of large lots than can reasonably be demanded in the case of smaller lots, and it might be well worth while for growers to consider how far the prin- ciple of co-operation might in certain instances be extended in this direction. At ihe same time it has to be borne in mind that the conditions in France and Germany are not quite identical with those which obtain in England. In Germany, for instance, rates are, to urge that if he were to send his goods in the first instance to some forwarding agent, possibly some miles away, for the purpose of having the goods bulked with those of other growers, con- siderable time would be lost owing to the extra handling involved. Furthermore, the English grower usually prefers to place on the market high-class goods which will tend to enhance his trade reputation, and he objects to have his con- signments mixed up with those of other growers who may choose to adopt a somewhat lower standard of quality. As Mr. Lissenden rightly points out, the railway companies will not make a reduction on consignments of various growers " lumped together ' unless one only of the growers is, by arrangement, selected as the nominal sender on behalf of all. The name of the selected grower has to appear on the con- signment note, and he has to be authorised by home trader are (a) that a Departmental Com- mittee has already reported against the conten- tion that foreign traders are granted better terms than home traders, and (b) that most, if not all, of the trader's present complaints would be disposed of if he would consent to co-operate. These are, in fact, the two herrings which rail- way companies always seek 'to draw across the trail of enquiry into the peculiar difficulties with which home traders are faced, and it may, there- fore, be worth while to examine them a little more closely. Foreign Preference Dealing with the first point, it is perfectly true that in 1906 a Departmental Committee appointed by the Board of Agriculture sat to enquire into the question of whether preferential treatment is in fact given by home railways to foreign pro- [Photograph fry -1 • £•'. Smith. Fig. 162. — group of orchids exhibited by messrs. sander and sons at the temple show. (See Report in last issue.) generally speaking, far more favourable to the trader than those which are granted by the various English companies. In Germany also the work performed by the railway companies usually consists of haulage from station to station, the work of collection and delivery (for which an extra fee is charged in England) being done by separate companies which act as forwarding agents. In Germany, goods consigned for export to England meet with specially favoured treat- ment at the hands of a paternal Government and are rushed through to the coast in special trains at specially low charges. The English grower, on the other hand, who (under existing condi- tions) caters mainly for the home market, finds it necessary to send small daily consignments to London and elsewhere. For him the question of time is often of vital importance, and he is wont his fellow growers to receive on their behalf the special allowances made. It is therefore not altogether difficult to understand the reluctance of the high-class grower to have his goods bulked in this way, whereas a large number of lower- grade growers, who combine in Germany for the purpose of carriage of their goods by rail, are not affected by similar considerations. These, it is understood, are the contentions usually put forward by English growers which the writer does not profes3 to criticise from the practical point of view, but upon which it would be highly interesting to have the comments of growers themselves. In discussing this question it must, however, be borne in mind that the two stock arguments with which the English railway companies always attempt to meet complaints from the duce. It is also the fact that the majority of this Committee eventually reported that the complaints had not been substantiated. Traders, however, have always contended that for many reasons the enquiry thus held was most unsatis- factory. In the first place Sir C. J. Owens and one or two other railway magnates were members of the Committee, and, while they doubtless endeavoured to bring an open and unbiassed mind to bear upon the questions on which they were asked to adjudicate in a semi-judicial capacity, it may well be imagined that they must have found considerable difficulty in forming an im- partial decision upon matters in respect of which they had entertained a lifelong conviction that the railway companies with which they were associated were necessarily in the right ; and it may well be that the great force of their expert 368 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 5, 1909. knowledge and experience exercised an unper- ceived influence over the minds of other members of the Committee who were less well acquainted with the practical side of the questions involved. Then again the railway companies, recognising the danger with which they were threatened, brought into play all the heavy artillery of which they were possessed in the shape of the special figures which were necessarily at their disposal and to which traders had, of course, not the same means of access, either for purposes of compari- son or investigation. Naturally it was well worth the railway companies' while to spare no expense in getting up their case at a cost with which the comparatively less rich and less organ- ised traders could not hope to compete. On this Committee, however, there was one member who possessed a special knowledge of the difficulties with which the agriculturists and horticulturists in this country have to contend, namely, Mr. Haygarth Brown, a superintending inspector of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries ; this gentleman found himself under the necessity of making a separate report to which, curiously enough, the railway companies always omit to refer when urging that the report of the Departmental Committee was in their favour. Having regard to the special position occupied by Mr. Haygarth Brown, his views are well worthy of serious consideration. Some of the conclusions to which he was driven were as follow : — . (i) That the report of the Committee dealt principally with the question whether certain differences in rates favourable to the foreign producer amounted to undue or illegal preference, so that this question was merely of a legal nature, and in his opinion was outside the terms of the reference. (2) That the term " preferential treatment " ought to be taken to include not only the question of rates, but also the question of whether more or better facilities for the carriage of foreign produce were not offered to the detriment of home produce. (3) That the evidence was directed more particularly to "rates" rather than "facilities." (4) That in some instances the railway companies admitted that the rates granted to foreign produce were lower than those granted to home produce, but alleged that this was due to differences in the services rendered in each case. (5) That in no case did the railway witnesses succeed in demonstrating that the difference in the rates com- plained of was proportionate to the difference in the cost of the services rendered. (6) That in one or two cases the railway witnesses admitted the growers' contention that certain com- petitive rates charged for foreign produce were lower even in proportion to the cost of the services rendered than the corresponding non-competitive rates for home produce. (7) That in his opinion the evidence showed that " pre- ferential treatment " is in some cases accorded to foreign produce, in the sense that rates are charged for such produce lower even in proportion to the cost of the services rendered than the corresponding rates for home produce. (8) That no practical and effective means exist at present by which agriculturists can check the correct- ness of the decisions of the of&cials of the railway company on the question whether a rate for foreign agricultural produce is lower in proportion than a rate for home produce. (9) That where through rates from a foreign port to an English urban centre are charged by a railway company owning steamships, it is necessary, in order to check the justice of the rates, to know what proportion of the total rates is charged for the sea journey and what proportion is charged for the land journey in England ; but it appeared from the evidence that different companies adopt different systems of allocation, and it was stated by the witnesses that the allocations are not based on any statistics, but is a matter of their own judgment, and that the allocation can be altered at any time. (This simply means that where the rate charged for the land portion of the journey is chal- lenged as unfair, the railway companies can, it is true, be compelled to say how much of a through rate is charged for overland transit and how much for the sea journey, but there is nothing to prevent their juggling these figures in any manner they think fit, as they can state the proportion in any manner that suits their purpose for the moment without the justice of the pro- portion being challenged.) (10) That in tackling the railway companies on ques- tions of this kind, although the interests involved to agriculturists collectively are probably very large, the „i ri 5ts involved to the individual agriculturist are not sufficiently large to justify him or his association in undertaking the expensive proceedings involved. (11) That work of this nature ought, therefore, to be undertaken by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries on behalf of agriculture generally. Before leaving this subject it may perhaps be instructive to note that this question was made the subject of legal proceedings in an action which the Mansion House Association brought against the London and South Western Railway a few years ago. In that action the Court decided that the allegation that preference was being shown to the foreign producer was not justified in certain instances, but that, on the other hand, in some cases the home traders' complaint was well founded, and the railway company was accordingly ordered to stop grant- ing unfair preference to foreign produce, such as Hops, Hay and fresh Meat. This, therefore, shows that in certain instances railway com- panies do grant illegal preference to the foreign producer, and that it actually requires an order of Court to stop them doing so ! 27. M. V. (To be continued.) VEGETABLES. BROCCOLI MODEL. We have to-day (May 18) dug up and heeled in under a north wall the remaining plants of a splendid crop of this fine Broccoli. On inspecting the bed on April 22, which was before we began to cut, I found no harm had accrued to the plants from the severe winter, although a few of the plants at the end of one row had their leaves torn, I believe, by pheasants. The Broccoli were planted, as is our usual practice, in August, on the site of an old Straw- berry bed. From now till the end of May is the best time to sow this Broccoli. Edwin Piatt, Borden Wood Gardens, Liphooh, Hants. BUTTER BEANS. The Golden Waxpod or Butter Bean is by no means common in gardens. It forms an excel- lent summer vegetable, and is especially valuable where good vegetables in variety are in demand ; on the Continent the Butter Bean is a common dish. There are numerous varieties, both dwarf and runner kinds, and the climbing varieties are plentifully cultivated in the United States of America. The older Mont d'Or is one of the best-known varieties in this country ; but there is a newer or improved form that is string- less, and a good Bean on account of its earliness in cropping and its large productive quality. The VVaxpod or Butter Bean should be cooked whole, as the pods in a young state are very fleshy, and most of them stringless and very ten- der. The Golden Waxpod, a dwarf grower, is an abundant cropper, and worthy of cultivation in all gardens. It is quite distinct from the or- dinary green Beans, and, when sent to table as a second course, or as a dressed vegetable, it is much appreciated. The Centenary Golden-Podded is a fine dwarf variety, largely cultivated on the Continent for its good flavour. This is earlier than the older Golden Scimitar. The earliest Butter Bean I have grown is the Flageolet Wax. In addition to its earliness, this variety is ex- ceedingly productive, bearing numerous pods of great length. The Golden-Eyed Wax variety, an American introduction, is an excellent Bean, bearing early and freely ; the habit is dwarf. There is a distinct, round-podded variety of the Golden Scimitar type, called Henderson Wax. This also is a fine addition. It bears a round, fleshy, remarkably solid pod. and is one of the best as regards cropping qualities and freedom from rust or mildew. Improved Golden Wax is a form of the older Golden variety, but of more vigorous growth. The pods are large, and are borne early in the season. They are broad, very thick, with a solid flesh, stringless, and of a dark golden colour. This variety ranks as one of the best of all the wax-podded Beans. The old Mont d'Or variety I have alluded to is a good variety for general culture. The pods are stringless, and the plant is a good cropper. Per- fection Wax, a variety much grown in the Erfurt district, and also for the Paris markets, is a most useful, summer Bean. The pods are yellow when cooked, and the plant is a free bearer. There are many other kinds in commerce, but those I have noted are the best. The plants should be afforded ample room; if crowded, the pods are less fleshy. They require similar culture to other Beans, and enjoy a rich soil and ample manure. The Butter Bean does best sown in drills so that moisture can be given in hot weather. For a succession, seed should be sown in May, June and July, and the pods will be available from July to September. For the latest sum- mer crops in the southern part of the country a cool border should be chosen. G. Wythes. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. ( The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Tulips. — A variety, named Jenny, imported from the Continent, is similar in style to Isabella, but the colour is brighter and more regularly de- fined. The flowers are very large, and the habit dwarf and sturdy. A large collection of the older varieties was growing near thia and other new sorts in Messrs. Pearson's nursery at Lowdham on the occasion of a recent visit. A bright scarlet variety called Flame was noticed for its large, finely-shaped flower. Many of the varieties are grown in enormous quantities. Inglescombe Scarlet occupied several very large beds, and I was informed there were 20,000 bulbs of this variety which had been raised in about 15 years from three dozen bulbs — a wonderful rate of increase. The colour of Inglescombe Scarlet was only just showing on May 17, while King Harold, Gipsy Queen, Glow, Donders, Pride of Haarlem, Clara Butt, and many ethers were in full bloom. W. II. Divers, Belvoir Castle Gar- dens, Grantham. Damage by Thunderstorm. — Consider- able damage was done here on Wednesday. May 26, by hail and torrential rain which accom- panied a thunderstorm. On the day after the storm the tiny Apples, Pears and Cherries covered the ground thickly. Irish Peach and Kes- wick Codlin Apples promised a magnificent crop, which will now be a complete failure ; later varieties of Apples have not fared so badly. A promising crop of Gooseberries was also opoiled ; the fruits were torn from the branches, and in many cases the shoots were broken off also. The young top-growths of Wallflowers were all cut. off. Bedding plants, which were in their summer quarters, have been torn to pieces and many of them washed out of the ground. Nasturtiums were completely riddled as if with shot. Be- tween one and two o'clock in the day vivid flashes of forked lightning, accompanied by a deluge of rain, washed up many of the paths. A flock of sheep belonging to a neighbouring far- mer was struck by lightning; five ewes and five lambs were killed and many others injured. Thou, Francis, Gardener and Instructor, The Walsall and West Bromwich District School.*, Wigmore, Staff's. Onions for Market (see pp. 217, 234). — If A. D. cultivated Onions year by year for market I do not think he would find it quite so easy to realise an average profit of £40 per acre per annum as he does to estimate it on paper. Begin- ners may be led to think that they can see their way to make a fortune in a few years. On the con- trary, they will find it difficult to make even a small profit. If we could be certain that the prices would continue somewhere near the figures — viz., 4s. to 6s. per bushel — obtained during the past season, then there is no doubt that a crop of Onions would pay well. But we need go no farther back than the previous season to find that Is. 9d. or 2s. was as much as could be obtained : whence then would come the £40 profit? There is, moreover, the question of size. If your correspondents, who advocate growing market Onions of 2 lbs. each, would enquire of the salesmen at Covent Garden or of the London greengrocers, they would find, I think, that Onions weighing three or four to the pound are far more saleable. I scarcely think that we are likely to oust the Spanish bulb by growing large Onions in England. As to the method of grow- ing. I agree with S. J. Martin (see p. 234), assuming that the soil is of the right kind, but June 5, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 369 1 foot from row to row is as well for convenience of hoeing, and 5 or 6 inches is then quite suffi- cient space from plant to plant. In this way I get quantities of Onions from 4 to 5 inches in diameter, which I think are sufficiently large for general purposes. As to varieties, I have dis- carded nearly all others in favour of the " Im- proved Reading." With this variety I obtain abundant crops by sowing late in February or early in March. E. Webber, Cumberland Lodge, Windsor. Seakale as a Green Vegetable.— A few days ago I was induced to try a few heads of Seakale as a green vegetable. Although not possessing epicurean tastes, I must say it was one of the most delicious green vegetables I ever tasted. In a season such as the past, when green vegetables were very scarce, anything fresh is valuable. I might say it was cooked in precisely the same manner as Kale or Cabbage. It is pos- sible to have Seakale for at least five months of the year, and, by utilising the top, another month can be added ; what other vegetable can compare with it? I enclose a few heads for you to judge its merits, .s'. G. Smallridge, Solfield Grange Gardens, Coggesha.il, Essex. [The shoots were cooked according to Mr. Smallridge's direction, but when served they were found to be not sufficiently boiled; otherwise they promised well. — En.] Seeding of the True English Elm.— As Elms are seeding profusely in most parts of Eng- land this year, it is possible that some fertile seeds may be found in the warmer parts of England (though I have never seen any) on the true English Elm. I should therefore be obliged if any of your readers will look out for such and send me a few. I do not want seed of the smooth-leaved Elm U. glabra, of which the Cornish or Jersey Elm and the Hertfordshire Elms are probably varieties, or of the Dutch or corky-barked Elm, commonly known as English Elm in many parts of England, especially in the north ; but only from old hedgerow Elms, cer- tainly grown from suckers, and of which the foliage turns to a bright golden colour in November, when the other Elms have lost their leaves. And I don't want seeds from any foreign seedling or nurserymen's Elms, which for a century or more have been grafted or budded on the stock of "Wych Elms, and usually have a very inferior habit, colour, and timber to the true English Elm of the Thames and Severn valleys. H. J. Elwes, Colesbome, Cheltenham. SOCIETIES. LAW NOTES. BREACH OF CONTRACT. At West Bromwich County Court on May 18, a market gardener of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, was sued by a Potato salesman, of Oldbury, who claimed £13 15s. damages for breach of contract. .Mr. Wyllie, for the plaintiff, said defendant contracted to supply plaintiff with 10 tons of Parsnips at £2 5s. a ton. Half of the quantity of Parsnips was delivered, and defendant then wrote that he could not supply the remainder. In the meantime Parsnips had risen in price, and plaintiff was compelled to buy five tons at £5 a ton. He now sued to recover the extra amount he had to pay in consequ3nce of defendant's breach of contract. Defendant pleaded that he only bargained to send five tons at a time, payment to be made as soon as they were placed on rail. Owing to the plaintiff's delay in forwarding the money for the first five tons, and in sending the bags back, he (defendant) was unable to buy the Parsnips he had agreed to deliver. Judgment was given for the plaintiff for the amount claimed with costs. DEBATING SOCIETY. BRISTOL AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'.— The first meeting of the new session was held on May 27, at St. John's Parish Rooms, Mr. W. E. Budgett presiding over a large attendance of the members. Mr. Brooks gave a lecture upon " Fads and Fancies of Gardeners and Gardening." The lecturer gave reminiscences of his visits to gardens, and mentioned some peculiarities of the gardeners. An interesting part of the proceedings was the presentation of silver medals to three young members who had made the maximum number of attendances during the past session. Three new members were elected. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. Mat 18.— Present: E. A. Bowles. Esq., M.A., F.E.S. (in the Chair); Prof. A. H. Church, F.R.S., Dr. A. B. Rendle, F.R.S., Dr. A. Voelcker, F.L.S., Messrs. R. H. Curtis, H. J. Veitch, W. Cuthbertson, A. W. Sutton, W. Hales, A. Worsley, 6. Gordon, J. T. Bennett- Poe, H. T. Giissow, F. J. Baker, L. H. de Barri Crawshay. W. Fawcett, F. J. Chittenden (hon. secretary), and E. H. Wilson (visitor). The committee heartily welcomed Mr. E. H. Wilson on his return from his journey of botanical exploration in Western China. Rose with foliar sepals. — Lt.-Col. J. W. Currie, Norwich, sent a specimen of the Rose Niphetos having one of the sepals developed into a perfect leaf with five leaflets and stipules well developed. While the peculiarity is not rare, so perfectly developed a specimen as this is sel- dom met with. Ranunculus auricomus. — Dr. Rendle showed specimens of the depauperate form of R. auri- comus with one or two petals only in some flowers, and in others the petals scarcely de- veloped. This species often has very imperfect flowers. Salix pentandra. — Mr. J. Fraseh showed specimens of the flowers of Salix pentandra in which the posterior gland had proliferated and given rise to two or three small pistils in addi- tion to the normal one. He pointed out that in the genus Popnlus belonging to the same family as Salix there is a perianth, and that Bentham had regarded the gland in Salix as homologous with the perianth of Populus. He found on examination of the frequent cases of abnormal development of this gland or disc in Salix pen- tandra, considerable grounds for believing Bentham's view to be the correct one. Fre- quently the gland became so much developed that it grew almost three parts round the pedicel of the ovary. Viola lutea and I". Intra amama. — Mr. Fraser also showed specimens of these two Violas collected in meadows at considerable ele- vations in Scotland. He said that the Scotch raisers of the garden Violas had used this species in their formation, and from it had been derived the perennial habit of these varieties. Mr. Cuth- bertson corroborated the statement, saying that this had been the case in 1859 and 1860, but he thought that little good would be likely to arise by recrossing the species with the Violas of the present day since they were so generally hardy and perennial. He had planted over ICO varieties in an Essex garden in October, 1907. and had found that a very large proportion of them had survived even the severity of the past winter, the varieties Royal Sovereign and Bullion being particularly noticeable in this respect. Frost injury. — Mr. F. J. Baker showed leaves of Peas having white patches upon them from Cambridgeshire. They seemed to show signs of albinism, but were also injured by frost. It is possible that the latter was connected with for- mer phenomenon, since, as Prof. Church pointed out, the albino spots upon a leaf always contain a larger percentage of water than the green parts, and thus are probably more liable to injury by frost than the urreen parts. There is also always less lime and potash in the white parts of a variegated leaf than in the green. Primula hybrids. — Mr. H. J. Veitch showed a series of crosses between Primula pulverulenta and P. Cockburniana. These are both native of Western China, the former being of a rich purple colour and perennial and the latter orange. The series was as follows : — P. pulverulenta ? x P. Cockburniana i gave P. x " Unique " (cerise), while the reci- procal cross gave P. x " Unique Improved," differing somewhat in colour from " Unique," being somewhat darker, but of similar habit. These hybrids are perennial. P. Cockburniana ? x P. x " Unique " s gave a plant bearing terra-cotta flowers nearly the colour of P. Cockburniana, but with the habit of P. pulverulenta, to which the foliage bore a great resemblance. This would appear to be perennial, since the plant which flowered last year is again in bud. P. pulverulenta 2 x P. X "Unique Im- proved " c*and P. X " Unique " 5 X P. pul- verulenta - Messrs. T. A. Sprague and J. Hutchinson; " The Acaulescent Species of Mal- vastrum, A. Gray," by Mr. A. W. Hill, M.A. Exhibitions: — "Plants in Britain introduced by the Romans," by Clement Beid, F.R.S. The National Vegetable Society. — At a meeting of the Provisional Committee, held at the Hotel Windsor on Tuesday last, certain rules and regulations, which had previously been drafted and circulated for consideration, were, with a few amendments, adopted. The objects of the Society were thus defined : — " To promote the wider cultivation of vegetables as food pro- ducts, to encourage their consumption as food, to promote exhibitions of such products, whether competitive or otherwise, and to hold trials under such conditions as may offer with a view to find- ing the best varieties to commend for general culture, and to ascertain commercial value when grown under ordinary conditions." The Society will not concern itself at first with the holding of shows until it is in a position to do so effec- tively. At first it proposes to conduct com- mercial trials both in reference to varieties and to methods of cultivation. A list of some 30 vice-presidents was adopted, inclusive of the amateurs, seedsmen, and market-growers. Mr. George Wythes, V.M.H., was elected treasurer, and Mr. E. J. Quick, of 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, hon. secretary. A committee of 24 members was also elected. The next meeting will take place on the 22nd inst. Presentation to an Aberdeen Gardener. — Aberdeen florists and gardeners have pre- sented Mr. Alexander Paterson, market gar- dener, Ruthrieston, with a gold watch on the occasion of his leaving Aberdeen for Glasgow. Mr. James Smith, in making the presentation, referred to the keen interest that gentleman had taken in horticulture in the city as an office-bearer of the Horticultural Society and the Aberdeen Chrysanthemum Society respectively, and as a competitor at the local shows. Mrs. Paterson was the recipient of a gold and pearl brooch. Prix Academique Emile Laurent. — At the last meeting of the Royal Academy of Belgium (Division of Science) the jury announced the award of the Emile Laurent Prize to Mr. T. Durand, the eminent Director of the Brussels State Botanic Garden, and to his daughter, Miss Helen Durand, for his work Sylloge Flora Covgolance. The Emile Laurent Prize, in- stituted to perpetuate the memory of the genial professor, is to be given alternately every two years : first, to the best work on the flora of the Congo Free State ; second, to the best work on agriculture and horticulture of the Congo. The first prize is consequently given to Sylloge Florae. Congolanm, an excellent scientific work, which is published under the auspices of the Board of Colonies. The value of the prize is £36. It is paiticularly interesting to noto that the prize goes to a personal friend of Emile Laurent, and tc the botanist who studied first in Belgium the flora of the Congo (1890). We offer our congratu- lations to Mr. and Miss Durand. The Nature Study Exhibition. — A Nature Study Exhibition was held at the Gardens of the Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, on June 4th and 5th, under the auspices of the Nature Study Society. Only one particular branch of the work was dealt with, namely, those animals which can be studied more particularly under town conditions. Aquaria and vivaria were therefore well represented, together with breed- ing cages for caterpillars and flight cages for but- terflies. There were also microscope-preparations and photographic illustrations. Birds — and especially insectivorous birds — should be en- couraged for economic reasons, and the plan of the well-known bird sanctuary maintained by the Brent Valley branch of the Selborne Society- was appropriately included in the exhibition. The plan indicated the nesting boxes which have been put up. Flag labels recorded what the occupiers are, and also showed the nests of the more important birds which had built in natural situations. The exhibition was held with a special object, as well as a general one. Mrs. Wintered de Lisle, who acted as honorary secretary to the Exhibition Sub-Committee, has brought forward a scheme for establishing a permanent collection of aquaria and vivaria in the Gardens of the Royal Botanic Society, such as is seen in the Stepney Borough Museum and at the Horniman Museum. It would be especi- ally attractive and useful educationally to the children of the Fellows who constantly visit the Gardens. Phylloxera in the Transvaal. — The announcement is made in the current number of the Journal of the Transvaal Agricultural De- partment that this dreaded disease of the Grape vine has made its appearance in the Transvaal as an immigrant from Cape Colony. All who know of the misery caused by the destruction of the vineyards of France by Phylloxera vestatrix will learn the news with profound regret. The only consolation is that the colony has one of the best-organised agricultural departments in the world, and one whose staff may be trusted to adopt the most drastic and progressive methods for dealing with this pest. "The Country Home."— Among the articles in the June number of The Country Home is one on Rhododendrons and Azaleas. The various duties to be carried out in the garden in June are clearly outlined; the "Cows of a Small Holder " are dealt with by H. S. M. Buchanan ; and Prof. Terasse discusses the Culture of Melons on the principle of intensive cultivation. The County Experimental Garden at Droitwich. — The thirteenth annual report on this garden and the ninth annual report of the County Instruction Garden, issued by the Wor- cestershire County Council for 1908, are before us. The experimental garden was established in 1896, and is at the present time nearly 6 acres in extent. In 1908 one acre was set apart for experiments inaugurated by the Board of Agri- culture and Fisheries in connection with fruit cultivation on lines similar to those already in operation at the Board's experimental station at Long Ashton, near Bristol. The number of visitors has steadily increased from 981 in 1897 to 4,531 in 1908. The garden is purely experi- mental, and is not conducted with a view to profit. At the same time, the experiments have a distinctly commercial value, and were begun and continued with that object in view. They are intended to show the results of various methods of pruning and non- pruning, spraying and non-spraying, effects of lime on the growth of fruit trees, the effects of different kinds of manures on fruit trees and vegetables, and the pre- vention and destruction of insect and fungal pests. The differences between properly pruned, slightly pruned, and non-pruned Apple trees have not proved to be very marked. In the case of the properly pruned trees the crop was only 1 lb. better, but the fruits were large, whilst those from the others were small and less marketable. Observations are being made with respect to early and late-flowering Apples, Pears and Plums, but the 12 years' records do not justify Mr. J. Udale in publish- ing them till he has gone more fully into the subject and obtained greater experience of the behaviour of trees under various conditions. The trials of Potatos in 1908, grown with various kinds of manures, will be of interest to cultiva- Jone 12, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 383 tors. The race in this case is mainly between stable dung supplemented by inorganic manures and stable dung alone, all other manures giving inferior results. Insect and other pests have a short chapter to themselves. Publications Received. — Bulletin du Jardin Imperial Botanique de St. Petersbourg. — Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, Ceylon, Report. Part IV. Education, Science, and Art. — Ontario Department of Agriculture. Bulletin 171 : Insects Affecting Vegetables, by C. J. S. Bethune, Professor of Entomology; and Fungus Diseases Affecting Vegetables, by J. W. Eastham and J. E. Howitt, Lecturers in Botany. (Ontario : Agricultural College.) — Transactions of the Academy of Science of St. Louis. Vol. XVIII. No. 3 : The Mexican Fiber Agaves known as Zapupe, by William Trelease. Presented before The Academy of Science of St. Louis. May 3, 1909. — Agricultural Economist and Horticul- tural Review. (June.) (London : Agricultural and Horticultural Association, Ltd., 92, Long Acre, W.C.) Price 6d.— Porto Rico Agricultural Experimental Station. Circular No. 9 : The Catalase of Soils, by D. W. May and P. L. Gile. (San Juan, P. R. : "Press " Review Printing Co.) — The Transvaal Agricultural Journal. (April.) (Pretoria : Government Printing and Stationery Office.) — British Birds. An illustrated magazine devoted to the birds on the British list. (June.) (London: Witherby & Co., 326, High Holborn.) Monthly Is. net.— Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture. (Jamaica : Hope, Kingston.) — Boletim do Museu Goeldi (Museu Paraense) de Historia Natural Ethnographia. (Brazil : Estabelecimento Graphico de C. Wiegandt, Para.) — Dutch Bulbs and Gardens. Painted by Mima Nixon. Described by Una Silberrad and Sophie Lyall. (London: Adam and Charles Black.) Price 7s. 6d. net. — The Country Home. (June.) (London : Archibald Constable & Co., Ltd.) Pries 6d. net. — Third Annual Report of the Horticul- tural Societies for the year 1908. (Toronto: Ontario Department of Agriculture.) DOVER HOUSE GARDENS. Among the principal attractions in Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan's gardens at Roehampton on the occasion of a visit made a few days ago was a bed of Rhododendron Pink Pearl. In this bed were planted during last autumn a con- siderable number of plants acquired at different times, some of them being as much as 4 feet in height. The natural soil of the bed was removed to 3 feet deep, and in its place was used a com- post containing Kettering loam, peat, road-scrap- ings, cow manure and other materials. The effect of the plants in full flower can scarcely be described. The trusses of bloom were so excep- tionally large that they were unequalled by those of any other Rhododendron, whilst the flowers themselves were not only large, but possessed extraordinary substance of petal. There was much variety in the shades of pink, from the rich tint of the freshly-expanded buds to the almost pure white of the fading petals. In a companion bed the rich scarlet variety, known as Doncaster, made a bril- liant show. The bed contained upwards of 100 plants of this new and floriferous variety. Don- caster is certainly one of the richest and brightest of Rhododendrons, but it is somewhat dwarf habited. It would be more effective if the plant could be induced to make more elongated growths than it does at Dover House, notwithstanding the liberal treatment afforded this and all other plants. A third bed of similar size contained the variety John Walter in full bloom, but as this variety was only planted last autumn, the plants are of dwarfer dimensions than those to which we have referred. Lord Palmerston, a rosy-crim- son variety with a large yellow blotch, in other beds appeared very pretty, and Rhododendron sinense (Azalea mollis), Anthony Koster, with its orange-yellow-coloured flowers in profusion, created a distinct and pretty picture on the oppo- site side of the mansion. The Rhododendron beds are situated in a portion of the grounds that in former years was merely a greensward and mixed shrubberies. Hardy flowers and flowering shrubs were at one time scarcely repre- sented, but they have been increased every year for a long time past, until now the grounds are interesting at any season, particularly in the spring and early summer. Nevertheless, the for- mal flower garden of somewhat congested beds immediately under the windows of the house and near to the magnificent purple Beech is main- tained just as it was laid out 46 years ago for one of the Earls of Clifden. In the fruit houses the most striking features were the extraordinary crops of Melons and Tomatos. The Melons are cultivated in small each. It would be impossible to obtain a more even or satisfactory crop. The third batch was one of the same variety of equal merit, but a little later in development. The Tomato plants were in 12-inch pots, and bore such crops as could hardly be expected so early in the season in a London establishment. Many of the flowers must have set during a time when the amount of daylight was scarcely sufficient for such a crop. Mr. J. F. McLeod informed us that as these plants were grown dur- ing the winter for early fruiting, they became so spindly through cultivation in the dull season of the year that the stem was twisted round and round again in the pots, and that therefore there Fig. i68. — doryanthes excelsa var. guilfoylei. (See page 384.) hip-span structures, with Cucumbers at the back of the house, and there were three different crops in as many houses. In the first, was the variety Hero of Lockinge. There were 12 plants, which bore 54 fruits of an average weight of about 3 lbs. each. They were extraordinary in their even size and quality, and formed an example of good cultivation of which any gardener might reasonably be proud. In the other two houses the variety grown is one raised upon the place. It has a very fine netted exterior and white flesh. In the first batch there were nine plants, bearing together 46 fruits of an average weight of 4 lbs. were, in each plant, 3 or 4 feet of stem buried in the soil. In Tomatos the stem so easily produces roots that it is not altogether impro- bable that the burying of the stem, though at the time merely an act of convenience, has had a material influence in the production of the heavy crop. The variety is Earliest of All, having been selected for its free-setting characteristics even in winter. Succession batches are of the variety Al, and still later plants represent the variety Lister's Prolific — still one of the best cropping varieties of the Perfection typo. Indoor Peach trees have set crops as satisfactorily as usual. A 384 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 12, 1909. young tree of moderate proportions, planted in November, 1907, of the variety Duke of York, with 52 finely-coloured fruits upon it, was a striking object. Another Peach tree of unusually large dimensions — it covers an area of 33 by 15 feet — was developing a crop of fruits. The vines looked well, and the crop of Muscat of Alexandria is better than usual. There were plenty of Grapes ready for consumption. In the large orchard-house, the centre of which is given up to the cultivation of Fig trees in pots, the trees are developing as liberal a crop as they could be expected to bear under any circum- stances. In the plant-houses, the Carnations are the out- standing feature. The large specimen plants of Souvenir de la Malmaison appeared even larger and in better condition and more floriferous than ever. These and the perpetual-flowering Carna- tions indoors exhibited such vigour and freedom from disease as is rarely seen. In the Orchid- soils as lhat at Dover House, but it would have been more satisfactory if it had not been accom- panied by excessively low temperatures and high winds. Apples have set a good crop. Pears are not quite so plentiful, but Plums have set well, and Cherries promise to be the most abundant crop in the hardy fruit garden. DORYANTHES fXCELSA VAR. GUILFOVLEI. It is of comparatively rare occurrence for this noble Amaryllidaceous plant to flower in this country, for it takes many years liberal treat- ment for the plant to acquire sufficient size and strength. The plant shown in fig. 168 was exhibited at the recent Temple Show from the Royal Gardens, Kew, where it has been flowering in the Temperate House for the past six weeks. The flower-stem is 9 feet high and bears its flowers in a pyramidal spike, mea- Fig. 169. [Photograph by C. W. Sillince. -GROUP OF SCHIZANTHUS IN ONE OF THE PLANT-HOUSES AT WISLEY. houses there was a splendid display of Cattleyas, and all the plants appeared uncommonly healthy, the leaves having a better green colour than Orchids, especially Cattleyas, sometimes have when cultivated in districts of such gravelly soil as that at Roehampton. There was also a good show of bloom in the Odontoglossum-house. In addition to the ordinary greenhouse flowering plants, which are grouped together in the show- house, another house contained a very choice dis- play of Gloxinias. Some of these are seedlings, but others are varieties which, having proved of superior merit in previous years, have since been propagated by leaf-cuttings. There is an excel- lent collection of Nerines here ; indeed it is pro- bably the finest in cultivation in a private estab- lishment in this country. Out-of-doors, the vegetable crops were ex- tremely satisfactory. The rain which fell a fort- night ago was just what was needed on such suring 2 feet high by 1 foot through. The indi- vidual flower is 2 inches in diameter, of a bright red colour, with a light centre. Clusters of six and seven flowers are borne in the axil of a large leafy bract. The dark green, recurved leaves measure 6 feet long by 6 inches broad, forming a tuft at the base of the plant. Doryanthes re- quires greenhouse treatment, and a compost con- sisting of three parts fibrous loam to one part of leaf-soil, with sufficient sand added to keep it in a porous state. After the flowering period the plant dies away, but numerous suckers are then produced at the base, this being a means by which the species may be increased Plants may also be raised from imported seeds. D. e. Guilfoylei is a native of Queensland, and is sometimes described as the Queensland Lily. It has been looked upon by seme as a distinct species, but is now referred to as being a variety of the better-known D. ex- celsa, which inhabits New South Wales. IF. T. SCHIZANTHUS AT WISLEV. I was pleased to read D.'s appreciative note in the Gardeners' Chronicle for May 22 on the collections of Schizanthus at Wisley. Hav- ing had the opportunity of seeing them two or three times during the season, I may say that they were one of the finest batches of annual plants that I have ever seen. It is a pity they were not exhibited at the Vincent Square Hall. Apart from the excellence of culture, one could not but ad- mire the many beautiful forms of the flowers, some of them being good, bold, self-coloured flowers of rose, purple or white, whilst others were remarkable for their delicacy of marking. In nearly all cases the individual blooms were from 1 to lj inches in diameter. A portion of the seed was supplied by Mr. Robert Sydenham and a portion by Mr. Turnbull, whilst a great part of it was from a strain that has been se- lected for the past three or four years by Mr. Smith. The seeds were sown on August 31, 1908, and the plants were grown as hardy as- possible through the winter. They were not pinched, and only one stake was used to each. Yet they averaged about 4 feet in height and from 2 to 2j feet in dia- meter. They have been in good bloom for about two months. Thomas Stevenson, Woburn Place Gardens, Addlestone. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Distinctness in Exhibits. — Reading through the classes for which prizes are offered at the fortnightly meetings of the Royal Horticultural Scciety, I notice that at the meeting for June 22 the competition is for six dishes and three dishes- of Tomatos, all to be " distinct." A similar con- dition is required in the classes for twelve, six ai.d three dishes of Peas at the same meeting. What is meant by the term distinct? Does it refer to name or appearance? Tomatos are apt to bo very much alike, and this applies to both those of the red and those of the yellow types. Competitors may find themselves saved from trouble if they recognise this before they stage their exhibits. Peas offer more variation, but in the case for 12 varieties some considerable similarity of pods is inevitable. Grower. Ranunculus auricomus.— At a recent meet- ing of the Scientific Committee of the R.H.S., it is reported that Dr. Rendle showed specimens of the depauperate form of R. auricomus, with one or two petals only in some flowers, and in others the petals scarcely developed. It was stated that this species often has very imperfect flowers. It would be interesting to know if many of your readers have ever seen perfect flowers of this plant. I, for one, do not remem- ber having done so. H. S. Thompson. Large Sea Buckthorn. — Probably the largest specimens of the Sea Buckthorn (Hippo- phas rhamnoides) in this country are growing in the flower garden, Regent's Park. They are 40 feet high, the largest having a stem girth of 46 inches at three feet from the ground level. Seven others are over 36 inches in girth. A. D. Webster. Onions for Market. — I think those who advocate tha cultivation of garden subjects for market — Onions, for example — purely from theory, are giving wrong advice. I would draw the attention of those interested in this subject to an article that appeared in the Daily Telegraph, June 3, on the subject of French gardening, in which the writer warns intending cultivators to be moderate in their expectations. I know from experience that it is much wiser to give such advice than it is to make an esti- mate by weighing up a few bulbs, multiply num- ber and weight, and then to tell persons of the enormous profits that can be made from Onion growing. I have heard leading ex- hibitors of vegetables, who have at their dis- posal an abundance of cold frames, pits and handlights, argue that great profits can be made by growing Onions. Of course they have never June 12, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 385 counted the cost of such an outlay as frames, pits, &c, to begin with. Put these advisers on a bare patch of ordinary soil and then see what they would turn out without these appliances, to say nothing of the cost of trenching and manure. An instance of the fallacy of such advice came under my notice recently. An owner of half an acre of land was anxious to turn it to a profitable account and suggested -Apple culture. An expert advised him to plant the trees (bushes) 15 feet apart. Under no pre- text whatever was he to plant anything between the trees, but to keep the ground between free from weeds, and to expect a net profit of £40 per year! The gentleman con- sulted his gardener* who strongly advised the planting of Potatos between the rows, which was done, with the result that £9 was obtained for this crop. This sum helped to pay for the labour of planting the orchard and did not injuriously affect the trees. I mention this to show how' careful pers ms should be in advising those who are ignorant of how to proceed on commercial lines. E. Molyneux. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. June 8. — At the meeting held on Tuesday last the Hall was well filled with exhibits, even the annexes being utilised for accommodating some of the groups of plants. The exhibits included showy flowering plants, mostly of popular sub- jects such as" Carnations, Roses, Gloxinias, Irises, Lupins, Paeonies. Aquilegias, and other garden subjects. Orchids also were freely repre- sented, and a noteworthy exhibit of forced fruits was exhibited by the Duke of Portland. Novelties amongst flowers were numerous : the Floral Committee granted 10 Awards of Merit and the Orchid Committee one Frist-class Certi- ficate and three Awards of Merit. At the afternoon meeting in the lecture-room an address on " Old Superstitions about Plants " was given by Rev. Prof. G. Henslow. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. C. T. Druery, Henry I?. May, \V. A. Bilnev. Jno. Green, T. W. Turner, G. Reuthe, C. R.' Fielder, W. Howe, Chas. Dixon, Chas. E. Pearson, J. T. Bennett-Poe. Jar.. Douglas, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James, Herbert J. Cutbush, George Gordon, R. W. Wallace, Jas. Walker. W. J. Bean, Jas. Hudson, Jno. Jen- nings, and R. Hooper Pearson. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Enfield, showed greenhouse flowering plants, including Gerbera Jamesonii, Tremandra verticillata, Metrosideros floribunda, Pimelia Hendersonii, a selection of ( tarnations principally of the Souvenir de la Mal- maison type, a brightly-flowered, Ivy-leaved Pelargonium named Red Crousse, and a number of Ferns, Palms, and other foliage plants. A new garden Pink named Progress has very pleas- ing rosy-mauve flowers. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, King's Road, Chelsea, exhibited a magnificent collection of Gloxinias, the plants having numerous flowers arising from a wealth of vigorous foliage. Some with spotted flowers were especially pleasing; others in shades of rose, crimson, scarlet, laven- der, white and other tones were equally fine. Per- haps more interesting than these were hybrids raised from varieties of Gloxinias crossed with Gesnera regina;, a mauve or lilac-flowered species with small zygomorphic flowers. The influence of the latter parent was the more pronounced in all the progeny, which had flowers generally of some shade of lilac and purple, notwithstanding that some of the Gloxinias used as parents had rich crimson blossoms. Messrs. Veitch also showed a large selection of showy and uncommon flowering shrubs. Chief of these were Magnolia parviflora, the centre of red stamens being very attractive ; Jamesia americana ; Amygdalus dulcis purpurea, an ornamental-leaved Peach ; Cornus Kousa ; Styrax obassia, with numbers of its pretty, white flowers in racemes ; Philadelphus Lemoinei rosacese, the white flowers being as large as a multiflora Rose ; Fendlera rupicola, Berberis elegans, and Trochodendron aralioides. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) 'Messrs. Wm. Cutbush & Sons, Highgate. London, V.. exhibited a showy group of will grown Carnations, another of miscellaneous greenhouse plants, and a large, floor group of hardy subjects. Amongst these latter plants, which were arranged with great skill, we noticed the soft lemon-coloured Anemone sulphurea, several species of Eremuri, including E. Warei X and E. Bungei auranticus ; Lupinus Moerheimii, Primula capitata, a fine batch of Lilium Grayi, also an assortment of Pyrethrums, Rhododendrons, Lupins, and other garden flowers. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) A charming exhibit of white and pink flowers was shown by Mr. W. H. Page, Tangley Nur- series, Hampton. The subjects were Carnations, Liliums, Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, and Astilbes (Spiraeas). The group was staged in an artistic manner, the various subjects being blended with fine effect. The groundwork was composed of a new Ivy-leaved Pelargonium labelled Countess de Gray ; it is best described as an improved Mme. Crousse. Lilium longiflorum and White Lawson Carnations were especially attractive. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, made a beautiful exhibit with varieties of Carinas such as they displayed so effectively at the recent Temple Show. The group contained most of the newer varieties, including the best of Continental origin. (Silver Flora Medal.) A large group of the Auriferous Andromeda spei i".s;i is set up by Mr. H. L. Russell, Rich- mond, Surrey. The shoots of this showy shrub were covered with the white lacemes, set off by the green of the foliage. An exhibit of Gloxinias arranged on a circular platform in the centre of the hall was shown by Messrs. James Carter & Co., High Holborn, London. The plants were excellent specimens of this useful greenhouse subject, and all were freely flowered, the range of colours being pleasing. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. CuBRANS, Altrincham, showed their hybrid Calceolaria C. Clibranii. The plant has yellow blooms and is very free in flowering. Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nurseries, Edmonton, showed various greenhouse plants in flower, also a number of elegant Ferns. Amongst the flowering plants were Oleanders, some with golden variegation in the foliage. Small plants of Hydrangea Mariesii bore very large panicles of their pretty rose-coloured flowers. Abutilon triumphans is a large pink-flowered variety. Swainsonia galegifolia was shown with both red and white flowers. Amongst the Ferns were many Gymnogramme — the gold and silver Ferns. G. elegantissima planted on the stump of an old tree Fern was a novelty. Gymnogramme schizo- phylla superba is an elegant species that produces the so-called bulbils on its fronds. There were several fine Nephrolepis, Adiantums. l'laty- ceriums, and others, but perhaps the most in- teresting was the Whip Fern, Acrostichum decur- rens, in which the mid-rib only is developed in the spore-bearing leaves. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. Geo. Mount, Canterbury, staged choice blooms of Roses, of well-known varieties, such as Ulrich Brunner, Joseph Low, Mildred Grant, and Mrs. John Laing. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. Geo. Peince, Oxford, displayed garden Roses in variety. We noticed a fine stand of the Austrian Copper variety, also Carmine Pillar, Fortune's Yellow. Lady Battersea, Irish Elegance and many others. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons, Old Rose Nur- series, Colchester, staged bunches of Roses, many being climbing varieties. Tausendschon, Blush Rambler, Philadelphia Rambler, Morgenroth, a large, single-flowered variety of a rich shade of rose colour ; The Garland (white), and Edmund Proust, a Wichuraiana variety with pale pink- tinted blossoms, were prominent. (Bronze Bank- sian Medal.) Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Ches- hunt, showed vases of garden Roses, principally of the older kinds, such as Austrian Yellow. Trier, Buttercup, a single variety of a shade of yellow in the bud. but when fully open almost white; Double Blush Scotch, Albertii. a fine yellow single. Altaica, &c. Miss Hemus. Holdfast Hall, Upton-on-Severn, showed a charming group of Sweet Peas, most of the varieties of her raising. The beautiful variety named Evelyn Hemus, one of the finest of Sweet Peas, was conspicuous. There was also a fine purple and heliotrope variety named Helio Para- dise ; Lavender Paradise is also excellent in its colouring, size and form. Primrose Paradise is one of the best yellow Sweet Peas. All were gathered from the open ground from autumn- sown plants. (Silver Flora Medal.) A pretty exhibit of Carnations and Sweet Peas was shown by E. J. Johnstone Esq., Burrswood, Groomsbridge (gr. Mr. A. T. Paskett). The Sweet Peas included such notable kinds as St. George, Elsie Herbert, Helen Lewis, Primrose Spencer, Princess Victoria and Audrey Crier. These, with Carnations and well-grown plants of Nephrolepis in variety, made a very pleasing display. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Mr. H. Burnett, Guernsey, showed many varieties of the perpetual-blooming Carnation. Marmion was especially fine ; this variety has its petals flaked with rose and white. Winona is a bright shade of rose-cerise. Beacon is at) exi el lent scarlet variety. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. C. F. Waters, Balcombe, Sussex, dis- played Carnations of excellent quality, the scar- let-flowered varieties, Britannia and Victory be- ing especially fine, as also were Nell Gwynne white), Afterglow (cerise), and Calypso (pale pink). (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. Wm. Paul & Sons, Waltham Cross, showed large plants of Rhododendron Glory of Waltham, a red-flowered variety, one of the best garden Rhododendrons of its class. Also a row of the elegant Aenneheii Miiller Rose. A very large display of hardy plants in flower was made by Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Col- chester, in which Irises, Oriental Poppies, hybrid Heucheras, and Liliums were conspicuous ob- jects. (Silver Flora Medal.) Another excellent exhibit of hardy flowers was presented by Mr. Amos Perry, Enfield Chase, Middlesex. Here again Irises, Poppies, Heu- cheras, and Liliums were prominent, also Pyre- thrums in variety, Eremuri, and many other subjects. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. Chas. Turner, Slough, displayed varie- ties of Papaver orientalis and seedling Heu- cheras. Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, showed many Irises, a selection of Pyrethrums, also Eremuri, Lupins, Poppies, Gladioli, Ranunculi, and other hardy flowers. Iris sibirica superba is a charming shade of deep blue. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, Middle- sex, showed Alpines arranged on a rock-garden. Saxifraga longiflora was afforded a prominent place, the plants being finely in flower. We also noticed the dwarf Asperula hirta, Verbascum Wiedniannianum (with purple flowers), Calceo- laria polyrhiza, Anthemis macedonica, and Cam panula Portensehlagiana bavarica. Silver Bank- sian Medal.) Mr. Geo. Reuthe, Hardy Plant Nursery, Keston, Kent, displayed hardy flowers and Himalayan Rhododendrons. A pan of Edel- weiss— Leontopodium alpinum — was conspicuous. Anthemis Biebersteinii is a fine yellow-flowered Composite that does well on a dry bank. Dian- thus callizonus is most elegantly marked in its petals, which resemble somewhat the wings of a butterfly ; Leschenaultia biloba has a flower of lovely blue, like a Gentian. Saxifraga Bruno- niana is a novelty ; it sends out numerous run- ners, at the ends of which tiny plants are de- veloped. (Silver Banksian Medal.) A very large bank of hardy flowers was staged by Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Ltd., Dover, Kent, in which varieties of border Pyrethrums were a feature. There were also Irises, Lupins, Ere- muri, Heucheras, and similar subjects in great assortment. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Baker's, Ltd., Wolverhampton, dis- played fine pans of Aubrietias, a large number of Aquilegias, Poppies, Lupins, &c. Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, Somerset, showed Pyrethrums. Paeonies, Lupins, and a tall hybrid Linaria with yellow flowers. Other exhibitors of hardy flowers included The Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery; Misses Hopkins, Mere Gardens, Shepperton-on-Thaines ; H. & W. Evans, Llanishen. near Cardiff: Mr. Maurice Prichard, Christchurch, Hants. (Silver Banksian Medal) ; Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co , Maidstone, Kent (Silver Banksian Medal) ; Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, who also dis- played many interesting shrubs and ti'ees (Silver Banksian Medal); Mr. Clarence Elliott, Stevenage; Mr. A. J. Harwood, Colchester; Messrs. Geo. Jackman & Son, Woking; and Mr. W. J. Godfrey. Exmouth, Devon. Mr. Godfrey showed mainly varieties of the large-flowered Poppy. 386 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 12, 1909. Messrs. Carter, Page & Co., London Wall, London, showed varieties of Cactus Dahlias and many kinds of Violas. A fine batch of plants of Viola cornuta pur- pura, together with a selection of ordinary Violas, were shown by Messrs. Gunn & Sons, Olton, Birmingham. Mr. A. L. Gwillim, Cambria Nursery, New Eltham, Kent, showed varieties of tuberous- rooted Begonias, having a wide range of colour- ing. (Silver Banksiaii Medal.) G. Cadeury, Esq., Northfield (gr. Miss Cope), exhibited a seedling Calceolaria with spotted flowers having a yellow ground. Mr. James Douglas, Great Bookham, Surrey, showed hybrid Dianthus raised from Uriah Pike Carnation and Dianthus barbatus (Sweet Wil- liam) ; others shown were raised from a garden Pink crossed with the Sweet William, the charac- ters of the hybrid partaking largely of the Pink. Awards of Merit. Aquilegia. — Messrs. Dobeie & Co. were awarded an Award of Merit for a first-rate strain of long-spurred Aquilegias shown in an excellent gioup, in which the shades of colour were very numerous. A Silver Floral Medal was awarded the group. Araucaria excelsa Silver Star. — Four plants were shown, in which the growing points for about 1 inch length were white. It may be as- sumed that these will ultimately acquire a green colour, and that future growth will again ex- hibit the white tips (Shown by Messrs. Thos. Rochforq & Co.) Geum coccineum Mrs. J. Bradshaw. — This is a large, double-flowered variety of bright crim- son colour, (Shown by Messrs. G. & A. Clakke.) Iris Ed. Michel. — This is a fine variety of the germanica section, with probably some- thing of I. pallida in it, judging by the peculiar shade of purple. The flowers are prettily marked, and they are held rigidly erect. (Shown by Messrs. Wallace & Co.) Lithospermum proslralrum " Heavenly Blue." — A very desirable variety, the flowers being rather larger than those of the type, and paler and brighter — nearly sky-blue. The plants are stated to be less woody and much more easily cultivated than the type. In Mr. E. A. Bowles's garden the variety has proved very valuable for many years past. (Shown by Mr. A. Perry.) Poly podium giuucum crispum. — This plant reminds one of P. Mayi, but the fronds are less smooth, and the plant is said to grow less tall. (Shown by Messrs. Rochford & Co.) Schizanthus " Beauty of Trent." — A few cut flowers of this variety were shown by Mr. H. Parr, Trent Park Gardens, Barnet. An Award of Merit was recommended for the strain, but only one variety was shown, and this had orange and rose-coloured flowers. Scolopendrium vulgare crispum multifidium. — A variety with exceedingly large, divided crests at the end of the fronds. (Shown by Messrs. H. B. May & Sons.) Scolopendrium vulgare crispum muricalo fimbriotum. — This extraordinary name has been applied to an exceedingly pretty variety of the common Hartstongue Fern, having much-waved fronds with an unusual degree of fimbriation. (Shown by Messrs. H. B. May & Sons.) Sweet Pea Paradise Apple Blossom. — This is a very pretty flower of white and pink, the pink being generally at the margins of the standard and wings and at the back of the standards. The flower is of the Spencer type, and its size is fairly good. (Shown by Miss Hemus.) Orchid Committee. Present: J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), de B. Crawshav, Harry J. Veitch. F. Sander, H. G. Alexander, R. G. Thwaites, Walter Cobb, W. H. White, J. Charlesworth, H. A. Tracy, W. H. Hatcher, A. A. McBean, C. H. Curtis, Gurney Wilson. J. Forster Alcock, W. Boxall, F. J. Hanburv, R. Brooman- White, Stuart Low, and W. P. Bound. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a fine group, tastefully arranged, in the centre being uraoeful Oneidiums. Odontoglossums, &c. The body of the group was comprised of fine forms of Cattleya Mendelii, C. Mossife, and Laelia purpurata. Among the Odontoglossums we noticed a pretty variety of Odontoglossum illustre, with flowers of a glowing tone of bronzy hue, and 0. laudatum, a finely-blotched flower. Other plants of merit were Oncidium bifrons, 0. cornigerum, Sobralia macrantha alba, Ccelogyne Dayana, and some varieties of Spathoglottis. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for an effective group, in the centre of which were fine specimens of the beautiful Cattleya Warscewiczii Sanderi- ana. The group also contained a good selection of Odontoglossums, several plants of the finely- coloured Cypripedium Gowerianum Schofield's variety ; some fine specimens of Laelio-Cattleya Canhamiana Rex, and L.-C. Aphrodite, includ- ing the handsome variety plumosa, with purple feathered markings on the petals ; a handsome plant of Odontoglossum harvengtense, and other hybrids ; various Masdevallias, Bulbophyllums, &c. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Haywards Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a select group, which contained exceptionally fine specimens of Odontoglossum Lambeauianum and 0. amabile, Odontioda Bradshawise, 0. heatonense, the showy and fragrant Laslio- Cattleya Fascinator, one plant bearing six flowers, a plant of the singular Stelis tristyla ; others of Vanda coerulescens, and its rare variety Boxallii, Bulbophyllum Reinwardtii, and B. saurocephalum. H. S. Goodson, Esqi; Fairlawn, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a group containing many fine varie- ties. Odontoglossums included a noble plant of the blotched 0. crispum President Fallieres, with 18 flowers and flower-buds, 0. c. The Czar, a very richly-coloured variety, and 0. c. Xan- thotes. Others noted were Cattleya Mossise Prin- cess Juliana, a good white flower, with a tracing of colour on the lip ; C. Dusseldorfei Undine ; a good selection of coloured Masdevallias, Dendro- biums, &c. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for an effective group comprising Cattleya Mendelii, C. Mossiae, good forms of Odontoglossum crispum, a grand specimen of the handsome rose-purple Disa Luna, with five flower-spikes, Laelio-Cattleya Ithone, and other hybrids. Mr. A. W. Jensen, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, received a Silver Banksian Medal for a selection of his type of Cattleya Mossiae ; also C. Mendelii and Odontoglossum crispum. The last- named included some pretty spotted forms. Oncidium Kramerianura and Miltonia vexillaiia were also well shown by this exhibitor. Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbridge, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of Odontoglossums, among which were several forms of 0. crispum, of fine shape and substance, one having very broad segments, and, in some respects, resembling 0. Beaute Celeste, but of finer form and substance. A form of 0. crispum Xanthotes had better flowers than the type. 0. harvengtense and other hybrids were also included in the exhibit. Messrs. Moore, Ltd., Rawdon, Leeds, were voted a Silver Banksian Medal for an effective and interesting group, in which were noted some fine specimens of Laelio-Cattleya Aphrodite, the variety alba having pure white sepals and petals, with a bright violet-purple front to the lip ; Cattleya Dusseldorfei Undine, some showy Odon- toglossums, including 0. ardentissimum album, 0. Rolfeae, a good form of Cirrhopetalum Col- lettii, a pretty claret purple Gongora, Cochlioda sanguinea, Miltonia vexillaria leucoglossa, a good white-lipped variety, Angraecum modestum and Disa Luna. Mr. H. A. Tracy, Twickenham, displayed a finely-blotched Odontoglossum eximium, Cattleya Mossiae Roehrs' variety, and Oncidium Batemani- anum. Monsieur Mertens, Ghent, staged a small group of hybrid Odontoglossums and Vanda ccerulea. Messrs. Armstrong & Brown, Tunbridge Wells, showed Odontoglossum crispum crista- tum, in which the markings, as on the labellum, are shown at the bases of the petals. Walter Cobb, Esq., Normanhurst, Rusper (gr. Mr. C. J. Salter), showed Odontoglossum Cobbianum. The Hon. Mrs. Foley, Packham, Fording- bridge, sent a species of Lissoehihis near to L. arenarius. The plant was received from tropical Africa. It has a tall inflorescence of pretty rosy- lilac flowers. Eustace F. Clark, Esq., Chamonix, Teign- mouth, sent two flowers of Laelio-Cattleya Marl- buria (L. Boothiana X C. Schroderae), a pretty rosy-lilac variety, and an improvement on L. Boothiana. Mr. F. McBean, Plumpton, showed good Cattleyas and Odontoglossums. AWARDS. Flrst-class Certificate. Lcelio-C 'attleya Mil-ado (parentage unre- corded), from Col. G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O., Westonbirt (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander). —One of the finest of yellow-petalled hybrids, the flower being of good size and shape and very bright in colour. The sepals and broad petals are canary yellow colour ; the front of the well-expanded lip is ruby-crimson with a narrow yellow margin. Awards of Merit. Cattleya Mossice var. A. Dimmoch, from Col. G. L. Holford. — One of the finest and most distinct forms of C. Mossiae of the Reineckiana section. The sepals and petals are both very broad and of blush-pink tint ; the large label- lum is blush-white at the base, the disc being chrome-yellow, and in front is a large marbled blotch of a bright violet colour, v the broad, crimped margin, about half and inch wide, being white, forming a marked feature in the flower. Lcelio-C 'attleya Feronia (C. Enid X L.-C. Haroldiana), from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., Burford (gr. Mr. W. H. . White). — A showy hybrid with flowers equal in size to those of L.-C. Canhamiana. The sepals and petals are creamy-white, tinged with gold colour, and with a pink tint on the petals ; the lip is of a bright ruby-claret colour. Odontoglossum amabile Foivlerianum, from J. Gorney Fowler, Esq., Glebelands, South Woodford (gr. Mr. J. Davis). — A fine hybrid with large, broad-petalled flowers, the outer parts of which are tinged with rose, the inner surface being heavily blotched with red-brown ; the front of the lip is pure white. Botanical Certificate. Cirrhopetalum vaginatum, from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart. — A pretty plant, with numerous umbels of cream-white flowers. Angrozcum expansum, from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart. — An upright-growing species with leathery, distichous leaves. The short in- florescence bore two white flowers of thick tex- ture and peculiar form, the spur, longer than the other segments, being curved back. Cultural Commendation. To Mr. W. H. White, Orchid grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart. , for a fine plant of the rare Dendrobium Jerdonianum with many spikes of narrow-petalled, orange-coloured flowers. Fruit and Vegetable Committee.' Present : G. Bunyard, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. J. Cheal, J. Mclndoe, W. Bates, H. Parr, H. Markham, A. R. Allan, C. Hobday, G. Wvthes, G. Woodward, A. Dean, W. Poupart, O.' Thomas, J. Harrison, E. Beckett, P. D. Tuckett, J. Gibson, and J. Jaques. The most noteworthy exhibit was a superb col- lection of fruit shown by the Duke of Portland, Welbeck Abbey (gr. Mr. J. Gibson). The col- lection was artistically arranged with numerous graceful plants and foliage. It included 50 fine Melons, placed on branched fruit-stands, these alone forming a striking display. The varieties were Hero of Lockinge, Sutton's Ringleader, Royal Jubilee, Best of All, and Superlative. Flat baskets contained fine fruits of Peaches Bellegarde and Hale's Early ; and Nectarines Cardinal and Early Rivers. There were eight of these baskets, containing in all 120 fruits. Cherries were shown in dishes. These comprised : of black kinds, Bigarreau de Schrecken, Black Tartarian, Bigarreau Jaboulay, and Early Rivers; and of white varieties, Governor Wood, Frogmore Early, and Emperor Francis. Oullin's Golden Gage Plums, Brown Turkey Figs, Lady Sudeley Apples, and Royal Sovereign and Leader Strawberries completed the display. (Gold Medal.) June 12, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 387 Miss C. M. DlXON, Elmcroft Nursery, Chiches- ter, staged a group of 17 Melons of the variety Elmcroft Beauty. (Cultural Commendation.) .".Messrs. J. & F. Chatfield, Southwick, showed Strawberries — a basket of superb fruits of Royal Sovereign, and small samples of La Grosse Sucree, Bedford Champion and Leader, the last- named shown under the name of Kentish Favourite. There were also pot plants of Bed- ford Champion in fruit. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, set up a pyramidal group of fine, solid, white heads of Latest in All Broccoli. E. W. Dixon, Esq., Oakfield, Berks., sent several clusters of fruit of the Loquat. Several new Melons were presented, but none was of sufficient merit to warrant an award. Competitive Classes. The only competitor in the several classes for collections of fruit was E. S. Hanbury, Esq., Poles Park, Herts, (gr. Mr. F. W. Church), who showed in the class for six kinds. A 2nd prize only was awarded. Hale's Early Peaches and Early Rivers Nectarines were good. Foster Seed- ling Grapes were unripe, and the Melons and Strawberries small. Appliances for spraying Potatos, Charlock, fruit trees, &c, were shown by Messrs. Burland. Other exhibits of horticultural interest in- cluded examples of boilers, glasshouses, instru- ments, and the like. ENQUIRIES AND REPLIES. ROYAL COUNTIES AGRICULTURAL. June 8, 9, 10, 11.— The Royal Counties' show at Reading contained many features of interest to horticulturists. The Berkshire, Oxford- shire, and Bucks. Education Committees each had extensive exhibits of Nature Study objects. In some instances the dried and living specimens were well mounted with roots, stems, and flowers complete. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, showed, in an ornamental building devoted exclusively to their exhibits many fine specimens of fruit, vege- tables, and flowers. They had fine pods of Albany, Early Giant, and Defiance Peas, good early Potatos, including May Queen, Gladiator, and Ringleader ; also a large collection of tubers of the second early and maincrop types. They also showed Hero of Lockinge Melons, Favourite and Champion Horn Carrots, Cucumbers, and some 40 varieties of other kinds of vegetables. Outside the building were flower-beds planted with annuals. This firm was responsible for the floral decorations about the president's tent and the council's offices. Messrs. Sutton also ar- ranged a " French " garden, showing how two and three crops are grown at the same time under similar conditions. Grasses and mixtures of lawn seeds, a collec- tion of forage plants, natural Grasses and Clovers, with growing plots to illustrate the various mix- tures for producing temporary or permanent pas- tures, were all of interest. Messrs. Webb & Sons, Stourbridge, also dis- played horticultural exhibits. They showed ex- ceptionally large Melons, good, frame-grown Cauliflowers, Prizewinner Carrots, Emperor Cab- bages, and other vegetables. Calceolarias, Gloxi- nias, and Sweet Peas all added to the effect of this stand, which contained many of the firm's cereals that have a reputation in agricultural circles. Their new standard Red and White Queen Wheats are two of the best varieties in cultivation. — Messrs. Toogood & Sons, Southampton, had a finely-arranged group of Salpiglossis in pots, also Spanish Irises, Gladioli in the best early-flower- ing forms, and other popular flowers. This firm also showed seasonable vegetables, including excellent Peas, Tomatos, Cabbages and Potatos. The Agricultural and Horticultural Depart- ments of University College arranged in the laboratories of the College various interesting exhibits. Grain in pots that had been fed with varying amounts of fertilisers admirably illus- trated the influence of these different manures upon the plants' growth. There were others showing the influence of phosphates, potash, and nitrates in the colouring of the ripened grain. The College also displayed apparatus for seed testing and for making a mechanical analysis of soils. Budded and grafted fruit stocks, fruiting trees to illustrate the effects of pruning and pinching the shoots, the best types of vege- tables as grown for market, and the manner of preparing and marketing them, with many other exhibits of an educational character were in- cluded in the College exhibit. BRITISH GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. At the recent, annual, general meeting it was decided, after full consideration, that employers of gardeners and others in sympathy with the aims and objects of the Association should be allowed to join as honorary members, paying a minimum subscription of 20s. per annum. The main object of this resolution, writes Mr. J. Weathers, the hon. secretary, is to bring owners of gardens and their gardeners more closely to- gether for mutual benefit. The employer will be assured of having a gardener who knows his work, and the gardener of an employer who will recognise in him a skilled workman. Anyone wishing to join as a honorary member should apply to the secretary, B.G.A., Talbot Villa, Isleworth, for further particulars. GLOUCESTERSHIRE ROOT, FRUIT, AND GRAIN. A special meeting of the members of this Society was held recently for the purpose of pre- senting the orchard pruning prizes and of con- sidering a suggested alteration in the conditions governing these competitions. Mr. H. W. Bruton said the competition began in 1906, when there were 11 competitors for three prizes. Subsequent alterations in the conditions excluding landowners reduced the number of com- THE LATE JAMES SHANES. petitors in 13J7 to 10 for five prizes. In 1903 there were eight competitors for five prizes, and in the present year seven competitors for five prizes. As the winner of the 1st prize was not allowed to compete with the same orchard for three years, this to some extent explained the reduction in the numoer of competitors. The 1st prize was awarded to Mr. Joseph Round, of Selseley Park Farm, Stroud. After a short discussion, it was decided to alter the conditions governing the competition, so that the owners of two acres, being part of a larger orchard, should be allowed to compete in- stead of those with whole orchards of not less than two acres, as now. Pleurothallis Birchenallii ... 391 View of the water-garden at Ashbourne, Co. Cork (Supplementary Illustration) spring flowers in the south-west. THE past spring was very backward on ac- count of the prevalence of cold easterly winds, and vegetation has been, in con- sequence, generally retarded. The winter tem- perature varied considerably in Devon and Cornwall, for while at Kingswear the greatest frost registered during the past winter was 6h°, at Tregothnan 12° were recorded on two successive nights, and at Trewidden, near Pen- zance, the thermometer showed 14° of frost. The winter with us was much milder than the two preceding ones, when 10° and 12° of frost were registered. Arctotis aureola, which in 1007 and 1908 was cut to the ground and only threw up again from the base in the following spring, was uninjured this year and com- menced to flower in March. Iris stylosa has been marvellously prolific of bloom through the winter, a neighbour having cut over 5,000 flowers from IS large clumps. The delightful little Violet Cress (Tonopsidium acaule), which seeds itself freely all over the garden, even on the tops of walls, and has carpeted a bed of early spring Irises such as I. Histrio, I. his- trioides, I. Bakeriana, I. Danfordii, I. reticu- lata and others, was in flower from December to April, and spread a mantle of soft lavender colour over the border. Clethra arborea, which was badly cut in 1907 and 1908, was quite uninjured during the past winter, and it is hoped will flower in the coming August. Another plant that was badly injured by the frost in the two preceding winters, namely, the New Zealand Arthropodium cirrhatum, which flowered well in 1906, but, owing to its loss of foliage, did not bloom in 1907 or 1908, is unhurt and shows signs of perfecting flower- spikes. The rare and delicate Romulea pylea, with satin-white, golden-centred, Crocus-like blossoms, which produced dozens of blooms, was a lovely sight in the early spring, and the larger R. nivalis, with white flowers faintly feathered with blue, was also pretty. The blue Chilian Crocus (Tecophihea eyano- crocus), with its deep gentian-blue blossoms, was very beautiful. This charming little plant appears to be somewhat capricious, for in some gardens it dies out, and it is only in a very few that it is at home and reproduces itself. Hardenbergia monophylla alba, after being flowerless for five years, surprised us by showing bloom in February, and through March and April it was covered with white flowers, which lasted well in the cold weather. Correa cardinalis was in flower before Christ- mas, and is still carrying many perfect blooms. The American Erythroniums often prove exceedingly difficult to grow satisfac- torily, but in a lew gardens in the south-west they appear happy. In a certain garden near Truro they presented a beautiful picture in the month of April, several hundreds of vigor- ous plants being in bloom. The llower-stems were in many cases from a foot to L8 inches in height and bore numerous blossoms. The owner stated that the majority were self- sown seedlings. They were growing in pure leaf-mould collected from beneath a rookery. Genista monosperma, which, it »;h asserted, would not flower in England, was covered with bloom in May, and Leptospermum scoparium is now a sheet of white. Fritillaria persica has produced a sheaf of flower-stems nearly ■i feet in height, and the rare F. obliqua has perfected its almost black blossoms. Manet- tia bicolor is in fine blossom, and both the crimson and white varieties of Clianthus puni- ceus are covered with blossom, which, how- ever, is now past its best. The first flowers were cut from the open wall on Christmas Day. Semele (Ruscus) androgyna is making growths that promise to be over 15 feet in length, and its leaves, or cladodes, are already becoming furnished along their edges with tiny greenish-white buds. At Christ- mas-tide the soft colouring of a large colony of Crocus Imperati presented a lovely sight, and was followed by C. Korolkowii, C. Sieberi, and others. Jasminum primulinum has pro- duced its golden bloom in profusion, and Deutzia kalmiseflora, the loveliest of its family, has been covered with blossom. Buddleia Colvilei is evidently going to flower copiously, every spray being terminated by a cluster of buds. This Buddleia never seems to flower in a small state, and, indeed, it is not until the hush has attained a height of 8 or 10 feet that it begins to bloom with any free- dom. Celmisia coriacea is in full flower and Olearia insignis, which was obtained direct from New Zealand, is showing several broom- buds. The yellow Californian Tree Poppy (Dendromecon rigidum) is doing wonderfully well and is throwing up strong shoots over half an inch in diameter. It commenced to flower in May, and will continue to bloom until well on in November, thus having a far limber blossoming period than its relative Romneya Coulteri. The South African Ane- mone Fanninii, the queen of its family, which bears large, snow-white flowers over 4 inches aoross, is throwing up its bloom-buds, and Watsonia coccinea is about to perfect several flower-spikes, which are already showing scar- let. Neviusia alabamensis has been in pro- fuse bloom, and the new Lilium Ghehnii is making strong growth, while L. sulphureum is shooting up well from its peat bed. Ranun- culus Lyallii is alive, but has made but lit tl > grow th. Every endeavour was made to obtain this plant through English nurserymen, but not a plant could be beard of, and eventually one was procured from New Zealand. It has, I believe, been flowered several times in this country, but apparently has been lost. It has been said that the winter temperature in the native habitat of this species registers 15° be- low zero, a state of affairs impossible of reali- sation in South Devon. It is, however, such a beautiful plant that, one can but do one's best to succeed with it. S. W. Fiizherbert. NOTES FROM ISLEWORTH. Notwithstanding the inclement weather of this spring-time, the orchards promise to yield a good all-round crop. The small fruits also promise well, and both Strawberries and Black Currants will be plentiful. Apples are very variable and difficult to estimate, some trees being crowded with fruit, and others (even of the same variety) standing near them absolutely bare of fruit. This eccentric setting seems to be ral in the district, and I note how ver\ shy setters (such as the Improved Gravenstein) are leaded, whereas the Ions-keeping cookers (such as Lane's Prince Albert and Norfolk Beefin), upon which one generally gets a fair crop, are rather thin tins season. I think the explanation is that the early-flowering sorts, for once in a way. had a more propitious blooming period than the later kinds. The general result, however, promises to give about an average crop. Pears are a heavy crop, and the fruit is very well distributed over the trees. Most kinds will require severe thinning. Marie Louise is not a good crop, but this is the only exception that I have noted. Plums are again a grand lot as far as the cooking kinds are concerned, and Damsons are also good, but among dessert kinds only the Gages promise well. I have a sprinkling on some Japanese Plums which have hitherto been barren in my garden. Great benefit has accrued to those prolific sorts, such as Victorias, which so often exhaust themselves in carrying one huge crop and then take two years to recover, by heavy dressings of manure alternated with dressings of lime. salt, and soot mixed, and thin dressings of sulphate of iron. Some trees thus treated have carried enormous crops for three successive years and shows no signs of exhaustion. For some unascertained reason dressings of sulphate of iron have also proved beneficial to the Strawberry beds in this district, although I believe it was first applied by mistake. Quinces are about an average crop. Cherries are very plentiful, but will probably be undersized on account of the very cold weather now prevailing. The wall fruit is all splendid in this district. Undoubtedly the fine, warm, and sunny autumn ripened the wood to an exceptional degree. Unfortunately those who grow early vegetables for the market have had a very unsatisfactory time this sluing, but in many cases the product of the orchards will probably redress their losses. A. Worsley, June II. 390 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 19, 1909. OURISIA MACROPHYLLA, Hook. The genus Ourisia is best known in gardens through the South American scarlet-flowered O. coccinea, a plant introduced by Messrs. Veitch so long ago as in 1862, and figured in the Botanical Magazine of the same year. Few of the New Zealand or of the other South American species have come into horticulture, and this not because they are undeserving of cultivation as fig. 172, illustrating 0. macrophylla, will show. Ourisia macrophylla, a New Zealand species, of which Mr. Cheeseman (Flora of New Zealand) writes, "In its fully developed state this is an ex- ceedingly handsome plant," gives promise in its growth at Edinburgh of satisfying the description. It forms a spreading tuft of basal, dark green leaves 6 inches or so long — with a purple tint on the petiole spreading into the veins and around the margin. Flowering stems rise freely from the base and bear stalked flowers, white, or white streaked with purple, in whorls, several of which may be superposed. The bud before opening has a beau- tiful pink tinge. The figure shows only the be- ginning of elongation of the flower axis to give a second whorl, at a later stage of its growth the plant figured had three whorls. Seed is pro- duced abundantly. The plant figured was raised in the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, from seed received from New Zealand in 1907. It was grown in a cool frame and flowered in mid-March this year, remaining in bloom for nearly six weeks. The species should be a useful hardy one in gardens where New Zealand plants thrive. ' FIXATION OF NITROGEN BY BACTERIA. (Concluded from page 377. ) Moore, of the United States Department of Agriculture, began about the same time to send out cultures in a dry form, prepared by dipping cotton wool into an active liquid culture of the nodule organism and slowly drying it. When required for use, a fresh preparation was made by putting the wool into a solution of sugar and potassium phosphate, in which the bacteria would begin to grow. Into this active liquid the seeds could be dipped before sowing. Moore's preparations turned out un- satisfactory because the bacteria did not remain alive for long after drying. However, since that time, various improvements have been made in the methods of growing the nodule bacteria in artificial media, and cultures which retain their activity for a considerable time are now obtain- able from all the bacteriological laboratories concerned with agricultural work. Whether solid or liquid, they require to be dif- fused in a considerable bulk of water or sepa- rated milk, which can then be distributed over the land. A better method is to tie the seed in a bag of butter muslin, dip it in the fluid, and then allow the seed to dry somewhat before sow- ing. DThe seed should not, however, be allowed to dry for long, or the bacteria are apt to perish. The question now arises whether any practical benefit is to be obtained from such an inocula- tion of the seed of leguminous crops, and two cases must at the outset be considered. Some soils exist, especially in new countries coming under cultivation for the first time, from which the nodule organism is absent ; in such cases inoculation may be of the greatest possible value and may make the difference between obtaining a crop or none at all. Even in these cases, how- ever, the soil is often without nodule bacteria because in some way its condition is unfit for their survival, so that it is of no use to introduce the organism unless at the same time the soil is made a suitable medium for their growth. Soils entirely without nodule organisms are rarely met with in the British Isles, but not in- frequently soils are found on which such special crops as Lucerne, which requires a race of bac- teria considerably differentiated from that which is found in Clover nodules, fail to nodulate and grow properly. In such cases a preliminary inoculation of the Lucerne seed may prove very effective in establishing the crop, which other- wise fails, although Clover will grow freely on the same land. Examples have been observed of the value of inoculating Lucerne seed when that crop is being sown in a district in which it has not hitherto been grown. • Lecture delivered on March 11, 1909, by Mr. A. D. Hall, Director of the Rothamsted Experimental Station. But in most of our soils, where Clover, Beans, and Peas have been cultivated in the regular way, the nodule organism is present, and the leguminous crop nodulates and begins to fix nitrogen without any artificial inoculation. In these cases the gain from inoculation is not likely to be large, 10 to 20 per cent, at the outside — a quantity only perceptible by careful experiment — and its existence must depend either upon some advantage to be derived from early inoculation or upon the establishment of an improved race of bacteria, more active in fixing nitrogen than those normally in the soil. Neither of these pro- positions has been established, and, though the work is still being actively pursued, a practical return for inoculation on ordinary field or garden soils is not yet to be expected. The nodule bacteria, either pure or mixed with other organisms, have not been induced to enter into partnership with the ordinary buted, having been isolated at Rothamsted from virgin soils obtained from all parts of the world. In order to fix nitrogen it must be supplied with some form of carbohydrate, by the oxidation of which it derives the energy necessary to bring the nitrogen into combination. Carbonate of lime as a base in the soil is also necessary for its growth. The history of a certain piece of land illus- trates the dependence of nitrogen-fixation by Azotobaeter on supplies of carbohydrates in the soil at Rothamsted. The land in question has been allowed to run wild for the last 25 years, and has been gaining nitrogen during that period at the rate of nearly 50 lbs. per acre per annum, whereas the adjacent arable land has lost rather than gained nitrogen. On the " wild " land the vegetation every year is al- lowed to die back, thus the soil is continually supplied with compounds of carbon by the oxi- FlG. 172. — OURISIA MACROPHYLLA FLOWERING IN THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN, EDINBURGH. non-leguminous plants, which is not to be won- dered at. considering the unlimited opportunities the latter have had in ordinary soil of trying the experiment for themselves. An extensive ex- periment tried upon Tomatos seemed to give an increased yield after inoculation, but this was shown to be due to the nutrient salts introduced by the culture medium, for a similar increase was produced when the same culture medium was given to the plants after it had been first steri- lised by boiling. Turning now to other soil bacteria which fix nitrogen without the intervention of legumin- ous plants, mention must be made of the organ- ism discovered by Beijerinck and called by him Azotobaeter. This organism is widely distri- dation of which Azotobaeter is enabled to fix nitrogen; on the arable land, however, where the crop is almost wholly removed, there is no return of carbon compounds to the soil. Certain pot experiments have shown that the application to soil of sugar, a carbon compound containing no nitrogen, is followed by a gain of nitrogen, of great benefit to succeeding crops, but attempts to obtain similar results in the field at Rothamsted have so far yielded negative re- sults. In the Mauritius, however, the treatment of the soil with Molasses has been found bene- ficial to the following crops, and Azotobaeter has been also shown to be abundant in the soil. The piece of " wild " land at Rothamsted supplies the clue to the accumulations of nitrogen June 19, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 391 in such virgin soils as the black lands of the North-west of America, the Russian Steppes, the Argentine Pampas, &c, which are naturally occu- pied by a luxuriant, grassy vegetation. However long such land has been growing grass, the plants themselves could not increase the stock of nitrogen ; they could only take up what was originally in the soil and restore it again. But when the carbonaceous matter they have assimi- lated from the atmosphere falls back to the soil, material is provided by means of which Azoto- bacter, present in all these soils, can proceed to fix nitrogen. The low ratio of carbon to nitro- gen in the organic matter of these virgin soils is NOTES ON IRISES. CHANGE OF COLOUR FROM YEAR TO YEAR. Foe some time past I have been inclined to suspect that Iris flowers vary from year to year on the same plants, even when the latter remain undisturbed in the same spot. Last year I made careful notes of some dwarf yellow seedlings, with a view to eliminating muddy colours and keeping only the purest. -This year the notes do not correspond in the least, and those plants which seemed the best last year have this year Fl5. I73. — PI.EUROTHALI.I5 BIRCHENALLII. in itself evidence that very active oxidation of the vegetable debris had been going on : in this respect the organic matter of the virgin soils resembles that which had accumulated on the " wild " plot at Rothamsted, but differs from that which is found in soils devoid of Azotobac- ter. " The gain in fertility of land laid down to grass, where a mass of stubble and roots accu- mulate, is also probably in part the work of this nitrogen-collecting micro-organism. only produced flowers in which purple streaks occur. I. Talischii, too, was last year distinctly streaked with purple ; but this year no purple appeared in the falls. More striking still is the variation of the colour of the beards of Irises vaga and Leicht- linii. In 1907, I carefully labelled and separated all blue beards (vaga) from yellow beards (Leichtlinii). In 1908, in the two batches, there was not a single yellow beard among 50 or 60 flowers. Last autumn the plants were left un- disturbed, and this year the two batches pro- duced blue and yellow beards respectively, as I arranged them in the autumn of 1907 ! Can anyone suggest an explanation? IRIS STRATJSSII. I should like to draw attention to a good ex- ample of this plant, which I received from Mr. W. Muller, of Nocera Inferiore, Italy, with a note to the effect that it was collected in Persia, on the borders of Beluchistan. The first flower opened on April 22, and agreed with the de- scription given in Mr. Lynch's Booh of the Iris, except that the head consisted of three flowers within the same outer spathe valves. Curiously enough, within a few days, a seed- ling bloomed for the first time and was identical with this Persian I. Straussii. It was a plant that I raised from seed of a yellow Iris offered in the trade about four years ago as I. suaveolens. Among a dozen plants, four came clear yellow and three others had the curious dull purple of I. Straussii. Of these latter, two had beards, in which the yellow-white hairs of the beard were not tipped with blue, as in I. Straussii. All these plants agree in having standards that are noticeably larger than the falls and which project beyond the falls in the unopened bud. The texture of the segments is extremely delicate in all cases, quite unlike that of the European pumila or chamaeiris, and it would seem that we have in I. Straussii a dwarf Persian Iris of varying colour which corresponds to the South European chamseiris and olbiensis with their various colour forms. This Persian Iris is also remarkable in that the base of the haft of the standards often, but not always even on the same plant, bears a few hairs of the same colour as the beard, a phenomenon which is also frequent among the Oncocyclus Irises, and occurs, moreover, in I. florentina. COLD STORAGE FOR ONCOCYCLUS SPECIES. Owing to the folly of a gardener, who during last August copiously watered my cold-stored Oncocyclus plants because he thought " they looked rather dry," I was not able to lift and store the rhizomes for a second winter. How- ever, I stored another batch of newly-imported rhizomes until the middle of February. Then for a week or two they lay in a frame in boxes of cocoanut fibre and sand — an excellent medium for encouraging root growth in dry or shrivelled plants. They soon began to send out roots, and I planted them early in March in a sheltered spot in sandy soil well enriched with old cow manure and leaf-mould. Throughout April and May they were kept well watered, and I have had five flowers of I. lupina and I. Elisabethae. Four flowers of I. Haynei are now open, and I. Lortetii and I. Bismarckiana are in bud. The plants, too, are making vigorous growth, and will, I hope, provide good rhizomes for storing again in August. W. E. Dykes, Charterhouse, Godalming PLEUROTHALUS BIRCHENALLII. The illustration in fig. 173 represents this new species, which was imported by Mr. Birchenall, of Alderley Edge, Cheshire, and shown by Messrs. Charlesworth & Co. at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on April 20 last, when it was accorded a Botanical Certificate. The species seems to be closely allied to Pleuro- thallis scapha, figured in the Botanical Maga- zine, tab. 7431, but P. Birchenallii is darker in colour. The flowers are whitish, with claret- purple coloured lines. It is an elegant plant, like many of the larger species of Pleurothallis. 392 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 19, 1909. ASHBOURNE, GO. CORK. (See figs. 174 and 175, and Supplementary Illustration.) Ashbourne, the residence of Mr. Richard H. Beamish, is at Glounthaune, nearly opposite the little railway station of Queenstown Junction, Co. Cork. It is only some seven years or so since Mr. Beamish formed his garden at Ashbourne, with the help of Mr. Hume, his gardener. The resi- dence is not a large one, but it is very beauti- fully situated, and its walls are clothed with Macartney Roses and other climbers. Mr. Beamish and his gardener conducted me through the gardens on the occasion of a summer visit. Amongst the first plants I saw of interest was Eucoma ulmoides, the new hardy Rubber plant. Broussonetia papyrifera In a warm part of the grounds is a little pond planted with Blue Water Lilies. It presents a sight probably unique in the United Kingdom, as the plants flower entirely in the open, without any protection from the time they are put out in May. There were many fine flowers expanded on the day of my visit, principally of the Berlin variety of Nymphtea stellata. The tubers are lifted in autumn, and kept under glass ; the young growths or tubers only are replanted, not the old. From the time of their planting-out no protection is afforded these Nympha?as. In addition to the Berlin variety, Mr. Hudson's beautiful form is also found at Ashbourne. In another pond are a number of the hybrid and other Nymphseas, such as N. gloriosa, N. Froebelii, N. Ellisiana, N. Marliacea albida, and N. M. rosea. Caltha polypetala, by the side of the pond, was Fig. 174.— view of portion of the rockery in ashbourne gardens, co. cork. was also seen, and the distinct Beschorneria de- kosteriana was doing admirably in a group on the grass. Here, also, were observed several Cordy- lines, including C. indivisa, C. Banksii, and C. australis, with several hardy Palms, Ashbourne being well protected from the north winds. Rhaphithamnus cyanocarpus, from Chili, with its blue berries ; Cercocarpus breviflorus, Ptelea fastigiata, Mallotus japonicus, the distinct Feijoa Sellowiana, Stuartia pseudo-camellia, the beauti- ful Cryptomeria selaginoides, Hovenia dulcis, and, although rather tender, the beautiful Myo- porum serratum were also noticed. Cocos austra- lis withstood the severe winter of 1908, and ap- peared in a perfect condition of health. A num- ber of Kniphofias were very fine. Some of these were seedlings raised at Ash- bourne, and allied to K. Northife, of which species there is a small stock in these gardens. also very fine ; whilst Gunneras, as elsewhere in Ireland, grow magnificently. Miscanthus japonicus, a plant allied to Eula- lia, is also represented by the waterside. Tri- cuspidarias are represented by good specimens of T. lanceolata and T. dependens. The true T. dependens is inferior to the species which was formerly recognised by that name, but which is now known as T. lanceolatus. Decaisnea Far- gesii was cut down by the frost, but it recovered and was bearing fruit. Another plant which is worthy of special mention is the beautiful Grevil- lea rosmarinifolia. I was also pleased to see Embothrium coecineum, which, in some Irish gardens, succumbed to last winter's trials. The plant was thriving. A large break of Iris Kaempferi, in the finest varieties, attracted my notice. The land in which they are planted is supplied in summer with moisture from a small rivulet flowing on one side. The plants were doing splendidly, and were producing very large blooms. Thence we passed to a water garden by the side of a little stream (see Supplementary Hlustration). Here were many good plants well grown, such as the graceful Stenanthemum robustum, a North American member of the Liliacese, which was now coming into favour, and of which a good group a little above the water level was charming. The flowers are creamy white. Auchusa italica succeeds splendidly in the boggy ground. It is shown in full flower in the illustration. The delightful little Linnea borealis flourishes in a way seldom seen, as do Campanula phyctido- calyx, a large group of the pretty apricot- coloured Dimorphotheca aurea, and masses of Primula capitata and other species of Primula. The success of P. deorum in moisture here would indicate that it is a moisture lover, and that this treatment will probably be more successful with this scarce Primrose than any other. Rhododen- dron kamtschaticum also was greatly en- joying the moisture. Here, again, one of the Castillejas, kept dry at the roots in win- ter, but apparently revelling in the summer mois- ture, was bright with its scarlet flowers. Equally flourishing was Corydalis cheilanthifolia; the dis- tinct Saxifraga tellimoides, with several Spiraeas and Astilbes, and Astilbe Davidii looking finer in the surroundings here than anywhere I have seen it, for the colour of the flowers does not always harmonise with other subjects. Stokesia cyanea, the fine Podophyllum Emodii major, Roscoea purpurea, Geranium Wallichianum Bux- ton's variety, and Geranium Lowii were also very good indeed ; whilst a group of Primula obconica had remained in the open unprotected for two years. Some of the older Primroses of worth are also grown. Amongst other plants noted were many Thalictrums ; a collection of the best species of Meconopsis, including M. integrifolia and M. grandis ; Shortia gaiaciflora and S. uniflora, with Galax aphylla, and doing splendidly in a pool; the fine NympliEea tuberusa Richardsonii ; nearly all the Eremuri, although their flowering was over; and many other good plants suitable for the water or its banks. Two good annual Tropaeolums looked well among the shrubs by the side. These are Isola Bella, a single, and the fine, double variety called Darm- stadt. Passing fr.om here, among shrubs and trees I observed Indigofera Gerardiana, and such Andromedas as A. leucantha, A. Cateslwi. and other good species and forms. The deciduous Rex verticillatus is an excellent and beautiful Holly, and Jacaranda mimossefolia, Olea fragrans, Benthamia fragifera, and several Pittosporums, the lovely Leptospermum bulla turn, with a number of other good things, were among those which attracted my notice. With Juglans mandschuricus, the experience of Mr. Beamish is the same as my own — that it is tender, and apt to be cut back by frosts in spring, but that it breaks away later. One of the most charm- ing of the Philadelphuses here is one of M. Lemoine's raising, and is called hybridus erectus. Mr. Beamish is fond of Verbascums, the best being V. pannosum longifolium. Near by is a little " Lavender garden," with its quiet beauty and fragrant growths. In a long stretch by the house lies the flower garden proper, where beds and borders of Roses and hardy flowers of the best species and varie- ties looked quite brilliant, although the early flowers were over and the later had not come into bloom. Another feature here is the pathway lined with Yews and spanned with arches of Roses at intervals. Although many other features have remained unmentioned, the remainder of my space must be devoted to a brief notice of the rock-garden, which was worth a long journey to see. It is a tasteful combination of natural and artificial rock- work, and provision is made for plants that are not always accommodated properly on natural rocks. The rock-garden is most extensive, June 19, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 393 and is full of many features worth noting. Thus, on a steep rock face, there is a splendid plant of Mandevilla suaveolens. clambering up and giving plenty of its fragrant, white flowers. Some noble plants of the true Kniphofia Northise were mag- nificent. As is proper with such an extensive rock-garden, the plants are generally in masses, which is the best way to produce effect when the rock-garden is of a considerable size. It is im- possible to specify in detail the plants, but I may mention masses of the Italian form of Campanula pulla; the pinkish-white Eriogonum racemosum ; a mass of Umbilicus chrysanthus ; Lotus pelio- rhynchus, trailing over the rocks; Campanula velutina, a biennial, but very pleasing ; Aqui- legid Stuartii ; Anemone Fanninii , the showy Haplocarpha scaposa ; a group of the fine Rosa sericea pteracantha ; Campanula G. F. Wilson; Campanula isophylla, very pleas- ing against the rocks; Erica tenuifolia; Vitis armata; a number of Sempervivums, some not seen as a rule elsewhere ; bold groups of the silvery or encrusted Saxifrages, a good selection of Androsaces, and several forms of Zauschneria. There were also observed Iris stylosa ; Hypericum reptans, a splendid specimen ; Ramondias and Haberleas, including the rare Haberlea vir- ginalis, doing well, with greater sunshine than they receive in my garden ; Cistuses, Helian- themums, and, in brief, a wonderful collec- tion of old, new, or rare Alpine flowers, as well as some which, in smaller gardens, would .MR. BURBANK AND THE WONDERBERRY. I enclose herewith an extract from the Rural New Yorker, issue of Hay 29, regarding Mr. Burbank and the Wonderberry. There is much discussion of this plant here, and we shall know more about it at the end of the season. Regarding the well-known Solanum nigrum, which, I believe, is always regarded as dan- gerous in Northern Europe, it is used in the north-western States, but, I believe, only in a cooked form, as a sauce or in pies. It is called Stubbleberry, as it grows quite freely in Wheat stubble. It is only used in new districts where there is no other fruit, or where there is diffi- culty in growing other fruit, just as green Tomatos are used by American housewives to n.ake pies where there is a famine in " pie timber." Prof. Hanson, ot the Dakota Experi- ment Station, expressed his surprise at finding the Black Nightshade thus used in Dakota, but, in addition to the effect of cooking, it is quite possible that climate modifies the poisonous pro- perty. It is Solanum nigrum that was dissemi- nated by some American seedsmen of recent years under the name of Garden Huckleberry. Emily Tapliii Boyle, May wood, Ni «• Jersey. Extract from the Rural Xew Yorker. THE WONDERBERRY AND THE WIZARD BURBANK. The " Wonderberry " appeared this season as one of the " novelties " which are sprung upon the public without official test or preparation. We had no chance FlG. 175. — AUBRIETIA "DR. MULES" IN ASHBOURNE GARDENS, CO. CORK. be relegated to the border, but which are quite suitable for such a large garden as that at Ash- bourne. Mr. W. E. Gumbleton is enthusiastic in praise of this rock-garden of Mr. Beamish, and it was on his recommendation that I had the pleasure of seeing it. .S'. Arnott. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. SOLANUM NIGRUM. Solanum nigrum has a wide distribution in Eastern Equatorial Africa, and is used by the natives as a potherb. The plant is very common in cultivated plots, and, although I have never observed artificial plantations of it, yet, wherever it grows spontaneously amongst other crops, it is never uprooted, but tended with the other occupants of the garden. The young shoots and leaves are gathered and used as a Spinach. The black fruits are never eaten, either raw or cooked, and even small fruits are picked off the Spinach before cooking. I cannot find that the plant has a reputation as a bearer of poisonous fruits here, but its fruits are said by the natives to be " not nice." E. Brown, Mabira Forest, Uganda. to test it, but botanists of high reputation were sure it was iu no wise different from the well-known Solanum nigrum. We think there are too many half -baked novelties put before the public, and that a thorough roasting will either prove their value or their wortli- lessness. A correspondent of the Gardeners' Chronicle, of London, England, examined the seeds and made this report : " The seeds looked ordinary and the given origin excited curiosity, so I proceeded to look up the history of the two reputed parents. They proved to be nothing other than forms of S. nigrum, a weed in every country; therefore, the Wonderberry is S. nigrum also. The seeds, on careful comparison, proved it beyond doubt. Then I remembered that this same story had b?en round in another form about two years ago, but the name given then was Huckleberry, _ instead of Wonderberry. We grew some plants of it and they turned out to be simply Nightshade— S. nigrum. What does it all mean? Every intelligent child shuns the fruits of this weed of waste land and manure heaps, the poisonous properties of which are undoubted. Children who have eaten the fruit have died soon after from its effects, which are very distressing — vomiting, colic, convulsions, &c. Mr. N. E. Brown informs me, however, that in some countries the fruits of Solanum nigrum are not only innocuous, but they are actually eaten, and on consulting various books I found several records to that effect. A Russian chemist who had in- vestigated the question as to the berries being poisonous in some countries and harmless in others concluded that the difference was not due to any difference in the plants, but to variations in the climatic conditions under which the fruits were grown, the narcotic principle being either undeveloped or finally dispelled under the influence of certain conditions, of which heat and light were probably the most important. It is, therefore, quite possible that the Nightshade is poisonous in Great Britain and harmless in America. After all, are we so hard up for fruit as to be forced to turn to one of our most pestiferous weeds, which is also known to be a. deadly poison, because we are advised to do this by some seedsmen in America?" A man in New York bought seed of the Wonderberry, naturally expecting that '* Burbank's creation" would prove a prize indeed. A sea captain from England had read the article in the Gardeners' Chronicle, and he told our friend what is printed above. This man wrote Luther Burbank about it, and received the follow- ing reply : It is very kind of you to inquire at headquarters about the " Wonderberry." The name " Sunberry " is the one which I rather preferred when I sold my rights in it to John Lewis Childs. As you probably know, newspaper reporters are not always as well posted as they should be. I am ready to make an offer of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) cash, cold coin, if any living person on earth proves that the " Wonderberry " is the black Night- shade or any other berry ever before known on this planet until I produced it. I have seen some criticisms, especially in the Rural New Yorker, of New York City, where they simply show their ignorance of the whole matter. Now, I have made a good offer and it would please me very much if you would publish it in the Rural New Yorker and in the English publication you men- tioned, the Gardeners' Chronicle, as it is not in good taste for me to meet these statements personally, and, furthermore, they will find out how mistaken they are. (Signed) Luther Burbank. If Mr. Burbank would make as sure of his novelties as he makes safe in his offers little fault could be found with him or them. We name Burbank himself as the " living person on earth," who is well qualified to finger that $10,000. He proves by his own statements that the " Wonderberry " resulted from crossing S. villosum and S. guineense. As the Gardeners' Chronicle states above, the result of this cross must be Night- shade ! Mr. Burbank should at once hand himself that $10,000, for he has earned it. If, however, he does not consider it good taste to have money or honours thrust upon himself, the R. N. Y. will put in a modest plea, for the amount. We have a plant of the " Wonder- berry " in bloom and with the fruit formed. Botanists declare that it has all the characteristics of S. nigrum. Readers in Louisiana have compared the " Wonderberry " with the wild plant and declare that they are the same ! As proof we shall print the pictures of "these plants. If Mr. Burbank desires further proof will he kindly state what will satisfy him? When we demonstrate the true character of this " Wonderberry " Mr. Burbank will no doubt realise how the American public has been held up for petty plunder on the repu- tation which goes with his name. Let us now see what this " good offer" is good for! — Rural New Yorker. NOTICES OF BOOKS. * A First Book of Botany. Now that natural history has obtained a definite place in the school course of study, it has become a matter of great importance to pro- vide suitable text books to aid the teacher by indicating which of the manifold aspects of Nature are most suited for his purpose. All teachers of natural history recognise that plants offer an infinite variety of material for such study : but they also know by experience that it is not altogether easy to select from this variety subjects which serve to build up in the scholar's mind a good general knowledge of the life and work of plants. The little book under review makes this attempt, and, on the whole, makes it with success. The descriptions of the common objects treated of are well done, and the illustrations are none the less useful from being somewhat diagrammatic. We would sug- gest, however, that the photographs, for ex- ample, that of the female catkins of the Willow (p. 88), might well be replaced by careful draw- ings, or, if that is not possible, in the case of the representation of British trees, omitted alto- gether. The suggestions for practical work which are made at the end of each chapter are workmanlike, and should prove of great as- sistance to the teacher as well as to the scholar. In extending a cordial welcome to this little book, we would venture on the criticism that, in the attempt to present a bird's-eye view of the subject, too much ground is covered, and sub- jects dealt with which, in our opinion, would be best omitted altogether from a First Book of Botany. The educational value of frequent ob- servations on a few plants in the various stages of their development is greater than that of more cursory examinations of larger numbers of plants. Nevertheless, we recommend with confidence this little book to the teacher for use in the school. • By Elizabeth Healey. Pp. 142, price Is. 6d. (Mac- millan & Co. 1909.) 394 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 19, 1909. MARKET GARDENING. THREE CHOICE ANNUALS. Cut flowers of the tall-growing section of the Sweet Scabious are much appreciated by florists for decorative purposes. The three best varieties are as follow : — Pompadour with double flowers, claret-purple in colour, edged with white, and borne on long stems which render the flowers most suitable for arranging in glasses, &c. ; Azure Fairy, with large, well-formed, pale blue flowers, a very valuable acquisition to the Sweet Scabious family; and Fire King, the flowers of which are of a rich crimson colour and of fine shape. This variety is of recent introduc- tion. The plants are best raised under glass in order to secure early supplies of cut flowers. They should be transplanted out-of-doors in May in rows 18 inches apart and at the same distance ■from plant to plant in the rows. Seed of the dwarf and late-growing varieties, sown in flower borders out-of-doors will yield supplies of cut flowers considerably later in the season. Statice is another flowering annual that has come to be in great request lately. The three fol- lowing species are the best for yielding supplies of cut flowers, namely, S. australis (sinensis), which produces arching spikes of canary-yellow- coloured flowers. The inflorescences are from 15 to 24 inches long, according to the depth and fertility of the soil. S. sinuata, which produces fairly long, branching spikes of blue flowers; and S. Bonduellii, a free-growing, yellow-flowering variety. These plants continue to bloom into late autumn. They are what is termed " ever- lasting," and on this account, as much as by reason of their habit of growth and colour, are greatly in demand, especially during the early autumn months. The Sweet Sultan (Centaurea) is another grand cut-flower annual. The best varieties for sup- plying cut blooms include those undermentioned : —The magnificent-flowered C. imperialis alba, with pure white blooms, very fine in size and shape ; C. odorata Marguerita, pure white ; C. Chameleon, yellow and rose-coloured ; and C. pur- purea. The Sweet Sultan may also be had in nine separate colours : delicate lilac, bright rose, dark lilac, lilac, purple, rose, dark purple, and white-shaded rose ; but the four first-mentioned varieties are the best to cultivate for the purposes indicated above. The globular-shaped flowers are borne on long, stoutish stems, which, in addition to the delicate perfume of the flowers, render them admirably suited for all kinds of cut-bloom arrangements. To obtain an early and pro- longed supply of these popular flowers, sow the seed in boxes under glass, afterwards transferring them into 3-inch pots, placing three in each pot, and grow them on in the usual way near the glass in a pit or frame. Transplant out-of-doors in May, placing them in rows, the same distance apart as recommended for Sweet Scabious, allow- ing the same distance each way for the Statice plants, and afterwards applying water to all the plants to settle the soil about the roots. H. W. W. The Week's Work, PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C. Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Herbaceous Calceolarias. — If it is intended to make only one sowing of seed, then July is per- haps the best time for the operation, but if several batches of plants are required, the seed may well be sown at intervals from the present time until the latter part of August. The seeds should be sown thinly and evenly in well-drained pans nearly filled with light, sandy soil. The surface of the soil should be made firm and level. It is not advisable to cover the seeds with soil, but they may be pressed into the surface with a piece of dry, flat wood. As cool conditions at all times are essential to the successful cultivation til these showy plants, the seed pans should be placed in a shady part of the cool greenhouse or in an unheated frame. The soil should be moist so that water will not be required until the seeds have germinated. A piece of glass laid over the seed pans will prevent excessive evapora- tion ; the glass must, of course, be removed for a time daily, be tilted as soon as the seeds germi- nate, and finally be removed altogether. Humea elegans. — Well-grown plants of Humea elegans have considerable decorative value, and the scent of the leaves is pleasing to many per- sons. Seeds may be sown at any time during the next three or four weeks, in pans of moderately light soil. Too high a temperature sometimes prevents germination, therefore the pans containing the seeds must only be placed in a warm house. As soon as possible after the seedlings appear above the soil, they should be potted singly into small pots, exercising care not to injure the roots. Primula. — These plants require to be kept steadily growing, and as soon as the seedling plants have filled their pots with roots they should be given a shift into others of larger size. Throughout the summer these and the double- flowered varieties should be given cool frame treatment, allowing ample room between each plant. During warm nights, after the plants have become established, the lights may be re- moved, but judgment must be exercised, as Primulas, and especially the double-flowered varieties, are checked by exposure to cold rains and sudden changes of temperature. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Susses. Carnations. — A final top-dressing of manure and afterwards a good watering should be given to these plants. Keep the flowers neatly tied up to thin stakes. It is better to do some disbudding, as the buds near to the main flower are of no value and serve merely to retard the develop- ment of that flower. As a rule, one flower to each stem is sufficient, but for the purpose of securing a late supply it may be desirable to leave an additional flower-bud near the base of the spike. Irises. — In some districts Irises may require watering. Manure water obtained from cow manure is very beneficial to them. I. Kaempferi usually does best in a moist position, but I have known it to succeed on what would be termed a dry border. Flow ring shrubs. — Deutzia discolor grandi- flora, D. kalmiteflora, D. Wilsonii. and D. Vil- moriniana have flowered abundantly. Let such plants be pruned directly they have finished flowering. Otherwise the branches, becoming long and weak, will droop to the ground. The beautiful Rubus deliciosus requires pruning and top-dressing after flowering. There are many other shrubs that will be all the better for being pruned at this season. Lilacs, for instance, if it is necessary that they should be kept dwarf and bushy, should be pruned at the present time. Roses. — Trailing Roses should be neatly, but not tightly, trained, and the young, vigorous shoots which start from the base should be care- fully secured. Gather the old seed vessels from early-flowering varieties. If Roses are syringed thoroughly each week, it helps to keep them clean and in a healthy condition. Remove all suckers from Briars as soon as they appear. Herbaceous plants. — Remove the weeds and decaying foliage from herbaceous borders. Much work will be required now in the tieing and staking of various plants. Let both operations be carried out before the growths become so tall that they fall about and acquire a bad shape. Vacant spaces in the borders may be filled with annuals and such plants as Dahlias. Plants which have recently been put into the ground must be watered if the weather is dry at the time. A plant may die very quickly after re- moval unless attention is given it. Reduce any excessively large stumps in the borders, as these may interfere with the space required for other plants. Alpine garden. — Keep the Alpine garden per- fectly free from weeds. Sow seed of early Pri- mulas as soon as ripe seeds can be obtained. Prick out Ramondias into pans. Primula sikki- niensis is doing well this season, although the plants were very small when they were put out last autumn. It is a species to be recommended. Keep the soil about Sarracenias moist and free from weeds. The plants are now showing their flowers. Trilliums that have flowered may re- quire root waterings. The foliage should be allowed to die away very gradually. Trilliums succeed well in a partially-shaded position amongst Himalayan Rhododendrons. Somneya Coulteri. — If this plant is cultivated close to walls or in any dry position, it will need a good soaking with water occasionally. General work. — Keep the beds and borders free from weeds and all dead leaves. Thin the grass verges and mow the grass frequently. Let the gravel paths be rolled at frequent intervals. Prick out Polyanthus and Primroses on a cool border. Water Sweet Peas in warm positions. Sow seeds of Myosotis, also Silene, for spring flowering. If the Wallflowers or any other spring-flowering plants have failed, let another sowing of seed be made at once. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicarv Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Coleworts. — Two sowings of this useful vege- table should be made during the present month. Scatter the seeds thinly broadcast on beds of suitable size. These seeds must be carefully protected against birds. Coleworts should be cultivated in every garden whether large or small, as they are amongst the most hardy of !;reen vegetables, and their quality is good. The Improved Rosette Colewort and London Hardy Green are the two best varieties. Turnips. — Make frequent sowings of Turnip seed, selecting as far as possible the more shady parts of the garden. Red Globe is one of the finest summer Turnips. It possesses a robust constitution capable of withstanding drought, and its flavour is excellent. Plants from previous sowings should be thinned to the required dis- tance. Let soot and wood ashes be dusted over them occasionally. Stir the surface soil fre- quently with a hoe. Where the Turnip fly usually gives much trouble let the young plants be dusted thoroughly every morning with road sweepings. These are very distasteful to the pest. ( '. It ry. — All side growths and split leaves should be removed from the earlier plants, the surface soil should be stirred frequently and an abundance of both liquid manure and clear water applied to the roots. Let the tops be sprayed with clear water every afternoon. Celery is a moisture-loving plant and can scarcely be given too much wafer. Keep a sharp look-out for attacks of the Celery fly, and destroy the iii.i ; :nts w'hilst quite small by pressing them between the thumb and the finger. Apply a good dusting of fresh soot once a week, early in the morning or late in the evening. The latest plants should be put into the trenches as quickly as possible. In gardens where space is limited it is a good plan to take out trenches between the rows of Peas if the Peas are sufficiently wide apart. The presence of the Peas will be a help rather than a hin- drance to the Celery, as they will afford the plants a little shade from sunshine during the time they are getting a hold of the ground. When the Peas are removed, the ground between the Celery should be broken up, and will provide excellent sites for Endive, Lettuces or Spinach. Cucumbers. — Plants growing in pits or frames should now be yielding good crops of fruits. Let the growths be frequently thinned out. Ap- ply surface dressings to the roots. Thin out the young fruits in order to avoid overcropping and keep the growths perfectly clean. The plants should be syringed early in the afternoon and the lights closed. At every other watering liquid manure should be employed in the place of clear water. If any sign of thvip or aphis be present fumigate the plants with a nicotine vaporising compound. Make another sowing in small pots. Tomatos. — Strong plants which were put out in the open will now have started vigorously into growth. Keep all side growths removed, and should the plants be extra strong the lower leaves may be shortened. No manure of any kind must be given the plants until the crop of fruits is set. June 19, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 395 THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Bush Apple trees. — These are now growing quickly, and require attention both in the matter of thinning the fruit and shortening the side growths. The latter operation is necessary in order to expose the fruit to the influence of the sun. The trees, too, can be kept cleaner than if all the shoots were allowed to grow to their full length. Treat the early varieties first. Among the best dessert kinds are Irish Peach, Beauty of Bath, Mr. Gladstone, and Lady Sudeley. The newer Langley Pippin, the result of a cross between Mr. Gladstone and Cox's Orange Pippin, is a valuable Apple. Here it grows moderately strong and crops freely. Tho smaller varieties, such as Yellow Ingestrie, should nut be thinned severely, because the fruits never attain to a large size. Yellow In- gestrie is an excellent little Apple, but it does not appear to be planted now so frequently as formerly. Kitchen varieties require to be thinned much more severely. Many of them crop far too freely. Such, for instance, as Lord Grosvenor and various Codlins. If the trees are allowed to go unthinned there will probably be a quantity of useless Apples, owing to their small size, and the trees will be crippled for some time to come. By judicious thinning the cultivator may obtain fruits of greatly-increased value, and by regulating his crop according to the strength and character of the tree, he will do what is possible to ensure continuous cropping. Cherries. — The earlier varieties on walls are now ripening. Let the trees be examined, and if necessary apply a final washing by means of the garden engine before placing the nets in position. Shoots required to fill up blanks or for extending the tree should be neatly tied in, and all others stopped as advised in previous Calendars. When water is required, give a thorough soaking to the roots, as frequent dribbles are useless. The mulching material should be drawn away from the trees before applying water, but should be replaced when the operation is finished. As the fruits become fit for dessert, select the ripest and gather them very carefully in order not to injure the buds. General work. — The netting of the main crops of Strawberries must not be longer delayed. Birds are apt to attack the fruits even before they change colour, and if once the attack is commenced, they will be most persistent in their efforts to reach the fruits, even after the appli- cation of nets. In this locality there is every prospect of a very heavy Strawberry crop. Later varieties grown under the shade of a north wall to prolong the season must be given water and occasional applications of liquid manure, should dry weather occur. If these late plants should be allowed to get very dry, the fruits will ripen prematurely and be of little value. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Miltonia. — In many collections, Miltonia vexillaria will have passed its flowering stage, and entered upon its short period of rest. It is, therefore, essential that nothing should be done that will induce growth, for the longer period of rest which this species enjoys the stronger will be the new breaks when the season of activity re- commences. For the next six or eight weeks it will only be necessary to keep the surface of the compost just moist. This will preserve the pseudo-bulbs fairly plump and the foliage healthy till new growth appears. While at rest, M. vexillaria enjoys a cool atmosphere and as much fresh air as Odontoglossum crispum. August is the best month for repotting the plants. The later-flowering varieties, such as M. v. rubella and M. v. Leopoldii should be kept in the inter- mediate house till they bloom, after which they may also be removed to the cool house. The hybrid M. Bleuana and its variety nobilior must always be given a position in the intermediate house. This plant begins to make growth at this season, and it is therefore a good time for repotting, should this be necessary. The Os- munda and Polvpodium fibres well mixed to- gether, with plenty of small broken crocks to keep the mixture porous, make an excellent compost for this plant. It is important that the pots should be rather more than half-full of drainage materials, and the potting should be done with moderate firmness. M. Phalsenopsis may be re- potted, as the young shoots will now be rooting freely. Be careful to avoid overpotting. Should small yellow thrips attack the foliage of these Miltonias, let the plants be dipped occasionally in some safe insecticide, and the leaves afterwards rinsed thoroughly clean in tepid rain-water. The Brazilian Miltonias such as M. spectabilis and M. Moreliana, are at present in full growth. They require plenty of water at the root, and should not be exposed to much strong light dur- ing summer, otherwise the leaves will become in- fested with red spide'r, and often more yellow than is desirable. Woodlice do much damage to the young roots of Miltonias. If the plants are examined immediately after each watering, numbers of woodlice may be destroyed on the surface of the compost. Baits of Apple or Potato should also be laid for them. Cymbidium. — Examine the species and hybrids of this genus and carry out any neces- sary repotting, especially in the case of those plants requiring additional pot room. It is not always advisable, however, to repot the plants as soon a3 they become pot-bound, as in this condition they produce larger spikes and finer flowers. Specimens requiring larger pots should be shifted on with as little root disturbance as possible ; others that have become exhausted may be broken up and potted separately. Rather small pots should be used for this purpose, as the pieces establish themselves quicker than when placed in larger teceptacles. Established plants in good health should be placed in pots of sufficiently large size to con- tain them for several years. The pots should be clean and well-drained and the compost should consist of good fibrous, turfy loam, one half, and turfy peat, leaf-mould and Sphagnum-moss the other half, adding some small broken crocks and a little coarse silver sand. Make these materials moderately firm, but not so hard as to hinder percolation of the water. Instead of ele- vating the plants above the rim of the pot, keep the soil at least half-an-inch below. For several week after repotting very little water at the root will be necessary. Cultivate the plants in a cool, shady position in an intermediate temperature the whole year round. The plants require venti- lation at all times ; if grown in too warm an at- mosphere the leaves will soon become infested with insect pests. Damp the stages and other surfaces around the pots several times each day. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. The layering of Strawberries. — Preparations must now be made for layering plants which will form the earliest batch for forcing next season, it being essential that strong, well-ripened crowns shall be obtained by the end of the autumn. The variety Royal Sovereign still holds its own as the best forcing Strawberry, at any rate this is the case where large quantities of fruit are in demand. Unless there be some favourite variety which the gardener is desired by his employer to grow, I would recommend him to force Royal Sovereign to the exclusion of all others. There are several methods of layering the young plants. The one that we employ here for raising 10,000 plants each year for forcing is as follows. We fill a number of 3-inch pots with rich loam and no other ingredients. The loam is made moder- ately firm, and rough pieces of turf are placed in the bottom of the pots, these being sufficient to provide what drainage is necessary. The pots are carried to the Strawberry beds and placed closely together between the rows. They are partly plunged in the ground in order to protect them from the full glare of the sun. Owing to the extra trouble thus taken, the plants do not require nearly so much attention in water- ing as they would if they were exposed to the direct influence of the sun. Moreover, the plants root more readily into the new soil when treated in this manner. Do not select any but the best runners for layering. Any which have become already firmly rooted into the ground should be rejected. The most suitable layers are those which are just beginning to produce roots. Only one crown on each runner should be layered. The young plants must be fixed securely on the surface of the soil in the pots by pegs or pieces of raffia pressed firmly into the soil. The layers should be sprayed with a rose- can each morning and afternoon during bright- weather. When they are faisly well rooted into the soil they may be detached from the mother plants and be placed in the shade for a few days, when they will be ready for shifting into 5-inch pots. By that time it will be found that the old plants have produced plenty of runners for fur- nishing later batches of layers. The early vinery. — When all the Grapes have been cut from the vines the borders must be given a thorough soaking with clear water. If red spider is discovered on the foliage let it be syringed with a strong mixture of soft soap and sulphur in water. Choose a dull day for this- operation, or, failing this, let it be performed late in the afternoon. During sunny weather the vines should be syringed with clear water" every afternoon. The ventilators may now be left wide open at all times. THE APIARY. By Chloris. The honey season. — At best the honey season is very short, and the beekeeper must be alert if he wishes to reap the full harvest. The beekeeper himself must settle whether the honey shall be extracted or sectional, and this, of course, according to the facilities for sale of one or both classes. Generally speaking, it is well to aim at sections if the honey is of a kind which will not easily granulate. When the sections or shallow frames have been placed on the hives, many beekeepers feel they have done all that man can do, and then feel disappointed when the bees swarm. When the honey flow is good, a close watch must be kept, and when the racks are about two-thirds full of honey, then it is time to add another rack. This is necessary, because the bees cannot proceed at once to seal over the cells, for the honey must have time to ripen, that is, for the surplus water to evaporate, before it can be sealed. A third rack may often be placed under, and before these additional racks are full the top lot will be ready for removal. By this time the honey flow will have slackened, and it will be well to give strong colonies those sections or frames which the weaker ones will not com- plete. Taking off frames or sections. — Many bee- keepers have spoiled well-filled sections by not being able to remove them without a great deal of unnecessary commotion and trouble. Much annoyance, both to the owner and neighbours, may be avoided if a super clearer with a " Porter bee escape " in the centre be used. This can be purchased from any maker of bee appliances for about eightpence ; and if a board be cut the size of a rack of sections and the escape fixed in the centre, all will be ready for use. Round the top edge (the one containing the circular opening of the escape) it will be best to nail pieces of wood about an inch wide and quarter of an inch thick, so as to leave a clear space below the crate in which the bees may move about. The clearer should be placed at night under the rack which is to be removed, then by the morning it will be clear of bees. If it be put on during the day the operation will require a few hours. Removing sections from Taclcs. — It is not un- common to find many beautifully-filled sections spoiled by careless and inexperienced people. First remove the piece of wood at the end which has been used as a block. If the sections are then difficult to remove, because of the propolis, place three pieces of wood, just the length of the spaces between the bars and nearly the same width, and then press the rack evenly on them. This will raise the sections without any danger of injuring them. Perform all operations with perfectly clean hands, for nothing spoils the wood of sections more than finger stains. Cleansing and storing sections. — When the sections are removed from the rack, it is well to scrape the wood of the full ones to remove the propolis and stains, and to make them look appe- tising. When this has been done, store them in a place free of dust and where bees or other in- sects cannot reach them. The imperfectly-filled sections should be replaced in the rack, and when the requisite number to fill it has been collected, it may be placed on a hive requiring more stor- ing space. In the case of frames, the cappings should be cut off at once and the frames placed in the extractor, for the honey runs from the combs more freely when it is of the hive tem- perature, thus saving much waste and labour. 396 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 19, 1909 EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on one side only of thk paper, sent as early in the week as possible and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature wilt not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Illustrations. - The Editors will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, }lotverst trees, &c, but they cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending In the Editors 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 care/utto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editors to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, JUNE 22- Roy. Hon. Soc. Corns, meet. (Masters' Memorial Lecture, on " Masters' Vegetable Teratology," by Prof. Hugo de Vries at 3 p.m.). WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23— Gard. Koy. Ben. Inst. Ann. Festival Dinner at Hotel Metropole, London. THURSDAY, JUNE 24— Midsummer Quarter Day. SATURDAY, JUNE 26— Windsor and Eton Rose Sh. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Filty Years at Greenwich — 60"8°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, June 16 (6 p.m.): Max. 66°; Min. 61°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London —Thursday, June 17 (10 a.m.): Bar. 30-3; Temp. 57°; Weather— Cloudy. Provinces.— Wednesday, June 16 (6 p.m.): Max. 63° Cambridge; Min. 52° Scotland North East. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY - Bulbs and Roots, at 12.30 ; Palms, Plants, Ferns, &c, at 1.30; Dwarf Japanese Trees and Flowering Plants, Bamboo Hats and Twig Baskets, at 3, at 67 & 68, Cheap- side, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. pDi r\ aV Unreserved Sale of the whole of the Collection of Orchids, by order of the Exors. of Col. W. E. Brymer, deceased, at 12.45 ; nearly new Pantechnicon Van, at 2, at 67 & 63, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morns. The Covering of Though it does not follow necessarily that a practice which has been found to be Ripening good in one country will prove Fruit. & , ■ i equally successful in another where climate and conditions of cultivation may be very different; yet the success which, according to French horticulturists, follows from the wrapping of ripening fruit of the Apple, Pear, and Grape is worthy of the attention of growers in this country. Accord- ing to an article entitled " De 1'Bnsachage •des Fruits," by M. Lochot, published in Le Jarilin, the advantages which result from enclosing fruits in bags are numerous, and in- clude the protection of the ripening fruit from various insect and fungus pests, as well as from damage by weather, the hastening of maturity (particularly in the case of out-door Grapes), and the increase, by preserving the delicacy of their bloom, in the commercial value of the fruits. M. Lochot recommends two types of paper bag for this purpose ; the one made of a non-transparent paper and the other of semi-transparence, the former to be used in hot, dry regions, the latter in more temperate places, where, in- deed, if the intensity of the light is but low, a yet more transparent paper should be ■ employed. In using the bags, it is recommended that aeration of the enclosed fruit should be secured by means of a number of small holes made in the paper by means of a stout needle or awl. The bags should be secured by the use of a piece of lead-wire to the branch to which the fruit is attached. For Grapes, instead of a bag, a paper covering in the form of a cloche may be em- ployed. In the case of Pears ripening in summer, the bottom of the bag should be torn off about a fortnight before the fruit is gathered ; in that of later Pears the bag should be torn and then four or five days afterwards removed altogether. Pears ripen- ing in late autumn should have the covers removed about a month before gathering. Apples with coloured fruits colour well when enclosed in transparent bags, but the colour- ing is enhanced if the bags are removed a little while before the fruit is ripe. It is, however, Grapes which, in M. Lochot's ex- perience, repay best the expense of covering. In this country, where Grape culture is carried on almost exclusively under glass, no further covering is required, but in the out-door vineyards of France it is claimed that by this practice the maturing is advanced and the appearance of the fruits enhanced. The cloche form of cover which is recommended is made by the use of semi- transparent stiff paper rolled up funnel-wise and secured in that shape by means of two pieces of soft wire, one at the base and another at two-thirds the height of the cloche ; a third wire at the ap:-x serves to fix the bunch to its stem. These methods of enclosure are, of course, not novel. They have been tried by many gardeners in this country, especially in cases where hardy fruits of extra size and quality are required for exhibition or other special purposes, and it would be interesting if those who have made experiments in this direction would give others interested in the production of fruit of finest quality the benefit of their ex- perience. In the course of an admirable I^J"at- and beautifully-illustrated ac- Bhght of , , Potatos. count of the prevalent plant- diseases in New Zealand, Mr. Cockayne, assistant in the Division of Bio- logy and Horticulture, makes some interest- ing observations on the origin and mode of distribution of late blight of Potatos (due to Phytophthora infestans). According to Mr. Cockayne (Annual Heport. New Zealand Department of Agriculture, 1908), no precise record exists as to the date of introduction of the Phytophthora disease into New Zea- land, though it would appear to be of com- paratively recent importation. At the time of the severe epidemic in 1904, Professor Thomas stated that the disease had appeared, though in a less virulent form, 20 years earlier. Mr. Cockayne adopts the view that the fungus Phytophthora infestans hibernates in the resting tuber, and when conditions are favourable spreads therefrom to the leaves, where it gives rise to spore-bearing branches which bear the well-known spores. Whether the tubers are infected through the stem or by means of spores germinating in the earth, the writer is not prepared to say, though he in- clines to the view that both modes of infection occur. Mr. Cockayne draws attention to the fact that tubers infected with Phytophthora may become rotten rapidly or may show no sign of rot. In the absence of readily recog.- nisable symptoms of disease (as in the latter case), such infected tubers are doubtless used for " seed " and provide so many centres for spore-manufacture, and hence for the dissemination of the disease. If, again, climatic conditions remain unfavourable, no external sign of disease is given, though the tubers of the plant formed from the infected " seed " in turn contain the hibernating mycelium. That some such course of events takes place is rendered pro- bable by the well-known fact of the rapidity with which the disease declares itself when- ever a spell of moist, warm weather coincides with the later period of the growth of the Potato. More thorough-going investigation of the obscure phases in the life-history of this fungus pest is much to be desired. Experiments in spraying with Bordeaux mixture might be given a rest for a time — since the efficacy of Bordeaux mixture as a check to the disease has been demonstrated a hundred times — and in place of such unneces- sary repetitions some of our horticultural in- stitutions might turn their attention to the elucidation of the modes of perpr'-ation of this pestilent late blight. The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent In- stitution.— We would remind our readers that the 70th anniversary festival dinner in aid of the funds of this institution will be held at the Hotel Metropole on Wednesday, June 23 next, when Lionel de Rothschild, Esq., will preside. Con- tributions to be placed on the chairman's list are earnestly solicited, and may be sent to Lionel de Rothschild, Esq., New Court, St. Swithin's Lane, E.G., or to the Secretary, at 175, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W. We hope this event will be attended with conspicuous success. Horticultural Club. — The next house dinner of the club will take place on Tuesday. June 22, 1909, at the Hotel Windsor. Mr. Alexander Dean will speak on " The Impor- tance of Vegetable Culture and Cooking." The date fixed for the summer excursion is Thurs- day, July 15, when, at the kind invitation of Leopold de Rothschild, Esq., the members will visit his beautiful garden at " Ascott," Leighton Buzzard. Particulars as to trains and other arrangements will be announced later. Mr. A. W. Benton, a member of the gar- dening staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has been appointed gardener for Government House, in the Falkland Islands. Tiflis.— The Director of the Botanical Garden at this town, M. A. Rollow, intends to estab- lish in the elevated zone of the Lower Caucasian Mountains two research stations as branches of the Botanic Gardens at Tiflis. One will be formed at a height of 5.000 feet above sea level, and the other at a height of 7,000 feet. To Destroy Moss on Lawns. — The results of experiments conducted by Der Kgl. Gartner- lehranstalt at Dahlem, and reported in Der HanddsgcLrtner (March 13), indicate that a 5 per cent, solution of sulphate of iron is effec- tive in ridding lawns of moss. After the appli- cation of the green vitriol solution, the Grass should be sprinkled several times with a weak (3 per cent.) solution of nitrate of soda. Jcne 19, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 397 Jubilee of the Fruit and Floral Com- mittees.— The President and Council of the Royal Horticultural Society have issued invita- tions to the members of these Committees, and others, to be present at a jubilee commemorative dinner, to be held at the Hotel Windsor, on Wednesday. July 7, at 7 p.m. Jubilee Exhibition, Haarlem, 191C— The complete programme for this exhibition forms a book of 80 pages in the Dutch language. It contains lists for the four coming exhibitions, and of the prizes accompanying them. There are, besides the prizes of honour from Royalty and important authorities, 75 gold medals and and, lastly, cut flowers. The second special ex- hibition consists of 300 programme numbers, and will be held from April 15 to 24. It will in its general features resemble the first, while the third special exhibition from May 4 to 12 will consist chiefly of Orchids and objects of the florist's art. The usual judging of novelties will take place in the exhibition halls during the duration of the exhibition. Carnations at Boston, Mass. — The Union of the Park Street Wholesale Flower Market for traders and gardeners held this year's show in the Massachusetts Hall. All the exhibitors being wholesale cultivators, only FlG. 176. — REMOVAL OF A CEDAR AT PADDOCKHURST. (See p. 398.) about 2.500 prizes. Only Dutch exhibitors may compete for these, though the juries are inter- national throughout. The permanent exhibition in the open air, to be held from March 23 to May 16, 1910, consists of 200 classes. The first special exhibition, which lasts from March 23 to 31, containing 275 programme numbers, will chiefly consist of Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Crocus, Amaryllis and other bulbs and tubers in pots. A special division is set apart for re- tarded tuberous plants; and other important programme items include Rhododendrons, Roses, Lilacs, other shrubs, stove and greenhouse plants, such plants were shown as can be cultivated with profit. Entry was free to all, so that the public, rich and poor, had the opportunity to see what excellence in commercial wares meant ; and the cultivator could observe the novelties in Carna- tions and Roses, which next season will be of great worth. Among the chief plants exhibited were Carnations, Roses, Sweet Peas, Violets, Cyclamens and some flowering bulbs. Perpetual Carnation Georgia, a white flower, was deserving of special notice. The flower is of great beauty and endurance. It bears carriage well, the calyx does not split, it is a free bloomer and grows on in autumn freely after repotting. Of the novelties shown by Messrs. F. R. Pierson & Co., New York, may be mentioned the white sport Mrs. Thomas W. Lawson, similar in colour to Prosperity : a light rose sport from the variety Winsor, and a deep rose sport from the same variety. The Results of Experiments with Various Nitrogenous Artificial Manures. — Extensive experiments, including both pot- cultures and field-trials, carried out, during 1905-7, by Prof. Schneidewind, Director of the Experiment Station at Halle, and reported 111 the AjrhtiUn der Deutschen Land. Gesell. Heft. 146, have given the following, amongst other results: — The average relative values of nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia were as 100 : 90. Nitrate of lime (Norwegian) gave average results equal to those obtained by the use of nitrate of soda. Calcium cyanamide was not found to be a satisfactory manure on sandy soils or on sandy loams, but in heavier soils it gave good results, except in the case of roots. The plants used in the series of experiments were Rye, Wheat, Barley, Potatos ana Sugar Beet. The Flora of Ngamiland.— An interestirg report on the flora of Ngamiland is published in No. 3 of the Kew Bulletin, 1909. The plants from this almost unknown region of S. Africa were collected during the years 1896-1898 by Major and Mrs. E. J. Lugard and Sir F. Lugard at the request of the authorities at Kew, little or no information being previously avail- able as to the flora. The specimens have since been determined by Mr. N. E. Brown, and in- clude 92 new species out of a total of 373 — a striking testimony to the unknown character of the vegetation. The list of plants, catalogued and classified by Mr. Brown, is accompanied by a preface by Major Lugard, who gives a brief but striking account of the physical characters and climate of the country, with a general sum- mary on the flora and fauna. Ngamiland is the most remote province of the Bechuanaland Pro- tectorate and is cut off from the civilised parts of S. Africa by the Kalahari Desert, a country practically waterless during eight months of the year, and, for that reason, almost uninhabited. Lake Ngami, which forms the northern limit of this rainless tract — " a fine-looking sheet of water " in Livingstone's day — is now almost dry, being in the intermediate stage between a lake and one of the salt pans common in certain parts of the desert. The physical features of the country north of the lake are peculiar. Ngami- land consists of reed-grown swamps, traversed by a network of rivers and streams, all forming part of the same river system which drains a country of greater rainfall further north. These streams ultimately lose themselves in the sand of the desert, but have no outlet to the sea. The plants were collected in the neighbourhood of the Kwebe Hills, a low range 20 miles south of the lake. This part of the Kalahari Desert has well-marked dry and rainy seasons, although the rainfall is limited and is sometimes known to fail. The dry season lasts from April to the end of November, and rain, during these months, is almost unknown. The rainy season, corresponding as it does with the warm season of the year, is responsible for the abundant vege- tation which appears with extraordinary rapidity after the first rains. Almost all the plants col- lected flowered during the rainy seasor" from December to March. Among the more interest- ing of these are two new species of Ceropegia, several unrecorded species of Stapelia, and a new species of Crinum, C. rhodanthum, with very brilliant flowers. Trees are not numerous, no valuable timber tree occurring, and plants of economic value are poorly represented. 39S THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 19, 1909. The late firm of Hugh Low & Co. — In connection with the dissolution of this firm, uli ich was announced on p. 381, we are in- formed by Mr. Edwakd V. Low that the old firm has ceased to exist as from June 2, 1909, and by agreement entered into between the part- ners, neither of them is entitled to represent himself as the successor of the said firm. Mr. Stuart H. Low, having purchased the general nursery and ordinary Orchid stocks, together with a three years' tenancy agreement, remains at the Bush Hill Park Nurseries, Enfield, whilst Mr. Edwabd V. Low, who has acquired part of the collection of Orchids, has removed to Vale Bridge Nursery, Haywards Heath. Customs dues to the Mauritius.— For horticultural purposes seeds and tubers, and also living plants and products of the same for botanical studies, are now admitted free of duty. Fresh fruit and fresh vegetables are liable to an import duty of 100 cents = 4s. per 100 kg. The importation of vines and vine cuttings is not permitted. The Geneva International Horticul- tural Exhibition. — The programme and regu- lations of the thirty-fourth International Exhi- bition, organised by the Societe d'Horticulture de Geneve, announces that the exhibition will take place from September 8 to 14, 1909, and will be held in the Electoral Buildings and the surrounding grounds. The exhibition will con- sist of seven principal sections, including novel- ties or recently-introduced plants, floriculture (greenhouse, open air, and " floral art "), vege- table cultivation, ornamental and fruit trees, scientific horticulture, horticultural arts and in- dustries. Full information may be obtained from the general secretary, Mr. John Wolf, Grand Saconnex, Geneva. The South African Bamboo.— The Kew Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information (No. 2, 1909) contains an interesting article by Dr. Otto Staff on the South African Bamboo Arundinaria tessellata Munro. According to Dr. Stapf, the existence of a Bamboo in Cape Colony has been known for more than 70 years. Discovered by Drege on high mountains (4,000 to 7,000 feet) in 1832 or earlier, and found also by other travellers, it was originally ascribed by Nees to the genus Nastus and named N. tessellata. Munro gave it its present name of Arundinaria tessellata in 1868, though in the absence of its flowers its proper generic position remained dubious. An examination of flowering specimens which were sent to Kew in December of last year proved that Munro was right in assigning the Bamboo to the genus Arundinaria. Dr. Stapf refers to the economic value of A. tessel- lata and concludes with a description of the in- florescence and flowers. Mr. Charles Foster. — At the annual reunion of old students at Reading University College last week the Associateship of the Col- lege was conferred on Mr. Charles Foster, Assistant Director of the Department of Agri- culture, on his leaving to take up a position as director of Lord Northcliffe's model farm. Publications Received.— Holidays Abroad. An illustrated booklet of tours in Holland, North Germany, the side valleys of the Rhine, the Belgian Ardennes and the Tyrol, published by the Great Eastern Railwav. — Proceedings of the Acadamy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Vol. LXI., Part I., January, February, March, 1909. (Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences) .— Garden Cities and Town Planning. (May.) (London : Garden City Association, 31-32, Birkbeck Bank Chambers, Holborn, W.C.) Price 3d. — Beautiful Flowers and How to Grow Them, by Horace J. and Walter P. Wright. (Part XV.) (London: T. C. & E. C. Jack). Price Is.— The Estate Magazine. (June.) Price 6d. — The Forest Flora of New South Wales, by J. H. Maiden. Vol. IV., Part IV. (Sydney: Forest Department of New South Wales). TRANSPLANTING A LARGE CEDAR AT PADDOCKHURST. Numerous instances are recorded in the Gar- deners' Chronicle of the shifting of large trees, a notable instance being the removal of the cele- brated Buckland Yew, near Dover, an account of which is given in the issue for April 25, 1891, p. 324, figs. 107, 108. Fig. 176 illustrates the removal of a large tree of Cedrus deodara by Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, at Paddockhurst, Sus- sex. This Cedar stood in the forecourt of the mansion, but additions to the building have necessitated the removal of the tree a distance of some 20 yards. The tree, with the ball of roots and soil, weighed from 70 to 75 tons. The work of preparation was laborious. The huge tree had to be tunnelled under, and supported by great baulks of timber, leaving a big open space. All the preparations having been made, and a strong platform erected, the tree was gradually moved into its new bed. Messrs. Cheal inform us that the principal point in mov- ing the tree was the tunnelling under it in order to place a platform of large baulks of oak timber in position, and to bolt these together with rollers beneath, the rollers being then laid on another platform to facilitate the moving. The tree in its new position appears as fresh as though it had not been moved. INDIA. HAILSTORM IN UDAIPUR. On April 20 a hailstorm of unusual severity visited Udaipur. It travelled in a north-westerly direction over the Pichola lake and down the Jarden valley, destroying everything in its wake. The storm commenced about 2 o'clock p.m. ; the hailstones were from the size of a pea to that of an ordinary fowl's egg. Some of them, measured at the garden office, were 3 inches in circum- ference, and of a flat, irregular shape, but the majority of the stones were round. The storm travelled over the fruit garden and completely destroyed the fruit crops. All the grafted Mangos suffered, as well as the com- mon variety (Mangifera indica). The fruits, which were of a fair size, were most of them knocked off. A few that had been hit by the hail, but which had remained attached to the tree, soon turned black and dropped, thus depriv- ing the garden, for this year at least, of one of its most delicious fruits and a large source of revenue. Plums and Apples suffered in the same way. The fruits of the Pippin variety were collected in mounds under the trees. Peaches, too, suffered, very few of them being left on the trees. Carica Papaya presented a sad sight : the umbrella-like heads were shattered to shreds. The crop of Plantains (Musa) was de- stroyed. The beautiful leaves, which only a few minutes before were a treat to look on, were so torn that nothing was left but the upright stems, with a smashed bunch of fruit here and there. Pears were just setting and were destroyed. The Quinces and Figs, being situated in a sheltered position, did not suffer so badly. Pomegranates suffered, but, owing to their stiff, thorny branches and thick-rinded fruit, were not damaged so badly as the more delicate fruits. Sapodilla fruits were of a good size, but were knocked off, leaving nothing but bare barked steins. The vegetable garden was, as it were, between the two seasons. The cold weather English vegetables were just getting finished. Drum- head Cabbages raised from Messrs. Sutton & Sons' seed, and most of them quite 20 lbs. in weight, solid and pure white, which were the admiration of all visitors to the vegetable gar- den, were smashed to pieces, with holes knocked right into them. Brussels Sprouts that were just coming into season were reduced to shreds. Broad Beans were destroyed; Early Gem Car- rots, Beet, Lettuce and Scotch Kale were all broken in an unrecognisable form. A fine crop of Potatos was badly injured ; large tubers on the tops of the drills were smashed to pieces. It was most extraordinary how the hail pene- trated the soil. The hot weather Indian vege- tables, that were in a very promising condition, such as Cucumbers and Pumpkins, were de- stroyed, and, as the season is far advanced, it will be difficult to meet the demand. A jungle fire in a night sweeps a whole forest away ; but this hailstorm was quite as destruc- tive in another form. The flower-garden, which includes bulbous plants grown in pots, suf- fered. The pots were broken to pieces, and the bulbs, lying exposed to the storm, were badly injured. Eucharis were torn to shreds, Dahlias broken, Achimenes were badly damaged, and the young shoots — they were just showing — were all cut down ; also Polianthes tuberosa was badly injured. Beautiful clumps of Bego- nias were all torn to shreds, and everything in the flower-garden beds was broken down. Roses were completely stripped of flowers and foliage, and in many places the stems barked badly. Poinciana regia was coming into flower and was- severely damaged, only a flower here and there- remaining. The beautiful avenue of Amaltas — Cassia Fistula — was quite stripped of its Labur- num-like flowers. Hibiscus and Lagerstrcemias of sorts suffered, hardly a flower being left. Murray a exotica was in full flower, and was completely cut to pieces. However, most of the trees and shrubs are throwing out new shoots and leaves, though the flowers, for this year at least, are all lost. The' Doopgrass (Cynodon Dactylon) all over the gar- dens was much improved by the hail and rain ; in fact, this was the only part of the gardens that derived any benefit. One inch and 77 cts. of rain was registered after the fall of hail. Birds of various kinds were found killed in all parts of the garden. The garden covers an area of 150 English acres. There are 10 miles of carriage drives, exclu- sive of footpaths. The storm seems to have- broken right over the garden, and a little dis- tance from it, on the south side, the storm ceased altogether among the hills, where no harm was- done at all. Again, on the north, the rain was very trifling in comparison ; the hailstones were very small, and did little or no harm to the beau- tiful gardens there. Thos. II. Storey, Superin- tendent Sajjan, Niwas Gardens, Udaipur? Eajpootana, India, May 10, 1909. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. The damp weather of the past fortnight has- been detrimental to Melons now fruiting ; this- is especially noticeable in gardens where the beds were not prepared with warm, strawy manure. It has been necessary to exercise great tare with regard to the ventilation, but we were- obliged to open the lights daily in order to pre- vent decay in the stems or in the stalks of the young fruits. The first batch planted in April have proved healthy plants, and, provided the temperature improves, the fruits will soon ripen. The only Melons that are covered at night are those which were planted late in May. We are anxious to gradually harden the older plants so as to be able in July to plant Cauliflowers- amongst them. The Cauliflowers planted on the hot-beds in- March are now ready. The earliest was the variety " Driancourt," which has also given the largest heads. Those planted among the Cos Lettuces on hot-beds are not likely to be satis- factory, as the drought in May and the damp weather in June have forced the plants to bud prematurely. The Cauliflowers, Endives and Celery that will replace the Cauliflowers are- growing rather too freely ; it will be advisable, should the weather become fine, to keep them somewhat dry, and harden them off for trans- planting in July. June 19, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 399 We have disposed of the Passion and Cos Let- tuces planted outside early in the spring, and although we had a fine lot of plants, unfortu- nately the prices were very low. We have hoed and mulched the Cauliflowers which occupied the same bed. The main batch of Endives " La Ruffec " or " La Meau," or the Batavian Green will be sown within a fortnight, and they should be ready by August 15. Although it is premature to map out a pro- gramme for next season, we generally plant the Endives where the ground will not be re- quired before Christmas, as these salads are usually ready in October and November, when gardeners are busy preparing for the Lettuce season the following spring. P. Aqualias. flNGR/ECUM SESQUIPEDALE. The excellent specimen of this well-known Orchid, illustrated in fig. 177, has been culti- vated by Mr. G. Carpenter, The Gardens, West Hall, Byfleet, who furnishes the following details in regard to its culture. The plant has been growing here for 11 years, but previously never bore more than two flower-spikes at the same time. This year it produced five spikes, and four of these spikes bore three flowers each, whilst the other had four, making a total of 16 flowers. The plant has always had the same treatment, and always appeared healthy. It has been grown with a mixed col- lection of Orchids, such as Cattleyas, &c. I do not know why it should have flowered more this year than any other. It is interesting to note that three of the spikes came out above the last year's old flower-spike — which, of course, is quite natural — two breaking out under the last year's •old flower-stems, a thing that I have not seen before. The photo is by Mr. Thomas Stevenson, Woburn Park Gardens, Addlestone, Surrey. LILIES AT THE TEMPLE SHOW. Among the many items of interest at the recent Temple Show were the fine masses of different members of the Lily family. They were ■especially well shown in the collection of flower- ing subjects arranged by Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., of Colchester. A notable feature was the large number of the different members of the Martagon group. Included among them was that beautiful Japanese species, Lilium Hansonii, whose yellow blossoms are as massive as if ■carved out of wax. The segments, however, do not reflex to quite the same extent as some others of the Martagon section. Magnificent bulbs of Lilium Hansonii have been sent to this country fiom Japan during the last two or three win- ters. Unlike several members of the Martagon section, this species can be depended upon to flower well the first season after planting. The blooms are much less strongly scented than are some others. Such cannot be said of the Cauca- sian Lily, Lilium monadelphum, for the flowers have a strong perfume which, in a confined space, is not at all agreeable. It is, however, one of the most beautiful of Lilies. The Nankeen Lily (Lilium testaceum), which is also known as L. excelsum and L. Isabelli- num, is a tall, stately species. The drooping flowers are supported by almost horizontally- disposed pedicels, so that each stands clear of its neighbour. The clear nankeen tint of the petals, with the conspicuous red anthers, are pleasing, and the flower possesses a fairly strong but agreeable perfume. This Lily, as well as L. monadelphum, succeeds better in loamy soil than in one containing peat. Of the true Martagon (Lilium Martagon), the white -flowered variety was shown in good condi- tion, as well as its three hybrids, namely, L. Dalhansonii, whose parents were L. Hansonii and the dark-coloured Martagon known as dal- maticum ; L. Marhan, a cross between L. Mar- tagon album and L. Hansonii ; and L. Ellen Will- mott, a particularly fine form of L. Marhan. The Siberian L. tenuifolium, an elegant little member of the Martagon group, is, when seen in a mass, particularly effective, by reason of the bright red colour of its elegantly-reflexed blos- soms. The trumpet-flowered Lilies corresponding to the sub-genus Eulirion include some of the most popular of these flowers for flowering under glass. The best is L. longiflorum, its long, sil- very trumpets being always admired. The sup- ply of bulbs is principally kept up by immense importations from Japan. Conspicuous at the Temple were large masses of the varieties gigan- is, in L. japonicum Colchesteri, of a cream tint. L. Brownii is chefly propagated in Holland, but L japonicum Colchesteri is obtained from Japan. Lilium speciosum, which is now so popular as a market plant, was represented on many stands. Some of the flowers were particularly rich in colour, and contrasted markedly with the white variety Krsetzeri. Belonging to the same section as the preced- ing is the Golden Rayed Lily of Japan (L. aura- tumj, which I have seen more fully represented than at the last show. Lilium Henryi, though scarcely seen at its best so early in the season, arrested attention by reason of its distinct colour. Though this has Fl3. I77-— ANGR^ECUM SESQUIPEDALE AS CULTIVATED IN WEST HaLL GARDENS. teum and Takesi.iice, this last being characterised by dark-coloured stems, although the flowers. when fully expanded, are pure white. A great deal of confusion exists between L. Brownii and L. japonicum Colchesteri, or L. odorum, as it is sometimes called. In Messrs. Wallace's group a mass of each was shown in close proximity, so that an opportunity was afforded of comparing the two. In L. Brownii the leaves are long, slender, and gracefully re- curved ; whereas, in L. japonicum Colchesteri, they are shorter, broader, and much thinner. The flowers, too, of L. Brownii are longer and more heavily suffused with chocolate on the ex- terior, whilst the inside is ivory white, which been known for the last 20 years, it must still be looked upon as one of the newer Lilies. A great recommendation is the manner in which it has become established in this country. Lastly, mention may be made of the represen- tatives of the Isolirion group, a class with up- right flowers that are more or less cup shaped." Lilium elegans or Thunbergianum. an extremely variable species, includes some of the dwarfest of all Lilies. At the Temple I noticed a fine mass of the variety Orange Queen, while par- ticularly noticeable among the others were venus- tum macranthum, of an orange-apricot colour, and the deep-tinted L. elegans atrosanguineum. IF. 400 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. o [June 19, 1909. TOWN PLANTING. PRUNING OF TREES AND SHRUBS. Though timely and judicious pruning should never be neglected, yet the annual trimming to which many of the town trees and shrubs are subjected cannot be too strongly denounced. To annually prune and elbow in such noble forest trees as the Lime and Plane, in order that the restricted growth may render them suitable for the cramped positions in which they have been unwisely planted, is unreasonable. The Lime and Plane perhaps suffer most in this way, for as soon as they have overgrown the allotted space an annual system of hacking and hewing is resorted to, the result being the formation of great mop-headed protuberances at the points where amputation took place, which not only rob the tree of its natural appearance, but render it readily susceptible to disease and insect pests. Glaring examples of badly-pruned trees may be seen at Kensington, on the Chiswick Road, at Cricklewood, and along many of our streets, and in our public parks and gar- dens. Some excuse might be offered for planting our largest-growing forest trees in cramped and unsuitable positions were there no other species of smaller growth available, but the various kind of Pyrus, Mulberry, Catalpa, Dwarf Acacias, Sumach, Prunus, Crataegus, and others are all well suited for town planting. Where ample space is available, such as on the Thames Embankment, and other wide prome- nades and streets, or where interlacing of the branches is not a serious drawback, by all means let the larger-growing trees be planted, but where the streets are narrow and necessity compels planting within a few yards of buildings, the smaller-growing species are preferable. Numer- ous instances could be pointed out, as at Gray's Inn Road, London, in which Plane trees have been planted within 9 or 10 feet of houses and other buildings, the result being that in a few years heavy pruning becomes a necessity, and the natural beauty of the trees is destroyed, and, worse still, a repetition of the trim- ming must be carried out at frequent periods. A point, of the greatest importance in town planting, is suiting the trees to the positions they are to occupy. The Lime is perhaps one of the most cruelly treated of all subur- ban London trees, for the lopping and be- heading to which it is annually subjected, and which it tries bravely to support, strikes every lover of the natural with feelings of regret and shame that so beautiful and noble a tree should be so tortured and disfigured. For the first ten years after being planted in its restricted space, it looks everything that could be desired, but when the confined boundary limit is attained — the windows darkened, the patch of garden ren- dered useless by the overhanging branches, and the pedestrian on the footpath annoyed — then comes the retribution, and the saw and the prun- ing-knife being brought into request, the stal- wart, beautiful sapling is elbowed in ; it becomes mop-headed, or contorted into some other unnatural or ungraceful shape. By planting at the first such moderate-sized trees as the Robinia viscosa, the Mulberry, Mountain Ash, and Beam Tree, Indian Bean (Catalpa), or the beautiful flowering Almonds, Cherries and Thorns, all this would be avoided. The Plane tree, too, is badly managed in many of the London thoroughfares, and when, through indiscriminate planting, pruning of the branches has to be resorted to, this operation is usually performed in the most slovenly and un- scientific manner, and has in not a few instances led to a diseased and unhealthy state of the trees operated upon. There are cases, however, where pruning is justifiable, and the abuse of a system should furnish no argument against its legitimate use. In the public parks and gardens the re- moval of weighty branches from such trees as the Elm and Poplar, that frequently break during even still weather and endanger the lives of visitors, is not only admissible, but a duty that should never be neglected by those in charge. This also applies with equal force to diseased and hollow branches and steins, which are fraught with danger to the public. As to whether or not dead wood should be removed in quantity from our old Oaks and other trees there is a diversity of opinion, though it cannot be denied that the careful pruning of such is highly beneficial, whether from the point of the health of the trees or safety of the public, who may frequent their shade. It is certain that in some of our town parks and gardens there exists an undue quantity of dead and dying wood which may be attributed to natural decay, the poor quality of the soil in which the trees are grow- ing, or to long-standing neglect in the matter of non-attention to wounds which have been caused by wind-broken limbs and branches or other injuries. Such trees would be greatly improved, both in health and appearance, by the removal of the dead branches and attention being paid to old wounds in order to prevent the ingress of water, the decay and death of not a few trees being directly attributable to this cause. That dead and dying wood will also in- duce the attacks of injurious insect pests, such as the goat and wood leopard moth, which at- tack healthy trees, is well known, and was ex- emplified in some of our London parks lately where Thorns and various species of Pyrus were attacked and injured by the caterpillar of Uie leopard moth, which was bred in the adjoining old Chestnut trees. The latter part of May or beginning of June is perhaps the best season for pruning the majority of hard-wooded trees, as during that time the motion of the sap is most vigorous, and, in consequence, the wounds caused by amputation heal quickest. There are a few exceptions — the Birch, Maple and Syca- more— where, on account of profuse bleeding, pruning is best postponed till after the leaves have developed. In cutting or shortening small branches a sharp pocket-knife will be found most convenient, but when large and weighty limbs have to be removed, they should first be cut through at any convenient distance from the main stem, and then close to the trunk, undercutting by a few draughts of the saw in order to prevent the bark and wood from tearing when the severed branch falls away. In order to prevent water lodging on the freshly-cut sur- face, the face and edge of each wound should be neatly dressed and made quite smooth by a sharp knife or adze, and then painted or tarred over. When cutting over an upright growing branch never cut on the horizontal, but always in a sloping direction, so that the rain may pass off quickly. Much mischief has been done by the pinning knife and saw in the hands of in- experienced workmen — a fact that will be patent to every interested person who watches the operation as being carried out by the work- men of some of the city and suburban councils. When conducted with care, on sound principles, the effect of pruning on standard trees should be rather beneficial than otherwise, whereas when done by inexperienced workmen the operation has disastrous results. Generally speaking, shrubs are pruned with little or no consideration as to whether they will be benefited by the operation. While symmetry and regularity of outline are to be admired in a shrub, these qualities should never be gained at the expense of natural grace and production of flowers. The judicious pruner will, therefore, aim at preserving the peculiar habit of each shrub as far as possible, while interfering as little as possible with the production of flowers. The various species of Deutzia, Forsythia, Phila- delphia, and Weigela flower on the wood of the preceding year's growth, therefore such shrubs slmnld be pruned immediately after the flowering season— say in June, but never in spring or winter— at least, if the production of flowers is to be taken into account. Again, the various species of Syringa, Spiifea, Lonicera, and Hibis- cus may safely be pruned during winter, the flowers being produced on the young wood, while Hvdrangea paniculata grandiflora must be severely pruned in early spring, for only by doing so will the greatest wealth of flowers be produced. Chimonanthus fragrans should be pruned in February ; while the various species of Ceanothus should not be touched till all danger of frost is past. Kerria japonica should be pruned in autumn, when old wood may be cut away. All pruning operations should be carefully car- ried out with a sharp knife and not with the pruning shears, the point of amputation being always close to an eye or bud. Too severe pruning should be avoided, a judicious thinning out of the branches being far preferable to indis- criminate shearing and cutting back. A. D^ Webster. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) The Supply of Animal Manure (seep. 359). — That there may come in the course of time a comparative famine of animal manure is certainly possible and may well arouse interest in the sub- ject. We, as human beings, create an enormous quantity of vegetable plant food in the form of sewage, but we are so uneconomical that this^ for the most part, is wasted in the sea. Sewage farms seem not to be cultural successes, and the dried product of sewage sludge is but a moderately fertilising compound. Street sweep- ings which usually have had considerable manorial value, now contain so much of tar or petrol waste, that their benefit to vegetation is. of an exceedingly doubtful kind. But no form of locomotive change can prevent us getting late autumn-sown crops of Tares, Oats, Rye, or Rape, which when dense, yet short, can be dug. into the soil in March and, so treated, become almost immediately decomposed or soluble. These green crops are most valuable manures and of the cheapest kind, yet strangely enough are little used in gardens. The farmer who makes due provision for rich crops, folds his sheep over them, and afterwards ploughs in the remaining vegetable fibre and the animal excre- ment, thus providing succeeding crops with capital manure. Even the ploughing in of corn stubble has great value. If to these fibre crops a light dressing' of artificial manures be added, crops benefit greatly. But the gardener has a resource which is not that of the farmer or usually of the market grower. The farmer sel- dom breaks up his soil deeply. Trenching w^ould not suit his corn crops. Generally, his land is. broken by the plough to a depth of but 10 inches, thus leaving the soil below that depth hard and impervious to roots. Much of this soil, if only broken up, would show wonderful productive- ness. The market grower generally relies on the plough as his soil cultivator, but because his- crops have to be forced into growth rapidly, he uses heavy dressings of animal manure. This is not buried deeply, and crops of field vege- tables having a very shallow root run, the manure is soon exhausted. An enormous quan- tity of this manure, from 30 to 40 per cent., is lost, owing to the fermenting and wasting to which it is exposed before being applied to the soil. Compare this form of culture with what may be seen on thousands of workers' allot- ment plots, cultivated and cropped by men not permanently engaged in the occupation of gar- dening. These plots are deeply trenched so that the soil, from 24 to 30 inches in depth, provides root-room for the plants. Allotment holders can only provide the soil with very moderate manure dressings, yet with such limitations they secure marvellous produce, and in their small way illus- trate the wonderful productive capacities of the soil when intelligently cultivated. But the very foundation of such success lies in the deep working of the soil. A. D. June 19, 1909] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 401 Ranunculus auricomus.— In answer to Mr. H. S. Thompson (see p. 384), I can state that the perfect form of R. auricomus is plentiful in the neighbourhood of Sevenoaks (Kent), and, as far as my experience goes, the variety depauperata is somewhat uncommon. In Hanbury and Mar- shall's Flora of Kent, 1899, it is stated, "Petals occasionally imperfect, especially in hill-woods." My own observations are quite in accordance with this, but I have hardly ever noticed the imperfect form in a moist situation, or upon good soil. There is one large patch of several hundred plants, which I have observed carefully for about eight years, and during that time have never found a single imperfect flower amongst them. All the plants are also very constant in their time of flowering, and the form of the radical leaves. I should be interested to hear if other readers have consistently observed this species, and if they have found any corre- spondence between the nature of the soil and the condition of the flowers. Lionel Crawshay. Nitrogen of the Air. — Will Mr. IIn.ll kindly tell us in what way nitrogen, pure and simple, can be restored to the air? In the pro- cess of photosynthesis plants give us back the oxygen, which all living beings consume ; but as nitrogen has also an important part to play in the atmosphere, one would like to know how it is to be restored after the air has been robbed of it in making nitrate of lime. It is said that the gas which bubbles up in the baths of Buxton is pure nitrogen ; but how it has be- come isolated I do not know. Is any other source of pure nitrjgeu known in nature'.' Four- fifths may seem to De a large proportion now ; but a time may come when the making of nitrate of lime on a large scale — perhaps in many countries and perpetually, for centuries — may re- duce that proportion and render the amount in- suthcient to check the too active properties of pure oxygen. Geo. Henslow, Leamington. Unfortunately there are all too many agencies breaking up the compounds of nitrogi n and returning it to the atmosphere in the i I of gas. When any vegetable matter is burnt the greater part of the nitrogen it contains is lust as gas, and the same is true of coal and other fossil forms of bygone vegetation. Then the soil is full of wasteful bacteria, which as tiny oxidise the organic matte] are always evolving some of the nitrogen as gas. In very rich Boils the wastage is considerable; we estimate that about one half of the combined nitrogen which has been put on the Wheat plot at Rothamsted in tile shape of farmyard manure every year for the last sixty years has been thus lost, for it is to be found neither in the soil nor in the crops that have been harvested from the plot. Again, all our explosives depend for their action on the liberation of free nitrogen gas from one or other of its combined forms, and one item in the wastefulness of war is the enormous destruction of combined nitrogen which follows a modern battle. Mr. Henslow need not fear for the world's stock of free nitrogen : it was the com- bined nitrogen which seemed likely to run out until we learnt latterly something of the powers of bacteria to regenerate the supply. A. D. Hull. Early Sweet Peas. — I am sending you a box ut Sweet Peas. The seeds were sown early in October in 4 inch pots, six seeds in a pot, and placed in a cold frame, where the plants re- mained during the winter. Air was admitted freely on all favourable occasions. The plants were potted on into 7-inch pots in the first week of January. At about the middle of March they were placed out-of-doors under the shade of a south wall. They were planted out early in April in a south-west corner of the kitchen gar- den, each potful being placed at distances of 2 feet. At the present time they are 3 feet in height, and they meet in the rows. The foliage is strong and healthy. \\ e commenced cutting flowers for Whitsuntide, and have since had a continual supply. Upwards of 100 spikes were sent away this morning. I have usually sown out-of-doors in autumn with very good results, but the system adopted this year has given earlier blossoms and less trouble. Owing to this late season it will be quite another fortnight in this locality before we can cut flowers from plants raised from spring-sown seeds. G. Hatch, Cavenham Park Gardens, Mildenhall, Suffolk, June 10. [The flowers were excellent. — Ed.] SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. June 8. — Present : -Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A., F.L.S. (in the Chair); Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Prof. G. S. Boulger, Messrs. W. E. Ledger, R. A. Rolfe, W. Hales, J. Fraser, L. Crawshay, G. Gordon, R. Hooper Pearson, J. Douglas, W. Fawcett, G. S. Saunders, H. T. Giissow, J. T. Bennett-Poe, E. M. Holmes, A. W. Hill, J. S. Arkwright, and F. J. Chittenden (hon. secre- tary). Impatiens x comoricoma. — The award of a Certificate of Appreciation was unanimously re- commended to Messrs. Cayeux in acknowledg- ment of work done in raising the hybrid Im- patiens shown at the last meeting, and the care- ful notes thereon contained in the Revue Horti- cole. Hybrid Dianthus. — Mr. Douglas exhibited flowers of hybrid Dianthus. One has been raised by crossing Dianthus barbatus with a double pink (D. plumarius). This had rather glaucous foliage, leaves about |in. broad, and pink flowers with about a dozen petals laciniated at the mar- gins, borne on branched stems carrying about 8 or 10 flowers. The second was the hybrid between D. barbatus and D. caryophyllus var. Uriah Pike, known as Lady Dixon, a form which never produces seeds but flowers very profusely. Variegated Laurel. — Mr. Crawshay showed foliage of a much variegated form of the Com- mon Laurel. Prunus lauro-cerasus. The bush from which this was cut was an old one and the variegation had proved constant. Alpine plants -Mr. J. Fraser, F.L.S. . showed cultivated specimens of a very dwarf form of Salix herbacea which he had collected at an elevation of 3,984 feet on Ben Lawers. The height to which it attained in the wind-swept situation in which it was growing was only from ^ inch to J inch. He also showed Draba rupes- t lis from the same locality, and Tofieldia palus- tris from an altitude of 2,800ft. m Perthshire, with fruit. These had all been grown in pots, and were somewhat taller than when collected. Mr. Fraser also showed flowers of Rosa spino- sissima. which is still found growing wild within the county of London, though it does not now fruit. The flowers exhibited were very small, and had been picked from a wild specimen. Lonicera Standishii.—Mx. E. M. Holmes ex- hibited ripe fruit of this Lonicera. which rarely fruits in Britain. Aquilegia double. — Mr. Hales drew attention to the doubling of Aquilegias where, somewhat as in the hose-in-hose Primrose, the petals are packed one within the other. Mr. Chittenden pointed out that the additional petals were modi- fied stamens, of which the filament became the claw of the petal, while the spur and the limb of the petal were developed from the anther; in specimens in which the modification had not gone far the two anther lobes could be seen around the mouth of the spur. Malformed Orchid. — Mr. Rolfe exhibited an Odontoglossum in which the petals had acquired somewhat the coloration of the lip. Primroses flowering. — Mr. A. W. Hill said that there was at present flowering at Kew a common Primrose which had been brought from Shetland last year, and had thus retained its normal time of flowering. Trachycarpus excelsus nionatcious. — Mr. Bowles exhibited an inflorescence of Trachycar- pus excelsus, and remarked that although most of the flowers were staminate in the inflorescence for some years, a few pistdlate flowers had de- veloped and had produced fruit. This was most evident in the inflorescences wdiich had developed late in the season. NATIONAL VEGETABLE. June 8. — We are informed that a meeting of the Provisional Committee of the newly-consti- tuted National Vegetable Society was held at the Hotel Windsor, on the above date. It was decided to ask his Grace the Duke of Portland to accept the office of President. Twenty-seven gentlemen and 17 firms were proposed as vice- presidents It was further resolved to ask the following gentlemen to accept places on the Executive Committee : — B. Ashton, Gardener to the Earl of Lathom, Lathom House, Ormskirk ; N. F. Barnes, Gardener to the Duke of West- minster, Eaton Hall ; E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House; E. T. Cook, Editor of The Garden; W. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund Loder, Hart., Leonardslee ; A. Dean, Horticultural Instructor, Surrey Education Committee : C. Foster, Horti- cultural Director to Lord Northcliffe, Sutton Place ; G. Gibson, Gardener to the Duke of Port- land, Welbeck Abbey; G. Gordon, V.M.H., Edi- tor of the Gardeners' M asius grandiflora, Edraian- thus pumilio, E. serpyllifolius, Aster alpinus speciosus. Primula sikk'mensis, P. japoniea, Cypripedium spectabile, C. acaule, C. hirsutum, and C. montanum. There was also a wealth of Azaleas, Gerbera Jamesonii, Rhododendrons, Lupins, Wistaria, &c. It was a boldly-designed scheme, and very effective ; perhaps the stone- work was a trifle obtrusive. It was a keener fight for the 2nd prize, but the judges decided in favour of Messrs. W. Artindale & Son, Shef- field. Their exhibit was a capital representation of a rock-garden, boldly designed and planted effectively. A pool, with rustic bridge entwined with Ivy, was a pleasing feature, and especially fine was the background of Eremuri, Rhododen- drons, Roses, Acer Negundo and other tall plants. Disposed in crannies and nooks were Ferns, Saxifrages, Irises, very fine pink-flowered Spiraeas, Campanulas, .Anemones, Primulas, Liliums, and many others. 3rd, Mr. S. Picker- ing, Rosslyn Street, Clifton, York. This group had a large water basin at the foot of the stone- work, a stream of water supplying it from one corner of the group, flowing past Ferns, Saxi- frages, Myosotis, Mimulus, and overhung with Acers, Lupins, Aquilegias, &c. In the exhibit were also Irises, Poppies, Paeonies, some very choice Aquilegias, Pyrethrums, Bamboos, Coni- fers, Acers, Prunus Pissardii, and numerous other elegant shrubs. ROSES. Exhibits of Roses were plentiful and generally of good quality, especially in the more important classes for cut blooms. Several good groups were seen. The best col- lection staged for effect was shown by Mr. Wm. Todd, Haxby Road, York, mainly of well-known varieties of Hybrid Perpetual kinds and taller pillar plants as foils. 2nd, Mr. J. E. Skaife, 60, Clarence Street, York. Another class was for a group of pot Roses with decorative plants, including Ferns. The premier prize was taken by Mr. Langstaffe, 16, Sydney Street, York, a fine row of the Polyantha variety, Mine. N. Levavasseur, form- ing a pleasing border. 2nd, Mr. J. E. Skaife, Clarence Street, York, who utilised Rambler kinds at the back and in the centre of the display. The largest class for cut Roses was for 72 blooms. There were three exhibitors, and many choice flowers were shown. Mr. G. Mount, Canterbury, showed the finest blooms, having well-known kinds, such as Richmond, Mrs. John Laing, Kaiserin A. Victoria, Mme. Constance Soupert, Frau Karl Druschki, Liberty, &c. 2nd. Mr. Geo. Prince, Oxford, who had many good flowers, Lady Ashtown, Anna Olivier, Mrs. Ed. Mawley, and Betty being noteworthy In the class for 48 blooms, the most successful exhibitors were Messrs. \V. & J. Brown, Stam- ford and Peterborough. 2nd, J. D. Hutchinson, Esq., Crown Square, Kirby Moorside. Mr. Geo. Mount was 1st for 24 blooms, fol- lowed by Mr. Elisha J. Hicks, Twyford, Berks ; but the names were reversed in the class for 18 blooms. There were numerous other classes for Roses. ORCHIDS. Messrs. James Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, were the only exhibitors in a class for a table of Orchids measuring 12 feet by 5 feet. The exhibitors were allowed to employ dwarf plants and cut blooms, either in baskets, glasses, or from a base of moss, the object being the obtain- ing of an effective display. The group was admirable both in its composition and staging, and worthily received the 1st prize. Among the best plants were displayed Miltonia vexillaria in number, light and dark-coloured varieties ; Laelio - Cattleya Canhamiana, Odontoglossum crispum, Cypripedium bellatulum, C. callosum Sanderse, Dendrobium Dalhousieanum luteum, Epidendrum pnsmatocarpum, Loelia purpurata, &c. Messrs. James Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, carried off the premier prize for a collection of 10 Orchids of distinct varieties, having Thunia Marshallise, with 12 tine flower-spikes; Miltonia vexillaria, bearing 30 flowers ; Lseho-Cattleya Canhamiana, with 10 flowers; a nice specimen of Anguloa Clowesii, with four blooms ; Epidendrum prismatocarpum, &c. 2nd, \V. P. Burkinshaw, Esq., The West Hill, Hessle (gr. Mr. J. T. Barker). This gentleman had Miltonia vexillaria Hessle variety, Odontoglossum crispum, Brasso- Cattleya Maronii, Cattleya-Mossiae Reineckiana, &c. 3rd, Mr. W. Vause, Leamington. The best six Orchids in bloom were staged by Messrs. James Cypher & Sons. They were Miltonia vexillaria, with 30 flowers; Laelio- Cattleya Canhamiana, with 10 blooms; and Laelia tenebrosa, carrying 10 flowers. Mr. Burkinshaw was awarded the 2nd prize, with Cypripedium Schillerianum as his finest spei i men. For the best three Orchids in bloom Messrs. James Cypher & Sons were placed 1st witli Laslio-Cattleya Canhamiana (16 flowers), Miltonia vexillaria (50 flowers), and Thunia Marshallise (10 flower-spikes). 2nd, Mr. Burkinshaw. In the remaining three classes for Orchids Mr. Burkinshaw won all the 1st prizes. CUT FLOWERS. Collections of cut flowers from the open garden occupied consideiable tabling in one of the largest tents. One class was for a group measuring 15 feet by 6 feet. Four exhibitors entered, all nurserymen, and their flowers made a tine display in their bright patches of scarlet Poppies, Pyrethrums, Heucheras, Lupins, Pole- monium, Irises, and the many other sub- jects now in season. The best display was adjudged to be that shown by Messrs. Harkness & Sons, Bedale. Yorkshire. 2nd, Messrs. Wm. Artindale, Nether Green, Sheffield. For a smaller collection, restricted to 24 bunches, Messrs. Harkness won very easily, and they were followed by Messrs. G. Gibson & Co., Leeming Bar, Bedale. The best ]2 bunches of hardy flowers were put up by Mrs. Proud, East Layton Hall, Darlington (gr. Mr. G. Finlay). 2nd, Marquis of North- ampton (gr. Mr. Searle). FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. The most important class in this section was one for a table arranged with flowers and fruits. The schedule allowed 14 dishes, including Grapes, Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, Plums, Strawberries, Cherries, and one each of Melon and Pineapple. The Grapes were to include two bunches each of black and white varieties. Beauty of flowers and foliage and the general effect were to be con- sidered by the judges when making their awards. Three exhibitors competed, viz., Duke of Port- land, Welbeck Abbey (gr. Mr. J. Gibson) ; Marquis of Northampton, Castle Ashby, North- ampton (gr. Mr. A. R. Searle) ; and Earl of Harrington, Elvaston Castle (gr. Mr. Good- acre), the prizes being awarded in the order of the names. It was possible to obtain 136 points, and of this number the 1st prize-winner obtained 113. The fruits were remarkably fine produce. Bigarreau de Schrecken Cherries, Bellegarde Peaches, Lord Napier Nectarines, large Brown Turkey Figs, Jefferson Plums, and a magnificent Melon of the Hero of Lockinge variety being the more notable. The floral arrangement was rather heavy, although a free use of greenery served to throw the fruits into greater relief. The 2nd prize group was a great success from a decorative point of view. Odontoglossums. lightly inter- mixed with Selaginella and Laelio-Cattleyas in small vases, were very pretty. Early Rivers Cherries, Brown Turkey Figs, Stanwick Elruge Nectarine, Grosse Mignonne and other Peaches, and an excellent Melon are a selection of the best fruits. The Earl of Harrington (gr. Mr. J. H. Goodacre) was a close 3rd, his exhibit being only half a point inferior to the 2nd prize group. ^ A colli rt inn of fruit* to include ten hinds. — The better of two exhibits was from the gardens of Baron de Forest, Londesborough Park (gr. Mr. J. C. McPherson). A very choice Melon, Cardinal Nectarines, Barnack Beauty Apples, and a Queen Pine were the best dishes. 2nd, the Earl of Harrington (gr. Mr. Goodacre). A large seedling, yellow-skinned Melon was promi- nent; also good Black Hamburgh Grapes, Rivers' Early Nectarines, and Hale's Early Peaches. In the class for a collection of six kinds, Mr. J. Brennand, Baldersley Park, Thirsk (gr. Mr. J. E. Hathaway), led, having some well-finished bunches of Buckland Sweetwater Grapes, good Royal George Peaches, &c. 2nd, Baron de Forest. Mr. Brennand was also 1st in the class for a collection of four kinds of fruits. Grapes. — The best black Giapes were shown by Lady Hawke, Wighill Park, Tadcaster (gr. Mr. H. Bray), the variety being Black Ham- burgh. 2nd, Lady Beaumont, Carlton Towers, York (gr. Mr. Wm. Nicholls), with the same variety. The best white Giapes were large- berried, but rather green bunches of Buckland Sweetwater, shown by Lord Hotham, Dalton Hall, Beverley (gr. Mr. \V. Jackson). 2nd, J. Brennand, Esq. (gr. Mr. J. E. Hathawav), with Buckland Sweetwater. Melons. — The best scarlet-fleshed variety was shown by the Earl of Harrington (gr. Mr. Goodacre). 2nd, Duke of Portland (gr. Mr. J. Gibson). The best fruit of green flesh was staged by W. D. Cliff, Esq., Meanwood Towers, Leeds (gr. Mr. \\ m. Hague] ; and the best of the white- fleshed kinds by W. C. Gray, Esq., Tunstall Manor, West Hartlepool (gr. Mr. T. Pattison). Vegetables were plentifully exhibited. In a class for a collection, the prizes being given by Messrs. Webb & Son, Wordsley, Stourbridge, the Marquis of Northampton (gr. .Mr. A. R. Searle) was an easy 1st prize-winner, and he also won in Messrs. Backhouse's class, having a splendid exhibit. In Messrs. Sutton's class this exhibitor was beaten by the Duke of Portland (gr. Mr. Gibson), but both had excellent produce. Mr. Gibson's Cauliflowers and Peas were very fine. Mr. Searle showed some of the best Tomatos in the exhibition ; also good Cucumbers and Carrots. NON-COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, had a very attractive group of Melons, Tomatos, herbaceous Calceolarias, Clarkia pulchella, Nigella Miss Jekyll, &c. (Gold Medal.) Mr. ('has. W. Breadmore, Winchester, staged Sweet Peas and Carnations. Mr. C. F. Waters, Balcombe, Sussex, showed Carnations. Messrs. Laxton Bros., Bedford, showed Bedfordshire Champion and Royal Sovereign Strawberries, also Peaches and Nectarines. Messrs. Bees, Ltd.. Mill Street, Liverpool, showed Primula Bulleyana in numbers. Messrs. Webb's, Stourbridge, ex- hibited Melons, Tomatos, Gloxinias, Coleus, Sweet Peas, &c. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Stamford and Peterborough, showed Roses and greenhouse plants. Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wisbech, had a fine display of herbaceous plants and Carnations. Messrs. Wm. Cutbush & Sons, Highgate, London, showed Carnations, Eremuri, Coleas Cordelia, Ericas, Rambler Roses, &c. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Clibrans, Altrincham, had a big group of their new Calceolaria, which received a First-class Certificate. Messrs. Jas. Backhouse & Son, York, staged greenhouse flowering plants, also floral devices, and in the open park ornamental trees, shrubs and hardy flowering plants. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Kelwat & Son, Langport, 401 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 19, 1909. Somerset, showed Pseonies, Pyrethrums, and a yellow-flowered Lupin. Messrs. Moore, Ltd., Rawdon, Leeds, were awarded a Silver-Gilt Flora Medal for a group of Orchids, including Phalaenopsis Rimestadtiana, Odontoglossum RolfeL, Brasso-Cattleya Thorntonii, and Angras- cum Sanderianum. Messrs. John Forbes, Ltd., Hawick, showed hardy flowers, including Pentstemons, Phloxes, Pansies, and Antir- rhinums. Messrs. Double & Co., Rothesay, dis- played Aquilegias ; also Violas, Pansies, and show Pelargoniums. Mr. H. N. Ellison, West Bromwich, showed Ferns in variety. Messrs. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., Tenby Street, Birmingham, showed Sweet Peas and a table decorated with Carnations. Mr. Thos W. Darlington, Warton, Carnforth, had Sweet Peas. Messrs. Ladhams, Shirley, Southampton, exhibited Pinks, Scabious, Heucheras, Gail- lardias. Lupins, &c. Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, showed Zonal Pelargoniums and a new Sweet Pea. Messrs. Dicksons, Chester, staged herbaceous plants and Carnations. Messrs. Wit, Artindale & Son, Nether Green, Sheffield, showed Violas. Carnations, and Poppies. Sweet Peas were shown by Miss Hemu3, Holdfast Hall, Upton-on-Severn. Messrs. Frank Lillet & Co., Guernsey, staged bulbous flowers. Messrs. Thos. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, Herts., put up a group of fruit trees in pots, showing excellent Peaches. Nectarines, Cherries, Plums, and Oranges. (Gold Medal). Jo- ^~ LormbondenU GHENT HORTICULTURAL. June 7. — At the monthly meeting of the Cham- bre Syndicale des Horticulteurs Beiges et la Societe Royale d' Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand, held on the above date, the following awards were made to new plants : — Certificates of Merit to Laelio-Cattleya Eudora (Laslia purpurata X Cattleya Mendelii) and Cattleya Withei, both exhibited by M. Ver- donck ; Odontoglossum crispum Prince d'Orange, O. crispum var. Bemel, Miltonia vexillaria striata, Odontoglossum Lambeauianum splendidissimum. O. crispum maximum, Miltonia vexillaria gigan- tea, all from M. F. Lambeau ; Brassovola flagrans ,x C. Mendelii, Odontoglossum crispum "Alma," exhibited by M. le Dr. Ballion ; Ansellia Con- goensis, shown by M. F. he Bievre ; Miltonia Bleuana nobilior, exhibited by M. le Comte J. de Hemptinne : Cattleya Schroderae var. Mont Blanc and Vanda ccerulea var. Rex, exhibited by M. E. Praet; Cattleya Mendelii (blue lip), ex- hibited by Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., London; Rhododendrons Mdlle. Marguerite Nanot, Mdlle. Albert Moser, M. Auguste Pellerin, Comtesse E. de Dreux-Breze, Mine. Fritz Benary, and Mar- quise de Chasseloup-Laubat, all shown by M. Pynaert-Van Geert ; Ficus australis fol. var., exhibited by M. L. de Smet-Duvivier ; Anthu- rium Mme. Dalliere var. eximium, exhibited by Mme. Dalliere ; Anthurium Scherzerianum superbissimum and A. Rothschildianum Goliath, both exhibited by Louis de Smet ; a strain of Gloxinia, shown by M. le Comte J. de Hemp- tinne ; Strelitzia Reginae, from M. V. Heursel ; Codiaeum M. Bause, Anthurium Hookeri, Codiaeum Mme. Lucien Linden, Livistona altis- sima, and Anoectochilus Petola, exhibited by the Societe Anonyme Horticole Gantoise ; Fejioa Sellowiana, exhibited by M. V. Heursel ; Bougainvillea glabra Sanderiana, exhibited by Mme. Dalliere ; Anthurium Andreanum, Souvenir de M. Hardy, exhibited by M. Louis de Smet; Phoenix Roebelinii, exhibited by MM. Duriez freres ; Polypodium albo-punctatum, Tectaria Coriaceroe, both exhibited by M. Duquesnoy, and to a collection of 40 cut blooms of Irises exhibited by M. le Dr. Ballion. UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND PROVIDENT. June 14. — The monthly committee meeting of this society was held at the Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, on the above date, Mr. Chas. H. Curtis in the chair. Seven new members were elected, making a total of 34 for the six months this year. Sickness among the members has been some- what lighter, £37 4s. having been paid since the last meeting, against £65 7s. for the previous month. Several amounts of interest were paid to members over 60 years of age. *„* The Editors will be glad to receive, for consideration, large photographs of horticultural subject*, suitable fur reproduction as Supple- mentary Illustrations in this Journal. Editors and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communica- tions, and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly Observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters 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 Editors. The two departments, Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters are misdirected. . Beech Leaves : Beech. The Beech leaves arrived in a very unsatisfactory condition, with few living insects on them that could be identified. The trouble, however, is green fly, the cast skins of which cover the leaves. The sticky substance is honey dew from the green fly. There are also some honey fly larvae present, but these are beneficial, and feed on the green fly. The remedy in this case is to spray with a paraffin emulsion. Green fly is unusually prevalent this year. You should have sent a iresh twig with the leaves and insects alive. Chrysanthemums: IF. Broivn. The variety Nellie Pockett should be pinched on June 20, W. Duckham, Mrs. Barkley, and Mrs. E. Thirkell on June 15, and General Hutton on June 20. Lady Hanham should be flowered on the second natural crown, and Godfrey's King on the first natural crown. In the case of Baron Hirsch, " take " the second crown bud. Souvenir de W. Clibran requires to be stopped early in April and then flowered on the second crown bud. You had better "take" the natural crown bud. Fig : IF. G. There is no disease present. The injury is in some way due to the treatment the trees have received. Flowering Stock : E. IF. There is no disease present. Something in the soil, such as an irritant fertiliser, has destroyed the roots. Garden Rockery: W. C. D. 0. The best type of rockery for j'our area would be either a stone-supported bank or winding shallow trench. If you decide upon a stone-supported bank, let its width be twice as great at some points than others, in order to diversify the surface. Throw up soil into hillocks and connect each by graduated declivi- ties, then support the soil in position by stone or other material. If you de- cide to have a winding trench, let this be V-shaped and twice as wide at some point or points as at others. This arrangement will give you sharp slopes and others less abrupt — stone being used to form ledges and to retain the soil in position. You would do well to start with plants of easy growth, and as you gain experience, add to the collection. To be- gin with try Arabis, Aubrietia, Lithosper- mum prostratum, Primula farinosa, Arena- rias. Alpine Wallflowers. Muscari. bulbous Irises of the recticulata group. Phlox setacea and Stellaria in variety, P. divaricata and canadensis, Helianthemums, particularly the double scarlet " coccinea," Gypsophila repens and cerastioides, Sedums and Saxifragas of the encrusted section. Try also Waldsteinias, Om- phalodes verna. Bellis sylvestris, Geum mon- tanum, Dianthus in several " cushiony " species. .*Enothera Arendsii and eximea, Ar'ne- bia echioides, Potentilla fulgens and formosa. Plumbago Larpentse, Nepeta Mussinii and Linarias alpina and rosea. The 12 plants last named are effective from June onwards. Hawthorn : .1 . T. Most of the buds have failed to expand. Fork the ground over as far as spread of roots and apply manure. We cannot find evidence of any disease. Lilium : Zebra. The plants are affected with the Lily disease (Botrytis cinerea). It cannot be said that any remedy for this disease has been found. The plants may be sprayed very early in the spring with a weak solution of potassium sulphide, or dusted with flowers of sulphur, but the results hitherto have not been very satisfactory. Attempts have been made to treat the bulbs with sulphur before planting them, in order to kill any fungus infecting them, but it is not known that such treatment has had the effect of converting diseased bulbs into bulbs capable of making satisfactory growth. Cultivators, therefore, are advised to burn infested plants, and after procuring fresh stock from an uncontaminated source, to plant in a fresh situation as far from the old site as circumstances will permit. Names of Plants. — Enquirer. 1, Aristoloehia Sipho ; 2, Jasmiuum humile; 3; Iris neglecta "Hannibal"; 4, Iris, flower too withered for identification. — S. Leucothoe raceniosa. — W. J. Pyrus Aria.— If. F. O. 1, Spiraea nudi- flora ; 2, Jasminum frutieans; 3, Spiraea media. — F.1I.H. 1, Oncidium sarcodes ; 2,Oncidium pubes; 3, Oncidium flexuosum , 4, Oncidium excavatum ; 5, Pteris tremula ; 6, Selaginella involvens.— B. T. H. 1, Dendrobium elavatum. Thanks for sending agood specimen with part of a pseudo-bulb. 2, Dendrobium transparens. — Constant Beader. 1, Aerides odoratum ; 2, Muscari comosum variety monstrosum, a re- markable instance of fixed abnormal characters. — A. E. S. 1, Ccelogyne ochracea ; 2, Lonieera iuvolucrata (Ledebourii). — P. T. O. A Stan- hopea, but which species it is impossible to tell without seeing a flower. — F. H. 1, Odonto- glossum Coradinei ; 2, Odontoglossum Wilc- keanum ; 3, Odontoglossum mulus ; 4, would probably be called a spotted Odontoglossum crispum, and it is very near to true O. crispum; although it is more likely to be an imported plant of O. Fascinator (crispum x Adrian*) from the district in which both grow together. The others you send also have peculiar features. Peach Leaves : IF. E. IF. These are attacked with the Peach leaf blister disease, caused by the fungus Exoascus deformans. See reply to Wales, in Gardeners' Chronicle for June 5. p. 372. Roses : H. E. IF. The trouble has probably been caused by cold winds and ungenial weather. If the condition continues we shall be glad to examine fresh specimens. Tomatos: Worried. If yon will send specimens of the caterpillars we will endeavour to help you. — B. T. A. The fungus Ascochyta is present. It is a destructive parasite. Destroy diseased plants and spray the lower part of the stem of the remaining plants with the Bor- deaux mixture, soaking the soil with the same mixture. Tomatos Diseased : F. W. and Anxious. The fruits are affected with Macrosporum solani. The fungus gains admittance through the style, and when once the berries are affected the damage is done. Burn all diseased fruits. Water Gardens: Aqua. There are water gar- dens at the Botanical Gardens at Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and at such private country seats as Rufford Abbey, Worksop, I !ar- berry Towers, Musselburgh, and many others. The plants grown in these Midland and Northern water gardens do not differ materi- ally from those cultivated in the south, but such tender plants as Nymphaea odorata and pygmaea in their many forms do not succeed. Marliacs' hybrid Water Lilies (excluding the odorata group) are successful, whilst many of the water-loving Primulas, Polygonums, Spiraeas and Astilbes, Cimicifugus, Dodeca- theons and Irises are often seen in stronger growth than in southern gardens, Iris Kasmp- feri excepted. The use of many ponds for winter sports in the North, Midlands and Scot- land has not helped water gardening to attain the popularity it enjoys in the south. The climate is not by any means the principal de- terrent. Communications Received. — Laxton Bros.— D. S. Melville -C. T. D.-Sir W. T. T.D.— Ttoy. Meteorological Soc.-E. B. J. O'B.— W. A. C.— J. G. W.-E. H. K - E. ML— E. H. .1.— W. D.-S. A. G. ML— W. H. YV.— A. O. — J.'-J. W.-H. M. V-A. N.-H S. T.-B.-H. P.— S. A Sons-R D— W. G. S.— J. S.— Anxious-K. & Co.— 11. A. S.— R. H. B. For Market Reports sec page x. '3 o a Qi ■d u ft o 0) c u e a a 3 Ifl o U H Z o U w" z o pq B CD < Z u Q o w H > H June 26, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 405 THE No. 1,174.— SATURDAY, June 36, 1909. CONT American notes 417 Anchusa italica Opal ... 417 Bath Botanical Gardens 415 Bees, disease of 413 Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal ... 421 Birds, the feeding habits of 414 Budget, the, and growers 403 Cambridge Botanic Gar- den, students at ... 418 Cereus, the night- flowering 417 Darwin and the " Index Kewensia " 406 Darwin Centenary Cele- brations ... 405-412 Florence, International Exhibition at 414 Florists' flowers — Gloxinias 409 Flowers in season ... 413 Hartstongue fern, a beautiful 416 Havering Park, Essex... 40d Hooker, Sir Joseph .. 413 Mangos, export of ... 414 Masters' Memorial lecture 419 ENTS. Melon, a large 418 Mutisia Clematis ... 414 Orchid notes and glean- ings— Cattleya Mossiee "The King Emperor" ... 407 Eulophiella Elisa- betn£e 407 Ourisia coccinea ... 417 Peach freckle or black- spot ... 414 Poisonous compounds, licenses for sale of, in London 418 Ranunculus auricomus 418 Societies- British Gardeners' ... 431 Dehating 421 National Rose . . 413 Perpetual Flowering Carnation 418 Royal Agricultural ... 4ii0 Royal Botanic ... 413 Royal Horticultural... 418 Soils, acidity in 412 Sweet Pea Masterpiece 416 Trees and shrubs - Castanopsis cnryso- phylla 414 Week's work, the 410-411 ILLUSTRATIONS. Darwin, Charles (Supplementary Illustration) Eulophiella Elisabethee 407 Havering Park, Essex 407 Mutisia Clematis 415 Pieris floribunda, a group of 411 Scolopendrium vulgare muricato fimbriatum 416 Sequoia gigantea, an avenue of 409 Sweet Pea Master iece 417 View in the bulb-garden at Havering Park 408 DARWIN. WHILE our number has been passing through the press the University of Cambridge lias celebrated the cen- tenary of Charles Darwin's birth and the jubilee of the publication of the Origin of Species! When a century has rolled by with three generations of men since an illustrious man was born and his memory is still venerated by his fellow-countrymen, he has received such measure of immortality as it is in the power of mankind to bestow. And the jubilee of a book stamps it with the mark of permanent vitality which makes it a classic. Although Darwin's university and college were the natural seat -of the celebration, it was no local one. With a splendid enthusiasm every country in the civilised world has sent delegates to carry its sympathy and respect. For Darwin's place in the affection of man- kind has been earned by something more than scientific achievement. The supreme nobility of his character, as revealed to us in the Life which we owe to the pious labour of his son, is an ethical message to the human race. Where shall we find so earnest and lifelong assiduity in work, so patient and uncomplaining submission to ill-health, such modest diffidence, so serene an indifference to praise or blame, so lofty a communion with Nature in its more intimate secrets? The hearts of the readers of this journal will go out to Cambridge. Those of an older generation will remember that Darwin was a not infrequent contributor to its pages. But all may remember with some natural pride that, more than elsewhere, he found in them an almost inexhaustible store of observation which he could use to test, to support and to illustrate his conclusions. Much will be said, much has already been said, as to the illuminating insight with which Darwin broke new ground in every part of the biological field as well as in geology. This is not the place to discuss so vast a theme. But we may dwell with gratitude on what he ac- complished in the study of plant life and inci- dentally for horticultural science. The note that runs through all this, as through the rest, is its absolute originality, freedom from prepossession and from the trammels of traditional theory. The scientific, like every other mind, is apt to get into a groove and to be surprised and hurt when lectured to leave it. This was the continual difficulty which Darwin had to face in obtaining a hear- ing. In the conclusion of the Origin he says rather sadly : — " I by no means expect to con- vert experienced naturalists' . . . but I look with confidence to the future to young and rising naturalists." Seeurus jiidicat orbis terrarum, and to-day the world replies that his confidence was not misplaced. Darwin, and in this respect he may be compared with Faraday, always looked Nature squarely in the face and with gentle persuasion extorted her secrets. He would not have succeeded had he not been gifted with great intellectual power ; and this he in- herited from a family of more than average ability. But it would have availed little w ithout qualities which were personal to him- self. With a perfectly open mind, he possessed a fertile imagination which he learnt to keep in severe discipline and an in- comparable industry " in the observation and collection of facts." He tells us in his auto- biography:— ''I have steadily endeavoured to keep my mind free so as to give up any hypothesis however much beloved (and lean- not resist forming one on every subject), as soon as facts are shown to be opposed to it." When a problem proved intractable be was fond of attacking it by what he would call "a fool's experiment." This has been found a hard saying. But great discoveries have sometimes been made in a haphazard way when the observant eye was present to note them. And the response to an extreme change of conditions may sometimes reveal an unexpected clue. Perhaps behind there was a half-humorous hope of catching Nature napping. How to educate is a question that still baffles us. When Darwin was sent to Cam- bridge with the intention of taking orders he tells us that his " probable destination " had seemed to be that of " an idle sporting man." In the flush of youth and of health that had not then deserted him, he hunted and shot and. like thousands before and since, spent a happy time, to which, in his later years, he still looked back with " much pleasure." It was human that he should do so. But as he tells us himself, there must have been something in him " a little superior to the common run of youths." And though academic routine yielded him nothing but a creditable pass degree, out of this " something " Cambridge built the founda- tions of the Darwin that we know. The interest of the process lies in the fact that it was due to personal influence and contact, and that this is only possible in the atmo- sphere and easy intercourse of a university. Darwin obtained the friendship, never relaxed in faithfulness, of Henslow, " my master in natural history," and through him made the acquaintance of Adam Sedgwick and of the omniscient Whewell. Mere physical enjoy- ment did not stand in the way of his receiv- ing the most inspiring impulses perhaps available anywhere at the time. Geology, through Sedgwick, had got a firm grip of him. He was bent on visiting Teneriffe when Henslow secured for him the post of volunteer naturalist on board the " Beagle." Darwin sailed with the ordinary traditional belief in the immutability of species. That they must " gradually have become modified" seems to have first suggested itself to him w lien he observed in South America that the fossil animals were obviously allied to, though different from, the existing animals. When he visited the Galapagos Archipelago and found that the animals and plants in the different islands were closely related but distinct, he says, " I fancied myself brought near to the very ace of creation." And the idea flashed across his mind that the explanation was to be found in descent with modification. Tins, of course, was evolution. A distinguished German, Professor Witt, has recently called it " the flaming truth . . . given to humanity by one of the greatest minds that ever stood up amongst men." There is often an inclination to assert that it was all that Darwin actually achieved. This was far from his own opinion : it would eliminate Darwin from Darwinism. While at Cambridge he had read Paley's Natural Theology, which gives copious examples of adaptive structures. It is interesting to note that Paley had been a member of his own college. Darwin tells us that until adapta- tions " could be explained it seemed to me almost useless to endeavour to prove by in- direct evidence that species have been modified." The explanation came to him in 1838, as it did subsequently to Wallace, on reading Malthus, and he saw that " natural selection was the inevitable result of the rapid increase of all organic beings." The next 20 years were spent with in- defatigable labour in testing the theorv by applying it to all the facts of organic nature. The results were to have been given to the world in three large works, of which only one, Animals and Plants under Domestica- tion, was ever published. Their place was taken in 1859 by the Origin, an abstract which, " as my health is far from strong," he had been " urged to publish." This was for- tunate for science. For, as Darwin tells us, it "is one long argument from the beginning to the end, and it has convinced not a few able men." Huxley's reflection was: — " How extremely stupid not to have thought of that." It is the merit of a great idea that as soon as it is announced it seems obvious. The extended works might possibly not have gripped men's minds in the same way. The essential point in Darwin's theory is that the modification of species is produced by the accumulation of inherited small favourable variations. The organism is thus kept in adjustment to the surrounding condi- tions and changes with them. Some have thought, like De Vries, that the process is too slow and that species must be produced by sudden and abrupt variations. But, as Darwin pointed out, it is improbable that these would be always favourable, and though they undoubtedly occur in Nature, they are rarely able to maintain them- selves. Under cultivation we are familiar with them, but they are only perpetuated by the art of the cultivator. To call small in- herited variations " mutations " is a mere question of words. Darwin was not a technical botanist, but he had been a pupil of Henslow's and his love of plants was profound. " It has always pleased me," he says, " to exalt plants in the scale of organised beings." There is a passage of great beauty in his Journal of Researches, in which he describes the 406 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 26, 1909. impression made on him by a tropical forest. But his thoughts were fixed upon the plant world for another reason. Writing to Romanes about another investigator, he said, lie " makes, I think, a gigantic oversight in never considering plants; these would sim- plify the problem for him." \Ve need not be surprised therefore that in the Origin he dwells with constant emphasis on the facts presented by the vegetable kingdom. Incidentally he gave for the first time a rational theory of plant distribution, " that grand subject, that almost keystone of the laws of creation," as he called it; he vastly increased our knowledge of the means of seed dispersion ; he showed that classifica- tion is founded on descent, and that the sterility of hybrids is independent of affinity. Towards the end of his life he became more and more occupied with botanical problems. This was partly a recreation from more laborious work, partly to show how cases otherwise difficult of explanation could be brought under the theory. At a very early period Darwin was led to attend to the cross-fertilisation of flowers by the aid of insects, as it seemed probable to him that crossing played an important part in keeping specific forms constant. Through Robert Brown he became acquainted with the forgotten work of Sprengel, who was the first to show the part played by insects in pollina- tion. Darwin rescued for him a belated fame. For his own part he showed that Orchids for the most part exhibit the most elaborate adaptations to cross-fertilisation. Ultimately he was led to the result that " it is a general law of Nature that flowers are adapted to be crossed, at least occasionally, by pollen from a distinct plant." And he further made the discovery, the importance of which cannot be exaggerated, that seedlings of self-fertilised parentage are inferior in vigour to those of cross-fertilised. On the other hand lie was able to show that if it is desired to fix a fleet- ing variety this can only be done by repeated self-fertilisation. The impulse Darwin gave to the study of the subject has been enormous. There "was little before but Sprengel, and he had been neglected. Knuth's recently published handbook enumer- ates 3,792 papers. The investigation of the meaning of thrum- eyed and pin-eyed Primulas was a masterpiece of investigation. Darwin regarded it with not unnatural pride. " I do not think anything in my scientific life has given' me so much satisfaction." But the theoretical significance of the result went much further. For the two forms of the same species behave exactly as if they were species -of different genera. It is a conclusive proof that sterility or fertility have no relation to affinity. This was a stum- bling block both to Huxley and Romanes, w ho could not rid their minds of the belief that sterility was a specific criterion. Orchid growers have now shown us that tilings as diverse as three genera can be com- bined in one hybrid. The species problem, as it presented itself to Darwin at the start, was to account for differences of external form. But as soon as he grasped the explanation that these were adaptive, i.e., useful to the organism, it be- came necessary to show in what way. His standpoint shifted insensibly from the morpho- logical to the physiological.' The transition is seen in his researches on climbing plants. The advantage to a climber of being able to reach the light with the least expenditure of material is obvious. Darwin traces in a masterly way the adaptation of the most diverse organs to the purpose. But this brings him face to face with response to stimulus and spontaneous movement, things which we had been accustomed to regard as peculiar to animal life. He opened a path which has been followed with no small success by his son. Dr. Francis Darwin, and already it pro- mises to carry us very far indeed. Pangenesis was one of Darwin's more re- markable speculations. It was a bold induc- tion from facts such as could only be arrived at by a mind of genius, but the microscopical knowledge of the time was insufficient to give it corroboration. Yet it contained the funda- mental conception that hereditary characters are carried over by particles which can multiply by division. Darwin's hypothesis that these could be transferred to the repro- ductive cells from the general body of the organism is now abandoned. But that he conceived a material mechanism for heredity will remain everlastingly to his credit. It must always remain a matter of regret that Mendel's memorable discoveries re- mained dormant during Darwin's lifetime, and never came to his knowledge. The separa- tion of unit characters in hybrids implies their transmission by material particles. That this is of much importance in Nature seems im- probable, but of its occurrence in cultivated plants the evidence is overwhelming. Darwin was obliged to assume variation and heredity as facts, leaving their explanation to the future. Terrestrial conditions are now stable whatever they may have been in the past, and the process of variation in Nature mostly eludes observation. But cultural conditions unlock the bonds, and it is in our gardens that the secrets of variation and heredity will be revealed. Darwin was attracted to insectivorous plants partly by adaptive structures of a singularly striking kind, but most of all by the underlying physiological problem. In showing that plants possessed a digestive fer- ment similar to that of animals, he once more drew closer the vital phenomena of the two kingdoms, and opened a new field of investi- gation which has been fertile of results of the deepest significance. Darwin's grave lies by that of Newton, Cambridge's other greatest son. As Wallace has justly said, " lie was the Newton of natural history." The one introduced a rational order into the inorganic, the other into the organic world. But Darwin did more : he created Biology, the intelligent study of living things. We no longer regard a plant in Nature as a whimsical creation, but see in it the perfect adjustment of form and function, brought about by natural agencies. Looking back on this great chapter of scientific history, it is interesting to note that it all belongs to Cambridge. Paley and Malthus sowed the seed: Darwin grasped the flower. For the germ of the whole matter is in Paley's conclusion, " no organ will be formed for the purpose of causing pain or doing an injury to its possessor." II'. T. Thiselton-Dyer. DARWIN AND THE "INDEX KEWENSIS." THE last work initiated by Darwin was that which is known under the above title. It was begun when the great ex- ponent of evolution had entered upon the last few months of life. Though he did not live to see even the early stages of a long and arduous task, his wishes were known to his family and were most scrupulously carried out. It was early in December, 1881, that Sir William Thiselton-Dyer first broached the matter to me, saying that if I could undertake the work of compiling a new edition of Steudel's Nomenciator, Mr. Darwin would be willing to devote a certain sum annually for its fulfilment. The magni- tude and character of the prospect were allur- ing, so, after a few days' consideration. I ex- plained my plans to Sir Joseph Hooker, and before the new year dawned the methods of procedure were broadly outlined and were up- proved by Darwin. Although a new edition of Steudel was all that was proposed, that is, with the new genera and species of 40 years from 1840 added, yet, from the very first I dwelt upon the absolute necessity of supplying references to the place of first publication. This plan, though favourably received by Sir Joseph Hooker as " quadrupling its value," he thought likely to hinder the progress of the work, but happily this was nut allowed to stop the way, and after several weeks of pre- paration I began the actual work in February, 1882, with two young clerks as assistants. For a work of this character there are two methods of procedure, (a) by intercalation of new matter, or (1)) by writing .separate slips and sorting into sequence. In this par- ticular case I had no difficulty in selecting the better one to adopt, for at Kew there happened to be in the Library of the Herbarium a copy of Steudel's Nomenciator laid down in folio, with copious additions in manuscript. It was therefore possible to set out from this admirable base on the modified plan occasioned by our making the Genera Pla nta rum of Bentham and Hooker the groundwork as regards genera. Accordingly, specially-ruled half-sheets of foolscap paper were headed with the names of the genera re- tained, followed by those genera included in them, in every case with the references. The svnoiivniic genera simply had their references, and a cross-reference to the retained genus. When these sheets had been copied out they were alphabetically sorted, and placed flat in boxes which opened ill front. The next step was to enter up all the species printed or written in the Kew Steudel. When this was begun the last part of the Genera Plantarum had not been published, so for monocotyle- donous genera Steudel was the temporary guide. In due course, in 1883, when the last part of Bentham and Hooker came out, our sheets were collated and regulated with it. After this came the insertion of references to the species. Whilst my assistants were busj on the work just described, I was hard at work searching the literature and drawing up lists of new species to be entered on our sheets. In this manner many false references were rectified. Beginning with Linmeus, Richter's Codex Botanieus Linnaeanus was of great use, though, as it contains no pagination suitable for our use, Linnseus's actual volumes had to be used to complete the entries of the original place of publication. Bv this time the manuscript had grown to its full proportions. Each genus was enclosed in a strong paper wrapper (or portfolio if thick), and laid fiat in the boxes previously described, of which 168 were used and housed in a special stand in the Herbarium at Kew. For revising these lists, certain authorities were used, relying upon the great experience June 26, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 107 of Professor Daniel Oliver. After the first few years, a consultative committee used to meet ever}' few weeks or months, consisting of Sir Joseph Hooker, Prof. D. Oliver, Mr. John Ball, the alpinist, and latterly Mr. W. B. geographical distribution, so that by the autumn of 1891, after preliminaries, the work began to be printed by the delegates of the Clarendon Press, at Oxford. In round num- bers 65,000 sheets were sent to press. FlG. 178. — EULOPHIELLA ELISABETHS : FLOWERS WHITE, TINGED WITH PURPLE. Hemsley, when difficulties were discussed and progress noted. Comparatively early in the compilation it became evident that the departure from the plan of Steudel's Nomenclato? was so great that the new work was simply an Index, for in addition to its register of references there was no attempt to transfer species from included genera, but only to enumerate those names which botanical writers had already ranged under the retained genera. The revision, naturally, could not be critical ; the amount of work to be got through did not permit of pausing for long over any one species. Time was running on, and the estimated period of compilation had extended from six years to ultimately nine and a half From that date the routine was proof-read- ing in the forenoon, with collation of Sir Joseph Hooker's corrections from his proof sheet, and in the afternoon revising manu- script in advance. Two sheets weekly were passed through all their stages until, in 1893, the first fasciculus was issued, extending from Aa to part of Dendrobium. This partition, which called forth some criticism, was solely the work of the printers without consultation ; besides dividing a genus, it made the next fasciculus unduly small. The proper division would have been that page 632 should have closed the part, as it came exactly midway in the volume and ended with Cninicltis, page 633 beginning with Craniolaria and a new signature. [Photograph by Mrs. Delves Broughton. FlG. 179. — HAVERING PARK, THE RESIDENCE OF MRS. CHARLOTTE MCINTOSH. (See p. 408.) with the help of one to seven assistants, as the work needed it. The cost of compilation was wholly borne by the family of Mr. Darwin, and it was ever a matter of regret on my part that his life ended before any pro- gress had been made on the last work origin- ated by him, with the object of helping others in a field in which he had himself some- times vainly sought for information. I have endeavoured in the limits of a brief article to give a rapid and discursive ac- count of an undertaking which at the time though hard and exhausting and apparently unending, can now be looked back upon, with all its imperfections, as a piece of work in fhe service of the botanic world on which 1 gladly spent the best years of my life. B. Daydon Jackson. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. years. Mr. Ball gave certain notes he had made out, Mr. C. B. Clarke read through all the Cyperacese, Sir Joseph Hooker read through the manuscript and revised it for The work was completed in 1895, and with the issue of the fourth fasciculus ended the period of 13 years and five months, the greater part of my time being devoted to it, EULOPHIELLA ELISABETHS. The illustration (see fig. 178) of this beautiful Orchid is from a photograph sent by Mr. John Easter, gardener to Lady St. Oswald, Nostell Priory, Wakefield. Mr. Easter writes: "The plant has been grown from a single pseudo-bulb which was purchased some years ago. It has been grown in company with Phalaenopsis, and has flowered regularly every season." It is pleasing to hear it thus well spoken of as a cultivated plant, for there are few who could give it such a good character. Since it was first imported in quantity from Madagascar in 1893 by Messrs. Sander and Sons, it has generally proved to be unmanageable for any great length of time, although occasionally a thriving plant of it is recorded. Nevertheless, it is clear that Eulo- phiella Elisabethae may be grown satisfac- torily, provided it receives proper conditions and treatment. It always does best in a warm, moist house having a uniform temperature throughout the year. In Mr. J. Gurney Fowler's collection a plant of this species has occupied the same sheltered corner for many years, and it continues to increase in vigour. The collector's original account of its habitat in Madagascar showed that it grows up the stems of trees, most frequently on tree Ferns. A healthy specimen in cultiva- tion is an ornamental plant, even when not in flower, and when in bloom it is one of the most beautiful Orchids of its section, being totally distinct from any other. The large plicate green leaves are very graceful. The stout flower-scapes, which are tinged with purple, are sometimes 2 feet in length. The flowers last a considerable time in perfection. The segments are thick in texture and pure white, the reverse side of the sepals being tinged with purple, while the callus on the hinged labellum is yellow. A plant was first shown by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., at the meeting of the Royal Horticul- tural Society on April 10, 1894, when a First- class Certificate was awarded it. CATTLE Y A MOSSI.E " THE KING- EMPEROR." A flower of great size, fine shape, and very bright colour is sent us by Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr. Mr. Hopkins), under the above name. It is a noble flower of the typical C. Mossia? class. The petals measure 8 inches from tip to tip, and they are 2£ inches wide, both sepals and petals being of a warm rosy- mauve colour. The lip is large, and in a great degree it resembles that of Cattleya Warscewiczii, the front lobe being elongated and finely crimped. The base has yellow lines on a red ground ; the front is mottled with violet-crimson and margined with lavender colour. 403 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. lJune 26, 1909. HAVERING PARK. The delightful residence of Mrs. Charlotte Mcintosh is situated on a high elevation in one of the prettiest parts of Essex, at a distance of about three miles from Romford station. It com- mands extensive views to the south across the Thames on to Shooters Hill, and on the north to Epping Forest. The picturesque country church of Havering, which has a peal of six bells, is situated within a few minutes of the mansion. Havering Park is famous for its fine herd of Jer- sey cattle, of which Mrs. Mcintosh is a successful exhibitor. The park consists of about 400 acres, is splendidly timbered and beautifully undulated. The principal trees include Oak, Elm, Chestnut, Beech, Scotch Firs, and Cedars. Extensive plan- tations have been made during the past 50 years, both for effect, shelter and game preserve. The gardens, and particularly the pleasure grounds, are large, but much work is still in progress for extending and improving them. A magnificent avenue of Sequoia gigantea, about half a mile in length, which was planted about 50 years since, is a very striking and beautiful fea- ture, many of the trees being extremely hand- some specimens (see fig. 181). Rhododendrons succeed remarkably well. Large luna vulgaris, Alportii, Ericas mediterranea, hybrida, vagans and its variety alba, vulgaris pilosa, mediterranea nana, vulgaris Serleii, cinerea rosea, cinerea alba, and carnea. I may here mention that, although the surround- ing land consists of a stiff clay, this particular part consists chiefly of sand and gravel. Rock plants in large numbers find homes here in suitable positions. In the flower garden spring bedding is made a feature, and the plants were little the worse for the severe frosts experienced. The plants employed consist chiefly of Wall- flowers of sorts, Polyanthus, Aubrietias, Arabis, Pansies, Myosotis, and large quantities of bulbs. Many of the fruit houses have been replanted during the past three or four years. There are four good-sized vineries, the early house being planted with Black Hamburgh, which was started early in the new year. The second and third houses were devoted entirely to Muscat of Alexandria. The latest house contains Black Alicante and Gros Colmar. All the borders had been renovated by the gardener, Mr. J. A. Cox, who has had charge of these gardens for the past three years. He has made great improve- ments generally, and especially in the fruit garden. A large centre house in the same range con- IFhotograph by Mis. Delves Broughtotu Fig. 180. — view in the bulb garden at havering park. beds and borders containing many very fine specimens and varieties have been established on the south side of the house. They contain be- side Rhododendrons, Kalmias, Azaleas, and a magnificent show of Pieris floribunda. The prin- cipal part of the planting operations was carried out about 40 years ago. As before stated, large additions are still being made, and Mrs. Mcintosh is wisely grouping together large beds of many of the most beautiful shrubs, both for summer and winter effects. They include Brooms, Rho- dodendron sinense, Sea Buckthorn (Hippo- phsa rhamnoides), large quantities of the Wichuraiana Roses, Spiraeas canescens and Douglasii, Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora, Cornus of sorts, Rhus typhina, Poplars in bush form, Pernettyas, Rubus odoratus, large beds of Lavender, Veronica Traversii, and Mahonias. A striking novelty, especially for this part of Essex, is a large portion set apart for the culti- vation of the hardy Ericas. These are grouped together in masses, and particularly well they looked, all being in the best possible condi- tion. Among the varieties I noticed were Cal- tained fine specimen Palms, and many other both flowering and foliage plants, all in good condi- tion. Adjoining this is a small stove, used prin- cipally for growing decorative plants for house decoration. The early Peach house had been en- tirely replanted, and the trees were in excellent condition. The varieties I noticed were : — Nectarines : Cardinal, Early Rivers and Lord Napier ; and Peaches : Royal George, Gros Mig- nonne and Hale's Early. One small house was principally devoted to Rose culture, and another house to Carnations. Fine batches of the following varieties of Carna- tions are cultivated : — Mercia, Mrs. Martin Smith, Lady Grimston, Maggie Hodgson, Prin- cess of Wales, Old Blush and Horace Hutchinson. Most of the plants were in 8 and 10-inch pots. A large span-roofed house was devoted entirely to Ferns, and some were specimens growing in tubs over 5 feet in diameter. Particularly fine were Davallia Mooreana, Microlepia hirta cristata, Davallia elegans, Adiantum formosum, A. cunea- tum and A. Williamsii. Another large green- house contained some greenhouse Rhododen- drons ; especially fine were Countess of Hadding- ton, Lady Fitzwilliam, R. Fosterianum and Prin- cess Royal. A Peach case, 160 feet in length, contained trees in a most promising condition. Other smaller houses were devoted to Cucumbers, Melons, Tomatos, French Beans and similar crops. A number of pits and frames were well rilled with a good assortment of plants. A long north house is found to be exceedingly useful for retarded plants, during the summer months especially. A large conservatory adjoins the house, in the centre of which was a very fine plant of Kentia Belmoreana, fully 30 feet high, and many other fine Palms. The kitchen garden is not an extensive one, but a large portion of ground for vegetable cul- ture is situated on another part of the estate. A particularly good lot of cordon Pears were to be seen here. Mrs. Mcintosh takes a keen interest in all appertaining to the garden, and her wishes- are well carried out by her gardener. B. GROWERS AND THE BUDGET. The proposals for the taxation of land, as con- templated by the Budget now before Parliament, cannot fail to interest the horticulturist, and as- the matter is somewhat complicated, a short ex- planation of the clauses which touch specially on this point may possibly be of use, although any discussion of either a political or a technical nature would be out of place in these columns. From the horticultural point of view the three • most important branches of the Finance Bill now before Parliament are those which seek to- impose further taxation on land by means of (a) a tax on unearned increment ; (b) a tax on unde- veloped land, including (c) a tax on gardens ex- ceeding one acre in extent, all of which are quite distinct in their effect and must be separately considered. Increment Tax. It is proposed in the first place to levy a duty of 20 per cent, on all capital profit accruing to any person having an interest in land (i.e., either freehold or on lease for seven years or more), by reason of any increase in the value of such land. The occasions on which the tax is to be levied are as follows : (a) when such person sells his interest or grants a new lease for a term of seven years or more ; (b) when such person dies (this being in addition to the in- creased death duties) ; and (c) in the case of a limited company (which of course cannot die} this tax is to be levied every 15 years, the first payment to be made in 1914. In assessing the value of the land for this tax the value of all " permanent works " is to be deducted if used for any trade, business or indus- try except horticulture and agriculture. The latter industries do not escape, although the cost of removing their buildings, trees and bushes may be considered. (See clause 14, section 4, which must not be confused with clause 2.) Though it is true that any value due solely to the special capacity of the soil for agricul- tural purposes is not to be taken into account ; yet the fact remains that " permanent works " for nurseries are hit although those for factories or shops are not. It is submitted that nurserymen might well be exempted from this tax. They already have to pay very high rents as tenants, and it is as much necessary for a nurseryman to have at least one branch of his business within the pre- cincts of a town as it is for the vendor of any other retail article to have a shop in a populous district. Consequently the rent which a horti- culturist has to pay is not only much higher than that which falls upon the agriculturist, but, owing to the extent of premises required, the rent is also much larger in proportion to the amount of the turnover than that which is paid by most other tradesmen. In the case of a nurseryman who has bought the freehold of his land the tax might bear even more hardly. For the reasons stated above, he has to pay a heavy price (often as great as if he _ roposed to cover the area with bricks and mortar) in order to obtain a suitable site upon which to carry on his business, and the interest on the capital thus sunk constitutes a heavy June 26, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 409 addition to his annual cost of trading, quite apart from the working capital required. Fre- quently, also, he has to raise part of the pur- chase price by means of a mortgage, and if the Budget proposals should cause the value of land to fall, most mortgagees will either call in their loan or require the amount already advanced to be very substantially reduced. The exemption of permanent works for horticulture from this tax should be urged. Nurserymen have sometimes been able, on removal, to recoup a portion of the heavy ex- penditure referred to above by selling their nursery land at a higher price than they origin- ally gave for it. With the profit thus obtained they are able to meet to some extent the Undeveloped Land Tax. In addition to the above, it is also proposed to levy every year a further tax, at a present rate of one halfpenny in the pound, on the " capital value of undeveloped land." " Undeveloped land " means, for the purposes of the Budget, any land which : (a) has not been developed by being built upon, or (b) has not been developed by being used bona fide for any business, trade or industry, with one single exception — agricul- ture (which term for the purposes of this Act includes nurseries, market gardens, and allot- ments). Nurserymen therefore" will have to pay the tax although other tradesmen will not. The Bill, however, extends to the horticulturist and agriculturist two slight concessions, namely : — [Photograph by Mrs. Delves Brougliton. Fig. i8i. — avenue of sequoia gigantea at havering park. (See p. 408.) expenses which fall upon a nurseryman in building greenhouses on the fresh site, and in rendering the new soil suitable for the special purposes required by horticulture. It certainly seems hard on the horticulturist to demand under these circumstances one-fifth of any in- crease on the original site value — that is to say, £20 out of every £100 profit realised. In the case of a limited company the land has to be revalued every 15 years, and this 20 per cent, increment tax will have to be paid upon any increase in value which has accrued in the mean- time. (1) The tax is not to be imposed on any land which does not exceed a selling value of £50 an acre, and (2) in assessing the value of the land no special charge is to be made in respect of what- ever special value it may bear for agricultural or horticultural purposes. This will protect agricultural land to some extent, but some further protection for nursery- men appears to be urgently necessary. The value of the land for any other purposes must be taken into account, even on the assumption, for instance, that it might be required for some other trade, such as a shop, a brickfield, a ware- house, a depository, a slaughter house, or for the erection of factories, or for building speculation. This proposed tax, if applied to nurseries and market gardens, will bear especially heavily upon small growers who cater solely for the English market. It is essential for them to be in or near the outskirts of a town, not only so as to be near their local customers but also so as to be within the " collection and delivery " area of a railway station. Parliament has already recognised the difficul- ties which await a grower who is forced to re- move. The Agricultural Holdings Act, which came into force on January 1 last provides that " if a landlord without good and sufficient cause and for reasons inconsistent with good estate management " gives notice to quit or refuses to grant his tenant a new lease, either at all or except at an increased rent, then the landlord must repay to the tenant the whole of the cost of removing or selling his household goods, his implements of husbandry, his produce and his farm stock. It is hoped the Government will bear this point of view in mind. Gahden Tax. By this time most readers will probably be aware that it is also proposed to impose the " undeveloped land tax " on the owner of every garden which exceeds one acre in extent. It is impossible to discuss the pros and cons of this tax here, but if it is to be adopted it is sub- mitted that the Government might possibly see its way to make some concession on this point. The question of " increment " taxation is one which will probably be decided on general prin- ciples, but the neglect to treat nurseries as. equivalent to shops for this purpose and the question of the " undeveloped land " tax, in- cluding the " garden " tax, are matters in which the position of horticulturists might well be brought to the notice of the Government. //. M. y\ FLORISTS' FLOWERS. GLOXINIAS. In recent years Gloxinias have shown won- derful development in regard to colour and habit. The flowers range from pure white, pink and pale blue to deep reds, purples and blues, while the newer French spotted hybrids, though less robust in habit and more delicate in flower than the older type, are a most valuable addi- tion. They are marked and spotted with colours varying from pink and mauve to dark blue, red, and even chocolate. The cultivation of Gloxinias is not, perhaps, simple, but any gardener, provided he has a warm glasshouse at his disposal, by selecting seed of a good strain, and by following the few hints given below, should be able to produce a brilliant display of blooms within about seven months of the date of sowing the seed. The seed is best sown in mid-winter, in deep, well-drained pans of fine peat and sand. The pans should be placed in a propagating frame having a temperature of about 75°, covering the surface of the soil with a piece of glass until germination has taken place. The glass must be turned and dried night and morning, as Gloxinias at all stages are liable to suffer from damp. As soon as the first seed- leaves develop the plants should be pricked off into shallow pans. This is best done by means of small tweezers, as the seedlings are too small to be handled. When established they may be removed from the frame into a fairly moist atmosphere of 65° to 70°, and when large enough transplanted into boxes and ultimately potted off into small pots, using peat, sand and leaf-soil, as fibrous and rough as possible. Careful watering is one of the most important points during the stages of growth. The water should be slightly warmer than the temperature of the house, and never applied unless really necessary. The atmosphere must be kept moist by frequent damping, and the plants lightly syringed morning and evening. In the final potting into 6-inch pots a good mixture of equal parts of peat, leaf-soil, yellow loam and sand should be used, with a little char- coal and good manure added. The soil, when mixed, should be warmed to the temperature of the house before potting. When potted, the plants may be grown on in a night temperature 410 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 26. 1909. of not less than 60°, giving them all the light possible, but at all times shading them from strong sunshine. Further feeding is not neces- sary during the first season. The established tubers are best started towards the end of December, in shallow boxes of cocoa- nut fibre. They should be allowed to start gently, 65° to 70° being quite sufficient heat. Pot them on when started into small pots, and later into the flowering pots, using a similar mix- ture as before. The pots must be well drained, and the plants should not be potted deeply or firmly. When the blooms appear, a little weak manure water will be beneficial, but this may easily be overdone. It is often advisable when the plants are flowering to remove some of the centre leaves, which sometimes cramp and smother the opening blooms. The worst pest of Gloxinias is the white thrip, which, if once allowed to get a foothold, is very troublesome. It is, therefore, advisable to spray with an insecticide or to fumigate the plants at intervals as a preventive. C. H. Middleton. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By A. C, Bartlett, Gardener to Mrs. Ford, Pencarrow, Cornwall. Hcemanthus Katherince. — This is the most showy of the greenhouse plants in flower at the present time. While the flowers remain fresh, let the plants stand in the cooler end of the structure, but remove them to the intermediate house as soon as the blooms fade, to complete and mature their growth. After this has been effected, a period of rest is necessary. Propaga- tion is best done by potting up the offsets and keeping them in moist conditions until roots have formed. Many species of Hsemanthus pro- duce most showy flowers, and they might very well be cultivated more often in private gardens. Callistemon lanceolatus. — This greenhouse shrub is better known by the name of Metro- sideros floribunda. Like many species of the nearly-allied genus Melaleuca, it is a showy, flowering shrub needing the conditions of a cool greenhouse or conservatory. The culture is com- paratively easy, but, as with most hard-wooded plants, care must be exercised in watering. Pro- pagation may be effected by seeds, which are freely produced on large plants, but seedling plants do not flower so quickly as plants raised from cuttings. The cuttings should be made of nearly-matured shoots and inserted in sandy soil, placing the cutting pots under a bell-glass. When the cuttings have rooted they should be firmly petted in loam, peat and sand. Whilst young. the shoots should be freely pinched to induce a bushy habit. Mignonette. — No flowers are more highly ap- preciated than those of the Mignonette. For pot-culture the " tree " kinds are more often se- lected, but the dwarf-branching varieties are also very useful as pot plants or for furnishing flowers. Whatever kind is required, seeds should be sown at intervals from now onwards. Mig- nonette requires a compost of good loam and leaf- mould, firm potting, and cool treatment at all times. The seeds should be sown shallowly in 3-inch pots, and as soon as the seedlings are well through the soil they should be thinned out to one plant if for pyramids, and to three plants if dwarf, bushy plants are required. When the small pots have become filled with roots, the plants should be potted into 5 or 6-inch pots, using similar soil. Make the soil as firm as pos- sible, exercising care not to break the ball of the root. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By E. Harriss, Fruit Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Pineapples. — The earliest plants of the Queen variety, now fast maturing their fruits, must receive attention in order that the fruiting season may be extended over as long a period as possible. Those fruits that have commenced to colour should be removed to a house where the plants can be kept cool and dry, and, if neces- sary, shaded during the hottest part of the day with tiffany. Manurial stimulants must be with- held and clear water given sparingly. Later fruiting plants, however, should still be liberally supplied with both diluted liquid manure and guano water. Maintain a moist atmosphere in the pit and close the ventilators about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, after first spraying the plants with tepid rain-water. All weak suckers not re- quired for stock purposes should be removed from the parent plants from which the fruits have been cut. Those which are bearing suckers, required for propagation, should be placed in a position near to the glass and be syringed and watered with care, as it is important to have a batch of strong suckers for potting next month. Successiondl plants. — Young Pines intended for fruiting next year will have filled their pots with roots, and they should be encouraged to develop into strong, healthy plants. On no account allow them to suffer drought at the roots ; at the same time, water must not be applied until it is required, when sufficient should be given to soak the soil through. Manure water may be applied more frequently than hitherto. Weak soot-water should be given occasionally, both at the roots and in the water when syringing in the afternoon. Whenever the weather is warm and sunny, dispense, as far as is possible, with fire heat, for excessive warmth will cause the plants to grow weakly and often to fruit prematurely. A little fresh air should be admitted by the top ventilators early on fine mornings, and the amount may be increased as the temperature rises ; tut close the house sufficiently early in the afternoon to allow the temperature to reach 95° or 100° after syringing and charging the atmo- sphere with moisture. Young plants which require repotting must be attended to before they become pot-bound. Plunge them in a moderately warm hot-bed near to the glass, and allow them to grow as fast as is consistent with the develop- ment of strong, healthy foliage. Planted-out Pines which are ripening their fruits must not be over-watered, nor must the atmosphere of the pit be overcharged with moisture. Should the crowns on the later-fruit- ing plants show signs of becoming too large, they should be carefully stopped. Pines planted out last spring should now be well rooted ; they will require water at least once a week, but need not be given stimulants at present. Ventilate the house early in the mornings of fine days, but take full advantage of the sunshine by closing the structure early in the afternoons, after well syringing the plants with rain-water. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree, Hertfordshire. Asparagus. — The heads should now be cut very sparingly, and the plants should be given every encouragement to assist them in building up strong crowns. It is a good plan, especially where the beds are situated in an exposed position, to provide some means of support to the shoots to prevent them being blown about by wind. The beds should be hand-weeded, it being impossible to use a hoe without damaging the Asparagus. On light soils, a moderate sprinkling of salt and applications of liquid manure from the farmyard will be beneficial. Capsicums intended for fruiting in pots may now be placed in cold frames. Afford frequent applications of manure water, and syringe the foliage copiously with clear water twice each day. Do not overcrowd the plants, but let tin air circulate freely amongst them. Remove the lights entirely on hot days. Spare plants may be placed in a sheltered, sunny position in the open, where they will produce satisfactory results if the season is favourable. Cauliflower.'. — The foliage should be tied up immediately after the heads are set, to keep them perfectly white. Keep the plants well sup- plied with moisture, affording liquid manure at intervals. Immediately they are ready for cut- ting, lift the plants and place them in a cold shed or cellar, where they may be suspended with their heads downwards. They will remain in a good condition for several days. Successional batches of later varieties should have the soil about the plants stirred with a draw-hoe. Work the soil well around the stems, and afterwards applv a liberal mulching of manure. Continue to plant Cauliflowers raised from late sowings in open positions in the garden. Such late plants are often useful for planting in frames in the autumn. Brussels Sprouts. — The hoe should be fre- quently and thoroughly worked between the rows. In the case of poor soils, slight applica- tions of some concentrated manure should be dusted over the roots in showery weather. They will also be benefited by a mulching of farmyard manure, especially if the weather is dry. Make a final planting of the later-raised plants, select- ing a piece of good land for this crop. The variety Dwarf Gem is a very suitable one for planting at this season. Endive should be sown in small quantities about once a fortnight. Thin the plants to 12 inches apart, and keep them well supplied with moisture. Both the curled and the plain-leaved varieties should be grown. Autumn-sown Unions. — To ensure large, well- developed bulbs of both Naples and Giant Rocca varieties, the soil should be frequently stirred with a hoe, and copious applications of moisture, including liquid manure, should occasionally be given this crop during the present month. Those which show signs of flowering prematurely should be used for present consumption. Watering. — Many of the kitchen-garden crops will need to be supplied with water, both at the roots and overhead. Much water is not only of value in increasing the quantity of the crop, but it also improves the quality. PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS. By W. W. Pettigrew, Superintendent of City Parks, Cardiff. The Children Art, 190S.— On April 1 last, when the Children Act, 1908, came into force, new powers were given to park officials the like of which had never before been exercised by them. Before this Act came into operation, park-keepers were primarily employed to protect park property and otherwise prevent any infrac- tion of park by-laws, but except in quite an in- direct way, they were not generally regarded as having any special powers outside of public parks Section 40 of the Children Act provides : — " That i>, shall be the duty of a constable and of a park- keeper, bsing in uniform, to seize any cigarettes, or cigarette papers in the possession of any person apparently under the age of 16 years whom he finds smoking in any street or public place, and such constable or park keeper shall be authorised to search any boy so found smoking, but not a girl." From these words it will be seen that the official existence of the park-keeper is now recognised by law and his services enlisted for work which is quite beyond his special park duties. Having thus become recognised as fit to carry out some of the provisions of this Act, one hardly knows what other duties of a like nature may not sooner in- later be thrust upon him. So far. however, whilst this legislation has considerably increased the responsibilities of park-keepers, "it has not added to their actual labours, for, whereas before April 1 the juvenile smoker was, unfor- tunately, frequently in evidence, he has since that date almost entirely disappeared from public view, and consequently L'ives no trouble. There are two facts about this Act that it is well to impress upon the minds of park-kee] The first is that they are compelled to exercise tin' powers conferred upon them by Section 40 of the Act and when they see a boy smoking in any public place it is as much their duty to take act inn in the matter as it would be were the boy stealing flowers or damaging property in a park. The other fact is that no park-keeper — and, for that matter, no constable either — unless attired in uniform is permitted to interfere with young smokers, and if they do so they will probably get into trouble. This stipulation is a very nasi, nable one. as without it in all probability many persons would become self-constituted con- stables or park-keepers whenever an opportunity arose for appropriating some youngster's tobacco. Possible effects of the innutrition. — No doubt some park officials may feel that their staff have quite enough to attend to in carrying out park work and therefore do not require extraneous duties put upon them by the State. Others may welcome the addition of these and similar duties in the hope that the time may come when the Exchequer will see fit. on account of these ser- vices, to contribute towards the maintenance of that somewhat expensive institution, the park police. June 26, 1C39.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 411 THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By J. G. Weston, Gardener to H. J. King, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. Red and White Currants. — The bushes have made a considerable amount of growth, and this must be thinned in order that the sun and air may reach the fruits. Stop the side-shoots at the fourth leaf, but leave the leading growths un- stopped for another week or two, when the tops may be taken off according to the amount of space which the bushes are required to furnish. Very fine fruits may be obtained from cordon plants allowed to cover small spaces on fruit walls. Currants planted against north or north- west walls will furnish a supply of fruits late in the season. Red Currants will hang for several weeks in excellent condition on plants cultivated against north walls. On light and porous soils much water must be given to the roots. The cordon Currants should have the side growths stopped as recommended above in the case of bushes, allowing the leading shoots to grow un- checked for the present. Where wall space is limited, cordon Currants may be trained to a wire trellis, or they may be planted as small standards by the side of the paths, where they are very attractive when laden with fruit. The fruits on such small bushes can be protected easily from the biids. An excellent plan of using Red Currants is to mix them with Raspberries. growths are pinched as recommended and at once burned this will destroy most of them. A thorough washing with the garden engine after- wards will generally suffice to make the bushes perfectly clean. Every effort should be made to cleanse them before the fruit commences to ripen, ripen, or many of the berries will be spoiled. Weeding. — Keep the hoe constantly at work where it can be used. In the case of Straw- berry beds or other beds or borders which have been mulched or littered with clean straw, it will be necessary to practise hand-weeding. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By YV. A. Cook, Gardener to Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., Leonardslee, Sussex. Sowing seeds of perennials. — Seeds of Dian- thus should now be sown. Rake the ground very smoothly and sow in drills made 9 inches apart. It is necessary to shade the seed-bed during the germination period, but when the seedlings are well through the ground the shading material should be removed. The plants, when of a suit- able size, may be either transferred direct to their flowering positions, or be pricked out for transplanting in the autumn. If Hollyhock seeds are not already sown, no time should be lost before doing this. The drills should be drawn 1 foot apart and 2 inches deep. [Photograph by Mrs. Delves Broughton. FlG. l82. — PIERIS FLORIBUNDA AT HAVERING PARK. (See p. 408.) Place alternate layers of each fruit and another of white sugar in a glass dish, which should be stood- in a refrigerator on a block of ice for 24 hours before being required for the table. By many this is considered the best manner of pre- paring these fruits for the dessert. Black Currant bushes. — Do not stop the shoots of these bushes until after the fruits are gathered, when all unnecessary growths should be removed and any other thinning done which is required. Gooseberries.- — Gooseberries should be stopped in the same manner as advised for Red Currants. If the berries were thinned, those now on the bushes will develop rapidly. The finer des- sert varieties should be afforded copious sup- plies of water during dry weather, and the foliage should be well syringed in order to prevent red spider. After the watering is finished the ground should be mulched, if a mulch has not already been applied. See that the fruits are properly netted from the birds. There are heavy crops of all small fruits in this locality. Green Goose- berries have proved very useful for culinary purposes. Aphis has recently appeared on the shoots in great numbers, but if the young Sow the seeds a quarter of an inch deep. Thin the plants as soon as they are large enough. Pansies, Polyanthuses and Primroses may be also sown now. The Primroses and Polyanthuses will make fine plants for flowering in the spring of 1911. There is still time for the sowing of Wallflowers, although I prefer to sow them earlier in the season, in order to obtain large plants. Campanula pyramidalis and C. media (Canterbury Bell) should also be sown. C. pyramidalis does better in every re- spect when cultivated under quite cool condi- tions. Even for pot purposes the plants are best grown quite hardy, and may be lifted from the border for the purpose. Choose a rather warm spot for sowing the seeds. Brompton Stocks may now be sown in the open, where they will do quite well, especially if sown on a cool border. Alpine garden. — Many subjects may now be propagated, and it is advisable to raise fresh stocks to replace any subjects which have be- come too large for their positions or that may have died. Freshly-raised plants are always bet- ter than portions of old plants. Continue to prick out seedlings into pots and pans. Seeds of Ramondia should be collected when ripe and sown at once. This is also advisable with Sol- danella and Haberlia. Insert cuttings of Arabia and any other plants that are required to be pro- pagated from cuttings. Remove the old flower- spikes and all dead foliage from early-flowering, bulbous plants, and in order to denote their posi- tion should all the foliage be removed, place a label or a stick on the spot where they are planted. Weeds must be destroyed early ; be careful not to allow any of them to seed. Herbaceous border. — A considerable amount of work will be required to keep the border smart and tidy. The plants will need staking and tying very frequently, and the hoe must be freely used to keep down weeds and loosen the soil. Any blank spaces should be planted, but do nut overcrowd the subjects. Guard against insect pests, especially in places where the ground is heavy. fonifers. — Attend to newly-planted trees, affording stakes to any that need them. See that no tree is injured by the string being too tight. Should any specimen have lost its leading branch, train up another shoot to take its place. Many newly-planted trees, and especially Coni- fers, are checked in their early stages by an in- sufficiency of moisture at the roots. Old Coni- fers are often benefited by a mulching of cow manure. Do not place the material close to the stem of a tree, but at a little distance awav, where the most active roots are to be found. After the manure is applied, a soaking of water will be the more beneficial. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W, H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Cypripediums. — Many of the species and hybrids of the warm-growing Cypripediums such as C. Stonei, C. Curtisii, C. Maudiie, C. macro- chilum, C. grande, C. Rothschildianum, C. superciliare, C. Lawrenceanum, C. L. Hyeanum, ('. L. hackbridgensis and others, should be ex- amined as to pot room as soon as they have recovered from the effects of flowering.' None of these free-growing plants should be left long in a root-bound condition, and the present is a suitable time to give them a shift, and to divide large, unwieldy specimens. The best compost is one sisting of three-fifths good fibrous loam, one-fifth Osmunda fibre (cut up moderately small) and one-fifth .Sphagnum-moss, adding small broken crocks and a little coarse silver sand. Fill the pots to about half their depth with clean crocks and cover these with a layer of rough Sphagnum-moss. In the process of putting the soil should be made moderately firm about the roots, keeping the base of the plant and the sur- face of the compost just below the rim of the pot. After root disturbance, keep the compost only just moist until the roots are again growing fi eel} . when the plants will require an abundant e of water. Place them on the shady side of the house and let the surroundings be kept always moist. When the weather is bright, a fine spray ing overhead, both in the morning and early after- noon, is beneficial. The dwarf-grow- ing species such as C. niveum, C. concolor, C. bellatulum, and their hybrids, including such beautiful plants as C. Lawrebel, C. Olenus, C. Godefroyse, C. Chap- manii, C. Arnoldise, C. Helen II., C. Rolfei, C. Venus, C. Muriel Hollington, C. Vipani, and many others equally fine and rare but too numer- ous to mention, may also be repotted if necessary. For this purpose the same kind of compost as advised for the stronger-growing varieties is suit- able, but the potting should be done rather more firmly, as the roots have a decided tendency to cling and ramble among hard substanees. ' At Burford, all the species and hybrids of this dwarf- growing section thrive best when suspended in a light position in the Cattleya house. The plants need plenty of moisture when growing freely, but care must be taken to prevent water lodging in the growths or axils of the leaves. Small yellow thrips are exceedingly fond of the young foliage, therefore, whether these insects be present or not, it is advisable, whenever any of the houses are being vaporised, to place these plants there during the operation. The foliage, too, should occasionally be carefully sponged over. It is necessary to caution those who do the work not to raise the leaves too high, for this causes the mid-rib to crack and the plant afterwards suffers disfigurement. 412 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 26, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTICE, ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens oj plants for naming, sliould be addressed to the EDITORS, 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 Editors do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. (I lustrations.- The Editors will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, jlowers, trees, &c, but they cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editots early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it ts desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be carejulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editors to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, JUNE 28— Isle of Wight Rose Sh. (provisional). TUESDAY, JUNE 29- Southampton Roy. Hort. Soc. Summer Sh. (2 days). Brighton Fl. Sh. (2 days). Canterbury and Kent Rose Show at Canterbury. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30- Richmond (Surrey) Fl. Sh. Ipswich Fl. Sh. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 61'6°. Actual Temperatures: — London. — Wednesday, June 23 (6 P.M.): Max. 63°. Min. 51°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London — Thursday, June 24 (10 a.m.): Bar. 294; Temp. 60° ; Weathtr— Cloudy. Provinces. — Wednesday, June 23 (6 p.m.): Max. 60° Cornwall ; Min. 50" Scotland North East. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. FRIDAY- Choice Imported and Established Orchids, Orchids in variety, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Frotheroe & Morris, at 12.45. . The past week has witnessed, Darwin iu the commemoration cere- Commemora- monies at Cambridge, the tion. tribute of the world to the genius of Darwin. From all parts of Britain and the Empire, from every State of Europe, and from the uttermost parts of the earth, men have assembled to celebrate the centen- ary of Darwin's birth and the fiftieth anni- versary of the publication of the Origin of Species. They have met in Cambridge to acknow- ledge on behalf of mankind the debt which it owes to the great naturalist. The magnitude of this debt has formed the subject of elo- quent addresses by distinguished delegates, but no more adequate appreciation of Darwin's life and work has been offered than that which we print to-day from the pen of Sir William Thiselton-Dyer. Horticulturists will rejoice that the great and special services which Dar- win rendered to their science should be re- corded and appreciated in such a manner. The present generation may be reminded, more- over, that on former occasions these pages have served for high authority to pronounce its emphatic conviction of the supreme imports ance of Darwin's contribution to the sum of human knowledge. So long ago as Decem- ber, 1859, Sir Joseph Hooker, as he himself recently reminded us, wrote, in the course of a review of the Origin of Species, the follow- ing words : — " We have risen from the perusal of Mr. Darwin's book much impressed with its import ance, and have, moreover, found it to be so de- pendent on the phenomena of horticultural opera- tions, for its facts and results, and so full of experiments that may be repeated and discussed by intelligent gardeners, and of ideas that may sooner fructify in their minds than in those of any other class of naturalists, that we shall be doing them (and we hope also science) a service by dwelling in some detail upon its contents. Thus much we may premise, that it is a book teeming with deep thoughts on numberless simple and complex phenomena of life ; that its premises in almost all cases appear to be correct ; that its reasoning is apparently close and sound, its style clear, and, we need hardly add, its subject and manner equally attractive and agreeable ; it is also a perfectly ingenuous book, bold in expres- sions as in thought where the author adduces what he considers clear evidence in his favour, fiank in the statement of objections to the hypotheses or conclusions founded on its facts and reasonings ; and uniformly courteous to antagonistic doctrines. In fine, whatever may be thought of Mr. Darwin's ultimate conclusions, it cannot be denied that it would be difficult in the whole range of literature of science to find a book so exclusively devoted to the development of theoretical enquiries, which at the same time is throughout so full of conscientious care, so fair in argument, and so considerate in tone." We quote the passage with particular plea- sure, because, as readers of the Life of Dar- win will remember. Darwin himself valued Sir Joseph Hooker's reviews above all others. Turning again to the Cambridge celebra- tions, it is not enough to say of them that they were successful. They were triumphantly successful. Men engaged in following up the lines of investigation indicated by their great master, left their gardens and labo- ratories, their microscopes and geologi- cal hammers, and their Mendelian hy- brids and devoted their united labours to the perfecting of the organisation of this Darwin festival. The colleges opened their sometimes exclusive doors to welcome and to entertain the visitors. The Chancellor, Lord Rayleigh, received the delegates in the Fitz- william Museum on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday the addresses from Universities, colleges, academic and learned societies were presented to the University in the Senate House. Darwin's own college (Christ's) enter- tained the guests in the afternoon, and in the evening, at the great banquet, members of all the important Universities of the world dined together at the invitation of the University of Cambridge. In addition to other recep- tions, a conferment of honorary degrees was held on Thursday, whilst in the afternoon of the same day took place the most charming and, in some respects, the most impressive of all the ceremonies — the garden party given by the members of the Darwin family. As the envoys of the world of learning were received in the Fellows' Garden of Trinity by the living representatives of Charles Darwin, they could not but reflect that, beside what the world owes to Darwin for his own work and his own noble interpretation of life, it owes another and not a light debt to him for giving to the world a group of children who, like the father, have shed lustre on British science. The Uni- versity hospitality was generous to a degree that would have delighted the heart of Dar- win himself, who was wont to say to children visiting at his house: " Be good and eat large mouthfuls." Nor was the hospitality in material things alone ; for the intellectual de- lectation of its visitors the University had made most liberal provision. As memorials of the Commemoration there had been pre- pared, by Francis Darwin, a new edition of the first draft of the Origin of Species and a volume, edited by Professor Seward, en- titled Darwin and Modern Science, contain- ing essays by the most distinguished men of science. Laden with gifts and charged with grateful memories, the guests will return to their near or distant homes, united by the common bond of love and reverence for the name of Darwin. Important as are the nitrogen- Acidity fixing bacteria, they form only a Soils. small part of the microflora of the soil ; other groups of or- ganisms prepare the food of plants; some break down the nitrogenous com- pounds constituting manure or humus into simpler nitrogen compounds and finally oxi- dise them into the nitrates, in which form most plants obtain the nitrogen they require. Other bacteria are, from the point of view of the horticulturist, wasteful in that they con- vert the nitrogen compounds into free nitro- gen; others, again (particularly certain micro- fungi), compete with the crop for the plant food in the soil, and perhaps produce sub- stances which are injurious to plant life. The relative predominance of particular groups of organisms, useful or injurious, can be affected by the farmer or gardener, because the vari- ous species of micro-organisms are very sensi- tive to minute changes in the soil, for ex- ample, its acidity or alkalinity. Soils that are distinctly acid in their reac- tion are not infrequently met with in nature ; when they are in grass they may be recog- nised by the generally rusty aspect of the vegetation, which consists mainly of shallow- rooting grasses growing in tufts, and by the absence of Clover ; when they are under arable cultivation their acidity may be revealed by the presence of such weeds as Spurrey, Sheep's Sorrel, and Corn Marigold, and by the " club- bing " of cruciferous crops. Similar acid soils have been produced arti- ficially by the long-continued use of sulphate of ammonia as a fertiliser. The best example is afforded by the continuous Wheat and Bar- ley plots on the farm of the Royal Agricul tural Society at Woburn ; where ammonium salts have been used as the source of nitrogen the land is now almost sterile, Barley refuses to grow at all, and the whole plot becomes covered by a growth of Spurrey. At Rotham- sted, where the arable land is sufficiently fur- nished with carbonate of lime, acidity has not set in, but on the grass plots it has become very marked. In order to determine the cause of this acidity experiments have been made to see if any purely chemical or physical interactions would take place between the constituents of the soil and solutions of ammonium salts, which would split off a free acid from the latter, but with negative results. The action was found to be a biological process; the soil is rich in certain moulds and other micro- fungi which rapidly attack solutions of am- monium salts, and, by withdrawing ammonia from their own nutrition, set free the acid. It was shown that the degree of acidity thus produced was approximately equal to the June 26, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 413 soluble acidity of the Rothamsted plots soon after the ammonium salts had been applied as manure. At the same time, in the soils there was also a very much larger quantity of comparatively insoluble humic acid, which had accumulated year by year as a result of the attack of the mineral acids split off from the ammonium salts upon the neutral humus of the soil. The lirst consequence of the acidity of the soil on these plots has been the cessation of the nitrification process, because the bacteria bringing about that change will only work in a neutral medium. Some of the falling off in the yield of these acid plots is thus due to the fact that the grass is driven to obtain its necessary nitrogen from ammonia instead of from the more usual nitrates ; at the same time, the mass of micro-fungi with which the soil is permeated competes successfully with the grass for the manure. Whether these fungi also excrete substances more or less poisonous to the grass has not yet been de- finitely settled. The remedy for this acid con- dition of the soil lies in the use of lime, w huh, applied at the rate of 2,0001b. per acre to por- tions of the Jiothamsted grass plots, has effected a great improvement both in the yield and the character of the herbage. Another problem of the same order — the secondary effects of certain fertilisers upon the soil — is afforded by the well-known fact that the use of large quantities of nitrate of soda upon heavy soils always makes them very wet and sticky after rain and causes them to dry with a hard, intractable crust. This has been attributed to the attraction of nitrate of soda for moisture, but the amount of water ab- sorbed by the few hundredweight per acre ul nitrate of soda which are ever applied is in- significant and could not cause the effects ob- served. Some of the Rothainsted plots, \\ huh have been receiving nitrate of soda every year for the last half century, show these effects to a marked degree, and on examination the clay on these plots was found to be in its most " deflocculated " condition. Clay consists es- sentially of excessively fine particles, and when a clay soil is in good tilth these particles are largely bound together in loose aggregates, thus giving the soil as a whole a coarser tex- ture. Any working of the soil when wet, or the " puddling " which a potter or brick- maker gives to his clay, breaks down these loose aggregates, aud, by giving the clay its most finely-grained condition, markedly in- creases its typical properties of impermeabi- lity to water, and shrinkage on drying. It is also found that a trace of any soluble alkali, such as carbonate of soda, will looseu these aggregates and deliocculate the clay. By further experiments it has been shown that a growing plant fed with nitrate of soda gives rise to a little carbonate of soda, be- cause it takes up more of the nitric acid than the soda base with which it was combined, leaving the latter in the soil combined with the carbonic acid excreted from the root. It was found possible to extract free carbonate of soda from the plots which had long received nitrate of soda as a manure ; one of the grass plots yielded as much as 1751b. per acre down to a depth of 3 feet. This alkali then, by de- Hocculating the clay, is the source of the bad tilth resulting from the use of nitrate of soda. The bad tilth, which is a serious trouble to many market gardeners who manure heavily with nitrate of soda, cannot be rectified by the use of lime, which, being itself an alkali, only exaggerates the trouble. The use of acid manures like superphosphates, and liberal ap- plications of soot, will improve matters, but the best plan is to use, instead of nitrate of soda alone as a nitrogenous fertiliser, a mix- ture of it with sulphate of ammonia. Since the one tends to set free acid and the other alkali in the soil, jointly they wxnild leave it unchanged, and they would also come into action successively as souraes of nitrogen. These and other cases of the same character go to show that we must study more closely the chemical and biological actions of ferti- lisers upon our soils if we are to obtain full value from them and avoid some of the disad- vantages long recognised by farmers as attend- ing their use. Flowers in Season. -We have received a few flowers of a new variety of Pink named gloriusa, from Messrs. Stuart Low & Co. It is of light purple colour, of considerable size, and very fragrant. Novelties in Pinks are not numerous, as is the case of Carnations, and therefore this variety, which is very effective when seen in gaslight, may be recommended. Messrs. Kelwas & Son have sent us dowers of a number oi varieties of their double and single-flowered Pyrethrums. P. roseum is one of tile most showy border plants, and the best varieties exhibit varied colours that should appeal to every taste. from Mr. Edwin .uolyneux, Bwanmore Park Estate, we have received a bouquet of varieties ut 1'apavcr orientals in such brilliant colours as would del) description, inese flowers, received as perfect!) hard and closed ouds, have expanded m water, and their colours appear just as bright as if they had opened whilst still exposed to sunshine. National Rose Society. — The summer exhibition to be held at the Royal Botanic Society s Gardens, Regent's Park, on duly Z, promises to be verj successful. Notwithstand- ing the trying weather experienced dur- ing both the winter and spring, aud also throughout the lust, half ul June, there is likely to be an unusually large and hue display ut blooms. hail) in the month the prospects louked very gloomy, but, as the late Kev. D'Ombeain used to say, " When the time of Roses comes ther j is sure to be plenu ut Roses." the classes number more than 10U, and there are numerous valuable challenge cups and other trophies offered as prizes, i'hose who intend to exhibit should apply to the hon. secretary, Mr. En. Mawley, RoseDank, Berkhamsted, not later than .j hue zu. Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker. — At a meeting of the Linnean Society, held on the 17th inst., a letter congratulating Sir Joseph Hooker on his approaching 92nd birthday was read from the Cnair, and signed by the Fellows present. Sir Joseph Hooker was born on June 30, 1817. Royal Botanic Society. — We are informed that the following resolution will be moved by ilr. J. S. Rubinstein at the Fellows' meeting of this Society to be held on Friday, June "25, at 4.15 p.m. : — " That this meeting desires to place the following views on record : — (1) That the objects for which the Society was established in 1840 are as material to-day as when the charter was granted, such objects being the promotion of botany and its application to medicine, arts, and manufactures. (2) That the gardens are pre- eminently calculated to promote these objects, and it is accordingly of the utmost importance that the gardens should be maintained, and because they secure an ideal, and the only really suitable place in London, for the holding of floral and horticultural exhibitions and for outdoor shows and receptions organised by public autho- rities and by recognised societies and institu- tions. (3) That if the gardens are closed, or cease to be available for the purposes mentioned, the loss to London will be irretrievable. (4) That the Society cannot, in view of its liabilities, continue with advantage the control of the gar- dens. (5) That the Royal Horticultural Society possess a constitution and organisation enabling it to take over the gardens with the greatest advantage, and it is therefore highly expedient that the gardens should be immediately trans- ferred to that society. (6) That in arranging a transfer provision should be made for (a) the payment of a sum of money representing the value of the Royal Botanic Society's assets, to be applied towards discharging its liabilities, and (i.) an option to the Fellows to become Fel- lows of the Royal Horticultural Society." The Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1 908 — London has given the provinces a very satis- factory lead m connection with the granting of licenses to nurserymen for the sale ol puisunuus compounds to be used for horticultural purposes. Twenty-one applicants applied to the London County Council for these licenses, and the usual opposition was offered by the Pharmaceu- tical Society. This society suggested that the Act was not intended to apply to populous towns such as London (on the ground that there are already over 2,000 chemists in London, though these know little of horticulture and plant dis- eases). The committee, however, rightly took the view that such a construction ut' the Act would be erroneous, and decided that each appli- cation should be dealt with on its merits. In the result they recommended that 18 of the 21 applications for licenses should be granted, and this recommendation was adopted by the London County Council late last Tuesday evening without a single dissentient. Although the decisions of the .London County Council are, of course, nut binding on provincial councils, yet they naturally carrj considerable weight by reason of the tact that the L.C.C. has special means of obtaining reliable information and expert advice on all matters coming before it. the nursery trade may be congratulated upon the useful precedent which has now been created, and its thanks are due to the Horticultural Trades Associa- tion who, recognising the importance of the matter, furnished the applicants with legal as- sistance at its own expense, and also co-operated with Mr. Richards. Disease of Bees — The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries desire to warn all bee-keepers that an outbreak of disease, believed to be iden- tical with the Isle of Wight bee disease, has occurred in several hives in Buckinghamshire. This disease, which has destroyed almost all the bees in the island from which it takes its name, is due to a bacillus closely resembling the bacillus of plague, and no remedy for it is known. It is of the utmost importance, therefore, that bee- keepers should take every precaution to prevent the disease spreading, and they are strongly ad- vised to keep a careful watch for any signs of its appearance. A full description of the disease was published in the Journal of the Board of Agriculture for February, 1909, and bee-keepers who find symptoms of disease corresponding to the description there given should communicate with the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, 4, Whitehall Place, London, S.W. 414 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 26, 1909. Royal Society of Arts.— The annual con- versazione of the Royal Society of Arts will be held in the galleries of the Natural History Museum on Tuesday, June 29, from 9 to 12 p.m. The reception by Sir William H. White, F.R.S., the chairman, and the members of the council will take place in the central hall from 9 to 12 p.m. The Export of Mangos. — All who have tasted the fruit of the Mango are agreed that it is the king of tropical fruits. It is, therefore, good news to learn from the Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture of Jamaica (Vol. 1, No. 1, New Series, 1909) that experimental ship- ments of Mangos from Kingston to England have proved successful — the produce of a single tree having realised £70— and that the Director of Agriculture, Mr. H. H. Cousins, is encourag- ing the extensive planting of Mango trees in the island. According to Mr. Cousins, the " Bombay " Mango, introduced to Jamaica by Sir John Peter Grant, is the most promising Tariety ; it is a hardy tree, of prolific bearing, and has the further advantage of fruiting fre- quently out ef season, when, in all probability, higher prices are to be obtaiued than daring the normal fruiting season. The Mango may be raised from seed or propagated by budding, and it is proposed to carry out budding on a large scale on the many thousands of Jamaican Mango trees which now bear inferior fruit. We are in full agreement with the concluding sentence of Mr. Cousins' article. " The choice East Indian Mango is not only a most grateful fruit to the palate of any normal person, but it also possesses a fascination for those who have acquired a taste for the fruit that bespeaks an ever-growing de- mand when this, the most luscious Iruit of the tropics, is made accessible to the peoples of America and of Europe." International Exhibition at Florence, 1911. -The City of Florence, and the Koyal Tuscan Horticultural Society will hold an inter- national exhibition of horticulture in 1911, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy. The pro- gramme contains six classes: ornamental foliage or flowering plants, either new, or of recent in- troduction ; fruit-bearing plants; vegetables and kitchen-garden plants; seeds; bulbs and tubers; Colonial plants ; flower decoration ; horticultural arts and industries ; horticultural literature and instruction; packing and preserving; history of horticulture. Besides numerous cash prizes and medals to the value of 25,000 lire, objects of art will be offered for competition. At the same time as the horticultural exhibition, a portrait ex- hibition will take place in the artistic rooms, which have recently been restored in the histori- cal municipal palace (Palazzo Vecchio) besides other shows and amusements. Determination of the Feeding Habits of Birds.— Our attention was recently directed to an interesting case which illustrates how diffi- cult it is to determine the feeding habits of birds. An important contribution to this sub- ject by Mr. Newstead was recently published in the Journal of the Board of Agriculture, and it is there stated that every species of bird must be taken not merely on its merits, but it must also be considered with regard to the amount of available food in its district. Many a bird which, under ordinary conditions, may be regarded as beneficial, becomes noxious if there is a scarcity of its normal food. The pre- sent case concerns the jackdaw. Cur correspon- dent writes as follows : — " Herewith I am sending you a jackdaw I shot this morning on my Barley. Tin se birds have been most persistent in their attacks on this particular field, so much so that I have had a man to keep them off. This morn- ing I happened to get close to this particular bird unobserved, and shot it whilst busy, as I thought, pecking up Barley. My surprise was great when I picked it up to find, not Barley, as I expected, but its bill full of some kind of fly. It is an object-lesson for me. The bird had pulled some Barley up, but no doubt to get at the fly which was attacking the young plant. and whose ravages will be perceived later on." On examination of the fly we find it to be a very common and perfectly harmless insect, so that the jackdaw can receive no credit for de- stroying it. But, further, whilst the crop of the bird was absolutely empty, its gizzard was full of fragments of Barley, on which it had undoubtedly been feeding. There were also a few of the flies there. The bird, therefore, was, in this case, seriously damaging the crop, and we see how important it is not fo form any conclusions as to the food of any bird without a thorough investigation of every attack. Peach Freckle or Black Spot.— Peaches cultivated in Europe, America and South Africa are subject to a disease which has for its first effect the spotting and discolouring of the fruit, and for its final effect a checking of growth and cracking of the fruit, which fails to ripen. Ac- cording to Mr. I. B. Pole Evans, Plant Patholo- gist to the Transvaal Department of Agriculture {Trans. Agric. Journal, Vol. VII., No. 27, 1909), the disease, which affects also Apricot, Almond, Cherry, Nectarine, and Plum, is due to the fungus Cladosporium carpophilum (Thuem). Small, round, dark green spots make their ap- pearance on the stalk end of the young Peaches. The spots increase in number, spread, and coalesce to produce dark patches. The affected parts of the fruits harden, shrivel and, finally, crack. Mr. Evans finds that winter spraying with Bordeaux mixture, applied three weeks be- fore the buds begin to burst, is the most effective means of prevention. The formula recomnn tided is that used for Peach leaf-curl, viz. : Copper sulphate, 5 lbs. ; lime, 5 lbs. ; water, 45 gallons. He recommends subsequent sprayings, one when the fruit has set and another when it is half- grown. For these latter sprayings the propor- tions should be : Copper sulphate, 6 lbs. ; lime, 4 lbs. ; water, 100 gallons. Publications Received. — The Agri- cultural Gazette of New South Wales. (May.) Price Gd — Le Chrysantheme et sa Cul.ure. SocieteFrancaise des Chrysanthemistes. (Paris: Librairie Hortico!e, 84 bis, Rue do Greneile.)— The Journal of the Board of Agriculture. (June.) (London: Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.) Price 4d. — Fourth Annual Report of the Ontario Vegetable Growers' Associa- tion. ( Toronto : Ontario Department of Agri- culture. ) — Ontario Department of Agriculture. Bulletin 171: Insects Affecting Vegetables, by C. J. S. Bethune, and Fungus Diseases Affect- ing Vegetables, by J. W. Eastham and J. E. Howitt, Lecturers in Botany. (Toronto : Ontario Department of Agriculturo.) — Annals of the Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta. Vol. XI. Asiatic Palms — Lepidocaryeae. (Part I.) The Species of Calamus, by Dr. Odoardo Beccari. Letterpress and Plates. (Calcutta: Bengal Secretariat Press.) Price £7. — Order of the Proceedings at the Darwin Celebration held at Cambridge, June 22-June 24, 1909, with a Sketch of Darwin's Life. (Cambridge : University Press.) Piice 2s. 6d. net. — The Queensland Agricultural Journal. (May.) (Brisbane : Department of Agriculture and Stock.) - Small Holders : What they must do to Succeed, by Edwin A. Pratt. (London : P. S. King & Son, Orchard House, Westminster.) Price 2s. net. TREES AND SHRUBS. CASTANOPSIS CHRYSOPHYLLA (The Golden-leaved Chestnut). This evergreen tree is closely allied to the Sweet Chestnut, and was included in the genus Castanea by Sir Joseph Hooker, when it formed the subject of a plate and description in the Botanical Magazine (t. 4953). In this de- scription it is named Castanea chrysophylla, but that name is now discarded in favour of Castanopsis chrysophylla, of de Can- dolle. It is a native of North America, and was discovered by David Douglas in 18c0 growing in hilly regions about the Grand Rapids of the Columbia (Oregon), Cape Orford, and near Mount Hood. It was subsequently observed by Burke and Hartweg in California, and they are reported to have sent the first seeds of the tree to Europe. It is curious that, although seeds were sent to Kew by Burke nearly 60 years ago, and plants in that establishment are recorded as having fruited in 1855, no old specimens exist at Kew, whilst very few fine examples are recorded from other parts of this country. One of the finest specimens in Great Britain is found on the (state of Earl Ducie at Tortworth Court, Gloucester- shire, and this was probably one of the earliest introductions. Travellers describe Castanopsis chrysophylla in its natural habitat as a tree, but it varies considerably in stature, being some- times less than 20 feet high when mature, whilst at other times it reaches 70 feet in height with a trunk of considerable proportions. The leaves ' are very like those of the Holm Oak, except that the under surface is of a pretty golden colour. The fruits resemble in form those of the Sweet Chestnut, but are much smaller. The nuts, nearly half an inch in diameter, are similar in flavour to those of the Sweet Chestnut. The plant fruits when only a few years old, and in favourable seasons the fruits mature in this country. At Kew it is found to thrive best in sandy soil with which a little peat has been mixed. Trees raised from seeds exhibit remarkable differences in habit ; some grow freely with long leading shoots, whilst others form stunted bushes. This was very notice- able in a batch of plants raised at Kew from seeds received from Earl Ducie in 1900. The dwarfest examples are from 2£ to 3| feet nigh, w lulst the tallest is 15 feet in height, with a trunk girth of 9j inches at 2 feet from the ground. The tree is valuable as affording variety for planting, and the golden colour of the undersides of the leaves is very pleasing. It is doubtful whether this tree would succeed in cold or exposed situa- tions. If. D. MUflSIA CLEMATIS. This beautiful climbing plant (see fig. 185) has recently flowered in the nurseries of Messrs. Robert Veitch & Son, Exeter, to whom we are indebted for specimens. The species is rarely to be seen in gardens, although it has been known to cultivation since the time of the younger Linnaeus, who first described it. Messrs. Veitch's plant has flowered in an unheated green- house, having a north aspect, and, consequently, unexposed to sunshine. The plant belongs to the Compositae, and is found wild on the Andes in tropical South America. The pinnate leaves have a long terminal tendril, by means of which the plant climbs. The flowers are terminal, about 2j- inches long, and with involucral scales, having a whitish downy covering. These scales are a prominent feature in the flower, and in- crease in length from below upwards. The ray florets are structurally female, the stamens being vestigial. The disc florets are hermaphro- dite and tubular, about 1£ inches long, five- toothed at the top, the five segments separating above the base and forming slits, through which the filaments and style partly protrude. In some cases the flowers are cleistogamous. ji-ne 26, :eo9.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. '15 THE BOTANICAL GARDENS AND PARK AT BATH, In the prettily undulating park, hemmed in by the hills which surround the town, can be seen remarkably fine specimens of many trees. Thus : — Arbutus Andrachne, introduced in 1724 from the Levant; the Tulip tree (Liriodendron Pinus halepensis (one of the few specimens in England); Catalpa bignonioides, from U.S.A., introduced in 1726 ; Cerasus serrulata, from C'lMia in 1822; Planera Richardii, from W. Asia ■i 1760; and very large specimens of Quercus Ilex. Among the more interesting shrubs in the gardens may be mentioned Magnolia Kobus and with pale yellowish racemes; and the " Chusan Palm " (Trachycarpus excelsus). The specimen of Potentilla fruticosa at Bath has smaller leaves and larger flowers than is usual, but I am unaware if it has a varietal name. The Alpine garden was formed in 1877, and designed by Mr. J. W. Morris, F.L.S., who published in 1893 (2nd edition, 18971 a catalogue Fig. iSj. — mutisia clematis: flowers orange-scarlet. (See p. 414.) tulipifera), introduced m 1688 from " Canada to Florida " ; ^Esculus flava, from U.S.A. in 1711; .Fseulus rubra ; JE. californica (the only specimen which has fruited in Britain) ; Tilia petiolaris (one of the finest specimens of this Lime in Europe) ; a fine example of the rare Cornus brachypoda variegata ; Sequoia sempervirens : the common Magnolia stellata, with its brown, woolly calyx ; Forsythia suspensa, from China ; Berberis Wallichiana, from the Himalayas ; Fat- sia (Aralia) japonica; a very fine specimen of the Double Sloe ; Daphne Mezereum, with cream-coloured flowers ; Genista a?thnensis ; Xuttallia cerasiformis, resembling a Ribes, of the original plants which were given by Mr. C. E. Broome, F.L.S., to start the garden. The rock-gardens were laid out with care and know- ledge, so that the result is both natural and pleasing to the eye. A good supply of local carboniferous limestone forms the staple founda- tion of the roekwork. 416 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. LJume 26. 1909. Visitors to Bath will be well rewarded if they visit these pretty gardens so close to the city. The collection of Saxifragas is particularly fine, and comprises the rare S. Griesbaehii, from the Balkans, with its spike of red, mucronate leaves, which almost hide the blossoms ; S. small white-flowered S. cordifolia. from Siberia; the hybrid S. apiculata ; the bright yellow S. sancta, from Macedonia, and the weed-like S. Sibthorpii, which is not given too much license in these neatly-kept gardens, so that it does not come up on damp gravel paths as we have seen \ Rto <=-H. T^o t4 J__ FlG. 184. — SCOLOPENDRIUM VULGARE MURICATO F1MBR1ATUM. juniperifolia, from the Caucasus ; S. Aizoon rosea ; S. Boydii, both yellow and the variety alba; S. marginata, from Central Italy; S. Fergusonii ; S. cochlearis, looking nearly as healthy on the Somerset limestone as it does on that of the Maritime Alps ; S. Cotyledon ; S. Stracheyi, from the Himalayas, resembling a it on the Continent. Incidentally, if I remember rightly, the two Sibthorps were buried in Bath Abbey. A good many Primulas are scattered about the Alpine garden, conspicuous among those in flower at Easter were P. denticulata and var. alba, P. viscosa, P. rosea var. grandiflora, P. mar- ginata, from Dauphine and Piedmont, b*jt some- what duller and bluer in colour than in its natural state, and P. Clusiana, from the Tyrol, with its large flowers and entire, shiny leaves. P. scotica was only just appearing above ground. Several interesting cruciferous plants are now in bloom, such as Draba hirta, from the Arctic regions ; the ubiquitous D. aizoides : Morisia hypogfea. peculiar to Corsica and Sardinia ;. Dentaria digitata ; a pale yellow Dentaria, which is probably D. diphylla ; Arabia rosea, and A. aubretioides. I noticed also the following among the more interesting plants in blossom, viz.. Helle- borus '>'l s purpurascens ; Corydalis cheilanthi- folia, with its elegant leaves somewhat like those of Milfoil ; C. cava, both purple and white forms, from the Jura ; Pulmonaria saccharata ; P. angustifolia var. azurea, a beautiful patch of this small Pulmonaria with flowers quite as brilliant a blue as those I have seen at the head of Ya) Tournanche and elsewhere in Piedmont; the white Daphne Blagayana ; the blue Synthyris reni- formis, from N.W. America ; Sanguinaria cana- densis, and Erythronium grandiflorum giganteum, a beautiful cream-coloured form with yellow eye. Ruscus hypoglossum was stunted in growth and cf a yellowish-green colour, perhaps from frost. In addition to being only 8 inches high, the leaves were narrower and longer than those of this plant as it grows luxuriantly in some of the gardens at Hyeres in the south of France, where formerly it was found wild, though possibly only naturalised. There is a good clump of the hand- some and valuable Paeonia Whittmarinia, on one of the rockeries. The Victoria Park, with its numerous fine specimens of native and foreign trees, and the botanical gardens, are under the direction of Mr. Halliburton, recently of Kew Gardens. H. S. Thompson. A BEAUTIFUL HARTSTONGUE. The beautiful frilled and fringed form of Scolo- pendrium vulgare illustrated in fig. 184 was raised by Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, Lower Edmonton. It affords a vivid idea of what this normally simple- fronded Fern is capable of in the way of variation. In one variety or another of Scolo- pendrium vulgare every normal character has diverged in numerous directions, the bluntly- pointed frond tip producing tassels round or flat, dense or fimbriate, simple or branched. The flat frond has assumed both frills and fringes as the example now illus- trated demonstrates ; in some varieties it has disappeared entirely, bearing crests on bare stalks. The smooth surface has broken up into ridges and roughnesses, and the heart- shaped base has diverged into a sagittate or barbed form, these barbs going yet further in sevi ral varieties and bearing tassels on their own account on assuming an independent frond form. Under selective culture, this Fern has proved peculiarly amenable to cross fertilisation, and Messrs. Ma 3 's example is a case in point, since it undoubtedly presents a com- bination of three types, viz., the frilled or cris- pum section, the fimbriate and the muricate, the murication or roughening of the surface appear- ing along the centre near the midrib. Chan. T. Druery, V.M.H., F.L.S. SWEET PEA MASTERPIECE. This new variety of Sweet Pea (see Bg 185) is one of the finest of the lavender-col- oured varieties having a waved standard. As will bi seen from the illustration, the floral seg- ments are very large, and, there being four blooms on the spike, it has most of the desirable- qualities a Sweet Pea is required to possess, at any rate, by those who do not admire an erect standard. Our illustration is from a photograph supplied us by Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay June 26, 1909.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 417 AMERICAN NOTES. ANTIRRHINUMS. We learn from Horticulture that a member of the Gardeners' and Florists' Club at Boston stated that he raised his Antirrhinums from cut- tings in the month of June, taken from seedlings which he had been selecting for a period of seven years, and kept at a temperature of 40° to 45° Fahr. during the winter. He left four or five spikes on each plant. These spikes were of ex- traordinary size — nearly 2 feet of flowers and buds. Doubtless, this extraordinary vigour in his plants was due to the exercise of selection in regard to the seed-bearing plants. CEMENT BENCHES IN ROSE GROWING. In America Carnations and Roses are exten- sively grown on benches made of stone, bricks, and cement. Owing to their durability Ameri- cans are generally adopting this method of con- structing what we should call a flat stage or shelf. In a paper on Roses read by Mr. Badgeley at a recent meeting of the Morris County Gar- deners' and Florists' Society, it was mentioned as a fact not hitherto stated in the gardening journals, that the Rose American Beauty, grown on cement benches, has proved almost a failure. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. flourishes in another. It has often been stated that it does best in a moist and peaty soil with a considerable amount of shade. I have seen it flower well enough in such conditions, but have also met with it in an equally happy state in totally different circumstances. The other day I saw a fine clump of 0. coccinea in full flower in Sir Herbert Maxwell's garden at Monreith, in Wigtownshire. Here the condi- tions were not precisely in accord with those fre- quently advocated. The plant was in the open however, be said to be really moist. This is the best plant I have seen, excepting those I saw at Straffan, Co. Kildare, some years ago. There the soil seemed more peaty and moiBter than at Monreith. This Ourisia also succeeds well in one part of the garden of General Stewart, at Carruchan, near Dumfries, where it is in a border facing almost north, and there- fore shaded from the mid-day and afternoon sun. There it has flowered well, but not so strongly as at Monreith; while at Carruchan it appears (The Editor does not hold himselj responsible jor the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) Night-flowering Cereus. — This season we have had a tine display of flowers of this plant, and there are others to follow. We recently cut several fully-expanded blooms ; they opened about 7.30 in the evening. Next morning one flower was quite open, whilst another was par- tially expanded, and they remained in that condition all day ; the others faded the morning after being cut. The species is Cereus grandiflorus. Perhaps some of your readers may be able to explain why they did not close in the usual way. This is the first time they have lasted fresh for more than one night. />. S. 3£elville, Poltalloch Gardens, Lochgilphead, N.B. [There is nothing remarkable in this. The flowers sometimes remain open nearly two days when the weather is dull. — Eos] Anthusa italica Varieties. -This season will remove any doubt that existed as to the value of Anchusa italica " Opal " and its dis- tinctness from the now well-known " Dropmore variety." Large groups of the two plants in flower here show that the light blue of " Opal " is very different from the deep, rich blue of " Dropmore." When viewed from a dis- tance, so that the two patches can be taken in at one glance, the effect is very fine and such as can never be obtained in the show-tent. Which is the better plant must remain a matter of taste. To describe " Opal " as " like Del- phinium Belladonna in colour " is hardly correct. It being brighter and less pale than that plant, I do not know any flower that has just the same shade of blue. In constitution, habit, and length of flowering period " Opal " is identical with " Dropmore." Harold Evans, Llanishen, Cardiff, June 21. Ourisiacoccinea. — The illustration of Ourisia macrophylla in the Gardeners' Chronicle of June 19 reminds one of the difficulty many ex- perience in flowering 0. coccinea. a native of Chili. O. coccinea is a handsome plant, which has been widely distributed. but is rarely seen in good condition. In many gardens it dwindles away, and in others in which it grows well it flowers in the sparsest possible manner, and causes much disappointment to its owners. A study of the plant under various conditions leads me to think that it is akin to the Gentianella in its uncer- tainty, and that it frequently fails to respond in one garden to the treatment in which it Fig. 185. — sweet pea masterpiece : colour lavender. (See p. 416.) border, with a fairly open exposure, mainly to the east, although it seemed as if shaded from the afternoon sun by trees and shrubs behind. The foliage of this clump was remarkably healthy, and the plant bore many spikes of the handsome scarlet flowers. The border looked dry, but underneath there was a good depth of soil of a free kind, and not so dry as the ap- pearance of the surface indicated. It could not, to resent removal to another part of the gar- den. In my own garden I have a plant obtained from that at Carruchan, and in a low-lying part of the rock-garden and with a north exposure it does not bloom. I recollect trying it more than once in my former garden, with an eastern ex- posure, and in a more peaty and a moister soil than that at Carruchan, and there it flowered fairly well for a short time, but eventually rotted 418 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 26, 1909. off at the base of the stock. Mr. Reginald Fairer has an interesting record of his experiences with this species. He states that he found it. to suc- ceed well in borders and on rockwork, preferring to be started in rich, moist soil in a rock-shaded •pot. He adds: "Some people tell me of Ourisia making a weed of itself as a sun-plant ; here, certainly, all my success has been in cool corners under walls or in rocky dells." My own advice to those who want to try this fine plant is to cultivate it in several positions. One may suit when others fail. . Another, named John Ruskin, is a fine, light-edged flower, with a yellow ground. Mr. Blick also showed well- grown blooms of the beautiful Carnation named after Lady Hermione. AWARDS. Awards of Merit. Aster mesa grandiflora. — An excellent bor- der plant growing about 2 feet high. The neat, well-formed flowers are of a bright tint of satiny- purple. The plants are said to flower from June to September. (Shown by Messrs. W. Cutbush & Sons.) Campanula phyctidocalyx. — Inflorescences of this species were shown by Sir Trevor Law- rence, Bart. (gr. Mr. Bain). The flowers measure about 1 inch across, and they are of deep purple colour. The plants grow from 1 foot to 2 feet high. Carnation " Her Majesty." — A yellow-ground flower with very deep purple edge. It is of ex- cellent form, and one of the best heavy-edged varieties raised. (Shown by Mr. Chas. Blick, Warren Nursery, Hayes.) Delphinium Moerheimei. — This is a lax- flowered variety obtained from a cross between D. Belladonna and D. sinensis. The flowers are white, except for touches of green. (Shown by- Messrs. W. Cutbush & Sons.) Pceonia "Leonora." — A very handsome, single-flowered varietv, with large, crimson flowers. Paonia "Queen of Singles." — A pure white variety of very large size. The white petals and yellow stamens are very effective. (Both these Paeonies were shown by Mr. C. Turner, Slough.) Sw t I'ki Blancht Stevens. — This is a very large, pure white variety, with broad, erect standard. There were three flowers on a stem. (Shown by Mr. H. J. Jones.) Sw 'I Pea St rling Stent. — A very bright- looking, salmon nil variety of good size. (Shown by Mr. J. Agate.) Orchid Committee. Present: J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. secre- tary t. Harry J. Veitch, de B. Crawshav, W. Boxall, W. Thompson, F. Sander, F. J." Han- luirv, R. G. Thwaites, Walter Cobb, C. H. Cur- tis, J. Charlesworth, W. P. Bound, W. H. Hatcher, W. H. White, H. A. Tracy, Gurney Wilson, J. Wilson Potter. R. Brooman- White. W. Bolton, A. Dye, Stuart Low, A. A. McBean, J. Forster Alcock and Elijah Ashworth. There was the smallest display of Orchids which has been staged at Vincent Square for a considerable time, and only three plants were entered to go before the Committee, who made no awards. .Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, staged an effective group of considerable extent, and containing many pretty species, the group securing a Silver Flora Medal. Some very fine Cattleya Mendelii, C. Warscewiczii, and other Cattleyas, including the very large C. grandis, were in the group, in which also were noted many other species. Mr. A. W. Jensen, Lindfield, showed a small group of very fine forms of Cattleya Mendelii, C. Warscewiczii and C. Mossiae, including a plant of the blush-white C. M. Arnoldiana aurea, with little other colour than yellow in the lip. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Stanley & Co., Southgate, staged a group in which the varieties of Cattleya Mossise Reineckiana were well displayed, showing great variation in the colour of the lips in the dif- ferent forms. White-petalled forms of C. Gas- kelliana were also included. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Monsieur Mertens, Ghtat, showed a selec- tion of hybrid Odontoglossums, Odontiodas and Cattleyas. J. G. Bergheim, Esq., Belsize Court, Hamp- stead (gr. Mr. Page), sent a singular looking Megaclinium from tropical Africa. R. G. Thwaites, Esq., Chessington, Streatham, (gr. Mr. Black), showed Odontoglossum crispum Trianse majesticum, a grand white variety with, large flowers of fine shape and substance. Baron Sir H. Schroder, The Dell, Eghamv (gr. Mr. Ballantine), sent Odontoglossum Black Prince, a showy hybrid densely blotched with dark claret-red, showing the white ground colour at the margins and between the blotches. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: A. H. Pearson, Esq. (in the Chair); and Messrs. J. Cheal, W. Bates, W. Poupart, J. Willard, A. Dean, J. Perkins, P. C. M. Veitch, J. Lyne, H. Hooper, J. Davis, H. Parr, J. Vert, E. Beckett, 0. Thomas, C. Foster, W. Barnes, A. H. Allan, T. Hobday, C. G. A. Nix, J. Mclndoe, G. Wythes, J. Jaques and S. X. Wright (secretary). The only exhibit of importance was a collec- tion of Cabbage Lettuces and early Cauliflowers, shown by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Chel- sea, for which a Silver Knightian Medal was awarded. The best of the Lettuces were Passion, Unique, a brown-leaved variety ; Imperial, New York, the largest shown ; Palatine, with neat, compact heads, and well-hearted ; Rudolph's Favourite, a fine variety for garnishing and salads, the colour being golden-green ; Best of All, and Early Cold Frame. The Cauliflowers were sown on January 2, and planted out on April 16. The variety was Early Forcing. Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, showed a. basket of Harbinger Cauliflower. Competitive Classes. There were three classes for Tomatos, but only one was contested, that for three dishes of dis- tinct varieties grown by an amateur. The 1st prize was awarded to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Elstree, Herts, (gr. Mr. Ed. Beckett), who had good fruits of Perfection, Golden Perfection, and Sutton's Al ; 2nd, Lord Foley, Ruxley Lodge, Claygate, Surrey (gr. Mr. H. C. Gardner), with. Hipper's 1st, Dwarf Red, and Winter Beauty; 3rd. Lord Howard de Walden, Audley End, Saffron Walden (gr. Mr. J. Vert). THE FIRST "MASTERS" LECTURE. This was the first of a series of lectures de- signed to commemorate the name of Dr. Maxwell T. Masters, for so long a period Editor of the Gardeners' Chronicle. The selection of Professor Hugo de Vries as the deliverer of the lecture was peculiarly fitting. The modesty of the great Dutch botanist prevented those who saw him — in the majority of cases for the first time — in the Lecture Room at the Horticultural Society on Tuesday afternoon from knowing how appro- priate the selection had been. For it is by Professor de Vries that the most considerable advances in the scientific study of teratology have been made since the ground was first broken by the publication, in 1869, of Masters* Vegetable Teratology : An Account of tin- Prin- cipal Deviations from the Usual Construction of Plants. Professor de Vries paid a just tribute to the painstaking work of Dr. Masters, stating that although the book was to a very great extent a narration of observed facts, nevertheless on most of its pages there were evidences of the philoso- phical mind possessed by the author. Mainly through the influence of Dr. Masters, English horticulture had developed upon a sound and scientific basis. The study of abnormalities ha» a strange history. This is primarily due to the basis on which Linnanis founded his system of classification. Before Linnaeus's day the genera, were regarded as the units of the natural system; but he elevated the sub-divisions of the genera — the species — to this rank : this elevation meant that the species were believed to- have been created. The abnormalities which could be observed to arise in one's own garden, from normal parents had obviously not been- created in the beginning, and were, therefore, in the opinion of Linnaeus, not worthy of the attention of the serious botanist. It is, indeed, 420 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [J un- 26, 1909. recorded that Linnaeus forbade his students to pay any attention to such abnormalities. It seems not unreasonable to suggest that this ruling out of court of all " deviations from the usual construction of organism " may have contributed largely to the persistence in a belief in the immutability of species. So long as per- mission to pay attention to, and much less to devote a lifetime to the investigation of devia- tions from the normal, was withheld by those who directed the course of biological enquiry, it was impossible that any progress could be made with the study of evolution, except by those who disregarded the injunctions of their professors. If it may be said that, before the general ac- ceptance of a theory of evolution, too little at- tention was paid to the study of abnormalities, it certainly may be urged, not without some justice, that since a belief in evolu- tion has become general, abnormalities have assumed a prominence which is not com- mensurate with the share which they have had in the evolutionary process. The theory of evolution demands the existence of variations ; and in the search for these, which this demand necessitated, many kinds of abnormalities were collected and re- corded, which, in all probability, have little to do with the main lines of differen- tiation. What we have said merely refers to abnormalities in their direct bearing on evolu- tion. What we really want is some criterion which will enable us to distinguish between nor- mal abnormalities (if the expression may be per- mitted), which are the variations to which evolu- tion is due, and abnormal abnormalities, or monstrosities, which have nothing to do with evolution. The only hope of obtaining such a criterion is to work on the lines laid down by Masters ; to record with detailed figures the structure of any abnormality of whatever kind that may appear, and, what is equally important, to find out whether the abnormality is repeated in the offspring of the monster. Such investiga- tion, as Professor de Vries pointed out, has been made possible by the work of Masters, which enables the enquirer to find out whether an abnormality of a similar kind has been re- corded before, and to fit it into a scheme which, as Masters admits, is only an approxima- tion to a natural one. Teratology may often succeed, as Professor de Vries told us, where the investigation of normal form has failed, in affording a clue as to the primitive structure of organs. The study of monstrosities is, further, likely to throw a great deal of light on the question of the symmetry of distribution of organs in the plant body. And, lastly, we cannot yet guess what problems, which have not yet taken shape in men's minds, may not be solved by a proper acquaintance with these curious phenomena. These are merely illustrations of the truth that the surest road to a knowledge of the normal is the investigation of the abnormal. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL. R.H.S. DEPUTATION TO HORTICULTURAL SHOW. June 23 to 26. — The general show at Glouces- ter was of great extent and complete in every class. The weather on Tuesday, the opening day of the agricultural or main section, was stormy, but there was a large attendance. The horticultural exhibition in connection with the show, under the management of Mr. Peter Blair, of Stoke-on-Trent, as opened on Wed- nesday afternoon. It was undoubtedly the best ever held in connection with the Royal Agri- cultural Society, the visit of his Majesty King Edward VII. inducing the best efforts of all en- gaged. The horticultural show under canvas was arranged in one of the largest marquees procur- able in the country, with two smaller tents, one at each end, the commodious walks for the visi- tors being arranged so that the whole of the show could be inspected without leaving the tent space. The King congratulated Mr. Blair on his efforts, and expressed great satisfaction. The R.H.S. deputation included Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart.. K.C.V.O. (President), the Rev. W. Wilks (Secretary), Mr. Henry B. May, and Mr. A. E. Bowles.' In their inspection of the exhibits they were assisted by Mr. Jas. O'Brien, V.M.H. S'ir Tre- vor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O. (President cf the R.H.S.), formed one of the deputation to re- ceive the King, and took lunch in the Royal Pavilion. The other members of the deputation partook of the hospitality of the Mayor. Certain Awards were made by the R.H.S. deputation in addition to the Schedule Awards made by the judges. The Nature Study Section, in which Sir W. T. Thiselton-Dyer has taken such interest, and the Forestry Department, in which Mr. H. J. Elwes has taken a prominent part, were good educa- tional displays, which would require much space even to refer to briefly. In front of the main entrance on the central stage was the grand group of Orchids from Colonel G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O., Weston- birt, which undoubtedly gave th 3 superlative character to the show, the arrangement being cleverly and artistically carried out by Mr. H. G. Alexander, who may well claim to be not only England's best Orchid grower, but a decora- tive artist of the highest order of merit. The plan of the arrangement consisted in the middle being well carried up at the back, fine Laelio- Cattleya Canhamiana and L.-C. Aphrodite being chiefly used. On each side were masses of very fine white Odontoglossum crispum, with hand- somely-coloured Cittleyas and hybrid Laelio- Cattleyas continuing to the ends at each side. In the front and middle distance, and forming the most striking feature in the group, were many marvellous specimens of Miltonia vexillaria, so densely set with flowers that the foliage was almost hidden. Among the best noted were the bi ight magenta-rose variety Empress Augusta Victoria, with 20 spikes bearing 105 flowers : a pair of the white-lipped variety virginale, with 75 flowers and 77 flowers respectively; M. vexil- laria superba, with 23 spikes of 103 flowers ; M. v. chelsiensis, and other varieties grandly flowered. Odontoglossum crispum were repre- sented by over 100 spikes, the spotted and best named varieties being Norah, Zoroaster, Weston- birt variety and Trianae. Among the hybrids were very dark-coloured O. Othello, O. amabile, O. Wilckeanum imperiale and others. Among the Cattleyas were many fine C. Mossiae, the best white variety Wageneri, and Countess Grey being charming plants. C. Dusseldorfei Undine, which was raised at Westonbirt, like most of the hy- brids shown, shows up as one of the best whito Cattleyas, and C. intermedia alba, good C. War- ned, C. Warscewiczii and C. Mendelii were noted. Brasso-Cattleyas made a telling feature in this excellent group, a true albino of Brasso- Cattleya Digbyano-Mossise, B.-C. Siren superba, and some finely-coloured B.-C. Digbyano- Warscewiczii being specially good. Laelio-Cattle- yas raised at Westonbirt and displaying the most varied colours were effectively arranged, L.-C. Ganymede, L.-C. Lustre, L.-C. Elva "Westonbirt variety and the numerous varieties of L.-C. Can- hamiana being very effective. Other good things well displayed in batches were Vanda teres, Pha- laenopsis Rimestadtiana, Sophrolaelia laeta Orpe- tiana, fine forms of Laelia purpurata, Dendrobium illnstie, D. formosum, and other Dendrobiums. The Lawrence Gold Medal for the finest exhibit of the year was made by the R.H.S. deputation. Messrs. Jas. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, arranged their fine exhibit of specimen stove and greenhouse plants next, and which included two noble specimens of Darwinia tulipifera, each 6 feet across, a still larger Erica Cavendishiana, tin- 1. right magenta-rose Bougainvillea Cypheri, certainly the best as an exhibition plant", large Pimelia diosmsfolia, Erica vertricosa magnifica, Clerodendron Balfouri, and the whole effectively set up with scarlet Clerodendrons intermixed. Messrs. Cypher & Sons also arranged a most effective group in Class 1, group of miscellaneous plants not exceeding 350 square feet, their group having tall Kentias at the back, with pillar Roses beneath them, salient points being made with handsome Codiaeums, the body Being effec- tively filled in with good Orchids, comprising Cattleyas, Laelio-C'attleyas, Odontoglossums, &c. Very pretty effects were made by an elegant specimen of Oncidium divaricatum, with yel- lowish-bronze flowers ; slender yellow O. flexuo- sum, and an unusually elegant feature in a tall, graceful plant of Cyperus papyrus (Papyrus antiquorum). (Gold Medal.) The same firm staged a beautiful group of Orchids, well arranged for effect, made up of showy Laelio-Cattleyas, Cattleyas, Brasso-Cattleyas, Odontoglossums, &c. Laelia tenebrosa (with many flowers), Laelia purpurata (in fine variety), Laelio-Cattleya Canhamiana (with 10 flowers), a selection of showy Masdevallias, two distinct varieties of Bulbophyllum Lobbii, good Miltonia vexillaria, Vanda ccerulea, Odontoglos- sum cordatum, Ccelogyne pandurata, finely-flow- ered yellow Anguloa Clowesii, graceful Epiden- drums, &c, were also included. For this and the fine specimen stove and greenhouse plants, the R.H.S. Gold Medal was given. Other tine exhibits in Class I. (not exceeding 350 square feet) were shown by the following exhibitors : — Mr. W. A. Holmes, West End Nursery, Ches- terfield, had fine Kentia Palms, Codiaeums, Roses Hiawatha and Lady Gay, Caladium argyrites being effectively used as an edging. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) J. Blacker, Esq., Selby, Yorks. (gr. Mr. Curtis), had Roses Pink Rambler, Hiawatha, and Delight, fine Codiaeums, and Uumea elegans. (Small Silver Cup.) Mr. Sharp, Almondbury, Huddersfield, Roses, Abutilon Savitzii, and Odontoglossums. (Silver gilt Banksian Medal.) Mr. Vause, Leamington, Codiaeums, Ferns, Odontoglossums, &c. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Class II. (Amateurs). — This was for a group arranged on a space of 200 square feet. There was only one entry, Sir John Dorington, Lypiatt Park, Stroud (gr. Mr. Savegar). cleverly occupy- ing the end space with one of the prettiest ex- hibits in the show, a tastefully-arranged group of foliage plants and Orchids, in which Cattleyas, &c, Hippeastrums, scarlet and white Anthu- liunis. and many interesting plants were shown to advantage. (Silver Cup.) Other very fine exhibits in the large tent in- cluded a large collection of fruits in pots from The King's Acre Nurseries, Hereford, the same firm staging an extensive and artistically- arranged exhibit of showy herbaceous perennials, Ferns, foliage plants, &c. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) On one side of the main entrance Messrs. Wll. Cutbush & Sons, Highgate, had a cleverly- arranged group of Carnations, Roses, &c, with tall Eremurus robusta at the back. Specially fine were Carnation Lady Coventry (large red), Enchantress (both white and blush), Winsor (salmon pink), and Victory (scarlet). The charm- ing dwarf decorative Rose Mrs. Wm. Cutbush also was very effective. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Heath & Sons showed Carnations and scarlet Pelargoniums. (Silver Cup.) Hugh Andrews, Esq., Toddington Manor, Winchcombe (gr. Mr. Tooley), good Carnations and Eremurus. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Young & Co., Hatherley, Cheltenham. Carnations. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. Godfrey, Exinouth, decorative plants, in which Godfrey's very handsome varieties i f Papaver orientale were prominent. Also Pelar- goniums, pink Spiraeas, Solanum Wendlandii, &c. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. J. Jeffries & Sons, Cirencester, Car- nations, Roses, &c. (Silver Flora Medal.) Baker's, Wolverhampton, herbaceous plants. (Silver Flora Medal.) At the entrance of one of the end tents Colonel G. L. Holford, CLE., C.V.O. (gr. Mr. Chap- man), staged a very fine group of the superb Westonbirt Hippeastrums, the large flowers varying from white to the most intense scarlet, with intermediate white forms prettily striped with rose and red. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, filled one side, extending 75 feet, with an extensive group of Orchids, the forms of Cattleya Mendelii including two new varieties, the one with slate-blue lip, and the other with rose- feathered petals, being good. Odontoglossums, including spotted O. crispum, the pretty O. Adrianae Low's variety, and some hybrids, were also noted. The firm continued with fine Carna- tions, the new Pink gloriosa, a batch of blue Hydrangeas, the new Ampelopsis Lowii, scarlet Gerberas, &c. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon, Bath, had a grand group of Begonias, chiefly double. (Gold Medal ) Messrs. Dicksons, Chester, a fine show of Paeonies, Delphiniums, &c. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. H. W. Evans, Llanishen, Cardiff, showy herbaceous plants. Mr. H. N. Ellison, West Bromwich, a nice selection of exotic Ferns. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Supplement to the " Gardeners" Chronicle." CHARLES DARWIN. Printed by Temple Press Ltd., London, E.C. June 26, 1909.] THE G A R 1) ENER S' CHR O XI C L E. 421 Messrs. Jarman & ( 0., (hard, the fine blue and white Sweet Pea .\Jrs. Townsend, Roses, Pelargoniums, &c. Messrs. Geo. Mallett & Co., Cheddar, fine her aceous plants. Messrs. Gunn & Sons, Birmingham, had a fine exhibit of Roses. Gladioli, and the handsome bed ler Viola cornuta purpurea. (Silver Bank- sian Medal.) Mr. R. H. BxiTH, Wisbech, a very extensive show of Carnations, Pseonies, Delphiniums. (Sil- ver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Kelway & Sons, Langport, a fine lot of Pyrethrums and Pseonies. In the tent at the other end of the main tent Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay, had a grand show of hardy flowers — Violas. Aquilegias, Iris, &c. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Competitive groups of herbaceous plants were also here arranged. Messrs. Rich & Co., Bath, showed fine hardy plants; and Mr. A. A. Walters, Bath, Roses and White Pseonies. (Silver Banksian Medal.) The very fine competitive groups of Sweet Peas were also well displayed. Mr. Moukt, Canterbury, showed Roses; Messrs. J. H. White & Co., Worcester, herba- ceous plants ; Messrs. Geo. Cooling & Sons, Bath. Roses; Mr. C. F. Waters, Balcombe, a fine lot of 40 varieties of Carnations, the good, salmon-red decorative Carnation Edith Waters being very handsome. (Silver Flora Medal.) In the open ground Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, had a very interesting exposition of intensive vegetable culture on the French sys- tem, showing how different crops may be grown together. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Missis. Jeffries had a good show of fine hardy trees and shrubs. Messrs. Puxham exhibited a very pretty rock and water-garden. Messrs. Heath & Sons, Cheltenham, an exten- sive Alpine garden. Messrs. Wheeler, of Gloucester, made a beautiful floral decoration in front of the Royal Pavilion and other buildings. Messrs. Webb, Messrs. Carter. Messrs. Sut- ton, and other seedsmen also had their stands tastefully decorated with flowers. Messrs. Sttton had also a fine display of Gloxinias, Be- ii ias, Schizanthus, &c. AWARDS. R.H.S. First-class Certificates. Oattleya Mossia Countess Grey, from Colonel G. L. Holford. C.I.E., C.V.O. — A most charm- ing Bower of the typical ('. Mossise class, with onormoua magenta rose blooms, with large, violet-marbled lip. Mr. Harry J. Veitch, in responding, made a fervent appeal for funds. He said the society disbursed yearly to its pensioners nearly £4,320. During the society's 70 years' existence the sum of £124,000 had been expended in re- lieving necessitous cases. There were 239 pen- sioners receiving relief, and six of the reci- pients were more than 90 years of age. The Secretary announced that £2,099 had been sub- scribed at and in consequence of the dinner, in- cluding 100 guineas from the Chairman, a simi- lar sum from Messrs. Rothschild. £100 each from Messrs. Hurst & Son, Sutton & Sons, and Mr. Ed. Sherwood. Friends at Covent Gar- den Market had collected a total of £236 15s., including £176 5s. gathered by Mr. Geo. Munro. The total sum was nearly £100 more than that subscribed at the last festival dinner. Mr. Sherwood, in proposing the health of the Chairman, stated that £4.000 had been subscribed to the charity by members of the Rothschild family. MARKETS. BRITISH GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. At the last meeting of this association, the new Executive Council met for the first time. Mr. Geo. Hemming was elected chairman for the ensuing year, and Mr. John H. Witty vice- chairman. The question of editing and enlarging the Journal of the association was considered, but no decision was arrived at pending further information in regard to the financial aspect. It was decided by a majority that the monthly committee meetings shall be held on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. as usual. The secretary was instructed to prepare a form and draft a letter to be sent out inviting the attention of those wishing to become honorary members. It was also decided to obtain samples and specimens of a badge. Seven- teen new members were elected, bringing the total up to 1.517. J. II". GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. June 23. — The seventieth annual festival dinner of the friends of this charity was held on Wednesday evening (as these pages were being prepared for press) in the handsome Whitehall Room of the Hotel Metropole. The chair was occupied by Lionel de Rothschild, Esq., the sixth member of his family to preside at these annual gatherings. In proposing the toast of " Continued Prosperity to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution." the Chairman said there were no fairer gardens than those of England, and those who derived pleasure from them owed a duty to those who had made them fair. DEBATING SOCIETIES. STIRLING & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL The members visited Cromlix, Dunblane, the seat of Arthur Hay Drummond, Esq., on June 12, The party was met by the gardener, Mr. Pratt, and after tea was partaken inspected the rock-garden, lawns, shrubberies, the wild garden in a glen, liiy ponds, kitchen gardens and glass structures. GUILDFORD AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. — A meeting of the association was held on Tuesday, June 15. Mr. Nicholls, of Merrow, presided, and matters con- cerning the annua! show were discussed. Three new members were elected. At the invitation of the president, Mr. P. Wellesley, J. P., a party of over 20 members visited his garden at West field Common. Owing to the lateness of the hour only a few members were enabled to take advantage of Messrs. Jacktnan's invitation to visit their nurseries at Woking. THE WEATHER. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending Juue 19, is furnished from the Meteorological Office: — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather.— Over the United Kingdom generally the weather was dry, and in Scotland and the western counties of England it was often bright, but in the eastern and central parts of England the sky was mostly cloudy or overcast. Local thunderstorms were experienced in the south of England on Wednesday. The temperature was slightly above the average in Ireland, but more than a degree below it in most parts of Great Britain. The highest of the maxima were recorded on somewhat irregular dates, and ranged from 73* in Scotland E., Scotland VV., and England S.W., to 70-1 in England E. and the English Channel. The lowest of the in nima occurred generally on the 13th, and varied from 30^ in England S.W. (at Llangammarch Wells on the 14th), and 31> in Scotland E., to 39° in Ireland S., and to 42^ in the English Channel. Frost was recorded on the grass in several localities, the lowest readings reported being 23° at Crathes and Llangammarch Wells, 25° at Birmingham, and 23,h at Newton Rigg and West Linton. The mean temperature of the sea. — Except on the east and south-east coasts of England the temperature of the water was higher than it was during the corresponding week of last year. The actual values ranged from 577" at Margate and Newquay, and 57-3" at Seafie'ld to 49'2° at Burnmouth. and to 481° at Lerwick. The rain/alt amounted to considerably less than the average in all districts. At several stations in England the week was quite rainless. The bright sunshine exceeded the average in the east and west of Scotland and the north-west and south-west of England, as well as in Ireland N. and the English Channel. Elsewhere, however, it was below the normal. The per- centage of the possible duration ranged from 65 in the English Channel," 56 in Scotland W., and 55 in England N.W. to 26 in England N.E., and to 21 in England E. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending June 23, Another cold week.— The last three weeks have all been cold, but the past week the least cold of the three. Since the present month began there has not been a single unseasonably warm day, and only five warm nights, four of these being in the past week.' The ground is at the present time one degree colder at two feet deep, and two degrees colder at one foot deep than is seasonable. Rain fell on three days, but to the total depth of only a quarter of an inch. This small quantity was, however, sufficient to restart the bare soil gauge, through which there had been no measurable percolation for over a week, but it had no effect on the gauge on which short grass is growing, which has been dry for eight days. The sun shone on an average for 4f hours a day, or for 1$ hours a day less than is usual at this period of June. The atmosphere remained very calm throughout the first three days of the week, but since then the wind has been at times moderately high. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. exceeded a season- able quantity for that hour by 7 per cent.— E. Af.t Bcrk- kamsted, June 23, 1909. COVENT GARDEN, June 23. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined rt ports. They are furnished to us regularly every \\ ednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It ii ust be remembered that these quotations do not repre- stnt 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 way in which they are packed, the supply in the market, and the demand, and they may fluctuate, net only from day to day, but occasionally several times in one day. — Ed.] Cut Flowers, Sic: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Anemone fulgens, Narcissus, double p. dz. bunches 16-20 wlute, dozen Carnations, p. doz. bunches 2 0- 2 6 blooms, best O d on to gl os sum American (vai.) 2 6-36 crispuu., per — second size ... 10-20 dozen blooms 2 0- 2 6 — smaller, per Paeonies, per dozen doz. buucties 9 0-12 0 bunches 6 0-10 0 — *' Malmaisons," Pelargoniums, p. doz. blooms 6 0-80 show, per doz. Catilejas, per doz. bunches 4 0-60 blcoins 10 0-12 0 — Zonal, double Cyprij ediums, per scarlet 4 0-60 du/en blooms.. 16-26 Poppies, Iceland, Enchaiisgranditlora, per dozen. per dz, blooms 2 6-36 bunches 3 0-60 Freesias (white), p. — Shiriey 2 0-30 doz. bunches .. 2 0-26 Pyrethrums, per Gladio us, per doz. dozen bunches... 2 0-30 bui ches 6 0-90 Richardia africana, Gy psophi la ele- per dozen 16-26 gans, per doz. Roses, 12 blooms, bunches 3 0-40 Niphetos 10-20 Iris (Sj auish), per — Bridesmaid ... 2 6-40 dozen bunches 6 0 12 0 — C. Testout ... 2 0 3 0 — (German) 2 0-40 — Kai serin A. Ixias, per dozen Victoria 2 0-40 bunches 2 0-30 — C. Mermet 16-30 Lilac, mauve 0 6-1U — Liberty 3 0-50 Liliuin auiatum, — M me.Chateuay 2 0-40 per bunch 2 0-30 — Mrs. J. Laing 16-30 — longiilonnu ... 16-26 — Richmond 3 0-6 0' — lane i f o limn, — The Bride 3 0-40 rubniiii 16-26 — Ulrich Brunner 2 0-4 0- — album 2 0-20 Spiraea, per dozen Lily of the Valley, bunches 5 0-80 p. dz. hunches 6 0-90 Stocks, double — extra quality ... 12 0-15 0 white, per doz. Marguerites, p. dz. bunches 2 0-30 bunches white Sweet Peas, per dz. and yellow ... 2 0-30 bunches 2 0-60 Mignonette, per Tuberoses, per dz. dozen bunches 3 0-50 blooms 0 3-04 Myosoiis, per doz. — on stems, per bunches 16-20 bunch 0 9-13 Narcissus, per dz. Tulips. Darwin bunches 1 0- 1 G varieties, p. dz. 6 0-12 0 Cut Foliage, &c: Ave age Wholesale Pr ces. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Adiauti m cunea- Grasses (hardy), luni, per dozen dozen bunches 10-30 hunches 6 0-90 Hardy foliage Agrostis, per doz. [various), per bunches 16-20 dozen bunches 3 0- 9 Ji A s pal ag u s plu- Honesty (Lunaria) mosus, long per bunch 10-16 trails, per doz. 8 0-12 0 Ivy-leaves, bronze 2 0-26 — — medin.,bch. 10-20 — long trails per — Spreiigeri 0 9-16 bundle 0 9-16 Be i bens, per doz. — short green, bunches Croton leaves, per bunch 2 6-30 perdz. bunches 16-26 10-13 Moss, per gross ... 4 0-50 Cycas leaves, each 16-20 Myrtle, dz. bchs., Ferns, per dozen (English ) small-leaved ... bchs. (English) 2 0-30 4 0-60 -- (French) 0 6-09 — French 10-16- Galax leaves, per Smilax, per dozen dozen bunches 2 0-26 trails 4 0-60 Plants In Pots , &c. : Ave rage Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Aonpelopsis Veit- Cy per u s alterni- chii, per dozen 6 0-80 folius, dozen ... 4 0-50 Aralia Sieboldii, p. — laxus, per doz. 4 0-50 dozen 4 0-60 Dracaenas, per doz. 9 0-24 0 — larger speci- Erica persoluta mens 9 0-12 0 alba, per doz. 12 0-24 0 — Moseri 4 0-60 — candidissima, Araucaria excelsa, per doz. 18 0 24 0 per dozen — large plants, 12 0-30 0 — Cavendishi.dz. 24 0-36 0 Euonymus.perdz., each 3 6-50 in pots. . 4 0-90 Aspidistras, p. dz., — from the ground 3 0-60 green 15 0-24 0 Ferns, in thumbs, — variegated 30 0-42 0 per 100 8 0-12 0 Asparagus plumo- — in small and sus nanus, per large 60' s 12 0-20 O dozen 12 0-18 0 — in 48's, per dz. 4 0-60 — Sprengeri 9 0-12 0 — choicer sorts... 8 0-12 0 — tenuissimus 9 0-12 0 — in 32's, per dz. 10 0-1S 0 Boronia mega- Ficuselastica.p.dz. 8 0-10 0 stigma, per doz. 24 0-30 0 — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 — heterophylla... 12 0-18 0 Fuchsias, per doz 8 0-10 O Calceolarias, Grevilleas, per dz. 4 0-60 yellow, per Hardy flower roots, dozen 5 0-70 per dozen 10-20 C hry san themum Heliotropiums, per coronarium dozen 5 0-60 per dozen 5 0-80 Hydrangea panicu- Clematis, per doz. 8 0-90 lata 12 0-24 0 — in flower 12 0-18 0 — hortensis 9 0-18 0 Cocos Weddelli- Isolepis, per dozen 4 0-60 ana, per dozen... 18 0-30 0 Kentia Belmore- Coleus, per dozen 4 0-60 ana, per dozen 15 0-24 0 Crassulas, per doz. 8 0-12 0 — Fosteriana, per Crotons, per dozen 18 0-30 0 dozen 18 0-30 9> 422 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 26, 1909. Hants In Pots, Ac: Average Wholesale Prices 'Cor.! I.). s.d. s.d. Lutania borbonica, per dozen Li Hum 1 o n g i- florum, per dz. — lancifolium, p. dozen... Lily of the Valley, per dozen I-obelia, per dozen Marguerites, white, per dozen — Yellow, per dozen Mign onet t e, per dozen Musk, per dozen... Pansies, per bos of 24 plants, each Pelargoniums, show varieties, per dozen s.d. s.d 12 0-18 0 12 0-18 0 12 0-24 0 18 0-30 0 4 0-50 5 0-80 12 0-16 0 4 0-60 3 0-40 2 0-30 8 0-12 0 Pelargoniums, — Ivy leaved — Oak leaved ... — Zonals — Bedding varie- ties Rhodanthe, per dz. R h odode ndrons, each Roses, H.P.'s, per dozen ... — Polyantha va- rieties — Ramblers, each Saxifraga pyramid- alis, per dozen Selaginella, per dz. Spiraea japor-ca, p. do»en ... Verbenas, per dozen 6 0-60 4 0-60 4 0-60 12 0 25 0 5 0-60 2 0-50 9 0-12 0 12 0-13 0 5 0-10 6 12 0-18 0 4 0-60 6 0-90 5 0-60 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d 'Apples (Tasman- ian), per case : — Ribston Pippin 10 011 0 — Scarlet Pear- main 10 0-11 6 — Alexander ... 8 6-10 0 — Prince Alfred.. 10 0-11 0 — French Crab... 10 0-11 0 — Sturmers ... 10 0-11 6 — (A ust ral ian), per case : — Dunn'sSeedlingll 6-13 0 — Rome Beauty.. 11 0-12 6 Apricots (French), per box ... 0 10- 1 6 Bananas, bunch: — Doubles ... 9 0-10 0 — No. 1 „ ... 6 6-80 — Extra „ ... 8 0-90 — Giant „ ... 10 0-12 0 — (Claret coloured) 5 0-76 Jamaica — Loose, per dz. Cherries (English), per peck — $ sieve — (French), box — j bushel : — Black — White — Oxhearts •Currants (French), red, handlebkt. — black, J sieve... •Custard Apples ... Gooseberries (Eng- lish), ^ sieve... Crape Fruit, case Crapes (new) — English Ham- bros, per lb. .. — Alicantes.p.lb. — Muscats, p. lb. Guernsey Figs, dz. 5 0- 0 6- 2 6-40 5 0-80 0 9-16 5 0-70 4 0-46 5 0-60 2 6-30 6 0-70 3 0-12 0 16-19 9 0-13 0 16-30 13-16 16-19 19-30 16-20 Lemons, box : — Messina, 300 .. — Do. 360... — (Naples), case Limes, per case ... Lyche-es, per box... Melons (English), each — (Guernsey) ... — Canteloupe ... Nectarines (Eng- lish) Nuts, Almonds, bag — Brazils, new, percwt. — Barcelona, bag — Cocoa nuts, 100 Oranges (Denia) ... — Cal ifornian seedless, per case — (Valencia) per case (420) — per case (714)... — Murcias, per case Peaches (English) Pears (Australian), Winter Nelis, per tray — Calabash, per tray — Glou Moureau, per tray Pineapples, eacli ... — (Natal), per dz. Strawberries, Eng- lish, per dozen punnets — (French), crate of 4 baskets ... — Southampton baskets — English, peck s.d. s.d. 8 6-12 6 10 0 14 0 17 0-25 0 3 0 — 10-13 16-19 10-20 16-23 2 0-15 0 38 0-40 0 33 0 35 0 30 0-32 0 10 0-14 0 11 0-21 0 10 0-12 0 10 0-22 0 11 0-22 0 12 0-18 0 3 0-15 0 3 6-40 4 0-56 3 0-46 19-36 4 0-60 6 0-90 7 6-10 0 10-19 3 0-36 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices s.d. s.d. ' Artichokes(Globe), j Mustardand Cress, per dozen ... 19-20 per dozen pun, — white, p. bushel 2 0-26 Onions (Egyptian) per — per cwt, Asparagus, bundle: — (English) Beans per lb. : — (English) — (French) — (Guernsey) Bee t root, per bushe 3 6 13-20 0 6- 0 7- 0 6 s.d. s.d. 1 0 — 9 0 — 0 7 0 81 0 7 4 0- 2 0 1 6 6 0 3 0- 4 0 | 7 6- 3 0- 8 0 3 6 Cabbages, per mat 4 0-46 — per crate — per box (21) ... — Greens, per bushel Cardoons (French), per dozen •Carrots (English), dozen bunches — washed, bag ... — unwashed — (French), bunch Cauliflowers, doz. Celeriac, per doz. -Chicory, per lb. ... Cucumbers, perdz. Endive, per dozen Horseradish, for- eign, per doz. bundles Leeks, 12 bundles Lettuces (English), per crate, 5 dz. Mint, doz. bunches Mushrooms, per lb. — broilers — buttons, per lb. per bag — pickling, per bushel Parsley, 12bunches — £ sieve Peas (French), per pad — (English), dried per dz. packets — { uernsey) ... — (English) ... — (Kent), £ sieve Potatos(Teneriffe), per cwt. Radishes (French), per doz. bunches Rhubarb (English), forced, per dz. bundles — Natural, p.tally 3 6-40 0 4-05; Salsafy, per dozen 3 0- 3 6 | bundles 16-26 Spinach, p. bushel 0 3J- 0 4 Stachys tuberosa. 13-2 6' per lb 1 3— 1 9 | Turnips, per dozen bunches — washed, p. bag — (French), per bunch Turnip Tops, bag Tomatos (English), per 12 lbs. .. — (English), s.s... second quality 10-16! 8 0-10 0 ' 4 0-50 6 0-66 4 0-50 2 6-36 '26 — 0 8-0 10 0 8-10 2 3-26 9 0-96 13-16 0 6-09 3 6-40 13-16 17 0-21 0 2 0-26 3 0-46 6 0 — 0 6-08 0 4-06 0 5 4 0 — 4 0-46 0 3-04 2 0-26 0 8-0 10 Watercress, p. dz. 8 0- 2 6 16- 0 4- 2 0 0 6 Remarks.— Strawberries from Kent and the Southampton district are arriving in large quantities, but most of the fruit is lacking in colour. Green Gioseberries are selling at about the same price as last week. Kentish Cherries aire being received, principally of the varieties Crown Heart and Baumann's May. French Cherries are much cheaper owing to larger supplies. The demand for Oranges and lemons remains good. Supplies of English hothouse Strawberries have finished after a poor season, their prices cemaining low throughout. English Peaches are a better trade, especially those of good quality. Nectarines being ■very plentiful are consequently cheaper. Trade generally is fairly good. E. H. R., Covent Garden, June 23, 1909. Lincolns- Up-to-Date ... Maincrop Evergood ... King Edward Potatos. s.d. s.d. ... 2 6-30 ...2 0-2 6 ... 19-26 ...2 3-2 6 Dunbars— Up-to-Date, red soil ,, ,, grey soil Jerseys (new), cwt. St. Malo's Cherbourgs Remarks.— The trade for old Potatos is nearly hi most business being in new tubers from Jersey, St and Cherbourg. The demand, even for new Potatos, brisk. Edward J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St. iJ June 24, 1909. d. s.d. 0-3 6 0 -J. 6 G- 6 9 0-6 3 0-5 6 lished, Malo, is not xncras. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. There are still large supplies of bedding plants on sale. Yesterday (Tuesday) morning, after the market was closed, I found there were large quantities of plants and also of cut flowers unsold. Cut Flowers. Roses from the open are arriving from all quarters and their prices are very low. Blooms of the best quality of Mrs. J. Laing have sold for 3s. per dozen, but those of second quality are sold at from 9d. to Is. or even less. The same remarks apply to all other sorts. Moss Roses have been sold as cheaply as 4s. to 6*. per dozen bunches. The many blooms of Carnations purchased by hawkers is evidence of bad trade, or over supply. The new white variety, shown on Tuesday last at the R.H.S. meeting, should prove a valuable market variety, because of its powerful scent : it is named " Stirling Stent." The grower informed me it is one of the most prolific varieties he has grown. Liliums have fallen to very low prices except for flowers of the best quality. Good blooms of L. longi- florum were obtainable at Is. 6d. per bunch, but this must not be regarded as the ordinary market value. Hardy flowers are seen in large quantities, including Paeonies of the best varieties, and they are all cheap. The pink and the pure white Paeonies are most in demand. Of Pyrethrums the single-flowered kinds are most appreciated. Iceland Poppies are so cheap that their culture can hardly be profitable. Centaurea Cyanus (Cornflower) in various colours is good, but it is only those flowers of the best blue and pink shades that are appreciated. Irises include those of the Spanish, German and English types. Achillea alpina is extensively grown, and is a good substitute for Gypsophila. Some of the hardy Grasses are now extensively used for florists' work, and supplies of these are large. Pot Plants. At this season supplies of pot plants are variable, but up to the present they have been excessive. The growers have not lowered their prices for Rambler Roses, but there must be a considerable^ waste in these plants. Hydrangea Manesii, some with flowers of blue tint and others with the natural rosy pink shade, are good. H. hortensis varies ; few growers produce a good blue shade in the flowers. Supplies of Ericas are not quite finished ; both E. Cavendishii and E. ventricosa magnifica are good. Boronias are nearly over for the season, bur plants of B. elatior are procurable. Pelargo- niums of all sections are plentiful, also Fuchsias, Marguerues, -ellow Chrysanthemums, Heliotropes, and Spiraeas. Ver- benas in several colours are good, but only for the pink variety, Miss Willmott, is there much demand. A. H ., Covent Garden, Wednesday, June 23t 1909. I Qmfm CornMldoruie *.* The Editors will be glad to receive, for consideration, large photographs of horticultural subjects, suitable for reproduction as Supple- mentary Illustrations in this Journal. Editors and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communica- tions, and save us much t'ine and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters 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 Editors. The two departments, Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters are misdirected. Caterpillars on Apple Trees: T. II'. Spray the trees with some arsenical compound, such as Paris Green. Gooseberries : F. J. T. The foliage is injured by red spider. Spray the bushes with some insecticide. Melons: Worried. The trouble is due to a destructive disease caused by a fungus, Asco- chyta. Remove the diseased plants, and spray the bases of the stems of the remaining plants, also the soil, with the Bordeaux mix- ture. Names of Plants :—H. C. 1, Veronica Teu- crium; 2, Hypotis erecta; 3 and 4, hybrids of Saxifraga Hostii x Aizoon ; 5, Saxifraga trifur- cata var. eeratophylla ; G, S. trifuroata. — S. F. S. Statice Suworowii — G. W. Miller. Anthericum Liliago.— A. J. Keen. 1, Sanicula europsea: 2, Galium cruciata.— .476a. 1, Pelar- gonium capitatum var. ; 2, P. citriodovum major; 3, P, c "Prince of Orange." We do not undertake to name varieties of Carnations. — E. S., Scarboro' . Prunus Padus ; Bird Cherry. — S. J., Stroud Green. Viola species, probably V. cornuta. The specimen is insuffi- cie it to determine accurately. — H. Y., Ireland. 1, Pyrus Aria var. ; 2,Diervilia florida variegata. — W. C. U. 1, Rubus, spec es near nutkanus, send when in fruit; 2, Pieris japonica; 3, Nemophila insignis; 4, a variety of the common Box, rSuxus sempervirens, piobably the form known as myrtifolia. — Pillingers. 1, Spiraea bracteata ; 2. Neillia opulifolia. has been na ued Spirtea opulifolia ; 3, Diervilla japonica var. hortensis. — H. G. 1, Louicera iuvolucrata var. Ledebourii, 2, Pyrus Aucuparia — H. F. Penryn. 1, "TheCockspur Thorn," Crataegus Crus-galli ; 2, Veronica Lyallii. — J. R. B. Climbing White Niphetos. — G. S. 1, La?lia tenebrosa ; 2, Vanda suavis ; 3, Masdevallia coriacea. The others are Maranta Massangeana, and some varieties of Adiantum cuneatum. Your numbers are not readable. — A. It. T. 1, Oncidium flexuo- sum ; 2, 0. pulvinatum ; 3, Ada aurantiaca ; 4, Octomeria Loddigesii ; 5, Stelis micrantha ; 6, Masdevallia trichsote. — Foreman. 1, Pteris tremula ; 2, Asplenium lucidum ; 3, Pteris cre- tica; 4, P. serrulata cristata; 5, P. cretica. — A. G. 1, Aloe socotrina; 3, A. verrucosa; 3, Metrisoderos floribunda (Bottle-brush) ; 4, Jacobinia (Justicea) carnea — E. A. 1, Nerium Oleander fl. pi. ; 2, Impatiens Sul- tani. — 1$\ G. 1, Codiaeum (Croton) majesti- cum ; 2, C. Mortii; 3, C. interruptum; 4, Be- gonia fagifolia and the Orchid Brassia verru- cosa.— E. R. S. 1, Not found; 2, Ornithoga- lum longibracteatum ; 3, Pachyphytum hy- bridum ; 4, Adiantum hispidulum ; 5, Aspidium (Nephodium) molle; 6, Athyrium filix-foemina pulcherrima. New Zealand and Tasmanian Beeches : J . C. Nothofagus_ (Fagus) cliffortioides is in culti- vation in the temperate house at Kew, Messrs. Veitch's at Coombe Wood (outside), at Enys, Cornwall, and no doubt in several other gardens in that county and Ireland. Perhaps the most notable specimen of N. Cunninghamii in England is at Osborne, Isle of Wight; it may also be seen at Fota and Kilmacurragh, in Ireland. It is grown in the temperate house at Kew. N. fusca is in cultivation at Kew, in one or two Cornish gardens, and at Castlewel- lan, in Ireland. N. Menziesii is at Kew ; we do not know any other place where it is cultivated. N. Moorei grows out-of-doors at Kilmacurragh and in the temperate house at Kew. Two other Australasian Beeches (N. Blairi and N. Solandii) do not appear to be in cultivation. Nothofagus is a very distinct group of Beeches, confined to the Southern Hemisphere. Some authorities, including Elwes and Henry, keep them apart as a distinct genus, as we think, with ample reason. The above species are all more dr less tender. N. cliffortioides is perhaps the hardiest, as a fine specimen has lived out-of-doors for many years at Coombe Wood. N. Cunninghamii, also, used to be grown out-of-doors in the garden of the late Mr. Mongredien, at Heatherside, in Surrey. But it is only in the milder counties and in exceptionally favoured gardens that any of them can be expected to thrive permanently. We are not aware that any of them are kept in stock by the trade, but you might write to Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea, Messrs. Gill, of Falmouth, and Messrs. Gauntlett, of Chidding- fold. No special treatment is necessary; they thrive in any moist, deep soil provided it is not too heavy. Peach Leaves : F. J. T. The damage has been caused by drip. No disease is present. — F. F. Red spider is present in quantity, and this pest is responsible for the trouble. Tomato Diseased : F. S. The plants are affected with " Black stripe." Spray the foliage, at in- tervals of four days until the complaint is checked, with a solution of sulphide of potas- sium, using one ounce in three gallons of water. Communications Received. — J. Harris (thanks for 2s. 6d. sent for R.G.O. Fund)- -W. Hackett-Laxton Bros. —J. V. & S._S. & 3.— W. W. P. -A. D. D.-J. J. W.- E. B.-Flora-G. B. L— C. G. B.-G. B.-H. M. V.— W. P.— T. D— Anxious -W. G. S.— Sir C. D.— H. S. T.— W. B. H.— Bees Ltd. (with thanks) -Prof. I. B. B.— Sir W. T. T. D.— C. T. D.-S. A.-G. Monro -W. H. W. - A.B. H.& Sons, Mass., U.S. A.— M. B., Java-Dr. F.W. K. — F. W.-R.W. P.— V. S.-H. &S.— H. J. M— A.& McA. — F. M.--R. T. L.— E. F. A.— A. D. W.— ,T. D. G.— C. T. D.-W H. Y.-Chloris-A. O.