>7^reg««w»Msafi-vfflr; LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE June 23, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE & IDccIUp Ollusttatcb Journal HORTICULTURE AND ALLIED SUBJECTS. (ESTABLISHED IS 1S41.) VOL. LIII.— THIRD SERIES. JANUARY TO JUNE, 1913. LONDON : 4i, WELLINGTON STREET. COVENT GARDEN, W.C. 1913- 7 The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX OF CONTENTS. JANUARY TO JUNE, 1913. [June 28, 1913. (For Special Headings see under Books ; Certificates ; Law Notes ; Norsery Notes ; Obituary ; Plant Portraits ; Plants, New ; Scientific Committee ; Societies ; and Illustrations.) A Abbotsbury Castle destroyed by fire, 105 Aberdeen, grants to horticulture, 372 Aberdeenshire, forestry demon- stration in, 372 Abutilon insigne, 26 Acacia dealbata at Branksome Hall, 45 Atonitum A-ckermannii, 53 Actinidia chinensis, 407 Adiantum pedatum, 332 Adnitt, Mr. H. W., .honour for, 106 ; testimonial to, 154 Agave Leopold id, 11 Agee, Alva (Crops and Methods for Soil Improvement), 282 Agricultural Department of South Africa, report of the. 165 Agricultural education, 265, 311 Agricultural Holdings Act, 9 Agriculture, a tropical Univer- sity for, 423 ; the Board of, 137 ; tenth International congress of, 26, 58; research in, 271 Allamanda Hendersonii, 24 Almond, the flowering of the, 73 Alpine garden, the 206 ; a Swiss, 42, 52 Alpine plants, the distribution of, 208, 230 : in a Swiss mountain gar- den, 272 American Ambassador, the, 222 America, endowment of horticul- ture in, 237; scarcity of labour in, 408 American Gooseberry mildew, 272 American notes, 84," 117, 408 American nursery, an, 179 Anchusa, the propagation of, 360 Androsace, notes on, 188 ; A. tibetica,' 362 Anemone alpina, 313 ; A. blanda scythinicn, 312; A. Pulsatilla rosea "Mrs. Van Der Elst," 57 Angrsecum Andersonii, 146 Anoplamthus coccineus, 371 Antarotic continent, plants in the, 123 Antirrhinums in America, 117 ; notes on, 191 Aphelandras, 131 Aphis on spruce, 287 Anlary, the, 71, 103, 167, 203, 327, 345' Apple Bramlev's Seedling, record yield of, 360' Apple-breeding in Canada, 384 Apple canker, 128 Apples : Bitter-pit in, 51 ; colour in, 51; scab and canker on Cox's Orange Pippin, 51; for South America, 121 ; inherit- ance in, 74; Mcintosh Red, 26; Present van Engeland, 325; fruit with more than 10 seeds, 90 Apples and Peaches, cold storage of. 236 Aquatias, P. (T/ie Intensive Culture of Vegetables on the French Sys- tem), 179 Arber, Agnes (Herbal*: their Origin and Evolution), 304 Arsenic in plants. 122 Auld. S. J. M. and D. R. Edwardes- Ker (Practical Agricultural Chemistry), 130 Australia, notes from, 408 ; Onion growing in, 404 Austria, gardening in, 169 Avery Hill, the Winter garden at, 121 Azaleas, Indian. 324 Azara microphylla, 165 B Bacterial disease of fruit b'ossom and foliage, 287 Bagatelle, trial of Roses at, 68 Baker, H. Clinton (Illustrations of Conifers), 417 Balsam Pine, the, 432 Bamboo pots, 26 Bancroft, Mr. C. K., appointment of, 237 Bangors Park, 180 " Barr " Memorial Cup, 254 Barrel, a reversible, 404 Bartlett, A. Cecil (Gardening), 417 Basket-making, Willows for, 286 Batata, or Sweet Potato, 332, 343 Bateson, W. (Mendel's Principles of Heredity), 131 Bauhinia variegata, 378 Bean Aphis, the, 136 Beeohwoods and Yew-woods on the chalk, 172 Bee. the, and the Cinematograph, 73 Bees, the management of, 71, 103, 167, 203, 327. 345 Beet, Sugar, 137 " Beetatoes," 160 Begonia Glory of Cincinnati in America, 117; B. "Julius " as a basket plant, 75 ; B. manicata, 135; B. Nancy, 293 Belgian gardeners, 293 Belsize Court. Hampstead, Dendro- biums at, 247 Belvoir Castle, spring flowers at, 293 Belvoir Park, Belfast, 147 Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal, 25, 41, 62, 153, 403; (annual meeting), 78 Berry-bearimg trees, beautiful dis- play of, 90 Berry, Mr. G. P., 370; appoint- ment of, 237 ^irch, silver, 128 Birds, nestling, the food for, 89, 169 ; an fruit nets, 441 Birkinshaw. Mr. T. W., presenta- tion to, 41 Bitter-pit in Apples, 51 Black Knot disease (Plowrightia morbosa), 340 B'aekman, Professor V. H., ap- appointment of, 153 Blairgowrie, fruit prospects in, 388" Blakeney Point, Norfolk, the new nature reserve at, 97 ; field labora- tory for, 168 Blakeslee, A. F., and C. D. Jarvis (TVces in Winter), 305 Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, the, 137 ; appointments under the, 237 ; new secretary of the, 25 Books, Notices of: — Alpine Flora (Henry Correvon and Philinpc Robert), 200; Among the Hills (Reginald Farrer), 256, 331, 343; Art and Craft of Garden Making (Thomas II. Maw&on), 266: Botanical Magazine, the, 73, 137, 237, 311, 370; Commer- cial Gardening (John Weathers), 248 ; Critical Revision of the Genus Eucalyptus, A (G. H. Maiden), 305 ;' Crops and Methods for Soil Improvement (Alva Agee), 282; Dahlias (George Gor- don), 240; Die Orchideen von Java, 338 ; Englishwoman's Year- Book and Directory (G. E. Mit- ton), 41; Flora of New Guinea (Dr. II. A. Lorentz), 199; Gar- dening (A. Cecil Bartlett), 417; Genus Iris (IF. R. Dykes), 170; Graines et Plantules des Arbres et Arbustes indigenes et com- munement cultives en France (R. Hickel), 187; Kand-list of British Lichens (A. B. Harwood), lb ; Herbals ; their Origin and Evolution (Agnes Arber), 304; Horticultural Directory (Jour- nal of Horticulture), 41; Icones Plantarum Formosanarum (B. Hayata) ; Illustrations of Conifers (H. Clinton Baker), 418; Insec- ticide', Fungicides and Weed Killers (E. Bourca:t). 152: Intensive Culture of Vegetables on the French System (P. Aqua- tias), 179 ; Irish' Farming World Directory and Annual (Irish. Farming World), 41; Journal of the Kew Guild, 137; Journal of the R.H.S. Gardens Club, 9 ; Livre d'Or du Monde Horticole (Louis Gentil), 386; Makers of British Botany IF. W. Oliver), 81; Mendel's Principles of Heredity (W. Bateson), 131; My Garden Diary (Sutton and Sons), 41 ; Nation's Library, the (Messrs. Collins), 370 ; Notes from the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, 329 ; Orohid World, 36; Photographic Almanac (George E. Broivn), 41; Plant Diseases (Dr. W. F. Bruck), 186; Planters' Note-Book (Robert Woochoard, jun.), 26; Practical Agricultural Chemistry ($. J. M. Auld and D. R. Edwardes-Ker), 130; Pub- lications received, 10, 26, 42, 58, 106, 140, 169, 183, 209, 238, 359, 374, 409; Resultats de l'Expedi- tion Scientifique Neerlandaise a la Nouvelle Guinee en 1907 et 1909 (Dr. H. A. Lorentz), 199; Ring of Nature (G. G. Desmond), 417 ; Rose Annual, 1913, 302 ; R. H. S. Diary (Royal Horticultural Society), 41; School Gardening, with a Guide to Horticulture (A. Hosking), 100; Small Gardens for Small Folk (Edith Bering Fuller- ton), 121: Smallholders' Year Book (C. Arthur Pearson, Ltd.), 41 ; Small Landholders' Hand- book (W. Williamson), 90; Story of a Loaf of Bread (Prof. T. B. Wood), 310; Story of Oar Trees (Margaret M. Gregson), 215 ; Sub-Alpine Plants, or Flowers of the Swiss Woods and Meadows (H. Stuart Thompson), 147 ; Sweet Pea Annual, 1913, 42 ; Syllabus der Pflanzenfamilien (D. A. Engler), 200; Traite Com- plet d 'Arboriculture Fruitiere (F. Dufour), 130; Trees in Win- ter (.4. F. Bhikeslce and C. D. Jarvis), 305; Tulips (Rev. J. Jacob) 37 ; Unsere Frieland- Laubgeholze (Ernst Graf Silva Tarouca), 402; Vinton's Agricul- tural Almanac and Diary (H. Greenwood and Co.), 41; Who's Who (A. and C. Black), 41; Writers' and Artists' Year Book (G. E. Mitton), 41 Books, prices of, 253 ; rare, 271 : sale of, 106. 385 Bordeaux mixture, a recipe for, 64 ; for Potatos, 311 ; preparation of, 347 Boskoop Rose Show, 105 Botanic Garden for South Africa, a national, 404 Botanists, vandalistic, 287 Bougiainvillea Sanderiana, 204 Boureart, E. (Insecticides, Fungi- cides, and Weed-killers), 152; Bowling green, the making of a, 33, 50 Brachychilus Horsfieldii, 12 Bnassavola Digbyana crosses, 66 Brasso-Cattleya Orpheus, 36 Brazier, Mr. George, appointment of, 41 Brown tail moth, the (Euproctis chrysorrhoea), 132 Bruck, Dr. W. F. (Plant Diseases), 195 Su'.'u garden, the, 10, 238, 418 Bulbophyllum patens, 363 Bulbous plants, the forcing of, 10 Broncho grass in South Africa, 121, 137 Bulgaria, trave's in, 46 Cabbage root flv, the, 27 Cabbage, early,' 365, 388, 407; the manuring of, 387 Calanth Eegnieri, 66; C Veitchii, 66 Calanthes, new, 89 California, seedcrop prospects in, 347 ; the big trees of, 9 Calochorti, 418 Calyx bursting in Carnations, 124 Cambridge University, school of forestry at, 178 Campanulas, spicate, 206 Camphor for snails, 387 Canada, 212 ; Apple-breeding in, 384 ; fruit-farming in, 386 ; the first Rose society in, 362 Candid opinion, a, 13 Canker and scab on Cox's Orange Pippin Apple, 51 Carnarvonshire school farm at Madryn Castle, 440 Carnations, calyx bursting in, 124 ; in America, 117 ; perpetual-flower- ing, 36, 198; perpetual-flowering and Mendeldsm, 122, 154, 209; perpetual-flowering in the Trans- vaal, 419 ; the propagation of, 7, 39, 59, 76, 107. 123, 154; water- ingr, in winter, 85 Carrots, manuring of, 386 Cattleya Fabia, 114; C. TrianaB, " Queen of the Earth," 146 Cedars, at Wilton House, Salisiburv, 271 Cedrus Libani. timber of the, 239 Celery " blight " or rust, 414 Centropogon Lucyanns, cultural notes on, 26 Certificated Plants : Aethionema armenum Warley hybrid. 293 ; Androsace tibeticum, 256 ; Asters: Falconeri, 357; Pur- domii, 333; Astilbe "Bri- tannia," 426; Auricu'a William Smith, 357; A. "Suffragette," 256; Begonia Lena, 357; Bland- fordia Cunninghamii, 426; Brasso- Cattleya amabilis " Goodson's " variety, 126; B.-C. Cliftonii magnifica, 193: B.-C. heatonensis " Canary." 225 ; B.-C. Menda, 126 ; B.-C. Vilmorindana var. Etna, 351 ; Brasso - Catt- Laelia King Emperor, 316 ; The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [June 28, 1913. Ill B.-C. L. Triune var. " Gratrixa?," 359; Brasso-Lselio- Cattleya Cooksonii, 94; B.-L.-C. Excelsior, 351; B.-L.-C. King Emperor, 258; B.-L.-C. Veitchii, The Dell variety, 334; Calceolaria " Clarefield Gem," 357 ; Campanula Stevenii nana, 357 ; Carnations : Lady Shrews- bury, 333; .Airs. Wilfrid Gotot, 225; Scarlet Gem, 425; Thomas a Becket, 426 ; Cattleya Enid var. F. Lambeau, 62 ; C. Empress Frederick var. alba, 351 ; C. Enid var. Illustris, 359; C. Gaskel- liana Fairy Queen, 427 ; C. Leda, 126: C. Magnet, 193; C. Mendelii May Queen, 351; C.-M. var. Regina, 359; C. Tityus Shrubbery variety, 193 ; C. Trianje alba Souvenir de Louis Verdonck, 193; C. Trianae Colos- sal, 158; C.T. " Ida," 242; C.T. ":Snowflake," 194; C.T. The Baron, 126 ; Ccelogyne inter- media, 62 ; Crocuses ; chrysanthus "E. A. Bowles," 92; "Kathleen Parlow," 126; Cupressus Law- soniana Fletcheri, 357; Cyclamen "St. George," 61; Cycnoches species (provisionally named Cooperi). 30; Cymbidium Alex- anderi "Fowler's" variety, 126; C. Gottianum. 392 ; C. Gottianum superbum, 351 ; C. Humblotii, 225; C. J. Davis. 92; C. Lady Colman var. Golden Queen, 92; C. Wigania.num, 127; C. Wood- landense. 14 ; Cypripedium Al- cinida, 30 ; C. Am.azon, 30 ; C. x Carola, 94; C. Duke of Marl- borough, 194 ; C. Fouldsianuim, 14; C. Goliath, 14; C. insigne var. "International," 46; C. Iona, 30; C. King Ferdinand, 127; C. Ladv Dillon magnificum, 46; C. Ladv Dillon West Point varietv, 159 ; C. Mrs. E„ G. Guest, 194; C. Mrs. F. Sander, 46; C. Princess Patricia of Con- naught, 94; C. Richard Ash- worth, 194; C. Rossendale, 46; C. Roundhead, 225; C. x Snowdon Range, 94 ; C. Waltonensis var. "W. Stevens," 94; C. Welles- leva?, 127 ; C. West Point Monarch, 159 ; Cytisus Andreanus prostratus, 357; Delphinium "Mrs. F. Brewster," 390; Den- drobium bigibbum Lady Col- man, 158 ; D. Harveyanum, 316 ; Douglasia laevigata, 225; Gladiolus, Queen of the White, 426 ; Gomezia Barkeri, 46 ; Habenaria Roebe'enii, 30; Keli- chrysum bellidioides, 256 : Helio- trope The Speaker. 333 ; Hip- peastrum (Amaryllis) Eurasian, 256; Iris gracilipe:., 390; Laelia anceps Roeblingiana, 30 ; Lsp.lio- Cattleya Britannica Wes- tonbirt variety, 351 ; L.-C. Dominiana, Soivt.h field variety, 225; L.-C. Duchess of Connaught, 359; L.-C. Fascinator-Mossiae Burford variety, 334; L.-C. Fir- minii var. ai'dens, 62 ; L.-C. Frederick Boyle " Gatton variety," 351 ; L.-C. Ganymede Holford's varietv, 351; L.-C. Gloriosa, 392; L.-C. Goldfinch " Ashlands " var., 14; L.-C. lumi- nosa Holford's varietv, 258 ; L.-C. Mrs. Temple " Ashlands " variety, 316; L.-C. Smilax Prince of Orange, 158. L.-C. Sylvia Prin- cess Victoria Louise, 351 ; Lilac Hugo Koster, 158 ; Lindenbergia grandiflora. 29 ; Lissochilus streptopetalus. 334 ; Lonicera tragophylla, 357; Lycaste Skin- neri var. "Her Majesty," 46; Maxillaria Fletcheriana, 258 ; Mazus rugosus, 158; Meconopsis Delavayi, 357 ; Miltonia Charlesworthiii, 351; M. vexil- laria Cringlewood variety, 242; Miltonioda Harwoodii Moss's variety, 158 ; Narcissi : 392 ; Caedmon, 258; Eurcpe, 258; Evangeline, 299; Judith, 193; Minicycla, 61 ; Mrs. Ernst H. Krelage, 258; St. Olaf, 258; Ver.etia, 299; White Emperor, 225; Nephrolepis exaltata Willmottse, 357 ; Odon- tioda Bradshawse variety " Hestia," 316; 0. Chantecleer Orohidhurst variety, 351 ; 0. Charlesiworthii Perfection, 351; O. chelseiensis variety St. Fus- cien, 351; 0. Cooksoniae Ralli's variety, 225; 0. daltonensis, 242; O. Diana var. " Fire King," 127; O. Keighleyensis ignifera, 225 ; O. Madeline var. Prince of Orange, 62; 0. Mossise, 158; 0. St. Fus- cien "Ward's" yar., 194; 0. Schroderiana " Highfield " var., 392 ; O. Wm. Thompson, 316 ; 0. Zephyr "West Point" var., 194; Odontoglossum A. E. Thomp- son, 194 ; 0. Aireworth " Bor- lase's " var., 359. O. A. "Good- son's" variety, 62; 0. A. Orchid Dene variety, 391 ; 0. amabile variety " Excelsa," 94; 0. ama- bile Zeus, 299; 0. Amandum, 92; 0. Amethyst " Glebelands " variety, 126 : 0. ardentissimum Ebor, 92; O. Aurora, 316; O. ceres var. "Rossendale." 127; O. Cloth of Gold, 194; 0. crispum ('iibb's variety, 193; 0. c. "J. Howes" variety, 316; 0. c. mili- taris, 316 ; 0. c. " Orchard Dene " variety, 316; 0. c. Rotunda, 316; 0. c. Snowball, 242; 0. c. The Baroness, 4?7 ; 0. Dread- nought, 316 ; 0. eximium Alpha, 158 ; 0. e. Armstrongise, 351 ; O. e. var. " Ellis Markin- dale," 127; O. e. Warnham Court varietv, 225 ; 0. George Day. 30; 0. 'Georgius Rex, 351; O. x Harlequin, 127; 0. Har- ryano-crispum " Ne Plus Ultra," 94; 0. illustrissimum. 242; 0. i. Westonbirt variety, 351; 0. x James Barclay. 94 ; 0. Jasper i irehid Dene" var., 359; 0. X J. Whitmoyer, 46 ; O. Lairessei, 391 ; 0. leeanum majus, 194 ; 0. Lord Pirrie, 94 ; 0. Mrs. Thomp- son, 258 ; 0. Neptune, 391 ; 0. Northeri Star, 127; 0. Othmar- srhem 351 ; (). Pescatorei Lady Holfcrd, 258; 0. P. Sandera?. 30"; 0. Phoebe splendens, 334; 0. R. Le Doux, 94; O. Queen of Gat- ton, 351 ; 0. Rossii majus Ward's variety, 242 : O. triumphans " Hesperidas." 242: 0. tripu- dians. Ward's variety, 242 ; 0. Violina Henderson, 94 ; 0. Wil- kieanum var., 14 ; 0 x Wm. Thompson, 316 : Odontonia : Edna, 316; 0. Firminii, 30: 0. Lselia Sander, 351 ; Olearia Chat- hamica, 357 ; Omphalodes Cappa- docica, 192; Oncidioda Bella, 427 ; 0. _ Cooksoniae. 92 ; 0. Cooksoniae Ashlands variety, 242 : 0. C. illustris, 351 ; 0. C. Ralli's variety, 158; On- cidium crispum var. The Knowle, 46; 0. McBeanianum, 351 ; Paeonia Gismonda, 426 ; P. "La Lorraine," 333; P. L'Esperance. 390 : Papaver "Perry\s Unique," 390; Pent- stemon Davidsonii. 357; Phila- delphus Norma. 426; Potentilla "Boule de Feu," 390: Pri- mula "Excelsior," 390; P. La Lorraine, 299; P. Maximo- wiczii, 256: P. Purdomii, 192; P. viscosa " Beautv," 256 ; P. v. "Jean Douglas/' 225: P. v. "Othello," 225: Polypodium irioides pendulum grandiceps, 91 ; Rhododendron Rose Queen, 333 : R. Wightii, 333 ; Roscoea cautlioides, 357 ; looses : Erna Teschendorff, 299; Irish Fire- flame, 357 ; Lady Plymouth, 317 ; Madame Edouard Herriot, 317 ; Miss Flora Mitten, 333; Mrs. Campbell Hall, 357 ; Mrs. Charles Russell, 61 ; Mrs. Forde, 317 ; Mrs. George Beckwith, 317; Mrs. George Norwood, 426; Nancy Perkins, 357; Paul's Lemon Pillar, 426; White Tausendschon, 357; Willowmere, 317; Salix magnifica, 390; Sarra- ccnia Hrucei. 357; Saxifraga x Faldonside, 158; S. Grandfieldii, 357; Saxifraga Brunoniana, 426; S. longifolia var. magnifica, 390 ; Sophro-Cattleya Saxa " Orchid Dene variety," 62; Spiraea Sar- gentiana, 426; Stachys Corsica, 390; Statice Suworowi'i alba, 426; Stvrax Wilsonii, 357 ; Sweet Peas, Edith Taylor. 426 ; Frilled Pink, 426 ; Thunbergia Gibsonii, 333 ; Trolius patulus Bees' variety, 426; Tulips, 392; T. Massenet, 333 ; Vanda Amesiana albens, 46 ; Wallflower Primrose Monarch, 299. Chalk, Yewwoods and Becchwoods • in the. 364 Cheese, Stilton, the microflora of, 293 Chelsea, the R.H.S. Spring Show at, 329, 346, 349, 369, 372, 407 Chemistry of the soil, 253 Chester's new magistrates, 21 Chicoree de Bruxelles, 58 Chicory, Witloof, the cultivation of. in Belgium, 405 China, plant collecting in, 129, 370, 418 Chlora grandiflora, 188 Chlorosis in plants, 188 Chrysanthemums : cultural hints on late varieties, 4; good market, 217 ; in Johannesburg, the cul- ture of, 376 ; magnesium salts and, 238 ; manure for, 160 ; Mrs. Maud Jefferies, 155; Queen Mary, 73; potassium permanga- nate for, 253 ; stopping, 244 ; use of sulphur in the soil for, 223, 240, 272, 312 Chuck Mr. W., 73. 209 Chysis, notes on, 139 Cinematograph, the bee and the, 73 Civilisations, bygone, the last traces of, 8b Claytonia perfoliata (Winter Purs- lane), 201 Clematis Armandii, 322 Clovers, the Sweet Pea and, streak affecting, 215 Cleisostoma Wendlandorum, 66 Cliveden, Buckinghamshire, 65, 82 Clover sickness, 136 Coat, to make a painted, 432 Cocker, William, the late, 159 Coke, selling by weight, the unfair- ness of, 171. 240 Colonial note, 59 Colour in apples, 51 Columnea glabra major, 238 Combretaceae, the South African, 52, 67, 116, 140, 146, 164, 181, 201, 231 Commercial plant, a valuable, 387 Coniferous seedlings, damping off of, 186 Conifers, dwarf, notes on, 21 Copper sulphate, impure, 385 Corn crops, the, 386 Correvon, Henry, and Philippe Robert (Thi Alpin-i Flore). 200 Corsiran Pine, the, 28, 45, 59, 77, 90, 106, 124 Crisp, Sir Frank, honour for, 9 Crop prospects in France, 386 Crops, the world's, 'J Croquet ground, dimensions of a, 175, 196 Crowea sah'gna, 26 Crown ga'l, 387; New Zea'and prohibition against, i21 Crump, Mr. William, 76 Cultural memoranda, 19, 285, 398 Cutbush, Mr. W. H., on the pro- pagation of the Rose. 373 Cut tings, transporting dormant, 341 Cvanide, fumigating with, 280 Cyclamen, culture if, :30, 172, 189. '209; remarkable, 187 Cypripedium bellatulum, 416 ; C. Demeter, 3 ; C. insigne Sanderae, 230; C. " Roundhead," 230 Cytisus Adamii, 441; C. Ardoinii, '306 Dahlias, collerette, 85 Daffodils, prices of new, 253 Daisies in cricket ground, 196 Dalmatia, Iris hunt in, 321, 338, 363 Darwin, Sir Francis, honour for, 9 Davidia involucrata, the flowering of, 311, 332, 371 Delphiniums, the propagation of, 128 Dendrobium Ainsworthii splendi- dissimum, 162; D. Cybele album, 139 Dendrobiums at Belsize Court, Hampstead, 247 Denmark, progressive, 73 Den of Mains Park, Dundee, 58 Diploma in horticulture proposed, 168, 186, 190 Disa stella, 435 Diseases, plant, French research in, 323 ; International aspect of, 330 Douglasia laevigata, 381 XJO....-H, -'■i'. >• alter Juhn, appoint- ment of, 237 Dreer's, Messrs. H. A., nurseries, 179 ' , x.- t Dublin, the new professorship ot forestry at, 163 Dufour, F. (Traiti Com.pht d' Arboriculture Fruitiire), 130 Dumfries, gardeners' dinner in, 13 Dundee, gift of a park to, 26 Dunn, Mr. Stephen Troyte, ap- pointment of, 237 Dunstan, Wvndham R., honour for, 9 Dykes, W. R. (The Genus Iris), 170 . . Dynamite explosives, cultivating ground by means of, 169 Easter and Kew, 205 Edgworthia chrysantha, 135 Edinburgh gardeners to combine, 188 Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden, employes, 105 ; notes from, 329 ; proposed guild for, 240 Edinburgh winter garden, proposed site for, 173 Educational Colonies Association, 121 Edwardes-Ker, D. R., and S. J. M. Auld (Practical Agricultural Chemistry), 130 Edward, Thomas, memorial, 142 Eelworm, formaldehyde and, 48 " Egap " plant trainer, the, 336 Egg train in North Wales, 253 Elementary species, 42 Elm, dangers of the, 386, 407; curious behaviour of an, 441 Employment, gardening, in France, 32 Engler, D. A. (Syllabus dcr Pflanzenfamilicn), 200 Eremu.ri, culture of, 32 Escallonias, 199 Euproctis chrvsorrhcea (the Brown Tail Moth)', 132 Eustoma Russellianum, 188 Evans, E. H., appointment of, 254 iv The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [June 28, 1913. Evesham, market gardening in the vale of, 58, 156 ; fruit prospects at, 413 Farming, fruit-growing and, in 1912, 124 Farrer, Reginald [Among the Hills), 256, 331 Fecundity, the inheritance of, 120 Federal societies, the formation of. 142 Fernery, the, 249 Ferns, at the Ghent Show, 331 ; hardy British, treatment of, 249 Fertilisation, self, versus cross, 154 Fertiliser, manganese as a, 253 Field laboratory for Blakeney ■ Point, 168 Fifeshire, new park for, 340 Fig, unfruitful, 244 Floods in Perthshire, the, 340 Flora of the Malayan Peninsula, 187 Florists' flowers, 36, 85, 99, 122. 130, 155, 191, 198, 217, 248, 325 Flour paste as an insecticide, 384 Flower garden, the management of, 6, 22. 39, 55. 86, 70, 103, 119, 134. 151, 166. 18.4, 203, 218, 234. 251, 268, 289, 308, 345, 366, 383, 401, 420. 436 Flower pots made of bamboo, 26 Flower show, the U.S.A. national, 84 Flowers, double, 252; in blossom. 138; in season, 106, 253, 404; spring, in the south-west, 339 : the pigments of, 25 Ford, William, the late, 172 Foreign correspondence, 44, 58, 81, 99,149, 201, 285, 331, 365, 381 Forest products and timber, re- search work in, 168 Forestry : demonstrations in, in Norfolk, 337; professorship in. Dublin. 163; in Aberdeenshire. 372; International congress on, 223 ; notes on, 141, 171, 239, 286, 364, 398 ; school of, at Cambridge University, 178 Formaldehyde and eelworm, 48 Formosa, illustrations of the plants of. 418 Foxgloves, Irises and, at Newlands, Harrow, 423 France, crop prospects in, 386 : gar- dening employment in, 32 ; hours of labour in, 58 French garden, the, 23, 55, 87, 150. 167, 203, 235, 250, 289, 367 French research on fungous diseases, 323 French Society of Chrysanthe- mistes, the, 222 Fruit and farming in 1912, 124 Fruit blossom, damaged by bull- finches, 332 ; experiments in the pollination of hardy, 190 Fruit blossom and foliage, a preli- minary note on a bacterial disease of. 287 Fruit-buds not flowering and blos- som withering, 407 Fruit crocs, the. 407 ; in Kent, 434 : in the Evesham and Pershore dis- tricts, 413 ; in Germany and Aus- tria, injury to the, 285 Fruit-farming abroad. 204, 365; in Canada. 386 ; in 1912, 68 Fruit-garden, the market, 20. 51, 101, 118, 148, 213, 301, 332, 377 Fruit-growing in Nova Scotia. 41 Fruit prospects in Blairgowrie, 388; in North Scotland. ^436 Fruit research station in Kent, 137 Fruit trade, the, 89 Fruit tree buds, the ice-box method of keeping, 386 Fruit trees, and ripened wood, 13. 28. 45, 60, 77, 91, 124; in grass land, 100; spraying, in flower, 241 ; stopping the shoots of. 207 ; transplanting young. 107 Fruits, cultivated, the history of, 395 ; of the East, the, 56 ; in Jamaica. 406 ; under glass, the culture of. 6, 23, 38, 55, 70, 86. 102, 119. 150, 166. 185, 202. 218, 234, 251, 269, 288, 309. 326. 345, 367, 383, 401, 421, 43/ Fullerton, Edith Loring (Small Garden* for Small Folk), 121 Fungicides for leaf curl, 423 Fungous diseases, French research on. 323 (»age plums. 106 Galloway, Professor B. T., 222 Gardeners' Company, the, 438 Gardeners, three famous, 76, 90 Gardening employment in France, 7,2 Genetics, report of the fourth In- ternational conference on, 205 German Emperor as an agricul- turist, the, 120 Germinator, a simple, 386 Ghent, International-- congress of agriculture at, 26 ; Quinquennial Exhibition, 57, 253, 290, 294, 313 ; Ferns at the, 331 ; modern village at, 137 ; summer horticultural ex- hibition at, 370, 439 Gipsy Moth, the (Liparis disparl, 263 Glasgow International Exhibition, and Queen's Park, Glasgow, 173 Glasgow parks, gift of plants to, 13 ; salarv of superintendent at, 372 Glass-houses, movable, 241, 255 ; Mr. Pullen-Burry',s lecture on. 427, 442 ; rates on, 273 Goodacre, Mr. J. H., 76 Gooseberry bushes, "tipping," 187 Gordon, George {Dahlias), 240 Gould, Mr. J. C, retirement of. 385 Grapes, Belgian. 188 ; colour and bloom of, 433; grown without artificial heat. 80; thinning, 281 ; Madresfield Court, 45, 60 Grape growers, hints to, 245 Grass, Broncho, in South Africa, 121 ; effect of, on tree growth, 238 ; mud-binding, 237 Grass land, growing fruit trees in, 100 Grasses and trees for the sea coast. 376 Greenhouses, movable. 241. 255. 427 Gregson, Margaret M. (The Story of our Trees), 215 Gregynog. Montgomeryshire, 232 Greiifell, Lord, as a gardener, 438 Grenoble, a national park at, 271 Half-holiday, nursery employes, 44 Hamamelis mollis, 27 Hamamelis. notes on some species of. 4 Hammersmith. St. Peter's Square, 404 Hankins. Mr. Charles, appointment of, 122 Han River, a voyage up the, 129 Hardy flower border, 53 Hardv fruit garden, work in the, 7. 23. 39, 54. 71. 86, 102. 118. 134. 151. 166. 185, 218, 235, 251. 268, 309, 326. 366. 383, 401, 421, 437 Haricot, a new, 25 Hawthorns, American, some new arborescent species of. 114 Hayata. B. (Icones plantarum For- mosanarum, etc.). 41f Heal. Mr. John, 254: accident to, 347. 370 Heather beetle, the (Lochmoea saturalis). 124 Heaths, hardy, 304 Hedera. new species of, 9 Helichrysum bellidioides, 436 Helianthi in Hungary, experiments with. 423 Hemslev, Mr. W. Botting, honour for, ZOO, 222 Henry, Mr. Augustine, 163 ; ap- pointment of, 122 Herbage studies, 74 Heredity and mutation, lectures on, 89, 118, 164. 189, 200 Hickel, R. (Graines et Plantules des Arbrcs et Arbustes indigenes et communemeibt eultives en France), 187 Holiday, the half, 330 Hollyhock disease affecting plants for two successive seasons, 441 Holly leaves, vo'.es eating. 172, 190 Holyrood Palace, decorations at, 372 Hooker, Sir Joseph, a Kew memo- rial to, 171; lecture fund, 105, 153 ; notes on the life of, 5 Hops, the manuring of, 137 Hornbeam, a remarkable, 397 Horses, Lathy rus sativus as food for, 240, 273 Hortensias, blue-flowered, 422, 441 Horticultural colleges for women. 280 Horticulture, examinations in. 404 ; Lancashire County Council School of, 347; progress of. 72; what is, 138, 186 Horwood, A. R. (Hand-list of British Lichens). 75 Hosking, A. (School Gardening. with, a guide to Horticulture). 100 Howe, Mr. William, theft from. 387 Humea elegans, 387 Hungary, experiments with Helian- thi in, 423 Husbandry, the progress of, 14, 75 Hyacinth growing in an inverted position, 104 " Hybrid," the term, 59 Hydrangeas, blue-flowered. 422, 441 Hydrogen cyanide in plants, 74 1 I'Anson, Mr. G., presentation to, 9 Ice-box method of keeping fruit tree buds, 386 Incendiarism at Trevethan House, 205 Indian Azaleas. 324 India, notes from, 406 Inheritance of fecundity, the, 120 Insecticide, flour paste as an, 384 Insects and pests, destructive. 69. 132, 161. 263, 284, 340, 380 Insects, the destruction of, by mer- cury vapour lamps, 169 Insurance, national health, 424 International congress of agricul- ture, tenth, 58 Ipomcea rubro-ccerulea, 104 Ireland, notes from. 325: seed test- ing station in, 330 Iris and Foxgloves. 423 Iris bucharica, 313; I. caroliniana. 44 Iris garden in winter, an. 177 Iris hunt, a Dalmatian, 321, 338. 363 Irises, cultivation of, 244; dwarf, for the spring garden, 229 ; some early flowering, 17, 273 ; some rare, 399 ; trial T>f , 425 Italy, Southern notes from, 81, 149 Jacobinia chrysostephana, cultural notes on, 39 Jacob, Rev. J. (Tulips), 37 Jam, the adulteration of, 210 Jamaica, fruits in, 406 Japanese Larch, the. 121 Japanese Plums, 99 Jarvis, C. D., and A. F. Blake- slee (Trees in Winter). 305 Jatropha curcas (Purgueira). a valu- able commercial plant, 387 Jaysinia Botanic Garden, 122, 139 Jersey Kale, the long-stemmed, 273 Johannesburg, culture of Chrysan- themums at, 376 Juices of plants, the digestive, 328 Juvenile characters in plants, 272 K Kale, Jersey, the long-stemmed, 273 Kearsney Court, Kent, 438 Keeble, Dr. F. W., 153 Kemp, Mr. George, 9 Kent fruit research station, the, 137 Kew Gardens, and town planning scheme, 205 ; closed houses at, 237 ; storm at, 311 ; Easter and, 205 ; employes' wages at, 169 ; fatal accident to an employe at, 254 ; gardeners' entertainment at, 57 ; gift of Orchids to, 105 ; official guide for visitors to, 209 ; wilful damage at, 105, 153 Kew Guild dinner, 311, 373 Kew memorial to Sir Joseph Hooker, a, 171 Kew notes, 3, 146, 209, 304, 409 Kew, plants in flower at Christ- mas at, 3 Kirbv, Mr. A. H., appointment of, 311" Kirkcaldy Horticultural Society, damages against the, 272 Kitchen garden, the management of the, 6, 22, 38, 54, 71, 87, 103, 119, ' 134, 150, 167, 185, 203, 219, 235, 250, 268, 289, 309, 327, 344, 366, 382, 400, 420, 437 Labogr, hours of, in France, 58; scarcity of, in America, 408 Laburnum, with three kinds of flowers, 441 Loelia Gouldiana, 36 Laelio-Cattleya Aphrodite splen- dens, 363 La Mortola, the rockery at, 369 Lamps, mercury vapour, for de- stroying insects, 169 Lancashire County Council School of Horticulture. 347 Land duty, undeveloped, 172, 372 Langley, Batty, as a gardener, 143 Larch sawfly pest in the Lake dis- trict, the, 49 Larch, the Japanese, unsuitable for heavy soils, 121 Lathyrus luteus, crossing with the Sweet Pea, 173 Lathyrus sativus as food for horses, 240, 273 ; L. tingitanus, 408 Lawn manure, 144 Law Notes: Defrauding a nursery firm, 173; Failure of a nurseryman, 375; flooding'- of an Edinburgh market garden, 410 ; Gardener's notice, a, 212 ; growers and undeveloped land duty, 77, 111 ; Horticultural society, action against a, 47 ; Land duty, unde- veloped, 46, 77 ; Rose sale dis- pute, 141 ; Trees, overhanging, 77; What is a small-holder? 392 Lawn tennis ground, the, 163 Lawrence, Sir Trevor, retirement of, 220, 236 Leadbetter, Mr., appointment of, 209, 240 Leaf curl, fungicides for, 423 ; o< Potatos, 253 Leamington Carnation Carnival, 222 Leaves, migration of mineral sub- stances from, 56 ; loss of water by young and old, 88 Lebanon Cedar, timber of the, 239 Lectures at South Kensington, 423 Leonardslee, plants in flower at, 407 Leptospermum scoparium Nichollsii. 255 June 28, 19i3.] INDEX. [The Gardeners' Chronicle. Lettuces, large, 404 Libocedrus (Jraigana, 325 Ligustrum japonicum coriaceum, 265 Lilies, the culture of, 228 Lilies in 1912, 1 Lily-of-the- Valley for market, 228 Lime-sulphur and Bordeaux mix- ture for spraying Potatos, 293 Lime-sulphur and nicotine sulphate, 412 Lime, yellowing in plants, due to an excess of, 422 Limonia Poggei var. latialata, 378 Lindenbergia grandiflora, cultural notes on, 27 Linum campanulatum, 381 Liparis lacerata, 99 ; L. dispar (the Gipsy Moth), 263; L. monacha (the Nun Moth), 380 Little, Mr. William, presentation to, 106 Livingstone as a botanist, 222 Lobelia erinus floribunda, fl. pi.. 89 Lochmoea saturalis (the Heather Beetle), 124 Lock, Dr. R. H., appointment of, 237 Lockhurst. Mr. H. G., presentation to, 271 Locusts, 107 Loiseleuria procumbens, 34? L.C.C. Parks Committee, 188, 253 Lorentz, Dr. H. A. (Bcsultats de V expedition Scientifique Neerlan- daise a la Nourelle Guinie en 1907 et 1909), 199 Lycaste Skinneri, 114 M Mackenzie, Mr. Alexander, testi- monial to, 222, 347 McLeod, Mr. J. F., legacy to, 272 M'Millan, Mr. W., presentation to, 372 Madryn Farm School, 254, 440 Magnesia and Roses, 59 Magnesium salts and Chrysanthe- mums, 238 Maiden, J. H. (A Critical Review of the Genua Eucalyptus), 305 Maitland, Mr. T. D., appointment of, 311 Maize, the sugar content of, 106 Malayan Peninsula, flora of the,, 187 Manganese as a fertiliser. 253 Manor House, Wendover, Bucking- hamshire. Hornbeam at, 397 Manual work in rural schools, 423 Manure, sulphur as a, 188 Manuring of Cabbage, 387; of Car- rots, 386 ; of Hops, 137 Marguerite Mrs. F. Sander, 248, 273 Market fruit garden, the, 51, 101, 118, 148, 213, 301, 332, 377 Market gardening, 58, 156, 408 ; book on, 205 Marshall, Mr., fatal accident to. 254 Masdevallia triangularis, 162 Masters, Dt. M. T., and "Vege- table Teratology," 439 Matthiola pedemontana, 152 Mawson, Thomas H. (The Art and Craft of Garden Making), 266 Mavhew, Mr. Charles, appointment of, 153 Mayne, Mr. J., 311 Mazus rugosus, 190, 210, 240 Mealy Bug on vines, 128 Megaclinium eburneum, 246 Melons, artificial manure for, 48 Mendelism and perpetual-flowering Carnations, 122. 154, 209 Mercury vapour lamps for destroy- ing insects, 169 Mice, field, plague of, 280; in the garden, 79; trapping, 112 Micro-organisims, mutation in, 438 Miln, Mr. George P., new appoint- ment of, 21 Moles, trapping, 244 Monro, Geo., Concert Committee, 88 Mons, J. B., life of, 395 Moraines, 154 Moss, eradication of, 121 Mummy Pea, the, 176 Musanga Smithii, the reproduction of, 370 Mussaenda, the genus, 59 Mutation, heredity and, 89 ; in micro-organisms, 438 N Names, plant, abbreviation of, 386 Narcissi, poetaz, 239 Narcissus, "White Emperor," 239 Nature reserves, 8, 97 National Flower Show, the U.S. A , 84 Naunton, Mr. W. W., honour for, 106 ; testimonial to, 154 'Nectarines and Peaches out-of- doors, thinning, 371 Nesting box exhibition, 73 Nests, remarkable find of, 270 Nettles, stinging, the destruction of, 169 Newstead, Professor Robert, new appointment for, 21 New York International Exhibi- tion, British successes at the, 293 New Zealand prohibition against crown gall, 121 Nicotine, commercial value of, 169 Nicotine sulphate and lime sulphur, 412 Nitrates from the soil, the loss of, 57 Nomenclature of hvbrid Orchids, 13 Norfolk, forestry demonstrations in, 337 North Wales, the poultry industry in, 169 Nova Scotia, fruit growing in, 41 Novelties of 1912, 2, 18, 43 Nun Moth, the (Liparis monaeha), 380 Nursery employes, entertainment of, 9, 57; half -holiday for, 44, 330 : excursion of, 440 Nursery Notes: Bide and Sons, S., 47 ; Bull and Sons, Wm., Chelsea, 302 ; Piper and Sons, J., Barnes, 408 ; Sutton and Sons, Reading, 132, 342 Nyassaland Protectorate, 106 Xvmphaea, gigantea var. Hudson- iana. 423 Oak timber, brown and green, 171, 209 Obituary : Avebury, Lord, 375 ; Bennett, William. 195; Bruck- hout, Dr., 14 ; Clark, George, 195 ; Cocker, William, 159 ; Cooper, Thomas, 360 ; Don, Alex. L., 394 ; Ewing, Wm., 394 ; Ford, W., 128; Fraser, James, 394: Gilmore, Thomas, 243; Grady, Martin, 160 : Grolez, Jules, 48; Hart, Walter, 14; Heath, Francis George, 212 ; Hemming, George, 394; Hill, Daniel, 393; Hindmarsh, W. T., 319; Howell, A., 262; Husbands, Isaac, 14 ; Kay, Charles. 336 ; Kingsmill, Andrew. 227 ; McDon- nell, Patrick, 94 ; McGregor, John, 14 ; McKinlay, George, 393 ; M'Leod, Norman, 336 ; Martin, John, 94 ; Methven, John, 375; Morgan, J. Pierpont, 227; Nicholas, John, 94; Nicol, Robert Hay, 128 ; Pearson, H. J., 112 ; Perry, Amos, 410, 425 ; Pil- ling, Charles Ernest, 432 ; Robbie, Archibald, 319; Ross, John, 94; Ryall, A., 79; Shearer. William, 79; Shepherd, R. W., 112; Spath, Franz Ludwig, 319; Spath, L., 112, 262; Temple, John T., 128; Theobald, William, 48; Tickner, Walter, 173; Van Geert, Auguste, 48; Webb, Ed- ward, 64, 94; Whitelaw, William, 14 ; Williams, Charles, 195 ; Win- field, H. T. W., 432 Odontiodas : Bradshawiae Mocatta's variety, 435 ; Cupid, 363 ; Pene- lope, 363 ; Venus, 323 ; Wm. Thompson, 338 Odontoglossum hybrids at Walton Grange, 146 Odontoglossums : caloglossum, Thompson's var., 416; eximium " Warnham Court " variety, 246; Pescatorei Lady Holford, 283 ; Princess Mary, 329 ; pulchellum majus, 139; splendidissimum, 230 Oils, vegetable, 122 Oliver, F. W. [Makers of British Botany), 81 Olivier, Sir Sydney, appointment of, 25 Omphalodes cornifolia, 380 Oncidium excavatum, 99 Onion-growing in Australia, 404 Oranges, English, 73 Orchid houses, the management, of, 7, 23, 38, 54, 70, 86, 102, 119, 135, 150, 167, 184, 202, 219, 234, 250, 269, 288, 308, 327, 345, 366, 383, 400, 421, 436 Orchid notes and gleanings, 3, 36, 66, 99, 114, 139, 146, 162, 230. 283, 303, 323, 338, 363. 416, 435 Orchid novelties of 1912, 2 Orchid pollen, theft of, at the R.H.S. Shows, 222 Orchid show at Birmingham, 230 Orchids at the Dell, Englefield Green, 285 ; at the Warren House, Stanmore, 99 ; epiphytic, 246 ; gift of, to Kew, 105 ; new, in 1912, 18 ; nomenclature of hybrid. 13 ; sale of, 222, 370 Orphan Fund, Royal Gardeners' (annual meeting); 110, 205, 293, 386; annual dinner), 342 Oxlip Primrose, fasciation in, 323 P.eonia De'.avayi, 405 ; P. L'Esper- ance, 424 Paeony blooms, retarding, 424 Page, Mr. Walter, the new Ameri can Ambassador, 222 Palm leaves turning yellow. 16 Palms for export, packing, 57 ; new genus of, from Colombia, 282 Papaver orientale, abnormal bloom of, 338 Parasites of pitcher plants, 10 Paris congress of horticulture, 1913, 222 Park, a national, at Grenoble, 271; gift of. to Dundee, 26 ; new Fife- shire, 341 ; Selkirk new public, 45 Park employes, public, examination of, 106 Parks and gardens, public, 207, 289, 344, 367, 382, 400 Parks, gift of plants to G'asgow, 13 ; condition of employment in the London, 175 Peach trees, the training of, 145, 189, 209 Peach-house border, renewing a, 96 Peaches and Nectarines out-of- doors, thinning, 371 Peaches. Apples and, cold storage of, 236 ; bud-dropping in, 48 Pea, culinary, a bacterial disease of, 74 Peas, late, 13 Pea thrips, 313 Pergola, tarring a, 16 Perkins, Mr. Henry, presentation to, 347 ; retirement of, 57 Perry, Amos, the late, 410, 425 Pershore, fruit prospects at, 413 Perthshire, the floods in, 340 Pests, scheduled, 69, 132, 161, 263, 284, 340, 380 Phaseolus acutifolius var. latifolius, 25 Phlox decussata, propagating, 160 Phosphorescent plants, 8 Phthorima^a operculella, the Potato moth, 284 Phylloxera, 190 Phytophthora infestans, the sexual spores of, 328 Picea Omorica, 146 Pigeons, wood, reduction in number of, 120 Pigments of flowers, the, 25 Pine seeds, experiments on extract- ing, 26 Pine, the Corsican, 28, 45, 59, 77, 90, 106, 124 ; the value of, 106 Pinks, dwarf-growing, 254 Pine, Balsam, 432 Pinus Ayacahuite, 146 Pisum sativum, a bacterial disease of, 74 ^Pitcher plants, parasites of, 10 Pittosporum with pink flowers, 172 Plant collecting in China, 129, 370, 418 Plant diseases, international aspect of, 330 Plant names, abreviation in, 386 Piant notes, 26, 131, 135 Plant Portraits:— Agave Haynaldii, 137; Aloe Marlothii, 237 ; Amorphophalhis corrugatus, 73 ; Aster Purdomii, 73 ; Cistus Loretii, 312 ; Clerodendron Bakeri, 73 ; Cocculus trilobus, 312 ; Ccelogyne cristata, 137 ; Cytisus X Dallimorei, 237 ; C. nigricans, 137 ; Dendrobium Schuetzei, 371 ; Deutzia longifolia, 370 ; Heliotropium anchusae- folium, 137 ; Hypericum Kal- mianum, 312; Magnolia salici- folia, 237; Pyrus ioensis, 312; Rhododendron sublanceolatum, 137; R. Wightii, 370; Rosa ser- tata, 73 ; Ruellia Harveyana, 237 ; Sansevieria aethiopica, 311 ; Sene- cio stenocephalia, 73 ; Strongy- lodon pseudolucidus, 371 Plant trainer, the " Egap," 336 Plants in flower out-of-doors, 28; at Leonardslee, 407 Plants, New or Noteworthy: — Alocasia colossa, 295 ; A. Micho- litzii, 295; Aralia triloba, 322; Asparagus gracillimus, 295 ; Ca- lanthe Laselliana, 89 ; C. Whitinse, 89; Chamaadorea pumula, 294 ; Dieffenbachia San- dera?, 295 ; Dracaena regalis, 295 ; Echium Wildpretii, and other species, 19; Frinbotrva japonica variegata, 295 ; Hernandia cordi- gera, 322 ; Li Hum regale, 416; Maranta Sanderae, 295; Megaclinium triste, 131 ; Narcis- sus Evangeline, 330 ; N. St. Olaf , 330 ; Paeony La Lorraine, 295 ; Phcenix andamanensis, 294 ; Populus Maximowiczii, 198 ; Polypodium Bartelsii, 295 ; Primula pseudo-denticulata, 264 ; Pterostyrax Henryi, 19; Rhodo- dendron dahuricum semper- virens, 230 ; R. haematocheilum, 214; R. pallidum, 264; R. virga- tum album, 230; Rhododendrons, two hybrid, 230 ; Socratea Forgetia'na, 294; Stilt Palms from Colombia, new genus of, 282 ; Streptocarpus orientalis, 214 ; Trevesia Sanderi, 295 Plants, new, the R.H.S. and, 387; juvenile juices of, 272 ; the digestive juices of, 328 ; that never grow up, 236, 255 ; under glass, 7, 22, 39, 54, 70, 87, 102, 118, 134, 151, 166, 184, 202, 218, 235. 250, 269, 288, 308, 326, 344, 366. 382. 400, 420, 437 Plowrightii morbosa (Black Knot disease), 340 yi The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [June 28, 1913. Hums : gage, 106; Japanese. 99 Poetry and plants, 293 Pollination of hardy fruit blossoms, experiments in the, 190 Polygonum polystachyum in Straf- fan House Gardens, 329 Pomologists, lives of the great, 395 Pont de Nant, Alpine garden, 42, 52, 152, 272 Poppy, abnormal growth of, 338 Potassium permanganate for Chry- santhemums, 253 Potato, Batata or sweet, 332, 343 Potato crop, the, 404 Potato Moth, the, 284; in India, 406 Potato, disguises of the, 205 ; Bor- deaux mixture for, 311 ; leaf curl of, 253 ; lime-sulphur and Bor- deaux mixture for spraying, 293 ; Rhodesian restriction on, 42 ; "seed," the scarcity of, 237; the scarcity of, 293 ; wart disease and deep cultivation of, 254 Poultry industry in North Wales, the, 169 Primrose, oxlip, fasciation of, 323 Primula, Chinese species of, paper on, 275 Primula conference, the, 236, 259, 270, 273, 275 Primula hybrids in nature, 276 Primulas and Cyclamen at Read- ing, 132 Primulas, European, lecture on, 276; Himalayan, 275; in the gar- den, 275 Primulas: Allionii, 85; Fortunei, 238; "Jean Douglas," 267, Sie- boldii, culture of, 412 Prunus Avium, 304 ; P. cerasifera atropurpurea Moseri fl. pi., 190; P. Pennsylvania, 237 ; P. sub- hirtella, 285 ; P. tomentosa, 146 Puccinia malvacearum, 441 Pullen-Burry's, Mr., moving glass- houses, 241, 427, 442 Furgueira (Jatropha curcas), a valuable commercial plant, 387 Purslane, Winter. 201 Puya chilensis, 189, 210 Pyethrums, the propagation of, 160 Quef.n's Park, Glasgow, and the proposed exhibition, 173 Rainfall of 1912, the, 74, 91, 173 Ranunculus glacialis, 117 Raspberry-Strawberry, a, 271 Regent's Park, Crown lands belong- ing to, 440 Rhodesian restriction on the impor- tation of Potatos, 42 Rhodochiton volubile, 310, 332 Rhododendron exhibition at West- minster, 372 Rhododendrums : cinnabarinum, 425 ; concinnum, 341 ; dauricum, 51, 138; prXidum, 230, 264, 332, 343 ; ponticum var. aucubaefolium, 27 Rhododendrons, grafting, in Hol- land, 264; Himalayan, in Corn- wall, 397; injury to, 313; small- leaved, 419 ; variegated, 60 Riviera Mower season, the, 99 Robert, Philippe, and Henry Cor- revon (Tlic Alpine Flora), 201 Rockery, ideal, the construction of an, 133 153, 178, 247, 364 Rock garden, the, 306 Rock plants, a new method of grow- ing certain, 312 Rogerson, the late Mr. Robert, 372 Rolfe, Mr. R. A., honour for, 370 Romneya Coulteri, 209 Roots, 'the length of, 347 Rosa alba, 388 Rosary, the, 12, 36, 68, 84. 114, 162, 181, 267, 302, 323, 378, 396 Rose show at Boskoop, 105 Rose society in Canada, the first, 362 Roses, artificial, at the exhibitions, 123, 173; climbing, 197; cultural notes on, 12, 84, 162, 267, 302, 361, 396; for a south wall, 144; forcing in America, 84 ; King George presents a cup for, 222 ; Eenten, 77 ; lecture on propagat- ing, 378; magnesia and, 59; not- able crimson, 36 ; novelties in, 301 ; packing for post, 336 ; per- petual-flowering climbing, 380; saw flies attacking, 407; seed- ling, 12 ; striking, from cut- tings, 244; the fo-iage of, in spring, 197 ; trials of, at Baga- telle, 68 ; under glass, 361, 397 ; white, for garden culture, 114 ; winter propagation of, 47 ; yellow garden, 181 ; Ellen Poulsen, 302 Rothamsted Experimental Station, 423 Royal Academy Exhibition, the, 331 Royal Counties Show, 385 R.H.S. Council, the, 222; criticism of the, 368, 388; R.H.S. spring show at Chelsea, 138, 329 ; trials at Wisley, 13 ; trials of sundries, 169 ; and new plants, 387 ; new president of the, 168 Rubber market, the, 254 Rubber, new work on, 347 Rucksac, 237 Runciman, Mr., in Holland, 169 Ruse, Mr. Louis Frederic, appoint- ment of, 237 S St. Petersburg botanic garden, bi- centenary of, 385, 423 St. Peter's Square, Hammersmith, 404 St. Vincent, vanilla cultivation in, 370 San Francisco international show, 311 San Jose scale insect, 69 Saw-fly pest of Larch in the Lake district, 50 Saxifraga X Faldonside, 214, 273; S. longifolia, 441 Saxifragas, trial of, 425 Scab and canker on Cox's Orange Pippin Apple, 51 Scale insect, the San Jose, 69 Schizocodon soldanelloides, 198 School gardens in Shetland, 13 School of Horticulture, the Lan- cashire County Council, 347 Schools, rural, manual work in, 423 Scientific Committee :-- Abies bracteata fruits, 142 ; Adioda x St. Fuscien, 46; Amaryllis Bella- donna, delayed flowering of, 274 ; Anthurium X conchiflorum, 334 ; Apple sawfly, the, 442 ; Apples with many or no pips, 77; Ash, early-flowering, 77 ; Bitter pit in Pear, 108 ; Cattleya Mos- siae, bud sport of, 427 ; Chionoscillas, 173 ; Crocus biflorus Weldenii, 108; Cycla- men with branching in- florescence, 46 ; Cycnoches Cooperi, 46; Cyrtanthus, epi- phytic, 173 ; Dahlia plants failing, 211 ; Daffodils from New Zea'and, 427" ; Datura arborea , 46 ; Dendro- bium fuscescens, 77 ; Epidendrum ciliare X Leelia cinnabarina, 46 ; E. kewense, 274 ; Fennel, insect attacking, 46 ; Ferns, alleged poisoning by, 211 ; Foxglove, a branched, 442; Gooseberries affected with Botryosphaeria ribesii, 442; Hippeastrum "run- ners," 173; Holly growing on shingle beach, 211 ; Lselia Lundii, 108; Laelio - Cattleya "Freak," 427; Lathyrus sativus poisonous, 211 ; Locusts and Coconuts, 242; Miltonia vexil- laria X Odontoglossum crispum, 46 ; Narcissus, effect of frosts on, 334; with frilled trumpet, 173; variation in wild forms of, 334 ; Narcissus triandrus albus X N. cyclamineus, 173 ; Oak, blue, 442; Odontioda Patricia, 274; Odontoglossum x " Saturne," 173; Odontoma x " Cybele," 173 ; Oncidioda X Cooksoniana, 108 ; Pelargonium, colours in, 442 ; hybrid, 442 ; Polyanthus and Daisy, abnormal, 334 ; Polyan- thus, hose-in-hose, 274 ; Poly- podium sp., galls on, from the Gold Coast, 77; Primula conspersa, 427 ; Primula, mal- formation in, 242 ; Rosa canina with green petals, 442 ; Saxi- frage, rust disease of, 442 ; Scilla campanulata, 334; Seedlings, variations in, 173 ; Smilax with curled leaves and variegation, 142 ; Stock, fasciated, 242; Thuya, gall on root of, 46 ; Trollius, grubs on roots of, 142 ; Viola with fringed foliage, 442 ; Violet with laciniate leaves, 427 ; Willow buds, grouse eating, 426. Scotland, effects of the weather in, 171 ; flowers in the south-west of, 339; notes from, 13, 45, 58, 99, 142, 173, 339, 372; weather in, 99 Seed crop prospects in California, 347 Seed industry, the, 293 Seedlings, coniferous, damping off of, 186 Seed testing, 187 Seed testing station at Edinburgh, 45 ; in Ireland, 330 ; in Scotland, 372 ; proposed national, 306 Sea coast, grasses and trees for, 376 Seeds and plants collected for the U.S.A. Department of Agricul- ture, 348 Seeds and seedlings, coniferous, 187 Seeds, length of life of, 423 ; steri- lisation of, 121, 172 Seedsmen at cricket, 439 Self versus cross fertilisation, 154 Selkirk public park, gift to a, 45 Senecio Ghiesbreghtii, 188, 210 Septoria Petroselini var. Apii and its prevention, 414 Sequoias of California, the, 9 Sexual characters, development and inheritance of, 174 Seymour, Mr. E. J., 230 Shanghai, a flower show at, 435 Shetland, school gardens in, 13 Shrubs and trees, Austro-Hungarian, handbook on, 402 Shrubs, the mild weather and its influence on, 100 Siddall, Mr. J. D., new appoint- ment of, 21 Silver-leaf disease, 176, 388 Smallholdings, 347 ; and allotments, 188 Small, Mr. William, appointment of, 23f Smith, Mr. A. C, appointment of, 385 : presentations to, 404 Snails, camphor for, 385 Snell, Mr. J., appointment of, 237 Societies: — Bath Gardeners', 175, 194 ; Birmingham and District Gardeners', 194, 211. 243; Birmingham Botanical and Hort., 230, 443; Brighton, Hove and Sussex Hort. , 77 ; Bristol and District Gardeners', 47, 127, 144, 175, 194; British Gardeners', 142, 174, 237 ; (Annual Meeting), 334; (Edinburgh Branch), 77, 211, 375; (Kew and District Branch), 243; Broughtv Ferry Hort., 243, 375; Cardiff Gardeners', 47, 127, 194, 243; Chelmsford and District Gar- deners', 14, 144, 175; Chester Paxton, 127, 142, 175, 194; City of London Rose, 31, 370 ; Corn- wall Daffodil and Spring Flower, 261 ; Coventry Chrysanthemum, 79 ; Croydon and District Gardeners', 127 ; Debating, 15, 47, 127, 144, 175, 194, 211, 243, 359, 375; Dumfries & District Hort., 142; Dumfries and Gallo- way Gardeners', 47, 127, 194, 211, 243; Dumfries Horticultural, 99; Drumlanrig Castle Gardens, 243 ; Dumfriesshire and Galloway Gardeners', 15 ; Edinburgh Bo- tanical, 62, 142, 226, 316, 409; Edinburgh Garden and Nursery Workers' Union, 211 ; Edinburgh Nurserynen, Gardeners' and Florists' Association, 142; Edin- burgh Royal Botanic Garden Guild, 347, 409; Educational Colonies Association, 121 ; Elstree and Boreham Wood Hort., 194; Finchley Chrysanthemum, 194 ; Forest Gate Chrysanthemum, 111 ; Gardeners' Royal Benevolent In- stitution, 25; (Worcester Auxil- iary), 41 ; General Bulb Growers', (Haarlem), 392; Ghent Hort., 410 ; Glasgow Fruit Trade Bene- volent, 46 ; Glasgow Seed Trade, 14; Haddo House, 14; Horticul- tural Club, 46, 173, 206, 243. 373, 403, 427, 442; (Annual Meet.), 108; Imperial Business. 440 ; Irish Gardeners' Association & Benevolent, 261; Italian Hort., 237 ; Kent. Surrey and Sussex Daffodil, 277 ; Kilmarnock & Dis- trict Gardeners', 144, 194 ; Leeds Gardeners' Benefit, 174; Linnean, 14, 63, 174, 335, 404, 409 ; (Anni- vFi-sary Meeting), 392; Liverpool Hort., 77, 242; Loughborough and District Gardeners', 127 ; Manchester and North of England Orchid, 14, 46, 94, 127, 159, 193, 242, 315, 359, 392; Manchester Royal Botanical and Hort., 311; Midland Daffodil, 277; Midland Re-afforesting As- sociation, 237, 311; Mational Auricula and Primula (Midland Section), 334 (Southern Section), 317 ; Nat. Chrysanthemum (An- nual General Meeting), 109; Nat. Gladiolus, 404, 443; Nat. Rose, 270, 316; Nat. Tulip, 374, 388; Northern Seeds and Roots As- sociation, 13 ; North of England Hort., 120, 194; (Annual Meet- ing), 159; Norwich Hort., 277; Nursery and Seed Trade, 242; Nurserymen, Market Gardeners' and General Hailstorm Insurance Corporation, Ltd., 261 ; Perpetual- flowering Carnation, 25, 46, 30, 169, 260, 330; Reading Gar- deners'. 127, 175 ; Roval, 174, 329 ; Royal Caledonian Hort., 46, 243, 260, Royal Counties Agri., 410; Royal Hort., 29, 60, 77, 91, 104, 105, 125, 142, 153, 157, 173, 191, 211, 224, 242, 256, 274, 299, 314, 332, 372, 388, 403, 425 ; (Council Report). 93; (Annual Meeting), 107; (Chelsea Show). 346, 349; R.H.S. Gardens Club, 137, 347, 424; Roval Hort. of Ire'and, 261 : Roval Meteorological. 105, 142, 193. 277. 374; Royal Scottish Arboricultural, 126 ; (Aberdeen Branch), 374; Rud- dington Gardeners', 127; Scot- tish Fruit Trade, 194 ; Scot- tish Hort., 46, 62, 89. Ill, 153, 174, 242, 316, 335, 409; Shrop- shire Hort., 41, 335; Societe d'Agriculture et de Bot-anique de Grand, 294, 313; Societe Fran- chise d'Horticulture de Londres, 276 ; Southampton and District Gardeners', 243 ; Southampton Royal Hort., 109; Stevenage and District Hort., 194; Stirling and District Hort., 194: Stirling Chrysanthemum, 62; Surveyors' The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [June 28, 1913. vii Institution, 120; United Horti- cultural Benefit acd Provident, 63, 144, 194, 277; (Annual Meet- ing), 316; Uppsala Hort. , 253; Vienna Hort., 106; Wargrave and District Gardeners', 175, 211; Watford Hort., 15, 47, 359; Woodbridge Hort., 109; York- shire Gala, 429 Society, Daffodil, a proposed national, 13 ; damages against a horticultural, 272 ; new Dumfries horticultural, 99 ; suspension of the Haddo House, 14 Societies, the formation of federal, 142 Soil, effects of a changed, 273 ; chemistry in the, 253 ; partial sterilisation of, by lime, 9 ; sterilising, 9, 96, 287, 313 ; the chemistry of steam-sterilised, 329 ; the loss of nitrates from, 57 Solatium Capsicastrum " Melvinii," 101 Sophora (Edwardsia) grandiflora, 21 South Africa, a national botanic garden for, 404 ; Broncho grass in, 121; notes from, 165, 419; report of Agricultural Department of, , 165 South African Combretacese, the, 52, 67, 116, 140, 147, 164, 181, 201. 231 South America, Apples for, 121 South-Eastern Agricultural Coll'.ge, 106 South Kensington, lectures at, 423 South, Mr. F. W., appointment of, 311 South-west, spring flowers in the, 339 Smoke, town, and plant growth, 329 Species, elementary, 42 Speed, Mr. Walter, 76 Spraying trials at Wisley, 274 Spring flowers in the south-west, 339 Spruce, aphis on, 287 Statices, the propagation of, 19 Steam-sterilised soils, the chemistry of, 329 Sterilising soil, 9, 96, 287, 313 Stinging nettles, the destruction of, 169 Stone, chipped, mulching with, 394 Storage, cold, of Apples and Peaches, 236 Straffan House Gardens, Poly- gonum polystachyum in, 329 Streak ; a bacterial disease of the Sweet Pea and Clovers, 215 Suburban garden, the, 24 Suffragettes at Kew, 153 Sugar Beet, 137 Sulphate of copper, impure, 385 Sulphur, as an " artificial manure,'' 188 ; for Chrysanthemums, 223, 240, 272, 312 " Sundries, R.H.S. trials of, 169 Sunflower, the red, 285 Sunshine recorders, 306 Sweet Pea, streak disease of, 215; crossing Lathyrus luteus with the, 173 ; history of the, 40 Sweet Peas, 85 ; detection of rogues in, 155 ; development of, 113 ; planting of, 248 ; sowing, 99 ; trials of, at Beading, 57; winter- flowering, 113 Swiss horticultural exhibition, 423 Swiss mountain garden, Alpine plants, in a, 272 Sycamore, a precocious, 59 Tarouca, Ernst Graf Silva (Uiisere Frieland Laubgeholze), 402 Tarring a pergola, 16 Taylor, Mr. H. V., appointment of, 237 Tea industry, lecture on the, 89 Tellier, Mr.' Charles, 222 Tennis ground, management of a, 163 ; dimensions of a, 175 Tepary, the value of, 25 Teuc'rium hircankum, 387 Terminological exactitude, on, 386 The Del, Englefield Green, Orchids at. 283 Thumpsiui. H. Stuart (Sub-Alpint Plants or Flowers of the Swiss Woods and Meadows), 147 Thuja Craigana, 325 Tillage, the use of high explosives in, 404 Timber and Forest products, re- search work in, 168 Timber, brown and green Oak, 171. 209 ; English, some uses of, 399 ; prices of home-grown, 141 ; of the Lebanon Cedar, 239 Times Irish number, the, 205 Tomato culture, 398 Tomato Italia, 423 Town planning scheme and Kew Gardens, 205 Town smoke and plant growth, 329 Traces of bygone civilisation, the last, 88 Trade note, 243, 360, 410 Train, egg, in North Wales, 253 Transvaal Perpetual-flowering Car- nations in the. 419 Traveling greenhouses, Mr. Pullen- Burry on, 427, 442 Trees, and grasses for the spa. coast 376; and shrubs. 4, 21, 100. 165. 199, 225, 264. 397, 419 : Austin- Hungarian handbook on, 402; effect of grass on, 238 ; felling and pruning of, 207; of California, the big, 9 ; planting, soil-b!asting for, 341 Trevethan House, incendiarism at, 205 Trinidad Botanic Garden, 370 Tuberoses, 320 Tulip show, the National, 407 Tulips, at Breslau, 423 ; branching, ,}71 ; the origin of cultivated, 58 Turner, Mr. A., the appointment of, 254 Ulex europseus var. flore pleno, 304 Ulmus campestris, branches of, dropping, 386 U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, seeds and plants collected for the, 348 Valerianella olitoria (Corn salad), 201 Vallota purpurea, the cu'ture of, 376 Vanilla cultivation in St. Vincent, 370 Vanilla pods, faking, 189 Vanillin, artificial, 121 Vaughan, Mr. J. C, 439 Vegetable oils, 122 "Vegetable Teratology," interest- ing letter by Dr. Masters on, 439 Vegetables, notes on, 365 Veitch Memorial Trustees, awards by the, 57 Veitch, Sir Harry, French honour for, 88 Ventilation, 216 Veronica Traversii, 172, 210 Vienna, gardening conferences in, 271 Vine louse, the, 161 Viner, Mr. E., testimonial to, 272 Vinery, mishaps in the, 245 Vines, bleeding in, 32; mealy bug on, 128 Violas, 325 Voles, Holly trees injured by, 172, 190 ; methods of destroying, 96 Vries, Professor Hugo de, honour for, 222 W Wallflower, malformation in, 394 Walnut, the, 387 Warren House, Stanmore, Orchids at the, 99 Wart disease and deep cultivation, 254 Wasted energy 206 Waterer & Sons' exhibition of Rho- dodendrons, 372 Watering, hints on, 285 Water, the loss of; by young and old leaves, 88 Watson, Mr. Gilbert, appointment of, 187 Weather, effects of the, in Scot- land, 99, 171 ; mild, and its in- fluence on shrubs, 100 Weathers, John {Commercial Gardening), 248 Webb, Mr. E., the late, 343; be- quest by, 293 Welshpool, effects of the weather at, 222 West Indies, notes from, 406 West, Mr G., 360 West of Scotland Agricultural College, Glasgow, 45 Wheat experiments, 13 White, Gilbert, lecture on, 373 Wilks, Bev. W., and his new resi- dence, 34 ; testimonial to, 73 Will, bed discovery of a. gar- dener's, 439 Williams, Mr. G. E., appointment of, 187 Williamson, Wm. (Smallholders' Handbook), 90 Willows for basket making, 286 Wilson, Dr. Woodrow, the pro- gramme of, 169 Wilton House, Salisbury, the Cedars at, 271 . Winter, the abnormal, 106 Wisley, spraying trials at, 274 Witloof chicory, the cultivation of, in Belgium, 405, 406 Women's agricultural congress, 404 Wood, Prof. T. B. (The Story of a Loaf of Bread), 310 Wood, ripened, 124 Woodward, Robert, iunr. (The Planters' Notebook), 26 Worshipful Companv of Gardeners, the, 168 Year-books and diaries of 1913, 41 Yellowing in plants due to an excess of lime. 422 Yew-woods and Beech-woods on the chalk, 172. 364 Yorkshire gardeners, retirement of two. 209, 240 Young. Mr. Thomas, presentation to, 106 Zephyranthes, the, 141 SUPPLEMENTARY ILLUSTRATIONS. *Allamanda Hendehsonii, a flowering shoot of (January 11) * Anemone Pulsatilla rosea "Mrs. Van Der Elst " (January 25) *Bougainvillea Sandeuiana (March 29) 'Brown Tail Moth (Euproctis chrysorrhcea) (March 1) Cliveden, Buckinghamshire, the summerhouse at (February 1) *Dahlias Cardinal, Goldfinch, Mrs. Joynson Hicks and "Modesty (April 12) *Dianthus furcatus and D. frigidus in the Pont de Nant Alpine Garden (April 19) "Gipsy Moth, the (Liparis dispar) (April 26) *Ipom.ea rubro-c.t.rulea (February 15) *Iris trojana (March 15) Kearsney Court, Dover (June 28) * Nun Moth, the (Liparis monacha) (June 7) •Xvjiph.h gigantea var. Hudsoniana (June 21) Polygonum polystachyum in Straffan House Gardens, Co. Kildare (May 17) Pont de Nant Alpine Garden, Switzerland, views in the (January 18) * Pont de Nant Alpine Garden, Switzerland, plants growing in the (March 8) Rockery of succulents at La Mortola, Ventimiglia, Italy (May 31) * Rhodochiton volubile (May 10) *Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., portrait of (April 5) * Coloureil PI atcs. (/•'./)■ List of General Illustrations in the text see next rage-) Vlll The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [June 28, 1916. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Acantholimon venustum in Jay- sinia Botanic Garden, 138 iEthionema coridif olium in the Pont de Nant Alpine garden, Switzer- land, 42 Agave Leopoldii, inflorescence of, 11 ; the ornamental foliage of, 10 Alpines in the rockery, Pont de iNant, Switzerland, 27z Alyssum alpestre in a Swiss Alpine garden, 52 Amaryllis Belladonna blanda, 441 Ananas sativus variegata in the Riverview Nurseries, U.S.A., 182 Androsace glacialis, 187; A. primu- loides, 187 ; A. tibetica, 362 Anemone narcissiflora in a Swiss Alpine garden, 57 Angrsecum Andersonii, 145 Apple Present van Engeland, 325 Arenaria purpurascens in a Swiss Alpine garden, 43 Avebury, Lord, the late, portrait of. 375 Azaleas at the Ghent Exhibition, 307 Bacillus lathyri causing streak dis- ease in Sweet Pea and Clover, 215, 216 Bauhinia variegata flowering in Manik Bagh, Indore, 379 Begonia "Julius," in a hanging basket, 75 Belvoir Park, Belfast, views in, 147, 148 Black Knot disease (Plowrightia morbosa), 340 Blakeney Point, Norfolk, views at, 97, 98 Brachychilus Horsfieldii, fruiting shoot of, 12 Burford Lodge, Dorking, views at, 221, 223. 224 Divers, Mr. W. H., portrait of, 108 Douglasia laevigata, .581 Dracaena Massangeana in the River- view Nurseiies, U.S.A., 182 Dreer's, Messrs. Henry A., nur- series, Philadelphia. U.S.A., 180, 181, 182 Dunn, Mr. J., portrait of, 6 Echium Bourgeauanum, 25 ; E. Pininana and E. simplex in a Teneriffe garden, 20 ; E. simplex, 18 ; E. hybrid (E. candicans x E. simplex), 19. Erinus alpinus in the Val de Nant Botanic Garden, Switzerland, 58 Eriobotrya japonica variegata, 293 Ervngium alpinurn in Jaysinia Botanic Garden, 139 Feens, group of, exhibited by Messrs. Bier and Ankersmit at the Ghent Exhibition, 331 Flower beds for planting with dif- ferent colours, plan of, 320 Flowering plants exhibited at the Chelsea Show, 371 Garden, a formal, at the Chelsea Show, 347 Gardener's house at Chatsworth, The, 439. Genista horrida growing in Jaysinia Botanic garden, 140 Ghent International Exhibition, views at the, 286, 291, 293, 295, ' 296, 304, 305, 307, 312, 331 Glasshouses, movable, 241 Goodaere, Mr. B., portrait of, 7 Goodacre, Mr. J. H., portrait of, 76 Gregynog, Montgomeryshire, view in the gardens at, 233 Le Floriste Francois, frontispiece of, 37 Ligustrum japonieum coriaceum, 265. Lilium regale, 416 ; a field of, in America, 417 Limonia Poggei var. latialata, 378 Lindenbergia grandiflora, 27, 28 Loiseleuria procumbens, 343 M Matthiola pedemontana in the Pont de Nant Botanic Garden, Swit- zerland, 149 Mazus rugosus, 210 Meconopsis Wallichii in Belvoir Park Gardens, Belfast, 147 Megaclinium U'iste, 131 Methven, John, portrait of the late, 375 Mice, device for trapping, 79 N Narcissi : Evangeline, 330 : St. Olaf, 329 ; White Emperor, 259. Odontioda Madeline var. Prince of Orange, 92 Odontoglossum eximium Arm- strongiae, 350; O. e. " Warnham Court variety," 246 ; O. Pesca- torei " Ladv"Holford," 283 Odontoma Lselia Sander, 349 CEnothera rubicalyx, 165 Olearia Chathamica, 363 Omphalodes cornifolia, 380 Orchids, an exhibit of, 385 Oxlip, fasciated, 323 Callier, M. Alexis, portrait of, 290 Campanula spicata, 207 ; C. Ste- venii nana, 342; C. thyrsoides, 206 Carnation propagating house, 107 Cattleya Trianse alba " Souvenir de Louis Verdonck," 199 Celery " blight " or " rust," 415 Chatsworth, the gardener's house at, 439. Chelsea show, exhibits at the, 347, 348, 351, 356 Chicory, Witloof, Belgian methods of forcing, 405, 406 China, views by the Han river in, 129, 130 Chrysanthemum Mrs. R. Luxford, 5; C. " William Turner," 4 Clematis Armandii, 322 Cliveden, Buckinghamshire, views in the gardens at, 65, 66, 67, 82, 83, 84 Clover attacked bv streak disease, 216 Conservatory in Messrs. Wm. Bull and Sons' Nursery, 303 Crataegus Geneseensis, 115 Crump, Mr. William, portrait of, 76 Cypripedium Demeter, 3 ; C. "Roundhead," 230 De Cock, M. Lucien, portrait of, 290 Dianthus alpinus, 248 ; D. csesius, 254 ; D. gelidus, 247 ; D. glacialis, 256; D. neglectus, 255 H Harris, Mr. Edward, portrait of, 6 Helichrysum belliddpides, 266, 436 Henry, Mr. Augustine, portrait of, 163 Hooker, Sir Joseph, the Kew memorial to, 171 Honibeam in the Manor House Park, Windover, 397 Hydrangeas at the Ghent Ex- hibition, 305 I Iris iberica var. ochracea, 399 Jayslnia Botanic Garden, plants growing in, 13, 140 ; view of the Giffre Valley from, 122 Jennings, Mr. F., portrait of, 7 K Kew memorial to Sir Joseph Hooker, 171 King, Mr. David, portrait of, 89 Lawrence, Sir Trevor, handing to the Rev. W. Wilks the Victoria Medal of Honour, 109 P.EONIA Delavavi, 403; P. La Lor- raine, 296 ; P. L'Esperanee, 424 Papaver orientale, abnormal , bloom of, 338 Perrv, Amos, portrait of the late, 410 Phoenix Roebelinii, the cultivation of, in the Riverview Nurseries, U.S.A., 182 Phvlloxera vastatrix (Vine louse), 161 Plowrightia morbosa (Black Knot disease), 340 Pont de Nant Alpine garden, Switzerland, plants growing in the, 52, 53, 57, 58, 59 Populus Maximowiczii, 198 Populus suaveolens, 198 Potato moth, the, 284 Primrose, fasciated oxlip, 323 Primula Allionii growing on the Maritime Alps, 85; P. Fortunei, 238; P "Jean Douglas," 267; P. Listen, 271 ; P. Maximowiczii, 267 ; P. pseudo-denticulata, 264 ; P. Purdomii, 200 Prunus cerasifera, the semi double- pink variety of, 190 Prunus subhirtella, 285 Ranunculus glacialis growing on the Gruben Alps in the Valais, 117 Rhododendron concinnum, 341 ; R. dauricum on the rockery, Kew Gardens, 51 Rhododendrons at the Ghent Exhi- bition, 312 Rockery, an ideal, details in the construction of, 133, 153, 178 Rock garden exhibited by Mr. J. Wood at the Chelsea Show, 356 Roses : Ellen Poulsen, 302 ; Irish Fireflame, 365; Mrs. Charles Russell, 61 Roses, details of the work of bud- ding. 379 S San Jose scale (Aspidiotus per- niciosus), 69 Saxifraga " Faldonside'." 214; S. longifolia, -390 ; S. pyramidalis in Sir Everard Hambro's collection, 389 Septoria Petroselini var. Apii, a disease of Celery, 415 Shanghai Flower Snow. " cherry blossom " dance at a, 435 Socratea Forgetiana exhibited at the Ghent International Show, 286 Solanum capsicastrum " Melvinii," 101 Spath, Franz Ludwig, portrait of the late, 319 Speed, Mr. Walter, portrait of, 76 Stove foliage plants exhibited at the Ghent Exhibition. 304 Streak disease in Sweet Pea and Clover, 215, 216 Sunken garden exhibited at the Chelsea show, 351 Sweet Pea affected with streak dis- ease caused bv Bacillus lathyri, 215 Sweet Pea foliage, types of, 155 Sweet Pea, the first illustration of the, 40 Tennis court, dimensions of a, 175 Thermosiphon or heated frame for forcing Chicory, 406 Trevesia Sanderi at the Ghent Ex- hibition, 295 Veronica Traversii in Kilkerran Gardens, 172 Vine louse (Phvlloxera vastatrix), 161 Viola gracilis var. Valderia in the Pont de Nant Alpine garden, Switzerland, 53 W Wahxenbergia (Edraianthus) pu- milio growing in Val de Nant Botanic Garden, 59 Webb, Edward, portrait of the late, 94 Weevils, vine, 320 White, Mr W. H., portrait of , 7 Whitton, Mr. James, portrait of, 108 Whytock, Mr. James, portrait of. 6 Wilks, Rev. W., at work in his new garden, 34 ; in his study, 35 Wistaria exhibited by Messrs. Pipers, 353 Yunnan, Western, views in, 129, 130 January 4, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 1 THE (Sarbeners'dbtoittcic No. 1,358.— SATURDAY, January 4,1913. CONTENTS. Agave Leopoldii Agricultural Holdings Act Books, notices of — Journal of the R.H.S. Gardens Club Publications received.. Bracliychilus Horsfieldii Bulb garden, the — The forcing of bul- bous plants Candid opinion, a Chrysanthemums, late- flowering Daffodil society, need for a national Hedera, new species of Honours list, the Hooker, Sir Joseph Husbandry, progress of I'Anson, Mr. C, presen- tation to Kemp, Mr. George Kew notes — Plants in fl o w er a t Christmas Lilies in 1912 Nature reserves Nomenclature of hybrid Orchids Nui sery employes dinner Obituary — Bruckhout, Dr. Hart, Walter Husbands, Isaac McGregor, John Whitelaw, William ... Orchid novelties of 1912 Orchid notes and glean- ings— Cypripedium Demeter Peas, late Phosphorescent plants ... Pitcher plants, pata=ites of R.H.S. trials Rcsary, the— Cultural hints for January Scotland, noles from ... Societies— Chelmsford Sc District Gardeners' Glasgow Seed Trade ... Horticultural Club ... Linnean Manchester and North of England Orchid... Royal Horticultural ... Society, suspension of a horticultural Soil, partial sterilisation of, by lime Trees and shrubs — Hainan. elis Trees, big, of California Week's work, the — Flower garden, the ... Fiuits under g:ass Hardy fruit garden ... Kilchen garden, ihe ... Orchid houses, the . . Plants under glass Wheat experiments Wood, ripened World's crops, the ILLUSTRATIONS. Agave Leopoldii Brachychilus Horsfieldii, fruiting shoot of Chrysanthemum " Mrs. R. Luxford " Chrysanthemum " William Turner " Cypripedium Demeter Dunn, Mr, John, portrait of Goodacre, Mr. B., port i ait of Harriss, Mr. E. , portrait of Jennings, Mr. F., portrait of White, Mr. W. H., portrait of Whytock, Mr. James, porn-it of 10, 11 .. 12 ... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 6 ... 7 ... 6 ... 1 ... 7 ... 6 LILIES IN 1912. FEW gardeners will feel even a pang of regret at the passing of 1912, and a good many will probably murmur a prayer that they may never see the like of it again. Though it seemed to have rain&d almost every day, at any rate during a consider- able part of the year, the people whose business it is to prepare the statistics tell us that the rainfall of 1912 was not exces- sive, and one is in duty bound to believe them. There can be no doubt, however, that the sun was remarkably sparing of his favours, and as sunshine is one of the few things for which even the wealthiest gar- dener cannot find an effective substitute, one is not altogether surprised that on the whole 1912 proved but an indifferent year for Lilies. It would doubtless have been a great deal worse but for the exceptional roasting and ripening process all bulbs underwent in 1911, an experience which must have helped to carry them through the most dismal season of recent times. A wet winter coming on the heels of a cold and cheerless summer bodes ill for all the more difficult species, and if the present winter continues in the way it has begun, there will be many blanks in the Lily beds next summer, unless care has been taken to ensure quick and certain drainage. The outstanding feature of last year in the Lily garden was undoubtedly the wonderful progress of that fine plant, which, while waiting apparently for identi- fication, has had the name of another Lify bestowed upon it, to wit, L. myriophyllum (of Wilson) (see Gard. Chron., April 27, 1912, figs. 126 and 127). As a rule, the more beautiful of the genus, such as L. auratum, L. japonicmn, L. Leichtlinii, and L. Washingtonianurn, are at the same time the most difficult to raise and keep, but here we have a Lily of ex- ceptional beauty by no means trouble- some to manage and propagate. Even in the past year of sodden earth and sunless skies this magnificent Western Chinese plant not only bloomed remarkably well but ripened a bumper crop of seed into the bargain. Though cocksureness and gardening sel- dom go hand-in-hand for any length of time, one has now had the so-called L. myriophyllum under observation long enough to hazard the opinion that it thrives less well in peat than in loam, and perhaps rather better in soil containing a fair proportion of lime than in that which has none. For the rest, this Lily does not seem particularly exacting in its require- ments, though, of course, that is not to say that the bulb may be dropped into any hole the gardener may choose to dig for it. L. Sargentia-, another remarkable Chinese Lily, which has been masquerad- ing for many years as L. Brownii leucan- tl.uni, has also done splendidly, though seemingly not so robust in constitution as L. myriophyllum, to which, if appearances go for aught, it must surely be akin. L. Sargentiffi grows well in a strong loam, containing rather more than an average proportion of lime, but gradually dwindles away to eternal rest when planted in peaty soils. Lilies of the very late-flowering section seem, on the whole, to have had an in- different time last year, but that was only natural, for neither L. sulphureum nor any of the forms of L. auratum, L. speciosum, or L. tigrinum can be expected to do them- selves justice out-of-doors when the sun is in an almost persistently churlish mood. The actual growth of the plants seemed as fine as usual, but, generally speaking, the flower-buds did not open properly, and where they did the blooms were quite commonly blemished, The early Lilies did extraordinarily well ; the sun was kind enough to most of them, and after a very wet early spring, a six weeks drought in April and May did them no harm at all. The effects on gardens of the roasting heat of 1911- have been apparent in many directions, and in none more than in the curious way the usual flower- ing sequence of the June Lilies was altered. For once in a way L. rubellum, deluded perhaps by the tropical heat of 1911 into believing itself at home in Japan, where it is the first Lily to bloom, was among the very earliest to make its debut, opening while L. Hansonii, usually in flower long before L. rubellum, was still tight in the bud. Midsummer Lilies did not fare so well, for by the beginning of July Nature was giving us a foretaste of the chilly weather she had bottled up for us in her vast cold store, and the result was enough tem- porarily to depress the most philosophic gardener. In stature and growth L. Parryi, queen of them all, was as fine as ever, but as it happened, the sun was altogether lost to our comer of the world for some weeks at the time this and other Lilies were bloom- ing, and one could not expect Californian plants to give us of their best in such unfavourable circumstances. Of absolute strangers 1911 has intro- duced us to one in the fine Western Chinese Lily, exhibited by Miss Willmott at the Holland House Show under the provisional name of L. warleyense. E. H. Wilson, to whom the discovery of this Lily is due, considers it a good species, and it is unquestionably a splendid acquisition. Flowering specimens of a Lily, to which the name L. lophophorum was attached, were exhibited at one of the R.H.S. shows in the summer ; the Lily had doubt- less been given this name under a misapprehension, for it was obviously one of the large pseudo-tigrinum section of which the so-called L. sutchuenense (of Wilson) is the principal representative, and has nothing in common with L. lopho- phorum (Franchet) ; the latter is more cor- rectly known as Fritillaria lophophora. An unusually light-coloured form of one of the early cup Lilies made a welcome appearance at Vincent Square towards the end of May, and was christened L. davuricum var. luteum. Beyond the above-mentioned Lilies nothing at all novel seems to have made a public appearance during the year, but L. occidentale (Purdy) — to all intents and purposes new to gardens — has flowered and proved of great interest horticultur- ally as well as botanically ; bulbs received from Kiao-Chow of a Lily it was hoped might correspond to the figure of L. medeoloides in Elwes's Monograph, turned out to be L. concolor of exception- ally rich colouring. A fine little colony of L. polyphyllum has come into its own at last, after stretching one's patience almost to breaking point, and a most beautiful dcep-yellow-flowered Lily, typical rather more of L. pardalinum than of L. Parryi, yet with seme of the characteristics of the latter species, has made an appearance in a bed of home- raised L. Parryi seedlings. One thinks naturally, though quite possibly without good reason, of the long-lost and almost mythical L. Warei, reputed to be a transi- tional form between the two Lilies, but few people have ever set eyes on the plant. L. Bolanderi and L. Kelloggii, though nearly drowned, are now quite at home, and, after many years absence, L. Alex- andra?, a beauty hailing from the island of Osliima, in the southern sea of Japan, and reputed to have mixed blood in its veins, has made a welcome re-appearance. L. medeoloides, too, an old Japanese Lily, was in flower 16 days earlier than in any of the last eight seasons ; this little treasure deserves to be better known, for, while not difficult to grow, it is distinct and beautiful enough to hold its own in any company ; patience one must have THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [January 4, 1913. with it, for the odd, little, oat-scaled bulb grows but slowly in our chilly climate, and in common with Omphalodes Luciliss, ia held in high favour by enterprising mem- bers of the slug family. L. Delavayi has turned up again, this time at the Botanic Gardens at Edinburgh, and a renewal of one's acquaintance with it only serves to deepen the feeling of re- gret that Franchet should have chosen so uninteresting a plant with which to per- petuate the name of the most assiduous collector of Chinese Lilies of modern times. L. Duchartrei is in cultivation once more, and L. yunnanense as well, while on the last day of the old year bulbs were received from Mr. E. H. Wilson of two species of Lilium from Korea. For gardening folk in general, and growers of Lilies in particular, there could be no greater contrast than the seasons of 1911 and 1912, and while, no doubt, abnormal in themselves, they furnish apt illustrations of the difficulties the amateur has sometimes to contend with, for it is the abnormal season that punishes the gardener who is not prepared for con- tingencies ; in 1911 the long, scorching drought made cemeteries of many colo- nies of Lilies in gardens where water was not available ; 1912, on the other hand, must have brought home to scores of people the paramount importance of sharp drainage. The moral is writ large for those with eyes to see it ; it is that to succeed with Lilies in general one must be prepared for the abnormal season, be it blistering hot or soaking wet ; then, if the soil is right and the bulbs are sound to start with, al- most the only uncertain element, except perhaps a record frost, will be the sun ; he may fail us as he failed us in 1912, but if he should, the effect will be but transient, and while of necessity there must be a proportion of deaths, one will not have to mourn the loss of a tithe of the treasures that go to their doom when the gardener is caught napping. A. Grove, Kentons, near Henley-on-Thames. NOVELTIES OF 1912. ORCHIDS. In the past year many charming addi- tions to garden Orchids have been forth- coming from the collections of those who make the raising of seedlings their chief consideration. Evidence of this fact is furnished by the records of the Awards made by the Orchid Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, the number, including the Awards made at the Great International Exhibition, being 158. Many of the choicer novelties have been illus- trated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, and coloured paintings with the full records of each plant have been added to the Royal Horticultural Society's invaluable collec- tion of Orchid paintings, which now num- bers nearly 2,000. Lt.-Col. Sir George L. Holford, K.C.V.O., and his Orchid grower, Mr. H. G. Alexander, sustain their role of champions amongst the amateur culti- vators, the Westonbirt awards of the year including 14 First-class Certificates and 13 Awards of Merit. The individual plants shown in the superb groups staged by Mr. Alexander merit the highest praise, not only for artistic arrangement but also for the wonderful show of flowers borne by each specimen in propor- tion to the size of the plant. Among those for which Mr. Alexander received Cultural Commendations were the grand specimen of the scarlet Sophronitis with 100 flowers (March 19) ; the fine mass of pure-white Miltonia vexillaria " Snow- flake " (June 4) ; and Cattleya Tacitus and C. Euphrasia, with 10 flowers on a spike, both exhibited in August. C. Dirce rnag- nifica, which won, in addition to the First- class Certificate, the cup offered for the best Cattleya at the International Exhibi- tion; C. Mendelii "Queen Mary " ; 0. Artemis ; C. Peetersii " Westonbirt variety," Odontoglossum Merlin (Febru- ary 6) ; Lselio-Cattleya Lustre var. Lavingo, L.-C. glaucus, L.-C. Golden Oriole var. Ruby, Cypripedium Nora (January) ; C. Demeter (December 17); Brasso-Cattleya The King (International Show) ; the large, pure white Miltonia vexillaria " Snowflake," the pale yellow Dendro- bium Dalhousianium luteum and the charming blue Vanda ccerulea " Lady Holford," which crowned the beautiful group of the species shown at the Orchid Show on November 5 and 6, all obtained First-class Certificates. The Award of Merit plants from Westonbirt included the beautiful Cypri- pedium Muriel (November 5), C. Viking, C. Latona, Cattleya Dirce " Westonbirt variety," Odontoglossum His Majesty, Lselio-Cattleya Lustre var. Buddha, L.-C. Gladiator, L.-C. luminosa var. Mandarin, L.-C. Golden Fleece, L.-C. Golden Oriole " Holford's variety," Cattleya Fabia gloriosa, C. Sunset, 0. Hardyana La Perle, and the pretty white C. Brenda. Baron Bruno Schroder, the Dell, Englefield Green (gr. Mr. J. E. Shill), well maintained the fame of The Dell collec- tion by contributing some specially fine exhibits which gained First-class Certifi- cates in all but two cases. They com- prised Laslio-Cattleya Baroness Emma (a grand flower) ; L.-C. Bella alba, Laslia purpurata Schroderae, a fine, white flower with delicate rose-coloured front to the lip ; Cattleya Dupreana, C. labiata Opal, white and of fine shape ; Brasso-Cattleya Digbyano-Mossise " The Dell variety," the best white form of this hybrid ; Miltonia Bleuana Rising Sun, Cyinbidiurn Pauwelsii " The Dell variety," and a fine white form of Calanthe Baron Schroder, providing a contrast to the large, dark-centred original form raised at The Dell. A noble specimen of Cypri- pedium W. R. Lee, with over 40 flowers, secured for Mr. Shill a Cultural Commen- dation. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.O.V.O., Burford (gr. Mr. W. H. White), who pos- sesses a large, varied, and well-cultivated collection, maintained in fine condition for many years, obtained First-class Certifi- cates for Lselio-Cattleya Trimyra, a charming yellow flower; and Odonto- glossum Uro-Skinneri " Burford variety," which has a very large labellum densely spotted with purplish-rose. Sir Trevor obtained Awards of Merit for Zygo- petalum Mackayi Sanderianum, a variety with white instead of the typical blue lip ; Miltonioda Harwoodii, and Cypri- pedium Eurybiades. Some fine speci- mens of good culture have also been shown from Burford, Mr. White having secured Cultural Commendations for Cypripedium W. R. Lee and Platyclinis unoata, this latter plant bearing over 60 flower spikes. A Botanical Certificate was received for Eria rhyncostyloides. J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebelands, South Woodford (gr. Mr. J. Davis), whose plants thrive and flower admirably, although they are cultivated but a short distance from the City, secured First- class Certificates for the beautiful Odontoglossum crispum Saga, the superb Odontioda Latona " Fowler's variety," Cattleya Schroderae Glebelands, and Cymbidium Woodhamsianum " Fowler's variety." Awards of Merit were obtained for Odontoglossum Memoria Lily Neu- mann, O. Jasper " Fowler's variety," Odon- tioda Devossiana " Fowler's variety," the white Cattleya Mendelii Thule, Cypripe- dium Hera-Beeckmannii, C. Glebelands (a prominent object in his fine group at the Orchid Show, November 5) ; and Odonto- glossum Jasper " Fowler's variety." F. M. Ogilvie, Esq., The Shrubbery, Oxford (gr. Mr. Balmforth), at the last meeting in 1912 showed one of the finest Orchids of the year in his blood-red Sopbro-Laslio-Cattleya Thisbe, which ob- tained a First-class Certificate, a similar award falling to< his very distinct Odontioda Mrs. Ogilvie, a plant which was much admired in Mr. Ogilvie's splendid group at the International Exhibition, and to Cypripedium elatior " Shrubbery variety," whilst Odontoglossum ardentis- simum Carmen, O. percultum King George, and the clear yellow Lselio- Cattleya Scylla won Awards of Merit. Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr. Mr. Hopkins), who cultivates and exhibits his plants with rare skill, found his best novelties in Lselio-Cattleya Mrs. W. Hopkins and L.-C. Bertram, two fine hybrids of very rich colour. He also showed Cypripedium San-Actseus " West- field variety " (January 9) ; and the very handsome C. Sir William Chance and Sophro-Cattleya westfieldensis (Decem- ber 17). Awards of Merit were obtained in each instance. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park (gr. Mr. Collier), from the many fine scarlet Odontiodas raised at Gatton secured Awards for O. Bradshawise gat- toniensis (F.C.C.), O. B. Lady Colnxan, a very bright flower ; the yellow Dendro- bium Golden Ray, and Odontoglossum Queen of Gatton. C. J. Phillips, Esq., The Glebe, Seven- oaks (gr. Mr. Bucknell), who has only re- cently commenced showing specimens from his small but choice collection, secured a First-class Certificate for his fine, white- petalled Cattleya Dionysius, and Awards of Merit for Odontoglossum Thais " Glebe variety," Laelio-Ca.ttleya Phcenix, and L.-C. St. Gothard " Glebe variety." E. H. Davidson, Esq., Orchid Dene, Twyford, who possesses a fine new block of Orchid houses in a good district, and a keen appreciation of good things, was successful during the year in ob- taining a number of awards. His best Januakx 4, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. the lower surface covered with a soft, felt-like tomentum, to which the specific name refers. The flowers are of the same type as those of H. arborea, the petals being § inch long, thin, very narrow, but not so wavy. Whilst they are as large as, or probably larger than, those of H. arborea, they are of an even brighter yellow, and open a fortnight or so earlier. H. viaginica. — This species is a native of the United States, and was introduced in 1736. It is remarkable for the fact that it does not bloom until the leaves begin to fall. In September and October, just as its leaves begin to die off in a cloud of pale golden-yellow, it comes into bloom, and at that time it has a very interesting ap- pearance, as the branches are then studded with the peculiarly-formed flowers, the only con- spicuous feature in which is the four long, nar- row, yellow petals. The blooms being produced in large numbers, form an attractive feature at a time when few other shrubs are in flower. In this country it assumes the shape of a some- what open bush, and is seen to the greatest ad- vantage when about 6 feet in height, though in America it attains greater dimensions. It is a strong grower, and will soon reach a height of 10 feet or more. H. Zuccariniana is much like H. japonica except that the calyces are darker and the flowers lighter, whilst the plant blooms a month later. These two resemble each other so closely that, unless carefully examined, the difference between them is not noticeable. Wijudham Fitzherbert. SIR JOSEPH HOOKER. It is an admirable custom of the Royal Society to confide the task of writing the obituary notices of its deceased Fellows to one of its own body, and to allow the writer in each case ample time wherein to discharge the pious duty. Thus it is that we look to the Proceed lays of the Royal Society for a thorough and sympathetic account of the life and work of the distinguished men of science of whom death has robbed us. The custom has been followed in the case of the late Sir Joseph Hooker, and when we say that the task, at once inspiring and sad, of writ- ing the obituary notice of that great man has been confided to Sir William Thiselton-Dyer, we have given a guarantee that the memorial will lack nothing either in literary expression or in scientific value. In truth, the account which Sir William has written of his great predecessor at Kew is in all respects a masterly performance, for in its pages both Hooker and his greatness live. We have published already in these columns — from the pen of Mr. Botting Hemsley — the story of Sir Joseph Hooker's labours in botanical science, hence in citing from Sir William Thiselton Dyer's memoirs of Hooker we shall confine ourselves to the concluding pages, wherein is the following interesting and striking picture of Hooker's personality. Hooker was 5 feet 11 inches in height, and throughout life spare and wiry in figure. In 1859 Huxley wrote to him: "Don't let all the flesh be worried off your bones (there isn't much as it is)." There was a touch of the " quarter- deck " in his carriage. With a fresh com- plexion, there was in later life a general rugged- ness in his aspect, and he was somewhat indifferent as to his personal appearance. Those who knew him in middle age think the published photograph by Mrs. Cameron most characteristic. There are portraits by Collier at the Royal Society and by Herkomer at the Linnean. Huxley wrote of this in 1859 (H.L.L., vol. 2, p. 232), " You were never quite so fat in the cheeks," and quizzed him about the fur coat; it certainly gave an aldermanic effect wholly foreign to him. Great powers of physical endurance carried him through his travels with no permanent in- jury to health. His temperament was nervous and high-strung, and he could not stand petty worries, especially those incidental to official life. A somewhat strict disciplinarian, he always re- tained the sense of official subordination, which he had no doubt learnt in his naval service. He was careful to note that he acted " under instruc- tions/' and would speculate as to what the "Board" would say in the smallest administra- tive details. His outlook on life was calm and philosophic ; science and its progress constituted his absorbing and single-minded interest. He would spare no pains to advance it. The x Club kept him in touch with what was being done out- side his own subject. Geographical research was with him a passion only second to botany. Had there is not some inward motive power to compel us to exercise our faculties, and some inward heat, some fervour, to ripen the fruits of our labours." In his own case, he was content to have found it in the motto of Prince Henry of Portugal, the father of navigation, " talent de bien faire," " the wish to do well." His literary style in early life was laboured and sometimes obscure, but later became nervous and precise, and he was singularly happy, especi- ally in technical matters, in seizing the felicitous and pregnant word. Though as a young man he had beguiled a tedious journey through the Sundarbans with Tennyson's Princess, poetry had no appeal to him in after-life. But artistic tastes, inherited from both parents, were not. . ■ FjG. 3. — CHRYSANTHEMUM " MRS. R. LUXFORD, (See p. 4.) BEARING 70 BLOOMS. he not been a great botanist, he might have been an even greater geographer. He had a great gift for securing and retaining friendship, which was helped by a keen sense of humour and an admirable gift in letter-writing, which he doubtless inherited from his maternal ancestors. He was a vivacious conversationalist, fond of paradox for the sake of stimulating dis- cussion, but was little prone to draw on his past experiences. He was nervous about public speaking, but when pushed could make an excellent speech, rising to some eloquence. The speech made on the occasion when his health was proposed as Copley Medallist was a notable perform- ance, reviewing with a dignified modesty the " incidents that directed my own scientific life," and concluding that they " are fruitless, if atrophied. He was an accurate and more than ordinarily skilful draughtsman. He was an ardent collector of Wedgwood, and the severity of Flaxman's line and composition particularly appealed to him. He derived much pleasure at home and abroad from the older masters, and admired the modern French school before its later developments. He continued to enjoy music of a classical type throughout. A few words may be said to indulge a reason- able curiosity as to the physical conditions of a life in which so much was accomplished and which was so prolonged. He was very abstemious and smoked only moderately, but never at work. He could dispense with sleep to a remarkable ex- tent. In his prime he would work till two, to wake at five and read in bed till seven, a habit he had contracted as a student. THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [Januaby 4, 1913. The Week's Work. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Carrots in Pits. — A sowing of Carrots should be made without delay, to provide a supply of young roots early in the year. Fire- heat is not necessary, provided a bed is made in a brick pit to produce a mild and lasting bot- tom heat. Leaves are best for the purpose ; they should be — p 1 a c e d to- gether to fer- ment a few days before they are formed into the bed, which should be trodden as tightly as possible. Place a layer of rich soil over the bed to a depth of 9 inches, and make the soil moder ately firm with the back of a wooden rake. When the surface has been made smooth sow the seeds, and lightly cover them with fine soil. If the soil is moderately moist at the time of sow- ing, very little water need be applied until the young plants appear, when soft water should be afforded through a fine rose early in the day. Slugs often prove troublesome to young Carrots, but may be kept in check by frequent light dustings of soot. Good varieties for present sowing include Early Scarlet Horn and Early Gem. French Beans. — If French Beans are sown at the present time, the plants will furnish pods about the end of February. Pots 7 inches in diameter are large enough for this sowing. The pots should be crocked and made three parts full with a compost consisting of two- thirds sandy loam and one-third leaf-mould. The soil should be made moderately firm. Six seeds may be placed in each pot, and, when the young plants are well through the soil they may be reduced to four specimens in each pot. Later, top-dressings of rich soil should be afforded in order to encourage the roots to grow near to the surface. The plants should be placed near to the roof-glass, and, as growth advances, they should be syringed frequently to prevent insect pests. "The Belfast" and "Progress" are two suit- able varieties for pot culture. Mushrooms. — A supply of Mushrooms may be obtained through the winter and spring months provided sufficient material is available for mak- ing the beds. Horse-droppings should be col- lected daily, and placed in an open shed where they may be turned frequently. If they are allowed to become sour, failure is sure to result. After they are prepared properly the droppings should be removed to the Mushroom house, and allowed to remain loose in the bed until the temperature has reached 85°. At this stage the manure should be turned and rammed together tightly. The spawn should be inserted when the temperature has dropped to 80°, and a few days afterwards the bed should be covered with loam to the depth of 1 inch. Watering will not be necessary until the Mush- rooms appear, which should be in about five weeks from the time of spawning but the atmo- sphere of the house should be kept moist by frequently syringing the walls and floor with water warmed to 60°. No fire-heat should be applied during mild weather. Cucumbers. — If Cucumber seeds have not been sown already, this work should be done without delay. Sow them singly in small, clean pots, and place them over a brisk bottom heat near to the roof-glass. When the plants have made their third rough leaf they should be planted on small mounds of soil placed over a hotbed. The compost should consist of two-thirds sandy loam and one-third leaf-mould, and each heap should not contain more than sufficient soil to cover the roots, especially for the earliest plants. By this means the grower will be enabled to top-dress the roots frequently, affording fresh so.il on each occasion. A tem- perature of 70° is suitable during mild weather. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By James Whytock, Gardener to the Duke of Bucclelch, Dalkeith Palace, Midlothian. Preparations for Forcing. — One of the most important details in the successful cultiva- tion of fruits under glass is cleanliness ; it is therefore essential that the house, fruit trees, and any plants that may be introduced for a time during the winter be all scrupulously clean. It is best not to introduce flowering or foliage plants in the fruit- houses, but where this is unavoid- able care must be taken that the plants are not in- fested with insect pests. While the trees are at rest the woodw o r k should b e s c r u bbed with soap and water, the walls either painted or limewashed, and the trees themselves given a thorough cleansing, using an insecticide if necessary. The old top- dressings on the borders should "be removed, and replaced with fresh materials. If it is considered that the borders require overhauling, most of the soil should be taken out, the drainage put in a proper condition, and fresh compost pro- vided. Early Peaches and Nectarines. — In many districts pot-trees of these fruits give bet- ter results than specimens planted in borders. At _ Dalkeith we commence gathering ripe fruits at the end of April from trees in borders, most of the roots being in- side the house. But permanent trees will not re- spond to very early forcing, unless they were cropped fairly early the previous year, and dur- ing the early stages very little fire-heat should be employed. The trees are in flower in houses which were started at the beginning of Decem- ber : the temperature is kept at 55° in mild weather, but it may be 5° lower or even less in very cold weather. No harm will be done if the sun's rays cause the temperature to rise to 60° : in any case it is advisable that the day tem- perature should be 5° higher than usual when the trees are in bloom. Fresh air should be ad- mitted both night and day whenever the weather is favourable, the object being to promote a con- stant circulation of air, as this is essential to the proper development of the blossoms and the setting of the fruits. During very cold weather the top ventilators should not be opened, for cold air should only be admitted through specially-guarded apertures. It has been my practice for several years past to spray the tree's very lightly during the middle of the day, when the sun is shining for preference, to ensure the setting of the fruits, and I find that other means of pollination are unnecessary, a6 almost every flower sets. The successional house should be got in readiness so that forcing may be com- menced early during the present month. The temperature for the first fortnight should be maintained at 45° to 50°. , The Vineries. — As in the case of Peaches pot-plants are best for furnishing an early supply of ripe Grapes. Pot-vines started last November, by plunging them in a hot-bed of leaves and litter, should have the lateral growths thinned when it can be decided which are the best shoots to retain. Do not allow the vines to carry a large crop, for it is better to secure a few good bunches than a number of smaller ones with inferior berries. The hot-bed will need fresh materials added to maintain the necessary heat. The temperature of the vinery should be 65°, with a rise of about 10° during the day, more or less according to the weather. The hot- bed should be sprinkled occasionally with some soluble nitrogenous manure, such as ammonia, as this will tend to produce healthy foliage. The successional vinery may be started now : for the first two weeks after closing the house the temperature should be 50° to 55°. Promote atmospheric moisture by syringing and damping the paths and bare spaces, regulating the amount according to the conditions out-of-doors. There is still time in the case of late vines to do any necessary renovation to the borders, but it is not advisable to disturb both the outside and inside borders the same season. In doing this work preserve the roots from injury as much as pos- sible, and above all see that the drainage is effi- cient. The soil need not be more than 2's feet in depth, and should be of a retentive nature, with plenty of old mortar rubble incorporated with it. Arrange the roots near to the surface, and guard against wetting the soil to excess until the roots are growing actively. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Edward Harriss. Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockinge, Berkshire. Propagating Bedding Plants. — The scheme of floral decoration out-of-doors for the coming season should be arranged so that it may be known approximately what numbers of the various plants will be required. The pro- pagator should be informed as early as possible so that he lias plenty of time in which to work up a suffi- cient stock. Standard plants of F u c hs i as, C al c eolaria a m p 1 e x i- caulis, Pelar- g o n i u m s, La n tanas, Streptosolen J a me sonii, and Mar- g u e r i t e s should be shifted into larger pots when in- creased root- room is ne cessary, keeping them in a house having a tem- perature of 55° or 60°. They will grow freely if the atmosphere is " kept moist and the .foliage sprayed with lukewarm rain-water occasionally. " When the leading shoots have attained a desired height they should be pinched and all growths beiow the "head" removed frequently. Standard plants require plenty of room ; where space is limited they may be arranged amongst dwarfer subjects. Specimen or dot plants should be given a similar treatment. Many of last year's specimen and standard plants may be utilised again provided they were pruned hard when lifted from the beds in the autumn. They will do best in a cool house, as it is not desirable for them to make much growth for at least another two months. During the past few years annuals have become very popular in the flower garden. Most of them have a pleasing habit of growth, whilst their flowers are brilliant and of diverse colours. As certain kinds must be sown at the end of the present month, the seeds should be ordered at once. Antirrhinums are among the most useful annuals for massing in beds, but the colours need to be selected carefully. Larkspurs also are very effective and useful for supplying cut blooms. Clarkia, Godetia, Dimorphotlieca, Phlox Drummondii, Phacelia, Nemesia, Nigella. Lavatera. Dianthus, Salvia. Coreopsis and Cos- mea are a few annuals which may be used effec- tively in the flower garden. January 4, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking. Dendrobium. — In consequence of the mild winter, such species as D. Wardianum, D. cras- sinode, and D. lituiflorum have, in addition to developing their flower-buds, commenced to make new growth from the bases of the flowering growths. These plants and their hybrids, which include D. Clio, D. micans, D. Juno, D. Astrea, D. Wardl- ano - japoni- c u m, D. Aspasia, D. Alcippe, and D. crassi- node- Wardi- anum (syn. D. Waltonii) will require special at- t e n t i o n. E v ery tinny possible should Lie done to pre- vent the new growths from develop- ing quickly ; regulate the tempera- tures so that the condi- tions are not too warm, afford moisture sparingly at the roots, and do not pro- mote too much atmospheric moisture. Unless these conditions are observed, the flower-buds will be liable to turn yellow and drop. Keep the plants for the present in a comparatively cool and dry atmosphere, in a temperature varying between 50° and 60°, affording plenty of fresh air whenever the weather is favourable. It is advisable to expose the plants to all the sunshine. They should be examined carefully two or three times weekly to see if water is necessary ; if the new pseudo bulbs show the slightest signs of shrivelling, water the roots sparingly. When the flower-buds are well advanced, place the plants in a rather warmer atmosphere in full exposure to the light. Afford a little extra water to the roots as the flowers expand, but even then, and until the flowers fade and the young growths commence to develop new roots, watering must be done with great care, as the growths art- liable to damp off. D. nobile, D. aureum, D. Findlayanum, D. Linawianum, D. transparens, D. Pierardii, and their hybrids are not so difficult of management. The plants should be rested in a cool house till the flower-buds are well ad- vanced, when they should be removed to the Cattleya house and watered carefully till the flowers are over. By that time it will be seen that there are some plants which have not com- menced to grow. These may, with advantage, be returned to the cool house and rested again until growth commences afresh. Plants of I). primulinum, D. crepidatum, D. cretaceum, D. Parishii, D. albo-sanguineum, D. capillipes, D. aggregatum, D. superbum, also its rare varieties Burkei and Anosmum ; D. Huttonii, and the pure- white D. Dearei, should be suspended near to the roof-glass of the Cattleya house and be kept rather dry at the roots till the flower-buds appear. When the inflorescences become prominent, it is advisable to place the plants in the lightest posi tion in the East Indian or other warm house. D. superbiens, and especially its varieties, often fail to bloom satisfactorily ; the principal cause of this is because they are not grown in a cool house and the roots kept dry and resting for a sufficient period. The tall-growing species, including D. fimbriatum, D. moschatum, D. Paxtonii, D. clavatum, and D. dixanthum, should still be at rest, and remain so for the next two or three months. Under this treatment they will be more floriferous and pro- duce larger spikes than if grown in warmer con- ditions. D. Dalhousianum should be grown in the warmest temperature at all times, and, dur- ing the resting season, should not be kept exces- sively dry at the root, affording only sufficient water to keep the stem and leaves ' fresh and plump. A long, dry rest is undoubtedly con- ducive to large spikes of bloom, but the after growth is often deficient in strength. The Various Divisions. — In mv notes I shall group the structures in which Orchids are grown into five divisions, namely, East Indian, Cattleya, Mexican, intermediate, and cool-house. Their respective temperatures for this time of the year should be as follow : —60° to 65°, 55° to 60°, about 55°, 50° to 55°, and 45° to 50°. The highest figures are for evening, and the lowest for early morning. A few degrees higher may be allowed if caused by sun-heat, whilst a few degrees lower will do no harm during exceptionally cold nights, when the houses, owing to the unusual amount of fire- heat, are comparatively dry. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Planting Operations. — Arrears of plant- ing should be completed whilst the conditions are favourable, although, as a general rule, fruit trees of all descriptions succeed better when shifted just before the completion of the leaf- fall. The ground should be prepared in the early autumn to allow tun ■ for the soil to settle. Effi- cient drain- age is essen- tial to the s u c c e s sf ul cult ivation of all fruits, tlier e fore this point should he given special attention. If the nature of the sub- soil is such that water passes away freely at a deptn of, say, 2^ to 6 t feet, no- thing further will be re- quired. But if this is not the case, means must be taken to drain the land. If pipes are not employed, a good layer of broken bricks, rough stones, and mortar rubble should be placed in tin' bottom of the trench during trench- ing operations. It is also well to place on the top of these a good layer of well-rotted manure, some broken bones or oyster shells, and a scattering of soot, as the expense and extra labour will be amply repaid in better results. The ground should be dug to a depth of from 2J,- to 3 feet, according to the amount of top soil. Let the system of planting be thorough; it seldom pays to plant an occasional young tree amidst a few old, exhausted ones. If the ground is cleared, cleaned, and treated as advised good results are certain. Another important but oft-neglected detail is firm planting ; always tread the soil firmly around the collar of the plant, and, in the case of standard specimens, secure the stem to a short stake. Tie firmly, but not too tightly, using soft cord to prevent injury to the bark ; a strip of woollen cloth should be placed around the stem where the tie is made, as the slightest scratch to the bark may become an unsightly scar as the stock swells and the tree becomes older. Always allow a few days to elapse before tying the tree, as the soil is sure to sink a little, and the tree may become strained, not only causing the string to cut into the bark, but also exposing some of the roots. Old orchards and plantations of bush fruits will be greatly benefited if, after being thoroughly cleaned, a good mulching of rotten manure is placed over the roots ; the mulch will not only act as a fer- tiliser, but will keep down weeds. Bush fruits should always be planted in batches, so that tb» fruits are easily protected by netting, which must also be employed to prevent damage by bullfinches in the early spring. Pruning.— The shoots of bush trees intended for furnishing fruit for culinary purposes should not be thinned severely, as, provided the fruit is clean and mature, quantity and not quality is the chief consideration. But cordon and espalier trees, grown especially for a supply of dessert fruit, require extra thinning. Apples, Pears, Plums, Cherries, Gooseberries, Currants, Rasp- berries, Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines may all be pruned, but the work must not be carried out when the wood is frozen. Old branches, in- tended to be grafted in the coming season, should be cut back to a desired length whilst the sap is still dormant ; if this is delayed, the bark will die back from the cut surface and seriously affect the results. If scions are needed later on, they should be cut off at once and placed in a damp situation sheltered from drying winds and the direct rays of the sun. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jennings, Gardener to the Duke of Devonshire, Chatsworth, Derbyshire. General Remarks. — The most important question for the gardener to consider is the tastes of his employers, for his duty is to- produce plants and flowers for whatever sea- sons of the year they require them. His work is simplified if he has every convenience at his dis- posal, namely, plenty of money, good plant houses and frames, labour, and last, but not least, a good climate. A gardener in the northern counties often finds he has to cope with many difficul- ties that his southern colleag u e s cannot under- ^^B ^^^ stand, and for ^^ """^ this reason all young gar- deners should endeavour to gain experience both north and south during the time they are still journeymen. In many of the northern counties, and especially near great manufacturing centres, plants that in the south can be hardened off out- of-doors during the summer months cannot be so treated. In making these remarks, I wish young gardeners to note that no hard-and-fast rules can be observed, they must be always ready to adapt their methods to the conditions they havo to meet. Tree Carnations. — In this locality and farther north, Carnation cuttings should not be struck later than the month of January, and the sooner they are in the better. A good way to strike them is to get an ordinary cutting box (say 2 feet 6 inches by 1 foot and 2g inches deep) and fill it with ordinary river or silver sand or gravel sifted through a fine sieve. The box should then be placed in a house with a bottom heat of about 60° and an atmospheric temperature of 55°. Care should be taken that the cuttings are free from red spider. A good plan is to put the cuttings into a tank of cold water for the night, and next morning insert them in the sand with an ordinary dibber, water- ing them afterwards with warm water. Repeat the warm water for about eight days ; after that period spray with a syringe overhead in the ordinary way until the cuttings are rooted, which at this time of the year will take from 12 to 14 days. The old plants of Tree Carnations that have been flowering all the winter should be carefully examined for red spider and syringed with diluted nicotine — one tablespoonful to two gallons of water. Plants treated in this w-ay will be kept free from insect pests. Propagating Houses. -These houses should be thoroughly cleansed and got ready for immediate use. Batches of scented-leaved and winter-flowering Pelargoniums should be propagated at once. Put the cuttings three in a pot, and place the pots on a shelf in a warm house, thoroughly soaking the soil with water when the cuttings are put in. Where quantities of plants for the edging of stages are required, fresh batches of cuttings should be propagated. A good plan is to insert these cuttings in 3-inch pots in ordinary sifted potting soil with a little sand and leaf-mould added. In cases where there is insufficient space, get an ordinary box, knock the bottom out and place it in a warm stove or vinery. Fill the box with porous soil, insert the cuttings and cover them with glass, first thoroughly soaking the soil with water. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Januaby 4, 1913. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, Vv.C. Letters lor 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 onlv of the paper, sent as early in the week as possible and duly signed by the wtiler. Ij desired, the signature will nol be printed, but kept as a guarantee oj good faith. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors do not undeitahe 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 /or any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Illustrations.- The Editors will be glad to receive and to select photogiaphs or drawings, suitable lor reproduction, of gardens, or o) remaikable plants, /lowers, trees, &c, but they cannot be responsible lor loss or injury. Local Hews.— Correspondents will greatly oblige bysendingto the Editors early intelligence oj local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or oj any matters which it is desirable tobring under the notice oj horticulturists. Newspapers. —Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editors to see. APPOINTMENTS. MONDAY, JANUARY 6- Royal Hort. Soc. Exam, for Employes in Public Parks and Gardens. TUESDAY, JANUARY 7— Royal Hort. Soc. Coins, meet. Hort. Club meet. (Lecture by Mr. H. Cowley on "A Journey to Bulgaria.") THURSDAY, JANUARY 9— Bolton Hort. and Chrys. Soc. Annual Meet. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10— Kew Gardeners' Social Evening. MONDAY. JANUARY 13- United Hort. Ben. & Prov. Soc. meet. TUESDAY, JANUARY 14— Scottish Hort. Assoc. Ann. Meet. Nat. Amateur Gard. Assoc. Ann. Meet. Royal Institution meet. (Lecture by Prof. W. Bateson, F.R.S., on "The Heredity of Sex and Some Cognate Problems.") WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15- North of England Hort. Sue. meet, at Leeds. (Lecture by Mr. R. Farrer on "Treasures of the Alps.") Royal Meteorological Soc. meet. THURSDAY, JANUARY 16— Linnean Soc. meet. Royal Inst, meet, (Lecture by Mr. Seton Gordon on " Birds of the Hill Country.") FRIDAY, JANUARY 17— Royal Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. J. J. Thomson.) TUESDAY, JANUARY 21— Royal Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. Royal Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. Bateson, F.R.S.) THURSDAY, JANUARY 23- Gardeners' Royal lien. Inst. Ann. Meet, and Election of Pensioners, at Simpson's Restaurant, btrand, at 2.45 p.m. Royal Inst. meet. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24- Royal Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. John Oliver Arnold.) MONDAY, JANUARY 27-Surveyors' Inst. meet. TUESDAY, JANUARY 28— Royal Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. W. Bateson, F.R.S ) FRIDAY, JANUARY 31— Royal Inst. meet. (Lecture by Mr. George M. Trevelyan.) Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 37'9. Actual Temperatures: — London. — Wednesday, fanuaiy 1 (6 p.m.) Max. 48"; Min. 42". Gardeners" Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London — Thursday, January 2 (10 A.M.) : Bar. 29-8" : Temp. 51" ; Weather— Fine. Provinces. — Wednesday, January 7: Max. 46° Boston; Min. 40° Scotland N. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY— Roses, Gladioli, Liliums, Perennials, &c., at Stevens's Auction Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden. MONDAY AND FRIDAY— Herbaceous and Border Plants, Perennials, Liliums, Gladiolus, Begonias, and other Bulbs and Roots, at 12; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30 ; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. WEDNESDAY— Perennials and Herbaceous Plants, Hardy Bulbs and Tubers, at 12 ; Special Sale of Roses, at 1 ; Palms and Plants, at 5; by Proiheroe & Morris. THURSDAY— Thousands of Miscellaneous Bulbs, Corms and Roots, at 11 ; 4,247 cases Japanese Liliums. at 2.30 ; by Protheroe & Morris. FRIDAY— Imp >rted and Established Orchids in variety, by Protheroe k Morris, at 12 45, In one of his last Essays Refervls. Huxley contrasted in his trenchant manner the natural world with the world of civilisation, and showed that the latter wages — and for its preservation must wage — constant war against the former. Engaged in this struggle modern civilisations have been apt to show no quarter to the vanquished, and as a consequence there are many parts of the world whence the more delicate members of the natural flora and fauna, have been banished. This destruc- tion of wild animals and plants was, for a long time, regarded as a necessary evil — a regrettable incident in the march of the army of civilisation. A casual regret per- haps was uttered ; but the feeling which provoked the expression was not profound enough to arrest the process of destruc- tion, nor to compel men to pause and reflect whether this war a outrance against wild nature is essential to pro- gress. Byron's protest that " man marks the earth with ruin " fell on deaf ears, and not till recently has there arisen, at least in this country, a widespread determination to save something of Nature for the enjoyment of the descendants of our civilisation. Fortunately the way of salvation with respect to Nature's flora and fauna is easy. As the naturalist knows, the way shown by Kipling in one of his most fascinating parable-stories, Letting in the Jungle, is as practicable as simple. The substance of the story, as we remember it, is as follows : — A man offended the elephant which lived in the neighbouring forest, and the elephant from revenge broke down the man's fences and let in the jungle. The barriers broken, Nature triumphed easily in the struggle, and the man's fields, reclaimed by her, became once again a part of the jungle. The moral is as clear as it is true, and those who are engaged in the task of saving something of wild nature from the iron heel of civilisation know that all they have to do is to fence off civilisation and leave Nature to do her work in her own way. As the result of that work, done with the slow sureness characteristic of Nature, though we may not bring the dead to life nor recall the rarest of wild things from extinction, one by one the rare and shy — bird and beast and flower — will find sanctuary in the unmolested regions which come to epitomise the natural life of the country. The success of such beneficent inter- ference with civilisation's heedless des- truction has been demonstrated again and again in Germany and in other parts of the world. Forests have been preserved in this newer sense of the word, islands converted into bird sanctuaries, and in Belgium Professor Massart has recently completed a survey of sites which should be reserved in order to protect wild nature in Belgium. Nor have our fellow countrymen, whose love of Nature is one of their saving graces, failed altogether to " let in the jungle." The Selborne Society has done valuable work, and the National Trust exists for the purpose of assisting these concessions to Nature ; nevertheless, much remains to be done. Our towns are encroaching upon the country, our manufacturers are dotting the lines of railway with their factories, the smoke from whose chimneys shows like splashes of ink on the green cloth of our landscape. The Fern and wild flower snatcher abounds, and his vandalism is checked only with difficulty. Great towns of lodging houses frown upon our bays and cliffs, and the sterile waste from our mines is piled in heaps of dust in which nothing may blossom or smell sweet. The urgency of establishing nature reserves in this country is the greater because of the smallness of Great Britain, and because so many of our fairest spots are owned pri- vately, and may at any time pass out of the possession of a wise and generous owner and become eligible building sites. For these reasons we welcome most warmly the announcement of the forma- tion of a society for the promotion of nature reserves, and commend its objects to the notice of our readers, many of whom will doubtless become members of the new body. The work of the society will consist in collecting information with respect to tracts of country which are suitable for the purposes of nature reserves, in preparing schemes suggest- ing how these regions may be secured for this object, to obtain such areas, and to hand them over to the National Trust, and thus preserve to posterity some part of our native land with its fauna, flora and geological features. The society does not demand a subscrip- tion from its members, and membership is determined by election on the invita- tion of the executive committee. Among the members of the committee are Dr. I. Bayley Balfour, Sir Francis Darwin, Mr. G. Claridge Druce, Dr. Bretland Farmer, Sir David Prain, and Mr. W. M. Webb. Among the most striking Phosphorescent o{ th phenomena to be Plants. *1 observed in Nature is the light emitted by various plants and animals. The phosphorescence of the sea, described in wonderful verse in the Ancient Mariner, is somewhat rare on our coasts, but common enough on the other side of the Ghannel. It is produced gen- erally by vast crowds of minute animals (Noctiluca). But it is not the sea only which produces from time to time " its mass of liquid fire." Now and again, as he walks along the ooze left by the re- ceding tide, the observer may see, as he lifts his foot from the mud, a blue flash as though unwittingly he had trodden on a fallen star. If the party be numerous it also will move like the water-snakes, in tracks of shining white. In this case the agent which produces the light is a bacterium. Nor is this strange power of un- guessed significance confined to minute animals and bacteria. Certain of the fungi, particularly some of those which attack trees, are also luminous. These fungi spread below ground from tree to January 4, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. tree and so reach new hosts. The under- ground " roots " of each fungi look like brown whipcord, and are known as rhizomorphs, and may be seen in certain cases, when exposed to the air, as thin lines of light. Massee, quoting Berkeley, points to the fact that the sterile mycelium in decayed trees may also give out light. A log of Larch or Spruce had been dragged up a steep hill, and vil- lagers who had occasion to mount the hill at night found shining patches on the ground, which patches, on examination, proved to coincide with torn-off fragments of the tree. Continuing their ascent they came upon "a blaze of white light" which emanated from masses of mycelium showing through the broken bark. Nor could the light be extinguished by rub- bing : as aromatic herbs give out their odours most when they are crushed, so the more the bark was rubbed the brighter was its phosphorescent light. Unlike that of the glow-worm, and of other animals which throw an intermittent light, the phosphorescence of fungi and of bacteria is continuous. The most recent suggestion as to the cause of this strange phenomenon is from Professor H. Molisch, who has produced evidence to show that phosphorescence in plants is due to the formation of a definite sub- stance— photogen— by the protoplasm of the cells. This substance, which is either a protein or a protein derivative, under- goes oxidation in the presence of oxygen and water, and the oxidized produce is luminous. In all probability, therefore, the production of light by these organisms is incidental to the inter-action of oxy- dizing agents (oxydases) and a light- producing body. In all the oxidation processes of the body a certain amount of the energy which is liberated appears in the form of heat ; in the phos- phorescent fungi and bacteria some of this energy of oxidation takes the form of light. Royal Horticultural Society. -The next meeting of the Committees will be held on Tues- day, January 7, in the Society's Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster. There will be ho lecture on this occasion. Hort cultural Club. — The members of the Horticultural Club will meet at dinner on Tues- day, January 7, at the Hotel Windsor. Victoria Street, Westminster, when Mr. Herbert Cowley will deliver a lecture illustrated by lantern views on " A Journey to Bulgaria." The Honours List.— In the New Year's honours list there are three names well known to our readers. The conferring of a baronetcy on Sir Frank Crisp will give general satisfaction, for Sir Frank is a liberal patron of gardening and President of the Horticultural Club. His residence at Friar Park is famous for its unique rock-garden, and for many other delightful features, which are frequently open for inspection by the public owing to the generosity of the proprietor. Mr. Francis Darwin, F.R.S., receives a well- deserved knighthood. He has been described as an " illustrious son of an illustrious father," and his researches in botanical science have been profound and illuminating. Mr. Wyndham R. Dunstan, F.R.S., Director of the Imperial Institute, worthily receives the appoint- ment of Commander in the .Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George. Amongst his numerous scientific publications are several dealing with the cultivation of Cotton in various parts of the world, on the Agricultural Re- sources of Cyprus, and Agriculture in Asia Minor. "Journal- of the R.H.S. Gardens Club. — The R.H.S. Gardens Club is an association of past and present employes of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, and the Journal is issued once a year. Besides recording the doings of the members, the proceedings of the VVisley Gardens Mutual Improvement Society, and publishing extracts from letters of old members, and other items of a personal nature, the issue for 1912 con tains much that is of general interest to gardeners. The Editor, Mr. John Fraser, contributes an article on the Education of Gardeners. " A gardener must know everything of some- thing and something of everything." The writer wisely insists on first importance being given to practical methods, but the subjects of botany, i In mistry, geology, entomology, mycology, and plant hygiene should each be studied. Mr. E. W. Stokes writes on plant novelties, but his list is not quite up-to-date. Those who would learn the trials and troubles of a county lecturer should lead the experiences of Mr. C. •). C.i.eed. " The work is one which would not appeal to - 'Hie, as it is by no means the sinecure that it is usually considered among gardeners." The history of a variety known as Pink Progress is given by Mr. C. H. Herbert, who states that although this fine variety is generally supposed to have originated from Dianthus plumosus, he raised it from a cross between two laced Pinks — Robert Houlgrave and Arthur Brown. Mr. F. J. Chittenden gives a list of Galls found in the neighbourhood of Wisley, and contributes an interesting note on Horticultural Instructorships. The frontispiece is a portrait group of the R.H.S. School of Horticulture, 1912, which includes the garden staff and studi nts. Mr. George Kemp.— The many friends of Mr. George Kemp, of Woolhampton Park Gardens, Berkshire, will learn with regret of the loss he has sustained in the death of his wife. Mr. G. I Anson. — The employes of Me- rs. Charlesworth & Co. have presented Mr. I' Anson with an oak cabinet on the occasion nf his leaving the firm. Mr. I'ANSON was for many years Orchid grower to Messrs. Hugh Low \ Co. at their nurseries at Clapton, where many beauti- f il new species made their first appearance. Nursery Employes Dinner.— The annual dinner, the 15th in succession, of the firm of Messrs. Dickson & Robinson. Manchester, took place on December 20, at the Victoria Hotel. The firm number among its employes members with 40, some of 30 and several with 20 years ser- vice. Mr. Robinson, head of the firm, occupied the chair. Sundry reviews of the past year's effoits and results, and an excellent programme of music contributed to an enjoyable evening. Agricultural Holdings Act.— The te> thas been issued of a Bill introduced into the House of Commons by Mr. W. Runctman, President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, to re- move doubts as to the effect of Sub-section (2) of Section 42 of the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1908, and the enactments re-enacted in that sub- section. It is now declared that a tenancy from year to year under a contract of tenancy current on January 1, 1896, shall not be deemed to have been determined thereafter by any provision in Section 61 of the Agricultural Holdings (Eng- land) Act, 1883, and part of the sub-section is to be repealed. The Act shall apply to any claim for compensation which has not before the pass- ing of the present measure been determined by any judgment or order of a Court of competent jurisdiction or award or agreement, whether the improvement to which the claim relates was made or begun before or after the commencement of the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1908. The Big Trees of California.— The giant Sequoias are known the world over, and botanists and foresters of all nations take an interest in the wonderful groves which constitute, in all pro- bability, the oldest living organisms upon earth. The most recent account of the state of the Sequoias is contributed by Mr. G. B. Sudworth to the November number of the American Naturalist, a summary of which is published in Nature (December 19, 1912). Of the big trees 31 groups are known. The groves and groups cover areas which range from less than an acre to 10 square miles. They occupy collectively some 50 square miles. Some of the Sequoia areas are owned privately, but others belong to the Federal Government. In the latter forests no felling — except that which is absolutely neces- sary— is allowed ; but in the former lumbering still goes on. Fire, however, is the greatest of the dangers to which this remnant of a bygone vegetation is exposed. Though the trees in close formation do not regenerate themselves natur- ally, it is stated that where, as in the southern groves, lumbering and fire have opened up the forest and destroyed the vegetable debris on the surface of the soil, young big trees are found abundantly near the seed-trees. The World s Crops.— The Board of Agricul- ture and Fisheries have received the following telegram from the International Agricultural In- -titute : — The estimated production of Wheat in Australia is 42,364,000 cwts. The total produc- tion of Sugar Beet in the following countries is 779 million cwts., or 35.9 per cent, above last year's production : Prussia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Roumania, Russia in Europe, Sweden and Canada. The esti- mated production of cleaned cotton in the United States is 59,039,000 cwts., and in India 15,464,000 cwts. ; the total production in those countries and Japan and Egypt being 81 million cwts., or 3.8 per cent, below last year. Partial Sterilisation of Soil by Lime. —According to Dr. Hutchinson lime must be added to the list of substances which bring about a partial sterilisation of the soil. Like other soil antiseptics, such as formaldehyde, and like high temperatures, lime destroys many soil bacteria and protozoa, and so enables the bacteria which remain to increase rapidly and to bring about the production of large quantity s of plant food. We may see in Dr. Hutchinson's conclusions, which were presented to the Agri- cultural Section of the British Association at Dundee, an added reason why liming the soil is an indispensable adjunct to good cultivation. New Species of Hedera. -Two new species of Ivy, Hedera himalaica and H. japonica, are described by Dr. F. Tobler in his new mono- graph of the genus Hedera,* making six species in all, which are well illustrated by reproduc- tions from photographs. In a short review ol the work in Nature, it is stated that besides detailed descriptions of the morphology of the genus, the work includes an interesting chapter on the biology and physiology of the Ivy, fol- lowed by chapters on the history of the genus and its culture as a garden plant • Die Gattung Hedera, Gusuv Fischer, Jeua. Price 6.50 marks. 10 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [Januakt 4, 1913. Parasites of Pitcher Plants. — Mr. Cavers, in his interesting botanical notes in Knowledge, gives an account of the animal parasites of pitcher plants which have been in- vestigated recently by Jensen (Ann. Jard. Bot. Builenzorg, Suppl. 3, Part 2). This author described an interesting case of symbiosis or parasitism, analogous to the presence of in- testinal parasites in animals, in the pitchers of Nepenthes. These pitchers are, as is well known, filled with fluid containing ferments in which dead insects are digested, but Jensen has found that several species of fly larva} develop normally in this fluid. So abundant are they that the author found them in every one of the hundreds of pitchers he examined during several successive years in Java. These dipterous larva? were reared, and six of the seven discovered in this curious habitat were found to be new species, belonging to three different families of Dipteia. One of the most remarkable characters of these larva? is their power of " anti-fermenta- tion," which appears to retard the action of the ferments in the fluid filling the pitchers. This retarding action was definitely proved by experi- ments, the larvae being placed in solutions of pepsin and pancreatin. Closely related larvae taken from neighbouring pools were unable to live in the pitchers, hence the anti-ferment is to be regarded as an adaptation to this symbiotic mode of life. Publications Received.— The Market Gar- den : How to Start and Run it Profitably- (London: C. Arthur Pearson, Ltd.) Price Is. net. — Bulletins and Circulars Issued by the Cor- nell University, Agricultural Experiment Sta- tion of the College of Agriculture, Ithaca, TV. y. .- Frosts in Mew York, by Wilford M. Wil- son ; Co-operative Tests of Corn Varieties, and Further Experiments on the Economic Value of Root Crops for New York, by Edward R. Minrs; Constitutional Vigour in Poultry, by C. A. Rogers ; Culture of the Sweet Pea, by Alvin C. Beal ; Computing Rations for Farm Animals, by E. S. Savage ; and Working Plans of Cornell Poultry Houses, by C. A. Rogers— Pamphlet Issued by Department of Agriculture, Canada. Hardy Roses, by W. T. Macouu. — U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington : Bulletins : The One- Spray Method in the Control of the Codling Moth and the Plum Curculio, by A. L. Quaintance and E. W. Scott; The Boll Weevil Problem, by W. D. Huuter ; Apple Breeding in Canada, by W. T. Maeoun. ^Crops and Methods for Soil Improvement, by Alva Agee. (New York : The Macmillan Company.) THE BULB GARDEN. THE FORCING OF BULBOUS PLANTS. There are two main methods of forcing bulbous plants, one or other being adopted ac- cording to the result desired. Heat, which is the first and most common method, induces unnatur- ally fast growth ; cold, the second method, re- tards or hinders the development of the plants. Both these methods are useful from the point of view of the florist and gardener ; but both exact a heavy toll by exhausting the energies of the plants so treated. This tax, however, is capable of being reduced to a minimum in the hands of a capable operator. There are certain principles involved, which, if rightly understood and intelligently followed, will lead to success, and keep within reasonable limits the failures and losses attendant on the forcing of plants. To ignore such principles is most certainly to increase the chance of los6. For example, to introduce Lilies, Tulips, or Daffodils into strong heat without due prepara- tion would almost certainly be fatal. Further, selection plays a large part in the plans of the skilled forcer ; there are certain varieties of Daffodils and Tulips which entirely fail to re- spond when placed too early in artificial heat. Indeed, the effect is usually the very opposite of what is intended ; the flowers are often retarded, rather than forced forward. It has even been found in such a case, that a batch of a similar variety, introduced at a later date into artificial heat, will flower first ! Examples of this are fur- nished in Narcissus poeticus ornatus and the old double white variety of the same species. On the other hand, the double forms of N. Telamonius — and there are quite a number of them — force readily and well. Root production and activity play an important part in the suc- cessful forcing of these and allied plants ; that is to say, generally, though not invariably. In plucking this Daffodil at flowering time one occa- sionally finds that a bulb comes clean out of its place, and the merest glance will show that it is in the last stages of "basal rot." This particu- lar bulb is, of course, almost rootless, and yet it may have produced quite as good a flower as the rest, and even the foliage may show small sign of any disease. How so good a result can be produced in such bad conditions it is difficult to say ; but it is possible that the bulb mite cinths which flower in October or November ap- pear capable of sending forth a flower spike only just above the leaves, and the entire plant is but a miniature of the Christmas-flowering speci- mens, with graceful stems 12 to 15 inches in height. There are, however, other conditions besides early forcing which tend to shortness of growth which may be referred to here. The Tulip may be cited as an example. In January, 1912, I was going through a greenhouse, and the gardener asked me if I could tell him why all the Tulips were flowering so low down — there was scarcely any stem growth at all. The bulbs were first-class examples, and they were potted early. I was able at once to tell him what was the matter — they had been too soon introduced into light and heat without having been plunged in leaves for a time after potting. The result was disastrous — sprawling flowers, almost on a level with the soil, instead of shapely, cup-like blossoms on stems 12 to 18 inches in height. A vital principle in bulb forcing had clearly been neglected. Plunging or, at least, darkness is essential. It takes the place of the soil covering [Photograph by C. P. Raffill. Fig. io. — agave leopoldii, showing the ornamfntal character of the foliage. responsible for the damage had concentrated on the basal portion of the bulb, leaving the core or central part for the moment untouched. Then N. Telamonius is highly sensitive to, and greatly influenced by, artificial heat and moisture, and this might account for its satisfactory response. That a bulbous plant in the last stages of disease is capable of producing its flowers un- impaired, without a solitary root-fibre, is" some- what remarkable; but the same may be said of the Lily of the Valley, the freshly-imported crowns of which, under hard forcing, rarely produce root-fibres, and are wholly dependent for their development upon external heat and moisture. Such early-forced plants seldom pro- duce leaves ; but later batches produce both root- fibres and foliage with comparative freedom. Shortness of stature is another characteristic of early-forced batches of the current season's importations of the Lily of the Valley. This is a great loss in these days, when length of stem is a valued asset; but many other plants which are forced hard and very early suffer from the same disadvantage. For instance, Roman Hya- which would be afforded in the open garden. No gardener would dream of planting his bulbs on the surface of a garden bed, and it is not more reasonable to expose them to full light when under pot cultivation. It is equally injurious to plunge the bulbs for a time, and then too soon and too suddenly expose them to the full light. Simultaneously with such exposure all upward growth cease6, the increased light favouring the development of all the lateral parts of the plant. Darkness attenuates the growth, and, in conjunction with heat and at- mospheric moisture, will be found to provide favourable conditions for the Tulip. The forced Tulip is highly sensitive to fogs, and if its half-grown buds are exposed to a fog even of short duration they may be irremediably ruined. A frame within the house, darkened by wet mats, is of great value as a protection. Commercial growers darken the forcing house entirely with mats or straw — a system which has much to recommend it. An equable tem- perature is secured, fluctuations of the at- mospheric conditions are reduced to a minimum, January 4, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 11 and fog and light are both almost totally ex- cluded. For Tulips, Lily of the Valley, and Roman Hyacinths such conditions are ideal, pro- ducing length of stem, purity of colour and general high quality at a minimum of expense and labour. Even a small grower cannot do better than pursue the same system, modified according to his requirements. case of long-retarded Lilies of the speciosum and other groups, a similar loss of stature is seen, accompanied by blind buds at the tips of the inflorescences. In the case of the too hard and too early forcing of the current season's supply of these Lilies, the entire plant often be- comes blind when about a foot high. I believe this to be the result mainly of the sparsity of [Photograph by C. P. Raffill. FlG. II. — INFLORESCENCE OF AGAVE LEOPOLDI1 : FLOWERS GHEES, STRIPED WITH REDDISH-BROWN. I have said that the systems of forcing both by cold and by heat exact heavy tolls, and in the case of the early forcing of the current sea- son's crop of Lily of the Valley, of Tulips, Daffodils, and Roman Hyacinths, loss of sta- ture, smallness of flowers, and a diminished num- ber of buds are invariable occurrences. In the root-fibres, hence all such bulbs should be well rooted. This loss of stature and flower-buds in long- retarded Lilies is of more than ordinary in- terest, and is due, I imagine, to a slow but sure progressive movement on the part of the embryo inflorescence within the bulb, even while the latter is apparently quite dormant. It is pro- bably a kind of exhaustion due to an impercep- tible yet continuous growth. An analogous instance occurs in the Daffodil. A shop-stored bulb of "Emperor" planted at Christmas was found on flowering to be of only half the stature of an October-planted bulb the same size. For this or some similar reason the Daffodil cannot be successfully retarded as the system is at present carried out. The plants which are best suited to the process of retard- ing are those whose floral parts are not only absolutely stationary meanwhile, but are, so to speak, contained in sealed packets. The Lily of the Valley is a good example of such a plant. The floral part is contained in a bud or crown an inch long. The plants can be kept unim- paired in vigour and vitality for months on end, and, when required for use, they are so re- sponsive to the call and so amenable to the new conditions in which they are placed that the day — almost the hour — of their flowering can be predicted. Indeed, the splendid inflorescence and healthy condition of the plants rather sug- gests that they have benefited by the rest. Rhododendron einense and the Lilacs are in- stances among shrubs where the rudimentary flowers are contained in a bud at the apex of the shoot. However, although I believe the floral parts of the Lilacs remain stationary during their stay in the retarding chamber, they do not exhibit quite their pristine beauty when brought into flower. In Astilbe we have an example of a good herbaceous perennial, whose utility is largely increased and its decorative value scarcely impaired by retardation. Already the number of plants which will sub- mit readily to this treatment is considerable; but in the near future the number will doubtless be greatly increased, when to the methods we now employ we can add a more perfect know- ledge of the subtle influences of etherisation and chloroform in their relation to the forcing of plants. E. II. Jenkins. AGAVE LEOPOLDII. The history of a hybrid Agave raised about 30 years ago and named A. Leopoldii was given in a note by W. W. in the Gardeners' Chronicle November 30, p. 414. The plant was raised by the late Dr. W. B. Kellock (not Killock) in his garden at Stamford Hill, N., its parents being A. filifera and A. schidigera var. He named it in compliment to the late King of the Belgians, Leopold II, who saw and admired the plant when it was exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show held in the Agricultural Hall, Islington, in 1893. A. schidigera was the seed- bearing parent, and the cross was made some time in the 'seventies. Plants of the hybrid were afterwards distributed, some of them being pre- sented to Kew, where the specimen now illus- trated (figs. 10 and 11) flowered in October, 1911. It had a short stem and leaves from 6 to 18 inches long on different plants, an inch wide at the base, spine-tipped, bright green with faint grey streaks, the margins split into long curling brown threads, which finally become white. The flower-spike was about 6 feet high, the upper 3 feet or so, bearing flowers mostly in pairs ; the corolla was an inch long, green with red-brown stripes, the stamens 2 inches long with dull red filaments and yellow anthers. The plant matured seeds, but it failed to produce suckers from the base. The charm of this Agave is in the leaves, which form a com- pact rosette and are pleasingly decorated with white filaments. It will be interesting to watch the development of the seedlings, which, we understand, have recently been raised at Kew from seeds produced by the plant now illus- trated. From its history it is not unlikely that the plant figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 8271 (1909), is one of the seedlings raised by Dr. Kellock from the cross which produced A. Leopoldii. 12 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 4, 1913. THE ROSARY. THE FIRST MONTH OF THE YEAR. Although there is not, much work to be dun- amongst Roses out-of-doors during the present month, those under glass will keep the grower busy. The value of the Rose for winter blooming has been recognised more than ever during recent years, and to-day we may find thousands of these plants in bloom during December and January, whereas formerly they were only started into growth in these months. In one respect this is due to the raisers, -who have furnished us with suitable varieties for forcing early, amongst them Niphetos, Bridesmaid, Lady Roberts, Richmond, and Liberty, to name only a few. The plants should be afforded some stimulant as soon as the first blossoming is over. I have found it best to apply this in the form of a top-dressing. Re- move a little of the surface soil by prodding with a pointed stick so as not to injure the roots, then give each plant growing in a 24-sized put a good handful of fibrous loam and Clay's Ferti- liser in equal quantities. This top-dressing should suffice for the second blooming, but if the plants are required to furnish a third crop of flowers, renew the top-dressing as soon as second blossoming is over. Care is necessary at this season not to promote an excess of atmospheric moisture, although the conditions should not be dry : on dull days it is well to withhold spraying, simply steaming the plants slightly. Cold pits and a cold house are very useful for housing a second batch of plants, which may be pruned and allowed to develop very slowly. The Hybrid Perpetual varieties are excellent for the purpose. If pruned now and placed in a structure where an abundance of air may be admitted whenever the weather is mild, a good display of blooms may be obtained late in April and in May without resorting to hard forcing. Rambler Roses growing in pots or tubs should be pruned. Much of the old wood should be removed entirely, and the lateral growths cut back severely. The columnar form is, perhaps, tli3 most elegant in which to train the Wichuraiana and Multifiora Roses, but the former lend them- selves to many modes of training. These Ramble Roses succeed best when their roots are confined. Most of the fine specimens seen at the spring shows of the Royal Horticultural Society at the Temple and elsewhere are grown in small pots, few being larger in diameter than 12 inches. Climbing Roses on walls and roofs should be attended to, although their pruning was mainly done last summer. It is better to have a few well-ripened rods with healthy spurs than a lot of old, worn-out wood. A dressing of bone flour and well-rotted manure would be very helpful if these were applied at once to the borders and slightly forked into the soil. When the crop is nearing its completion, a top dressing as ad- vised above would be of great assistance to the flowers. In addition to the varieties mentioned, I can well recommend the following as good winter Roses :— Melody, Killarney, Mrs. Aaron Ward, Mme. Hoste, White Killarney, Sunburst, Arthur R. Goodwin, Lieutenant Chaure, Sunrise, My Maryland, Rose Queen, Souvenir de Gustav Prat, and Mrs. George Shawyer, whilst all large growers of forced Roses should secure two Ameri- can varieties that will be introduced this season — Milady and Mrs. Charles Russell. The average gardener has no time to graft Roses under glass, but should anyone desire to work up a stock of Roses in pots by budding he should pot up seedling Briars at once for stocks. Five-inch pots are suitable, and they should be plunged in ashes out-of-doors. These Briars may be worked next June with buds which can be obtained from forced plants. The budded Briars, if placed in the greenhouse next Christ- mas and their tops cut off to the inserted buds, will soon start into growth if a temperature of about 50° to 55° is maintained. They will over- take the grafted plants, and occasion far less trouble. Although the work is best done in October, it is not too late to pot a batch of Roses from the open ready for forcing next winter. The plants should be bushy and well ripened. Cut back the growths to 12 inches, and pot the plants in 7-inch and 8-inch pots in a compost consisting of loam two parts, well-rotted cow and horse manure one part, and a good sprinkling of burnt garden refuse. Rambler Roses thus potted make far better plants for forcing purposes than those grafted under glass. The H.P. and H.T. Roses should be plunged out-of-doors close together until May, and then thinned out into beds, where they may receive attention during the summer. But Rambler Roses are best grown in a vinery where there is plenty of heat and moisture. At the time of FlG. 12 — FRUITING SHOOT ON BRACHYCH1LUS HORSF1ELDII. potting they should be shortened to about 5 feet, and no further pruning is necessary. The current year plants of Crimson Rambler and a few other kinds potted from the open ground in October and cut down to 12 inches, may, by bringing them under glass in January and affording a gentle bottom heat, be had in bloom by Easter. It is well to select for this purpose two-year-old plants on their own roots and those that have been cut back onoe. Of the dwarf, perpetual-flowering Polyantha Roses, the varieties Orleans and Jessie are almost as useful as pot plants as Begonia Gloire de Lor- raine. They are easily grown in a temperature of 55° to 60°. Here again plants grown out-of-doors and potted in October are more serviceable than grafted specimens. The plants may be forced gently the, first year, if necessary. ROSE SEEDLINGS. Rose seed should now be sown in pots or boxes and germinated in greenhouse temperature. Mice must be guarded against. I prefer to use very small pots, placing one seed in each pot, as this obviates transplanting. If the plants are plunged in fibre in boxes it will prevent a too rapid drying of the soil, for once the seed is sown the soil should never be allowed to become dry. The pots should be well drained, and filled with a mixture of leaf-mould and sifted loam in equal parts. Place the seeds on the top of the soil and push them under the surface by means of a stick to a depth of half an inch. Cover the sur- face of the pot with silver sand. Do not remove the seeds from the pods until quite ready to sow. The seeds are moist when removed from the pods, and they must not be allowed to become dry. Rose seeds, if cleaned and kept dry, rarely ger- minate. Although cross-fertilising is advisable, many of our best Roses have been raised from self-fer- tilised flowers, and if seed is obtained from choice varieties, there is a reasonable chance of obtaining something of superior merit. The planting of Roses out-of-doors may still be carried out if the weather remains open. Provided the soil is in a good condition, it is better to plant now than in the spring. But where the soil is very stodgy then it is wiser to defer the work, in the meantime securing the plants and heeling them in. Experience. BRACHYCHILUS HORSFIELDII. The fruit of this plant represented in fig. 12, is of a very ornamental character, and this valuable feature sometimes found in the order Zingiberacese, to which this genus belongs, is rarely represented in gardens. When the fruit is ripe the valves reflex, they are then brilliant orange in colour on the inside, and expose a central column bear- ing numerous seeds enveloped in a red aril. A very similar contrast of colour, produced in much the same way, is shown by the fine plate in colour of Momordica Charantia in Gardeners' Chronicle, December 21. The fruit of the Momordica is paler than that of the Braehychilus, but the colour of the aril in each case is almost identical. < Braehychilus Horsfieldii is precisely like Hedychium in general appearance, and the present plant was first placed in that genus, from which probably it need not have been separated. The first notice of it I know of in any gardening paper is in the Gardeners' Chronicle of May 26, 1894, p. 652, when Mr. Baker, in a short paragraph, refers to its having been received at Kew from the Copenhagen Botanic Garden, and remarks that Petersen, the monographer of the Brazilian Scitamineai, has lately separated it as a genus on account of its suppressed labellnm. Schumann, however, in Engler's Pflanzenreich, still retaining the genus, but apparently taking a different view of structure, describes the labellum as very short and deeply bifid, char- acters by which, coupled with that of a few flowered spike, he separates both Braehychilus and Odontychium from Hedychium. The genus last- named has never been cultivated ; it consists of one species only, Hedychium denticulatum of Ridley. Whether the fruit of Hedychium is ever so ornamental or not I do not know — though the valves are sometimes coloured in the same way, and the seeds covered by a coloured aril, sometimes white. Braehychilus fruits freely without artificial pollination, and is of dwarf habit, attaining a height only of about 2 feet. The plant is easily grown in loamy soil in any stove. It is a native of Java, but the Cam- bridge stock was received from the Jardin des Plantes, Paris, a few years ago. When it was first introduced cannot be determined, since in some botanic gardens it has been found under the name Alpinia calcarata, which is quite a different plant. R. Irwin Lynch, Botanic Garden, Cambridge. January 4, 1913. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 13 SCOTLAND. SCHOOL GARDENS IN SHETLAND. There are no fewer than 33 school gardens in the Shetland Islands under the auspices of the North of Scotland College of Agriculture. DUMFRIES GARDENERS' DINNER. The third annual dinner of the gardeners of Dumfries and district was held on December 20, in the Queensberry Hotel, Dumfries. Mr. J. Hutchison, Terregles Gardens, occupied the chair. GIFT OF PLANTS FOR GLASGOW PARKS. The trustees of the late James Coats, of Ferguslie, Paisley, have presented to the Glasgow public parks the plants in the glasshouses at Ferguslie. NORTHERN SEEDS AND ROOTS ASSOCIATION. The following trophies have been presented to this association for competition at the February show at Portsoy : — A silver cup from Provost Sutherland to replace the one he gave previously and which has now become the property of the winner ; a silver Rose bowl from the Secretary, Mr. Young ; and a silver cup from a former townsman, Mr. Henry Sandison, Winnipeg. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.} The R.H.S. Trials (see pp. 431, 453),— We ire very pleased to learn from a note in a con- temporary that our suggestion that raisers' names be added to R.H.S. Trials in each case will be adopted in the future by the R.H.iS. It would seem hardly necessary, but perhaps we ought to have added to our recent letter to you that we do not object in any way what ever to other firms sending our varieties for trial ; on the contrary, we welcome and are grateful to them for doing so; but in fairness to ourselves, and, we think, to the public, we are of opinion that our name as the raisers should appear upon the plants at the trials and in the reports of the trials. We are pleased to see a letter from Mr. Cuthbertson showing how our suggestions may be carried out in practice. We would like to ask, however, the intention of Mr. Cuthbertson's remark: — "I do not agree with all Messrs. Kelway say. I might ask why did not they themselves send a full collection of Delphiniums. Have they so many orders for thiem at a guinea a time that they could not spare them?" Is this a serious question or in- tended in some mysterious way as a reflection upon us? If the former, we beg to say that if the R.H.S. would care for us to send a much larger number we shall be extremely pleased to do so. We possess a very large collection of dis- tinct varieties, but a large proportion of the col- lection had already received Awards of Merit from the R.H.S. We therefore sent some which the Floral Committee had, in our opinion, over- looked when exhibited at Vincent Square. Kelway «£: Son. A National Daffodil Society. — In 1910 considerable discussion took place in some of the gardening papers as to the desirability of form- ing a National Daffodil Society, but although the suggestion met with very general approval, nothing was effected. In venturing once more to raise the question, I should like to advance a few reasons why such a society is desirable. (1) The Daffodil holds the undoubted position of Queen of the Spring flowers. (2) The R.H.S. Narcissus Committee has neither the time nor the power to advance the interests of the flower as its merits deserve. (3) The R.H.S. Classifica- tion List, good though it is, requires revision now, and the constant introduction of new varie- ties calls for its annual revision. (4) It is desir- able that special standards be laid down for the flowers in each class. These would be of assist- ance to the seedling-raiser as well as to the judges of show flowers. (5) Special rules arc re- quired for judges at Daffodil shows. (6) An annual report giving, " inter alia," lists of good garden varieties and describing the best novel- ties of the year would be of value. (7) Investi- gation of insect pests and diseases is required. I hope that it may be found possible to hold a conference on the question during the forthcom- ing Daffodil season, and that those " in authority " in the Daffodil world will take the matter in hand. C. E. Kitchin. Hybrid Nomenclature. — Mr. Rolfe (see p 475) proves my point, which is that many Orchid names are abominable. I believe I possess aver- age intelligence, yet I am unable to get the hang of them, and I rather fancy that even editors of horticultural journals find them puzzling and difficult. Botanists delight in wrangles over rules of nomenclature, and it is remarkable how they love to display their knowledge of Latin and Greek, regardless of the trouble they cause to less erudite folk, and of the advice that plant names should be " easy to write, read and Epeak." They go their own way in their own field ; then why should not gardeners in theirs, as they do already with respect to the names of garden plants except Orchids? Reasonable names for the plants we grow and talk about almost daily "is surely not too much to ask. My little dog was named Nebuchadnezzar, but my children insisted that Neb was long enough. I once heard Cattleya Skinneri reduced to cat- skin. We do not speak of Fuchsia macrostemma var. Lord Roberts, nor of Pelargonium zonale tri- color Mrs. Pollock. The bi, tri, poly generic names are the unpardonable sin, and when Mr. Rolfe, or any other person, advances a common- sense reason against their being " mopped off," I and my kind may leave off objecting to then) on the ground that they are ridiculous in horti- culture. II'. W. A Candid Opinion (s?e p. 470, vol. lii). — As an example of a scientist not accepting a popular belief, my father, when he went to Hitcham Rec- tory, Suffolk, found that the farmers were fully convinced that the Barberry, or " Piprage " as they called it, did rust the wheat. He knew the ..Ecidium Berberidis to be a very different form from that of rubigo, and so opposed the fanners, who, of course, knew nothing of fungi. He dis- covered the fact that the mildew (Puccinia) was a later production of the rust, but he did not then know that its spores ultimately found their way to the Barberry. A farmer living near Tewkes- bury (about the year 1860) told me he could trace the red rust spreading from one corner of a field to the opposite one, but when he cut down the offending bush and burnt it he hid no more rusf in that field. George Hendow. [This was a com- mon belief held by farmers, as numerous instances cited by Plowright in the British Uredinen and Ustilagineee prove. He states, p. 47 : — " With regard to the fact that the Barberry in some way favours the growth of mildew upon wheat, there is no doubt that it was well known to practical farmers during the 18th century, for we find in America, as early as 1760, in the State of Massachusetts, an Act was passed by the legis- lature compelling the inhabitants to extirpate all Barberry bushes." In our own country, especially in Norfolk, this belief also existed, for we find Marshall, writing in 1781, says, " It has long been considered as one of the first vulgar errors among husbandmen that the Barberry plant has a per- nicious quality (or rather a mysterious power) of blighting Wheat which grows near it." Marshall continues: "This idea, whether it be erroneous or founded on fact, is nowhere more strongly rooted than among the Norfolk farmers ; one of whom mentioning, with a serious countenance, an in- stance of this malady, I very fashionably laughed at him. He, however, stood firm, and persisted in his being in the right, intimating that, so far from being led from the cause to the effect, he was, in the reverse, led from the effect to the cause; for, observing a stripe of blasted Wheat across his close, he traced it back to the hedge, thinking there to have found the enemy ; but, being disappointed, he crossed the lane into a garden on the opposite side of it, where he found a large Barberry bush in the direction in which he had looked for it. The mischief, according to his description, stretched away from this point across the field of Wheat, growing broader and fainter (like the tail of a comet) the further it proceeded from its course. The effect was carried to a greater distance than he had ever observed it before, owing, as he believed, to an opening in the orchard behind it to the south-west, forming a gut or channel for the wind. But the true cause was not known to the farmers; some affirmed that the Barberry biush exhaled a noxious effluvium ; others, that the pollen of its flowers poisoned the Wheat ; others, again, that it appro- priated to itself all the nourishment from 'the soil in its vicinity." In 1805 Sir Joseph Banks pointed out the resemblance of the yellow fungus on Barberry to rust. He says: "Is it not more than possible that the parasitic fungus of the Bar- berry and that of Wheat are one and the same species, and that the seed is transferred from the Barberry to the corn? " It remains to be stated that the true connection between the Barberry iEeidium and the Wheat mildew was discovered by a Danish schoolmaster who lived in the village of Hammel, near Aarhus, in Jutland, at the be- ginning of tlv last century. — Eds.] Wheat Experiments.— The note (page 487 vol. lii) on the experiments carried out at the Albert Agricultural College, Glasnevin, is in- teresting to Wheat growers, including many gardeners who grow a small patch of Corn. But the report contains a serious omission, for no mention is made of the " strength " of the Wheat, which denotes the quality, for Wheat may be either weak or strong. Wheat is said to be "weak" when the endosperm or floury part of the grain is white and opaque, appearing like chalk when cut across. Grains with such starchy contents are usually soft and generally yield flour which makes a somewhat sin ill loaf of dense texture. In "strong" \\ heats the endosperm is frequently hard and translucent, resembling horn or flint when cut across ; the flour from such Wheat yields loaves which are comparatively large and spongy in texture. Many hundreds of varieties of Wheat are cultivated in diffeient parts of the world. In this country they are becoming much too numerous by the addition of French, Danish, American and other varieties. Few of these foreign Wheats are of value in England to the ordinary farmer ; although they may yield an extra bushel, that is not an equivalent to the loss in strength. Some years ago I made experi- ments with Canadian Red Fife Wheat. I planted six acres, but one year's trial in a good Wheat season proved the superior value of a good English variety as compared with the Canadian sort. Since that time I have grown French varieties, not with any idea of success, because I knew beforehand the " weak " condition of all varieties I had seen would be detrimental. To prove their value, I planted for trial several acres, and the result was as I expected. The Straw, too, was not equal to that of an English variety, which, to the farmer, is an important item. In this part of Hampshire, which is a good Wheat-growing district, many farmers tried the French and other new Wheats, but I do not know of a single instance of any being sown this autumn. As a rule, the ordinary farmer grows but one variety, and the best is, in my opinion, Webb's Red Standard, which pro- duces from 40 to 48 bushels per acre, with a weight per bushel in a good season of 64 lbs. to 66 lbs. This is known as " strong " Wheat, and is favoured by millers. Squarehead's Master is another variety popular with many farmers. I cannot detect any difference in these two varie- ties. E. Molyneux, Swanmore Park Estate, Bishop's Waltham. Ripened Wood (see p. 488, vol lii.) — I have long been of the opinion that too much import- ance is attached to wood ripening. We are al- ways reminded by writers on the subject of the necessity of thoroughly ripened wood in stone fruit trees, yet the Morello Cherry, growing on north walls where the sun does not shine, bears crops more regu- larly than any other stone fruit. The Currant and Gooseberry will bear fruit equally well on a north wall as in the most favoured situation. I have noticed that in seasons when the condi- tions for wood-ripening have been unfavourable there has been a promising show of fruit the following spring. W. P. R. Late Peas 'see p. 488 vol. lii) — We gathered well filled pods of Centenary Pea as late as December 12. The row was about 60 feet long. The seeds were sown during July in the ordinary way — not in trenches — in an open part of the gar- den exposed to the east. /''. Wickens, Binstead House Gardens, Ri/de, Isle of Wight. 14 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 4, 1913. " Progress of Husbandry" (see p, 490, vol. Hi.). — The notes of books given by Mr. Middle- ton are slightly incomplete. Thus the best edition of The Countrie Farme is that of 1616, which is considerably augmented by the Editor, Gervase Markham, who published several books on rural economy. Adam Out of Eden first appeared in 1626, though I have only seen the later 1658 reprint. There are other slight mat- ters, but it is surely a great oversight that no notice is taken of a remarkable book on Scottish agriculture which was published anonymously in 1729 with the title of An Essay of Ways and Means for Enclosing, &c. It is now known to have been written by Macintosh of Boilum, and besides ventilating the views which he more par- ticularly desired to propagate, he gives luminous sketches of the condition of the country, of the manners of the different classes of society, and the prevailing economic principles when he was one of the earliest, if not the first, to denounce as subversive of all real progress, and which persons still living have seen the last of in their life- time. Among other improvements he desired to see was the teaching of agriculture or " a right established College of Agriculture " in tb,e uni- versities, Government subsidies, the planting of fruit trees in hedge rows, once the hedges were planted, of which at that period there were very few . Ami in connection with the supply of fruit, it is noteworthy that quantities were im- ported from the Continent, the cost of which he wished to see saved to the country. He men- tions "shipfuls of bad Apples from Holland and Normandy." and as a stimulus to further pro- gress, he notes how " it is not so many years since we believed Apricots, Peaches or Grapes would do on o.ir walls in Scotland," and he men- tions varieties of Apples as fine as he ever saw "in England except the Golden Pippin, which is not so lar;„c." Farming, it may be said, was at a very low ebb. Macintosh himself cultivated Turnips fur winter feeding, though, probably, almost /certainly, they were grown broadcast and not in drills. To secure the tenant a return for improvements, he advocated a 19 years lease, which afterwards became the cus- tom of the country. B. F. B. SO C IE "TIES. CHELMSFORD AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. December 13. — The fifth meeting of the winter session of this society was held in the Institute of Agriculture on the above date. Mr. H. Brown occupied the chair. Iris stylosa was shown well by Mr. Turner, gardener at Boreham House. Mr. Simmons, gardener at The Elms, Chelms- ford, gave a lecture on " Hardy Perennials." Dealing with the preparation of the border, the lecturer advised deep digging and liberal manur- ing. He recommended planting in groups and masses, arranging the colours to blend with due regard to the date of flowering. The proper methods of staking, mulching, and watering were explained by Mr. Simmons. LINNEAN. December 19. — At the meeting held on this date Mr. Cecil H. Hooper gave an account en- titled " Experiments on the Pollination of our Hardy Fruits, with observations on the Insect visitors to the blossoms," illustrating the same with lantern slides. He stated that Strawberries, provided there is wind, set fruit well without insects. Raspberries and Loganberries generally set fruit imperfect in shape if insects are ex- cluded. Red, White and Black Currants and Gooseberries, owing to the construction of their flowers and pollen (which is glutinous), cannot be pollinated and set their fruit without the visits of insects, more particularly hive and bumble bees. All the previously -mentioned plants set fruit perfectly with pollen of the same variety or even of the same flower ; but in the case of the Apple, Pear, Plum, and Cherry this is not always the case, many varieties being self-sterile, and almost all produce more abundant and finer fruit with pollen of another variety. In these trees there is very little transference of pollen by the wind, and even if a self -fertile tree is enclosed in muslin whilst in blossom (there being ample movement of the wind, insects only being ex- cluded), it is the exception for any fruit to set; it is the same with Gooseberries and Currants. In trials with Apples, only 19 varieties out of 65 proved self -fertile ; in Pears, 4 out of 30 ; in Plums, 21 out of 41 ; in Cherries, 5 out of 12 : whilst, when cross-pollinated, in three-quarters of the trials one or more fruits set on a truss. There seems to be a preference as to pollen, some varieties setting better with poDen of one variety than of that of another ; and some varie- ties will not set with certain pollen. The know- ledge of the usual order of blossoming is useful as a guide for interplanting varieties, so as to choose varieties that flower about the same time for planting together. Out of nearly 3,000 insects observed in the spring of 1912 visiting the blossoms of the various fruit bushes and trees, 88 per cent, were hive- bees, 5£ per cent, bumble and other wild bees, and 6j per cent, flies, ant6, beetles, wasps, and other insects ; but the latter group have not Huffy bodies for carrying and transferring pollen, and chiefly amuse themselves eating the pollen, and are not therefore proportionately as useful as the hive and wild boes. MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. December 19. — Committee present: Rev. J. Crombleholme (in the Chair) ; Messrs. R. Ash- worth, J. Cypher, J. Evans, J. Lupton, D. McLeod, C. Parker, H. Thorp, Z. A. Ward, A. Warbiuton and H. Arthur (secretary). Large Silver Medals were awarded to Z. A. Ward, Esq., Northenden (gr. Mr. Weatherby), for a group of Odontoglossums ; A. War- burton, Esq., Haslingden (gr. Mr. Dalgleish), and Col. J. Rutherford, M.P., Blackburn (gr. Mr. Lupton), for Odontoglossums in variety. Silver Medals to R. Ashworth, Esq., New- church (gr. Mr. Gilden), for a mixed group ; F. A. Hindley, Esq., Great Horton, for a group composed principally of Cypripediums ; G. H. Peace. Esq., Monton Grange (gr. Mr. Mace), for a group of Cypripediums in variety; Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, for a group of Cypripediums ; and Messrs. A. J. Keeling & Sons, Bradford, for a mixed group. Bronze Medals to Rev. J. Crombleholme. Clayton-le-Moors (gr. Mr. Marshall), for Cypri- pediums, and H. Arthur, Esq., Blackburn, for a small group. Other exhibitors were O. 0. Wrigley, Esq., who was accorded a special vote of thanks for his exhibits; W. R. Lee, Esq., Heywood (gr. Mr. Branch), and J. fl. Craven, Esq., Keighley (gr. Mr. Corney). AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Cypripedium Goliath (Amy Moore X Hare- field Hall), from W. R. Lee, Esq. Awards of Merit. Cypripedium Fovldsianvm (Fascinator x Clinkaberryanum), from J. H. Craven, Esq. Odontof/lossum Wilhieanum var., from Z. A. Ward, Esq. Lodio-C attleya Goldfinch " Ashlands" var. (L.-C. Warnhamense x aurea), from R. Ash- worth, Esq. Cymbidium Woodlandense (Traceyanum X Mastersii), from H. Arthur, Esq. GLASGOW SEED TRADE. December 21. — The annual dinner of the Glasgow Seed and Nursery Trade Association was held on this date in Ferguson and Forrester's Restaurant, Buchanan Street. Mr. William Williamson, hon. president, occupied the chair. Mr. James Cameron, in giving the toast of "The Seed and Nursery Trade," spoke of the progress which had been made by the trade dur- ing the past 30 or 40 years, and referred to the proposal to establish a seed-testing station in Edinburgh. With regard to the future of their trade he thought that all those who were en- gaged in it would need to be more scientific as the years went on. A man who specialised in farm seeds must know something of the farm itself and of the conditions in which the seeds were grown. The Chairman, in responding, referred to pro- posed legislation affecting the trade. Strong ap peals had been made to the powers that be in order that the proposals in this connection might be put on a fair and right basis, and they were hopeful that the legislation would prove satisfac- tory not only for the buyer but for the seller, and that the seedsman would be put on an equality with the farmer. SUSPENSION OF A HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, The Haddo House Society, which has held flower shows for several years in the grounds of Haddo House, Aberdeenshire, has been sus- pended for the present. A sum of money stand- ing to the credit of the society has been banked and will be held in reserve until such time as the society is operative again. Ottttuarjj. William Whitelaw. — -We regret to record the death of Mr. William Whitelaw, which took place on Christmas Eve at the age of 77. Mr. Whitelaw was a native of Coulston, Haddington- shire, and served his apprenticeship in gardening at Whittinghame. He was afterwards employed in the gardens at Scone Palace and Ardgowan. Later he was gardener at Blairquhan Castle, Ayr- shire, where he remained about three years, leav- ing to take up fresh duties at Applecross, in Argyleshire, where he remained about 15 years. He was next appointed gardener at Nostell Priory, in Yorkshire, where he remained three years. Later he entered the . service of Lord Grimthorpe at Batchwood, where he remained for 32 years. When Batchwood was sold last spring, Mr. Whitelaw retired from ac- tive service and has since resided at Sandridge, near St. Albans. The funeral took place on the 30th ult. He leaves a widow, a son and a daughter. Dr. Bruckhout. — We learn from Nature of the death from heart disease of Dr. William A. Bruckhout, Professor of Botany in the Pennsyl- vania State College. Dr. Bruckhout, who was born in 1846, graduated in the State College, and was appointed in 1871 professor of botany and horticulture in that institution. Dr. Bruck- hout also occupied for many years the post of botanist to the Pennsylvania State Board of Agriculture. He took a great interest in forestry, and was a member of the Pennsylvania State Forestry Commission. Dr. Bruckhout's investigations had a practical trend, and among the subjects on which he wrote are the effects of smoke and gas on vegetation, the food value of the Chestnut, the microscopic flora and fauna of the State College water supply, and forest fires. John McGregor. — We regret to announce the death of Mr. John McGregor, gardener at Barochan, Houston, for the past 55 years. He served the present proprietor of Barochan, Sir Chas. Bine Renshaw, Bart., for 30 years. During the 'seventies and 'eighties, Mr. McGregor was a successful exhibitor at the lead- ing shows. Five years ago he partially retired from his duties, when Sir Chas. and Lady Bine Renshaw made him a presentation, whilst a gold watch was subscribed for by his friends and the employes on the estate. Mr. McGregor leaves four sons and two daughters. Two of the sons are well-known gardeners. Isaac Husbands. — The American Florist records the death of Mr. Isaac Husbands, florist at Bellevue, Ohio, U.S.A., on November 23. Mr. Husbands was a native of England, and settled in America soon after he had commenced his gardening career. He was at one time gardener to a gentleman at Cleveland. Walter Hart. — The death of this florist is also recorded by The American Florist. Mr. Hart was born in England, but settled in America with his parents when quite young. He was a prominent florist at Pontiac, Illinois, U.S.A., and is described as one of the town's best-known citizens. January 4. 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 15 M JL R K E T S. COVENT GARDEN, January 2. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of tiie principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It Diust be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent the prices on any particular dayt but only tna 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, Dot only from day to day, but occasionally several times in one day. — Eds.] Cue Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. S.d. s.d. 2 6-40 Arums (Richardias) Azalea, per dozen bunches ... 4 -0 5 0 Bouvatdia, per dz. bunches ... 6 0-70 — white and coloured ... 6 0-80 Camellias, white, per dozen ... 16-20 Carnations, per dozen blooms, best American varieties ... 19-26 — smaller, per doz. bunches 15 0-18 0 — Carola (crim- son), extra large ... ... 4 0-50 — Maimaison, p, doz. blooms: pink ... 12 0-15 0 Chrysanthemums, per dozen : — white 2 0-40 — pink 2 0-40 — yellow 16-30 — bronze 2 0-40 — white, per doz. bunches .. 12 0-18 0 — coloured ... 12 0-18 0 Daffodils, per doz. bunches 7 0-80 Eucharis, per dozen 2 6-80 Freesia, white, per doz. buncnes... 2 6-30 Gardenias, per box of 15 and 18 blooms ... 5 0-70 Gerbera Hybrid, p. doz 2 6 — Hyacinth Roman, per dz. buchs. 15 0-18 0 t, ilium auratum, per bunch ... 2 6-30 — Io ng i riorum, per doz., long 2 6-30 short ... 2 0-26 s.d. s.d. 2 0-26 16-20 Lilium lancifolium — alba, long — short — speciosu in i ■ libra m, per dz.: — long 2 0-26 — short 10-13 Lily of the Valley, pr. dz. bnchs. : — extra special ... 12 0-18 0 Lily of the Valley. p. doz. bnchs : — special 10 0-12 0 — ordinary ... 8 0-90 Mignonette, per doz. bunches... 3 0-40 Orchids, Cattleya, per doz. ... 16 0 — — Cypt ipedium 2 0-30 — Odontoglossutn crispum ... 4 0-50 Pelargoniums, p. dz. bunches 4 0-50 — Double Scarlet 9 0-10 0 Poinsettias, per dozen blooms 9 0-10 0 Roses, 12 blooms : — Liberty ... 5 0-80 — Madame A. Chatenay ... 5 0-80 — Niphetos ... 2 0-26 — Richmond ... 5 0-60 Spiraea (Astilbe) ja- ponica, pei dz. bunches ... 6 0-80 Tuberose, p. doz. blooms, long... 10-13 — — short ... 0 8-09 Tulips, per dozen bunches : — red — white — yellow — bronze — pink Violets, Princess of Wales, per dozen bunches 8 0-90 9 0-10 0 8 0-90 9 0-10 0 . 10 0-18 0 Guernsey Flowers: Narcissus : _ Soleil d'Or ... 4 — Grand Primo 3 — Princeps ... 3 French Flowers Anemone, double pink, per doz. Lilac, white, per bunch — mauve Marguerite, yellow, per doz. bnchs Mimosa, pr. bunch Narcissus, Paj er White, pr. pad, 48 bunches ... 8 — Soleild'Or.p.dz. 2 Cut Foliage, &c s.d. s.d. i 0-3 0 Average Wholesale Prices. Narcissus: 0-4 6 — Henry Irving 0-3 6 — Gloriosa 0-4 0 s.d. s.d. 4 0-50 2 6-30 : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Ranunculus, per doz. bunches : — double scarlet 8 0-12 0 — yellow 8 0-12 0 — bronze 10 0-12 0 — carmine ... 5 0-60 Roses, Safrano, pkts.of 24 blms. 3 6 — Violets, per pad of 48 and 60 bchs. — Parma, large bunches, each .d. s.d. 6-3 0 6-4 0 0-6 0 6-3 0 9-10 0-10 0 0-3 6 4 0- 4 6- 5 0 5 0 Average Wholesale Prices. A d ian t u in Fern (Maidenhair), best, per do/, bunches A gr o st i s (Fairy Grass), per dz. bunches A sparag u s plu- mosus, long trails, pr.Jdoz. — medium, doz. bunches — S^rengeri Bertoeas, natural, per doz. bnchs sd. s.d. s.d. s.d. Carnation foliage, doz. bunches... 3 0 — Croton foliage, var- 6 0-70 ious, dz. bchs. 12 0-15 0 Cycas leaves, arti- ficial, per doz. 3 0-12 0 2 0-40 Eulalia japonica, per bunch ... 10-16 Moss, gross bnchs. 6 0 — 16-20 Myrtle, dz. bchs. {English), 12 0-18 0 small-leaved... 6 0 — 10 0 12 0 — French ... 10 — Smilax, per bunch 3 0-40 of 6 trails ... 10-13 Plants In Pots, Ac. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d, Azalea, white and coloured, per dozen jo's ... Araha Sieboldii, dz. Araucana excelsa per dozen Asparagus plumo- sus nanus, per dozen... — Sprengeri Aspidistra, p. dz., green — variegated Begonia Gtoire de Lorraine, 48's, per dozen ... 9 0-12 0 Chrysanthemums, 30 0-36 0 6 0-70 18 0-21 0 10 0-12 0 8 0-90 21 0-30 0 30 0-60 0 Cinerarias, p. doz. 10 0-15 0 9 0-10 0 s.d. S.d. Cocos Weddeli- ana.per dozen: — 60's 6 0-12 0 — larger, each ... 2 6-10 6 Croton, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Cyclamens, 48's ... 10 0-12 0 Cyperus a I t er- nifolius, p. dz. 5 0-60 — laxus, per doz. 4 0-50 Dracaena, green, per dozen ... 10 0-12 0 Erica hyemalis ... 12 0-15 0 — nivalis 12 0-18 0 60*s ... 6 0-80 72s 3 0-40 — gracilis, 48's .. 12 0-15 0 -m thumbs 3 6-40 60*s ... 6 0-80 Plants in Pots, ttc: Averag s.d. s.d, Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 — in small and large 60's — in4b's, per doz. Ferns, choicer sorts per doz. — in 3i's, per dozen ... Ficus elastica, per dozen Genistas, per il >/. Geonoma gracilis, 60's, per dozen — larger, each ... Hyacinths, white, in pots, per dozen Kentta Beimore- ana, per dozen — Fosteriaua, 60's, per dozen larger, per dozen Latauia borbonica, per dozen Lilium lancifolium rubrum in pts., per dozen 8 0-12 0 12 0-20 0 6 0 — 8 0-12 0 10 0-18 0 9 0-12 0 12 0 — 6 0-80 2 6-76 12 0-15 0 6 0-42 4 0- 6 0 18 0-63 l 12 0-30 1 18 0 21 i, e Wholesale Prices (Contd.). s.d. s.d. | Lilium lancifolium alba, in pots., dozen 18 0-21 0 Lilium longiflorum, per dozen ... 18 0-80 0 Lily of the Valley 18 0-21 0 Marguerites, in 48's, per doz., white 8 0-10 0 Pandanus Veitchii, per dozen ... 36 0-48 0 Pelargonium (Ger- anium), double scarlet, 48's ... — other varieties Phoenix rupicola, each Poinsettias, per dozen pots, 43's 10 0-12 0 — 60's 6 0 — Solatium, 48's, per dozen 8 0-12 0 Spirsea japonica, per dozen pots 6 0-80 — pink ... ... 10 0-12 0 Tulips, per box of 24* s ; — white 2 6-30 - pink 3 6-30 - scarlet (Tulips or Bulbs) ... 2 6-30 4 0-50 5 0-60 2 6-21 0 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices, s.d. s.d. Apples : — Dessert, Eng- lish, i, bushel 2 0-40 — Cox's Orange, J bushel ... 6 0-10 0 — Cooking, per bushel 2 0-40 — Wenatchee, p. case 7 0-90 — American, bils. 27 0-30 0 — Ca I i t or n i a n Newlowns.case 7 0-80 — Nova Scotian, per barrel ... 13 0-16 »i — Oregon, New- town Pipp.,cs. 8 0-10 0 Bananas, bunch : — Doubles ... 10 0 12 0 — No. 1 ... ... 7 0-80 — Extra 8 6-10 0 — Giant 12 0 14 0 — Loose, p. doz. 0 H- I 0 — Redcoloured... 4 6-56 — Jamaica, per ton £10-£1'2 — Jamaica Ordi- nary, per box (9 doz.) ... 4 0-56 Dates, per dozen... 2 9-30 — Egyptian, per cwt 25 0 — Figs (Italian), bxs. 0 6-10 Cranberries, per case 9 0-14 0 Grape Fruit, case: — IMl's | -Zl ::: ;;; ao-iao — 64*s ... ... ) — per do/en ... 4 0-60 Grapes (English), per lb. : — Canon Hall .. 3 6-10 0 — Muscat of Alexandria ... 3 6-10 0 — Black Alicante 0 6-16 — Almeria, barrel 12 0-18 0 — Gros Col man 0 B- 9 6 — Lisbon, case... 7 0-86 Lemons, per case : — Malaga — Messina, per case Nuts, Almonds, pes bag — Brazils, cwt.... — Spanish, per Sack — Barcelona, per bag — Cocoanuts, 100 — English Cobs per lb. — Chestnuts, bg. — Walnuts French, per cwt. ... — Naples, p. cwt. Lychees, lib. box... Oranges : — Jaffa, per case — Jamaica, case — Mandarines, p. box — Florida Tan- gerines, p. case — D e n i a , per case — Ca 1 i f o r n ian. Seedless, case Pears : — French, per box — — per crate ... — Californian Doyenne du Cornice, p. cj-e — French Doy- ennedn Cornice per crate — Dutch Catillac, J bushel — American, per barrel Pineapples, St. Michael Rhubarb, dozen bundles s.d. s.d. 16 0 - 8 6-24 0 52 6 — 54 0-62 0 40 0-42 0 35 6-36 6 18 0-23 0 0 3-04 14 0-26 0 30 0 - 64 0 — 1 6 — 6 6-76 4 0-80 0 8-56 14 0-16 0 11 0-22 0 10 0-12 0 3 0 — 6 0-80 12 0-16 0 5 6-66 3 6 — 7 0-80 3 0-50 12-16 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Asparagus, Paris green Sprue, per bundle Attichokes(Globe), per dozen — French — ground, $ bus. — Batavia, p. dz. French, doz. Beans : _ French, p. pkt. 0 4-05 — Guernsey, lb. 0 9-10 — Madeira, per handle Beetroot, p. bushel Cabbages, p. tally — boxes — red, per do/en Carrots (English), pr. doz. bun... — dirty, per bag... — washed, bag ... Cauliflowers per tally — boxes — Cornish, crate — Italian, crate... Celery, per dtzen " fans " — dirty Celeriac, per doz. — Fr enc h, p e r dozen Cucumbers, p. flat Endive, per dozen — French p. doz. Greens, per bushel — bags Herbs (sweet), packets., per gross ... 4 3-46 0 8 2 6-30 2 0-26 10 — 0 6 — 10 — 2 6-30 16 — 2 6 — 10-20 10 — 16-26 2 6 — SO — 7 0-10 0 2 3-46 3 0-40 2 9 — 12 0 — 9 0 — 10-16 9 0 2 6 7 0- 0 6 1 0 1 0 1 6 10 0 — Horseradish, 12 bundles Leeks, per doz. ... Lettuce (English), Cabbage, per bushel Lettuce, French, per crate Mint, per dozen bunches Mushrooms, culti- vated, per lb. Mustard and Cress per doz. punnets Onions (English) per bag — per bushel — picklers, per bag — (spring), per doz bunches — (Spanish), case — Dutch, bags ... — Guernsey, p. lb Peas, French, pad of 10 lb. Parsley, per doz. bunches Parsnips, per bag — per bushel Radishes(English) per dozen Sage, per dozen ... Savoys, per. tally — per box Seakale, punnets... Spinach, A bushel Sprouts, h bushel... — bags" Scotch Kale, busl. s.d, 12 0 1 6- 1 6- 3 0 3 0 0 10- 0 4- 36 2 0 s.d. 2 0 2 0 1 0 0 6 4 0 — 2 0 4 6- 2 6 2 0 5 6 5 0 — 2 0- 2 0 — 10 — 0 10- 2 0 4 0 2 0 1 0- 2 6- 1 0- 16- 1 0 1 6 3 0 1 3 2 0 Vegetables: Average Wholesale Prices {Contd). Tomatos, Canary, per bundle ... Thyme, dz. bnchs. Turnips (English), perdz. bunches — per bag 9 0-13 0 2 0 — 13-26 2 0-26 s.d. s.d. Turnips, un- washed, bag ... 2 0 — Turnip tops, bushel 10-16 — per bag ... 2 6 — Watercress, p. dz. bunches ... 0 4-06 Remarks.— The following varieties of English culinary and dessert Apples are available :— Bramley's Seedling Dumelow's Seedling (Wellington) and Cox's Orange Pippin. Apples from Nova Scotia consist of the following sorts;— King of the Pippins, Baldwin, Failowater, Kibston Pippin, and Golden Russet. Imported Apples in boxes include Yellow Newtown Pippin, Wenatchee, Oregon Newtown Pippin, Jonathan Wine Sap and Spitzenberg as the lead- ing varieties. Varieties of Pears now obtainable are Winter Nelis, Doyenne du Cornice and Keiffer. The market is well supplied with Black Alicante and Gros Colman Grapes. Supplies of Muscat varieties are becoming fewer. Trade in Cob-nuts remain steady at from 3s. to 4s. per 12 lbs. Oranges have been a full supply; the principal varieties are Denia, Valencia, Murcia, Jaffa, Jamaica, Californian Seedless ana Tangerine. Teneriffe Tomatos continue a good supply. Mushrooms are abundant and cheap. Supplies of English and French Asparagus are increasing. The supply of Cu- cumbers is limited. Consignments of Dwarf Beans are about equal to the demand. Foiced Rhubarb is plentiful. The commoner vegetables areall abundant. B. H, Ii.t Covent Garden% January Jt W13, Potatos. per bag. s.d. s.d. 2 9-36 per cwt. s.d. s.d. 1 0 4 i; 4 0- 5 n 3 6- 3 9 3 6-50 i 0- 4 9 Bedfords ... Kents Blacklands Lincolns ... King Edward Remarks.— The conditions of trade and prices remain ihe same as last week. Edward J. Newborn^ Covent Garden and St. Patterns, January 1, iyi3. Dutch Belgian 3 0-39 German 3 9-49 Dunbars 6 0-63 Scotch (grey soil) 4 0-49 CLOVER AND GRASS SEEDS. English Red Clover A short crop of medium quality is reported, and the samples already marketed are of low grade. There are still some high-grade seeds of 191 1 harvest available, which meet a steady demand at full figures. Single Cut Cowgrass.— A short crop of poor quality. Foreign Red Clover.— France reports no supplies from north, east and west, and only an average quantity from the centre and south, practically all of which has been sold. Italy had a good harvest of a quality which has found ready buyers in all districts. There is a very short yield in Austria, quality mostly weathered. Russia a short crop. America and Canada are ex- pected to have little, if any, surplus for export, but their crops are large enough to prevent importations to any extent from this side. Chilian supplies are smaller than last season. In our opinion present prices are reasonable. White Clover.— The English crop is smaller than for many years. The Continental seed is below average as to quality, although rather better than last year. Early American orders have made a great clearance, and prices advanced rapidly to a figure not approached during 1911, and it is expected present values will be maintained. Alsike.— English crop very short and of low quality. Small supplies reported in Canada and the States, and values are higher than usual. Trefoil. — A short crop of useful quality in England ; moderate supplies expected from France and Belgium. Prices will rule high. Lucerne. — Very small supplies from Provence and a normal yield in Turkestan; some seed of useful quality has been saved in Italy. Sainfoin. — A fair crop of the common English variety. A short crop of Giant variety of medium quality. Small supplies from France. Italian Ryegrass. — Less than an average crop of or- dinary quality has been saved in Ireland. A fair crop of useful quality in England and France. Perennial Ryegrass.— A smaller crop than last year, and the quality is of much lighter weight per bushel than usual. Natural Grasses. — Of Cocksfoot, a large crop of very good quality has been harvested in Denmark and Ger- many. Hard and Sheep's Fescue are rather scarce, and Poa Trivialis is a short yield. Foxtail Meadow Fescue, Poa prat en sis and Timothy grass are being offered at normal rates. Mustard.— An average crop of good quality. Rape. — Supplies from all districts are extremely short. Spring Tares. — A moderate crop of good quality. Hurst &T3 Son, January 1, 1913. DEBATING SOCIETIES. WATFORD HORTICULTURAL. — The annua! general meeting of this society was held in the Church Room, St. Andrew's, on December 20, (he Hon. Treasurer (Mr. E. S. Theobald) occupying the chair. The annual show Wis the best ever held undtr the auspices of the society, but, owing to inclement weather, the receipts were very low. The financial account shows a balance in favour of the society. The resignation by Mr. H. Newman of the office of Hon. Secretary was received with regret; hi^ successor is Mr. W. Waterton. The other officers and committee were also elected. DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY GARDENERS'.— At a meeting held in Dumfries on ihe 28th ult. an association was formed under the above title for the reading and discussion of papers on horticultural and allied subjects. Mr. J. Hutchison, Terregles Gardens, occupied the chair. The first fortnightly meeting will be held on January 11, when a paper will be read by Mr. S. Arnott. 16 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [January 4, 1913. THE WEATHER, THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending December 25, 1912. The thud warm week in succession. — For nearly three weeks there has not occurred a single unseasonably cold day or night. During that period the highest^eading in the thermometer screen has on as many as 15 days risen to or exceeded 50°, and on the warmest of those days read ed 55°, which is 11° higher than the average for the time of year. At 2 feet deep the ground is now 3Q warmer, and at 1 foot deep 4° warmer than is seasonable. Rain fell on four days, to the total depth of about f inch. Shortly before S o'clock on the afternoon of the 24th rain was failing for five minutes at the mean rate of 1J inch an hour. During the uei-k two-and-a-half gallons of rainwater has come through the bare soil percolation gauge, and two gallons through the gauge on which short grass is growing. The sun shone on an average for 23 minutes a day, which is 54 minutes a day short of the usual duration at this period in December. The winds proved variable in strength, but in do hour did the mean velocity exceed 15 miles. The average amount of moisture in tie air at 3 p.m. fell shoit of a seasonable quantity for that hour by two per cent. The Winter Aconite came first into flower in my garden in the spot selected for the observation of this plant on the 19ih, which is 33 days earlier than its a\ erage date tor the previous 26 years, and 18 days earlier than in the earliest of those years. E. M.t Berkltamsted, December 25, 1y12. Week ending January 1, 1913. The fourth unseasonably warm week in succession.— Another unusually warm week for the time of year, and the fourth warm week in succession. On the warmest day the tem- perature in the thermometer screen rose in the middle of the day to 55", which is 12° higher than the average maximum reading for that day. On the warmest night the exposed thermometer never fell lower than 43t>, which is also an un- usually high minimum reading for the end of December. The ground is at the present time 4° warmer at 2 feet deep, and 5" warmer at 1 foot dtep, than is seasonable. Rain fell on each of the six days end.ng the 2tith ult.t and to the total depib uf l^inch, which is equivalent to two-lhirds of the average rainfall for the who!e month. Since then there has been no rain worth mentioning. During those six da>s tor rather, during the six days ending the *29th ult.), 1% gallons of rainwater came through the bare soil percolation gauge, and 7£ gallons through that on which short grass is gi owing. The sun shone on an average for 1 hour 11 minutes a day, which is 7 minutes a day short of the average for the last week in December. On ihe one bright day, the 30th ult., the tun was shining for 5 hours 10 minutes. The winds were, as a rule, rather high, and m the windiest hour the mean velocity ro^e to 20 miles— direction W. The direction of these winds was almost exclusively some point betwe n S. and W. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon exceeded a seasonable qu^nLiiy for that hour by 1 per cent. December. Wet, sunless, and windy, and remarkably warm. — This was with two exceptions the warmest December I have yet recorded here— that is during the last 27 years. But in the first of those two years the average tempera- ture of December was only one-teuth of a degree higher, and in the other only two-tenths of a degree higher than that of the past month. On the warmest day the temperature in the thermometer screen rose to 55°, and on the coldest night the exposed thermometer registered 15w of frost. Three noteworthy features of this December as regards temperature were: (1) The gieaiest cold being recorded during the early morning hours of the first day of the month ; (2) after the first five days ihere was not a single unseasonably cold day or night ; and (3) there being eight consecutive days when the highest temperature only varied from 50u to 51°. Rain fell on 'i0 days, to the aggregate depth of 3J inches, which is half an-inch in excess of the December average. Snow fell on two days, but at no time were there sufficient dry flakes to cover the ground. The sun shone on an average for 53 minutes a day, which is 18 minutes a day short of the mean duration for the mouth. The winds proved as a rule high, but in no hour did the mean velocity exceed 21 miles- direction S.W. In no hour was the direction any point between north and east. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. fell short of a seasonable quantity for that hour by two per cent. The Year. Rather warm, and singularly wet and sunless.— On the whole this was a rather warm year. There were six warm months— January, February, March, April, May and Decem- ber ; three of average temperature- June, July, and Novem- ber, and three cold— August, SeptemLer, and October. The most unseasonably cold months were August and Septem- ber, and the most unseasonably warm one December. On the hottest day, July 15, the temperature in the thermo- meter screen rose to 87", and on the coldest night, Februai v 3, the exposed thermometer indicated 27° of frost. The total rainfall exceeded the average for the previous 56 years by 4J inches, making this the wettest year with one exception, 1903, for 30 years. The only really dry month was April, when virtually no rain at all was deposited. Bv far the wettest month was August, but in January and March the fall of rain was also unusually heavy. Taking the year as a whole the sun shone on an average for half an hour a day less than is usual, making this, with three exceptions, the most sunless year during the past 27 >ears. In fact, there were only two months, April and October, when the duration of sunshine was in excess of the average for the time of year. July and August were the most gloomy months, con- sidering these are both summer months. Our Underground Water Supply. The total rainfall for the past three months has fallen short of the average for the same period in the previous 56 years by a quarter-of-an-inch, which is equivalent to a loss of 4,300 gallons on each acre on this district. Last year at the same lime there was an excess of 90,480 gallons per acre. E. A/., Bet khamsted, January 7, 1913. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. [Correspondents artrtqutsted to writ* th* mamsB of portent mad pl*L0s »t ligibly mm possible. No chntge n made for these announcements, but if a small contribution is sent, to be placed in our collecting Box for the Gardeturs* Orphan Fund, it will be thankfully received, and an acknowledgment madt in these columns,] Mr. W. W. Harris, previously Foreman at Nuttall Temple, Nottinghamshire, and Laverstoke House, Whitchurch, Hampshire, as Gardener to Sir Geokge Smith, Treliske, Truro, Cornwall. Mr. James Preece, for 20 years Gardener at Warley Place, Great Warley, Essex, as Gardener to W. M. Jackson, Esq., Leggatts, near Potters Bar. Mr. John Budden, for the past 5 years Foreman at Bram- ham Park Gardens, Boston Spa, as Gardener to His Grace the Archbishop of York, Bishop Thorpe Palace, York. Mr. J. G. Quinn, for the past 2 years Gardener to Cap- tain R. B. Brassey, Copse Hill, Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire, as Gardener to the same gentleman at Cottisbrooke Hall, Northampton. Mr. G. Gibson, for nearly 5 years General Foreman at Harewood House, Leeds, Yorkshire, as Gardener to C. Walker, Esq., Brettargh Holt, Kendal, Westmor- land. TRADE NOTICE. MESSRS. RYDER & SON, LTD. The above-named company has been registered with a capital of £35,000 in £1 shares (15,000 six per cent. Cumula- tive Preference). Business: To take over that carried on by Samuel Ryder & Son, at 27, HoI> well-hill, St. Albans, and elsewhere, setd merchants and growers, bulb merchants, nurserymen, manufacturers of and dealers in horticultural sundries, &c. Private company. Office, 27, Holywell-hill, St. Albans. Qmfm Jo "orrteporuknU CATALOGUES RECEIVED. FOREIGN. Vilmorin-AndrieuxetCie, 4, Quai de la Megisserie, Paris — Trees and Shrubs. M. Leenders & Co., Steil-Tegelen, Holland— New Roses. Wiliizlm Pfitzer, Stuttgart— Plant Novelties; Seeds. * . * The Editors will be glad to receive, for consideration, large photographs of horticultural subjects, suitable for reproduction in this Journal. Eranthemum: F. C. There is no insect present. The white speckled appearance is due to some inorganic substance which dis- solves readily in a weak acid. Euphorbia Unhealthy: Anxious. There is no trace of disease in the plant of Euphorbia. The trouble must be looked for iri some wrong cultural treatment. Heliotropes : T. J . The injury was caused in the case you cite by the fungus Phoma Helio- tropii. Dip the plants in a rose-red solution of permanganate of potash or spray them with the same specific three times at intervals of three days. Lawn Tennis Ground : Taffy. A tennis ground made by laying turf during December would not be sufficiently established to permit of the playing of regular games at the commencement of the following April. If this were done the future condition of the ground would be im- perilled. By the second week in May the turf should have become well rooted, and play for a few hours daily could safely take place. We should not at any time care to convert our tenuis lawn into a cycle track : the riding on a new lawn could certainly cause depressions. We cannot explain the presence of the number of stones which were found in the turf.- Names of Plants : T. Dent. 1, Thuya occi- dentalis ; 2, Libocedrus decurrens ; 3, Abies Pinsapo ; 4, Cupressus pisif era plumosa ; 5, Juniperus virginiana ; 6, Picea excelsa. — A. J. M. S. Ornithogalum lacteum.— R. 3. Coelogyne fusoescens. — F. T. T. 1, Oncidium cheirophorum ; 2, Aerides odoratum ; 3, Acriop- sis javanica. — E. L., Oxon. The larger white flower is Ornithogalum lacteum, and the other Crassula albiflora. — A. B., Lancaster. 1, Maxillaria variabilis purpurea ; 2, Laelia anceps. — H. T . 1, Oncidium flexuosum ; 2, Brassia brachiata.— X. Y. Z. 1, Selaginella viticulosa ; 2, S. plumosa ; 3, S. uncinata; 4, Pandanus graminifolia ; 5, Dracaena ferrea; 6, Carex riparia variegata. — Stoke House. 1, Coleus thyrsoideus (blue flowers) ; 2, Sparmannia africana (white Mowers] ; 3, next week. Palm Leaves Turning Yellow : Anxious. Th* most common causes of Palm leaves losing colour are over-watering, the use of strong manures, keeping the plants in too low a tem- perature, and mutilation of the roots when repotting. It is not possible to induce the mature leaves which are now yellow to become green, but, by attention to correct cultural methods, the colour of the other leaves may be greatly improved, and those produced in future will be of normal colour. If, as you sus- pect, over-watering is the cause of the deteriora- tion, the soil will probably be sour, and the plants will not greatly improve until they have been repotted, but it would not be advisable to do this until the early spring. When repotting, wash the roots free from old soil in a tub of lukewarm water, and carefully repot the plants into properly-drained pots, using three parts broken, fibrous loam, one part leaf-mould, and dried cow manure, with the addition of char- coal to keep the soil sweet, and plenty of coarse sand. Do not use peat in the potting com- post, but for the Cocos Weddelliaua increase the proportion of leaf-mould at the expense of the loam. The potting should be done very firmly, taking care to work the soil well around the roots and not to bruise any with the potting stick. After having been repotted, the Palms should be placed in a tropical temperature. Shade from direct sunshine is essential, and, for a time, water at the roots should be given with extra care, but established plants require copious watering during the growing season. The foliage should be syringed frequently. The Kentias' mentioned (K. Balmoreana and K. Forsteriana) are capable of withstanding a considerable amount of rough treatment and make excellent room plants. During the summer and autumn these Palms may safely be grown in a cool conservatory provided that care in water- ing is exercised. The exceedingly graceful Coeus Weddelliana has a more delicate nature, and should not be allowed to remain in a low temperature longer than is really necessary, but in other respects this species is also a first-rate vase plant for the sitting-room. For the present all that can be done is to keep the Palms in a warm temperature and apply water carefully. Occasional waterings with dilute liquid manure made from cow dung or a solu- tion of nitrate of soda will be beneficial. Pear and Apple SroT : J . M., Ireland. Spraying with Bordeaux mixture should be commenced in the case of the Pears when the leaves are expanding, and should be continued at intervals until the fruit is half grown. It would be safe to treat Apples in the same way if they are also slightly attacked. The winter spray'mentioned will serve for Apple and Pear trees alike. Right of Tenant to Remove Plants : H. F. W. The law on the subject is that anything planted or built in the soil must be left behind by the tenant, but those things which simply rest on the ground by reason of their own weight may be removed. Tarring a Pergola : Doubtful. The Stockholm tar will not harm the Roses if they are not nailed directly on to the fence for the present. Tie the shoots in bunches, and secure them away from the woodwork. Next spring the in- jurious properties of the tar will have dis- appeared, and the Roses may then be trained in position. If the tar has been used so thickly on the pergola that it is still sticky in the spring, bind pieces of cloth round the wood- work where the branches are tied. Ultimately the cloth may be dispensed with. Tomato Chutney : E. Y. The following recipe for making chutney from Green Tomatos was given in Gardeners' Chronicle, November 2, 1912, p. 336 :— Take of green Tomatos 4 lbs., Apples and Onions li lb. each. ; sultanas, 5 lb., sugar | lb., salt 1 ounce, and peppers and Chilies to taste. Slice the Tomatos, Apples and Onions and boil these with the other in- gredients for four hours in li, pint of vinegar. Communications Received. — R. E., Dolgelly (no letter enclosed with the specimens) W. H. P. -. J. F., Anxious_F. D Constant Reader_J. R. F.—M. C H. vV. — W. B., Portarlington (your letter has been for- warded) _G. M. T M. C. A F. B.—J. B._ F. K., Bath — A. D Yorkshire Gardener J. U. McC, Nursery Employ, Torquay — E. P. P W. C Constant Reader W. L H. S. T._F. H— C. H. A., Germany_H. G W. F E. M R. D._W. R. D._A. R. W._W. F. B C. M J. L J. G. B._F. W. O., Limnsrield_G. K _ G. B. ,\I. R E. R. J._0. T._ A Piper— \V._J.O-B._A.S. January 11, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 1? THE ••' (Sarbcncrs'tf'bronic e No. 1,350— SATURDAY, January 11, 1013. CONTENTS. Allamanda Hendi-rsonii 24 Apple, honouring an ... 26 Bamboo flower-pots ... 26 Benevolent In -titution, Gardeners' Royal ... 25 Board of Agriculture, new secretary of the ... 25 Books, notices of— The P I a nters* Note Book 26 Cabb.ige root fly, the ... 8.' Cultural notes — The propagation of Statices 19 Flowers, the pigments of 25 Hamamelis m illis ... 27 Haricot, a new 25 Irises, some ear y-tlower- ing 17 Lindenbergiu grandirlora 27 Magistrates, Chester's new ... ... ... 21 Market fruit-garden, the 20 Novelties of 1912 18 Park, gift of a, to Dundee 26 Pine seeds, method of extracting 26 Plant notes — Abutilon insigne ... 26 Centropogon Lucyanus 26 Crowea saligna ... 26 Pine, the Corsican Plants in flower out-of- doors Plants, new or note- worthy— Echium Wildpretii and other species Pteros.yrax Henr*, i ... Rhododendron ponticuill vai. aucubxfolium ... Societies — City of Loudon Rose... Ghent Agric Perpetual- flowering Carnation ... 25, Royal Hoilicultural .. Royal Meteorological .. Surveyors' Institution Suburban garden, the ... Trees and shrubs — Dwarf Conifers Sophora grandiflora ... Week's work, the — Flower garden, the ... French garden, the ... Fruits under glass Hardy fruii g\rdt-n ... Kitchen garden, the ... Orchid houses, the Plants under glass Wood, ripened ILLUSTRATIONS. Allamanda Hendersonii (Coloured Supplement) Echium Bourgeauanum in a Tenenrfe garden Echium caudicans x E. simplex Echium Pininana and E. simplex in a Teneriffe garden Echium simplex Lindenbergia grandiflora 27, 28 SOME EARLY-FLOWERING IRISES. THE experience of the summer of 1912 has shown that we have still much to learn as to the conditions which favour or prevent the production of flowers by those species of Iris which bloom in winter. In August, when week after week brought little or no sun- shine, but rather rain and low tempera- tures, it seemed as though such species as I. unguicularis and the smaller bulbous Irises would be unable to ripen their growth, and the prospect of them produc- ing their usual crop of flowers became more and more gloomy. If the time could have been found, I should certainly have lifted all my bulbs of the Reticulata group, and, by storing them in dry sand, have attempted to give them artificially that ripening which they seemed unable to obtain naturally. However, the time for this slipped by, and the bulbs re- mained in the ground to take their chance. The first surprise came early in Decem- ber, when I found that two or three clumps of a very narrow-leaved form of I. unguicu- laris were full of buds. Unfortunately, I have been unable to ascertain from what locality this form comes. I obtained it some years ago from a nurseryman, who aroused my curiosity by advertising an Iris agrostifolia, of which no botanical de- scription appears to have been published. The name is suitable, even though it is a Graeco-Roman mongrel, and, presumably, means grassy-leaved. As a matter of fact, the tough, wiry leaves are not more than one-twelfth of. an inch wide, and about 12 to 18 inches long. To judge from herbarium specimens, this is probably a Greek form, similar to that which was de- scribed by Janka as I. cretensis. As in many other cases, the author of this name was so intent on showing that the plant was not a certain Iris (in this case I. humilis, with which no one with any know- ledge of Irises could easily confuse it) that he altogether omitted to say how he dis- tinguished the plant he was describing from others that are obviously related to it. A close examination of this and other forms which I have received direct from Greece has failed to discover any difference except size between them and the Algerian I. unguicularis. Until this season these narrow-leaved forms have never bloomed until March or April, and this seemed a point of difference, which, however, now appears to have vanished. The flowers are smaller and have not the delightful scent of some Algerian plants, but the display lasted all through December and still continues at the commencement of January. Moreover, some curious plants, which I received some years ago from Muller, of Nocera Inferiore, under the varietal name of pontica, after hitherto remaining flowerless, are now throwing up their buds. The foliage is scanty, short and broader than that of the ordinary Algerian form of I. unguicularis. The few flowers that have already opened have been enough to show that it will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish this plant from another which has lately been introduced as I. lazica. The name pontica suggests the Black Sea, and Lazistau is on its south-eastern shore, so that the identity of the plants is not im- probable. The flowers are scentless, smaller, of a darker purple, and more dis- tinctly veined than those of typical I. un- guicularis. What is remarkable is that, like the Greek forms, the plants from Pontus and Lazistan have always hitherto refused to flower until March or April. But if it was a surprise to find buds on these various forms of I. unguicularis in December, it was no less astonishing to find that beds of I. histrio and I. his- trioides were also showing their buds be- fore the 20th of that month. Since then it has been possible to gather them daily, and they show off their beauty to the best advantage if stuck into wet earth or sand in small flat bowls. In water they are difficult to arrange, but, by filling the bowls in the manner suggested, they are easily induced to hold themselves erect. A certain amount of confusion appears to exist between I. histrio and I. his- trioides, and, indeed, at first sight there is considerable similarity between the two. Both vary to a large extent in the exact shade of colour and in the markings, and, moreover, each appears to possess more than one form. I am inclined to think that they must be separated from I. reticu- lata by their method of increase. Both produce at the base of the parent bulb a large number of minute bulblets not much bigger in many cases than grains of wheat. These never occur in the case of I. reticulata, so far as my experience goes. The chief points of difference between I. histrio and I. histrioides seem to be these : In I. histrio the leaves are at least as tall as— if they do not overtop— the buds. In I. histrioides the buds often pierce the soil before the leaves appear at all. The flower of the former is turbinate, that is to say that the hafts of the falls rise at a sharp angle and form with the standards the outline of a funnel or inverted cone. In I. histrioides the haft of the fall extends almost horizontally. In colour the latter is more uniform, and the deep blue of the edge of the blade of the falls extends for some distance towards the centre,4, where it gives place to a white ground blotched with blue. In typical I. histrio the colour- ing is produced by mottlings and veinings of deep blue distributed irregularly all over a paler blue ground. Moreover, the standards are very narrow, and curve gracefully outwards at the tip. In I. his- trioides they are broader, and are held more erect. There is, however, a form of I. histrio in which the standards are erect and even actually incurved, almost meeting at their apex. To this I have ven- tured to give the varietal name of ortho- petala. The spathes are rather longer than those of the typical form, and the leaves tend to develop more fully before the flowers appear. It would be a help to know where this form is to be found. Herbarium specimens of these species and of their forms are very unsatisfactory, but I am inclined to think that this variety orthopetala comes from Lebanon. In any case, typical I. histrio is found in the neighbourhood of Marash, while I. his- trioides comes from further north in Asia Minor, and is obtained in the neighbour- hood of Amasia. It is to this species rather than to I. reticulata, which is probably confined to the Caucasus and Northern Persia, that the plant described by Foster as I. sophenensis should proba- bly be referred. It derived its name from the ancient name of the district in which Kharput is situated. It is found near this town, and agrees with I. histrioides in its method of increase, in the poise of the falls, in the short, stout foliage at flower- ing time, and in its coloration. Another surprise of this curious season has been the flowering in the last week of December of a number of plants of I. Rosenbachiana, which does not usually flower until February or March. This species is, unfortunately, as rare as it is beautiful. It comes from the mountains of Turkestan, and is a true Alpine plant. That is to say, that it flowers as soon as the foliage pierces the soil, and the pace at which the flowers develop when once the broad, nipple-shaped sheath of the leaves has appeared above the surface is simply amazing. In a few days the gorgeous flowers are fully developed and stand 4 or 6 inches high on their long perianth tubes. In colour the plants are 18 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 11, 1913. very variable, one of the commonest forms having flowers of white and crimson, with a raised golden crest on the falls. The leaves only develop later in most forms, but it is then clear that the plant is a true Juno Iris, producing its flowers from the axils of the leaves. Unfortunately, my experience, and, I believe, that of others, has been that I. Rosenbachiana in- creases very slowly by offsets. My present plants have all been raised from seed. This is a slow process, taking about four years, but when at last the flowers appear, the trouble is well rewarded. Like many other plants in which increase by division is slow, seeds set with some freedom if the flowers are protected from wet, which, of course, destroys the pollen. The cap- sules, also, contain as many as 80 or 90 seeds, though these do not, unfortunately, germinate very easily. They often lie dor- mant for several years, and then suddenly germinate. Many attempts to hybridise I. Rosen- bachiana have been made and have failed, and I believe they are doomed to fail until some other members of the group to which this Iris belongs are introduced into culti- vation. All the Juno Irises that we have at present, except I. Rosenbachiana, be- long to one or other of two groups, which have never so far been crossed, and it is therefore not surprising that this excep- tion, which is totally distinct from both groups in its seeds and in the shape of its falls, should refuse to hybridise with the members of either. Possibly, I. Rosen- bachiana stands entirely alone, but I am inclined to think that I. drepanophylla, from the neighbourhood of Askabad and southward into Afghanistan, and possibly also I. linifolia, from Bokhara and Fer- ghana, may prove to be allied to it. W . It. Dykes, Charterhouse, Godalming. NOVELTIES OF 1912. ORCHIDS. (Continued from p. 3.) NURSERYMEN. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co. secured First-class Certificates for Odontioda Queen Mary, a great beauty shown at the International; O. Cooksonise "Fowler's variety " (June 18) ; Lselio-Cattleya Orion var. Othello, one of the darkest forms; Cattleya Rhoda The Jewel, with clear yellow sepals and petals (November 5); and Odontoglossum "Her Majesty," one of the best Odontoglossums at the International Exhibition. The following plants obtained Awards of Merit : Zygopetalum Mackayi Charlesworthii, a rare albino ; Z. Brewii, a pretty hybrid ; Odontoglossum Chantecleer, brilliant scarlet ; O. Epicaste ; Cattleya Venus "Princess"; Ltelio-Cattleya Fascinator- Mossise and its white variety ; L.-C. ama- bilis (January 23) ; Sophro-L8elio-Cat- tleya Carna, of a glowing bronzy-scarlet ; and Oncidioda cinnabarina, the curious bigeneric hybrid shown at the last meet- ing of the year. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons exhibited a good number of fine Orchids during the past year, among them being the very handsome Odontoglossum Aurora, one of the finest of O. Rossii rubescens crosses, and for which a First-class Certificate was given. Awards of Merit were recom- mended for Brasso-Cattleya Ilene and B.-C. Marion, two very showy novelties ; Loelio-Cattleya Invincible var. Orama, almost entirely rich claret-red ; L.-C. Frederick Boyle " Veitch' s variety," and the pretty Cypripedium Idina, shown on December 17. Messrs. Sander & Sons divide their in- terests between good and showy hybrids. In the former class they have the honour of introducing the superb white Dendro- bium Schiitzei (a companion to their re- FlG. 13. — ECHIOM SIMPLEX : FLOWERS WHITE. markable D. Sanderse), which secured a First-class Certificate on September 10^ In their fine group at the International Show, Odontoglossum amabile Duke of Portland, and O. eximium King George V. showed well and secured First-class Cer- tificates, and at the same exhibition Awards of Merit went to O. majesticum Jas. Whitton, O. crispum Jas. McNab, and O. amabile Princess Mary, all of dis- tinct character. Other awards obtained by Messrs. Sander were for Cypripedium Roger Sander, a very fine and distinct flower; Dendrobium Goldiei, Lselio-Cat- tleya Walter Gott, and a Cultural Com- mendation (September 10) for a fine form of Vanda cosrulea with two spikes i feet in length, the plant bearing perfect leaves from the base upwards ; a batch of their pretty Odontoma St. Alban was also shown, the new hybrid getting an Award of Merit. Messrs. J. & A. McBean had as their best novelty Lselio-Cattleya McBeaniana (C. Schroderse x L. anceps Schroderi- ana), a charming flower, and Cymbidium Doris, both receiving First-class Certifi- cates ; and C. Schlegelii, Odontoglos- sum Fletcherianum nigricans, a nearly black flower; O. eximium " McBean's variety," equal to the best blotched O. crispum ; Odontioda Charlesworthii " Orchid Dene variety," deep scarlet, and Cattleya Lord Rothschild albescens, all of which secured Awards of Merit. Messrs. Armstrong & Brown grow their plants in rather lower temperature than in most collections, and the flowers always represent the varieties well. On several occasions they staged examples of their fine white strain of Cattleya Maggie Raphael alba, which secured an Award of Merit on January 9. Zygopetalum Arm- strongise, the pretty hybrid of Z. ros- tratum, was certificated at the Interna- tional Exhibition, and on June 4 they showed Ccelogyne pandurata with 16 flowers on a spike — one of the best ex- amples of the species we have seen. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co. received an Award of Merit for Cattelya Thurgoodi- ana Apollo. Continental Novelties. Monsieur Firmin Lambeau obtained a First-class Certificate for his unique, pure-white Cattleya Warscewiczii alba Firmin Lambeau, and the Gold Medal of the Royal Horticultural Society, his ex- hibit being well worthy of both awards. Monsieur Lambeau, who showed well at the International, secured a First-class Certificate for Miltonia Hyeana Vogel- zang, and Awards of Merit for Cattleya Mossia? Mme. Jules Hye and Odontioda Bradshawia? Vogelzang. Monsieur Chas. Vuylsteke showed many fine Odontoglossums, but his own previous successes has raised the stan- dard of excellence very high and difficult to excel. O. eximium excelsior, how- ever, is the best of its class. Monsieur Jules Hye sent several novel- ties to the International, and Count Joseph de Hemptinne obtained an Award of Merit for the pretty yellow Lselio- Cattleya Comte de Hemptinne. Monsieur H. Graire, the raiser of many pretty hybrids, and especially Odontiodas, obtained Awards of Merit for Odontioda Margarita (0. Madrense x C. Noezliana) and Odontoglossum Neptune (crispum x nebulosum), both pretty hybrids. The following new and noteworthy Or- chids were illustrated in the Garden/ rs' Chronicle during 1912 : — Brasso-Cattleya Digbyano-Mossia? " Wefltonbirt variety " (Supp.), May 25, p. vii. Brasso-Oattleya Wellesleyas, March 2, p. 135. Cattleya Brenda, March 9, p. 155. -^ Cattleya Arteruis, July 27. p. 65. \ Cattleya Dupreana "The Dell variety," December H, p. 45l\ Cattleya Dirce " Westonbirt variety," April 6, p. 226. 1 Cattleya Maggie Raphael alba " Orchidhurst variety," Feb-/ ruary 3, p. 75. J Oaitleya Mossiae A. Dimmock. August 3, p. 97. / Cattleya Warscewiczii " Low's variety," August 3. p. 86. Cypripedium Latona, November 30, p. 402. JANUAKY 11, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 19 Oypripedium Viking, December 21, p. 4$3. Dendrobium Apollo albens (Supp.), May 25, p. viii. Dendrobiura Schiitzei, September 21, p. 229. Disa sagittalLs, May 11, p. 312. Epidendrum Stallfortbianum, February 24, p. 114. Habenaria conopsea elba, February 3, p. 68. Laslia anceps G. D. Owen, February 3, p. 67. Lielio-Cattleya Aphrodite Lord Faber, June 22, p. 405. Ljelio-Oattleya " Canbamiana variety " (Supp.), May 25, p. vi. Leelio-Cattleya Gladiator (Supp.l, May 25, p. ix. Laelio-Cattleya Helius, May 18, p. 333. Laelio-Oattleya Lustre var. Lavingo, June 8, p. 373. Laelio-Oattleva Macbeaniana, April 13, p. '237. Laelio-Cattleya Memoria H. A. Tracy, September 28, p. 242. Laelio-Cattleya Rubens The Kaiser, July 20, p. 51. Laelio-Cattleja Salome (Supp.), May 25, p. x. Laelio-Cattleya Baroness Emma, July 13, p. 23. Miltonia Msmoria Baron Schroder (Coloured Supp.), Novem- ber 9. Miltonia Jules Hye de Crom (Supp.l, June 1, p. xxv. Miltonia vexillaria Snowflake, June li, p. 400. O ontioda Cooksonise " Fowler's variety," June 22, p. 418. Ouontioda Lambeauiana " Weetonbirt variety " (Coloured Supp.), October 12. O.iontioda Queen Mary (Supp.), June 1, p. xiv. Odontioda Madeline, August 3, p. 102. Odontoma Edna, July 13, p. 3C. OJontoslossum amabile " Westonbirt variety," July 20, P. 42. Odontoglossum crispum Bumlole-Bee, August 17, p. 128. Odontoglossum crispum Saga, April 20, p. 267. Odontcglossum crispum Samuel Gratrix, March 30, p. 197. Odontoglossum Jasper, March 30, p. 196. Odontoglossum Memoria Lily Neumann, February 17, p. 99. Odontoglossum Merlin. February 10, p. 92. Odontoglossum TJro-Skinneri " Burford variety," May 4, p. 307, Phalasnopsis amabilis (fertilised), December 14, p. 457. Phalaenopsis intermedia Portei, December 14, p. 453. Stanhopea cculata, August 1*, p. 121. Vanda ccerulea Lady Holford, November 9, p. 356. Zygopetalurn Mackayi Charlesworthii, February 1#, p. 83. (To be continued.) NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. ECHIUM WILDPRETII AND OTHER SPECIES. In the Gardeners' Chronicle for December 7, under the heading of " Echium Wildpretii," are some notes, signed II'. II*., which I have read with great interest, and to which I beg to add a few further remarks. After I had sent the article referred to by II". IF. for publication to the Kerne Horticole, Sir David Prain most kindly sent me a tracing of Echium Auberianum Webb (from the plate in Barker Webb and Berthelot's work), callim/ my attention to the fact that the latter plant was not synonymous, as generally admitted. with E. Bourgeauanum Webb (6ee fig. 16, p. 25). and describing to me the specific differences between the two, based mainly on the corolla, the stamens, and the style. He added that E. Auberianum was a very rare plant, of which only one dried specimen existed ; it was found on Montana Blanca on the way up to the Peak of Teneriffe, whilst E. Bourgeauanum was comparatively common, having been freely distri- buted by Webb's collector, Bourgeau ; also that it was this plant which closely resembled E. Wildpretii. On seeing the above-named tracing, I was at once struck by the great likeness of E. Auberia- num to E. plantagineum or violaceum so com- mon in this island, and I ventured to suggest that the very rare E. Auberianum Webb, de- picted in Webb's work, may well have been a hybrid, as follows: E. Bourgeauanum x E. plan- tagineum. I was encouraged in this belief by the fact that the last-named Echium, as well as growing in the coast region of this island, abounds also in our Alpine region, where hybri- disation can easily take place through the agency of the numerous bees that are taken up to feed on the flowers of Cytisus fragrans precisely at the time of year when Echium Bourgeauanum bloom is in. This plant, like all the Canary Islands species of Echium, provides very good fodder, and the numerous goats that roam about the Caiiadas would long ago have caused it to disappear were it not that it has found a shelter in the inaccessible and perpendicular walls north of Guajara at an altitude of about 8,000 feet. It likewise occurs on the north of the plain of the Canadas in the precipices of the Fortaleza. 4, I believe that its possibilities for English gar- dens are great, as in its habitat snow falls freely in winter, and there are frosts. Prettv garden hybrids ought to be obtained between it and E. vulgare, which grows in England. I have myself raised a very pretty hybrid (see fig. 14) (from a cross between E. candicans and E. simplex), which has pale blue flowers the shade of Plumbago capensis. Of the other species indi- genous here E. candicans is the hardiest after E. Bourgeauanum, and might also be employed for crossing purposes with E. vulgare. Once well known, all these plants will become very popular in 'English gardens for showy borders. Both E. simplex (see fig. 13) and E. Bour- geananum have reached, in my garden, when in flower, 11 feet 8 inches in height, and E. Pininana (see fig. 15) is recorded as having at- tained in the island of Palma over 16 feet. At present I have a two-year-old plant of E. Pininana which shows no signs of flowering yet, and is over 10 feet, looking more like a small Palm than anything else (see the Eerue Horticole for August 1, 1912). George Y. Perez, Puerto Orotava, Teneriffe. FlG. 14. — HYBRID ECHIUM (E. CANDICANS X E. SIMPLEX) : FLOWERS PALE BLUE. PTEROSTYRAX HENRYI,* Dummeb. This new species is a spreading bush or very small tree; second and third year's twigs terete, chestnut-brown and glabrous ; current year's shoots very slender but short, slightly appressedly puberulous at their tips, otherwise glabrous, angulate-terete, rich brown ; internodes -^ to £ inch long. Leaves alter- nately disposed, shortly but distinctly stalked, everywhere glabrous ; petiole greenish, £ to i inch long ; blade elliptic or elliptic-oblong, shortly and acutely cuspidate, or obtuse, narrow- ing slightly from below the middle to the base, 2 to 5 inches long, j to 2i inches broad, firmly membranous, dark green above, paler below, the brown midrib and its 5 to 7 pairs of principal lateral veins most prominent on the latter side ; • Species nova, valde distincta, mox omnino glaberrima fructibus exceptis, foliis tenuiter chartaceis utrinque pro- minenti reticulatis, fructibus stellato-pubescentibus facile distinguenda. (Henry. 8856 ; Pratt, 371 : Herb, Kew.> margin plane or slightly wavy, entire or slightly dentate, the teeth obsolete, obtuse, and ft to '6 inch distant. Raceme two to six-flowered, the . pedicels § to 1 inch long, slightly stellately pubescent or glabrous, brownish, the lower sub- tended by persistent leaf-like, the upper by small subulate deciduous bracts. Fruit nar- rowly obconic, about ^ inch long, g to j inch broad, at first eight-ridged, then smooth, greyish, thickly stellately pubescent, terminated by the slightly shorter conic glabrous brownish style. Calyx-teeth small, triangular, persisting on the fruit. The genus Pterostyrax (Halesia of certain authors) is represented in China and Japan by about four species, of which P. hispida and P. corymbosa have been introduced to cultivation, constituting a valuable addition to the list of hardy and, moreover, ornamental shrubs emanating from these regions. P. Henryi has hitherto not appeared in culture, but should undoubtedly form a valuable adjunct to the species now obtaining in English gardens. It is at once distinguished from these by the wholly glabrous character of the twigs and leaves, the membranous texture and the finely reticulated surfaoes of the latter, the few- flowered racemes and the finely stellately pubescent fruit. Flowers are as yet unknown, but judging from comparative examination of various characters, are premised to be of fairly- large size. P. Henryi was collected by Dr. A. Henry in Szechuen, China, and specimens were communicated to Kew by him in February, 1890 ; subsequently Mr. A. E. Pratt discovered it in Western Szechuen and the Tibetan Frontier, chiefly near Tachienlu, at elevations between 9,000to 13,500 feet above sea level. CULTURAL NOTES. THE PROPAGATION OF STATICES. Certain Statices, notably S. profusa and S. Gilbertii, arc very difficult to propagate from cuttings. The shoots selected for cuttings should be of moderate strength and not too hard ; if possible, they should be taken with a heel of the old wood. They should be inserted in small pots, in a compost consisting of equal parts loam and good, fibrous peat mixed with plenty of silver sand. Place the cuttings in a case in an inter- mediate temperature, but do not keep the atmo- sphere too close ; air should be admitted freely during the morning, and after the first few days the case may be ventilated a little during the whole of the time the cuttings are contained therein. When the cuttings are inserted, they shoidd receive one copious watering, but they should not be watered again until the soil is quite dry, for an excess of moisture either at the roots or in the atmosphere will prove fatal. When the cuttings have rooted, they may be removed to a cooler house, such as a greenhouse or the Heath house, but it will be necessary to place them in a frame without bottom-heat for a few days, so that they may be kept close at night. Statice profusa may be propagated by layering the same as Carnations. When the shoots are pegged into the soil, the latter should be covered with damp moss. This method, how- ever, is not always practicable. Statice intermedia may be propagated from cuttings very easily ; well-matured cuttings in- serted in small pots and placed in a case in an intermediate temperature provided with slight bottom-heat will form roots within a fortnight or three weeks after they are inserted, there being, as a rule, only a very small percentage of failures. S. profusa and S. Gilbertii are more difficult to propagate, probably because they will not succeed in a moist atmosphere. Plants that are layered should be moved from the greenhouse into a house with a minimum temperature of 60°, but they do not require any bottom-heat or the assistance of a frame. Ralph E. Arnold. 20 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 11, 1913. THE MARKET FRUIT GARDEN. The great rainfall of December helped materially to bring the total for last year much above the average. At my station rain was measurable (at least one-hundredth of an inch) on 18 days, amounting to 3.80 inches. The rainfall for the year is as follows : — Months. January February . March April May June July ... August September October November December Total Rain days. 15 17 18 2 9 13 13 23 6 15 16 18 . 165 Inches. .. 2.35 .. 2.21 .. 3.87 .. 0.05 .. 1.54 .. 3.16 .. 1.00 .. 5.48 .. 3.48 .. 4.43 .. 1.86 .. 3.80 .. 33.23 Average for the 11 years 1901-1911 ... 149 28.32 Excess in 1912 ... 16 4.91 In the report for the 11 districts into which the United Kingdom is divided, issued from the Meteorological Office, an excess of rainfall in 1912 is recorded for all but one — the west of Scotland. The range of excesses over the average for 25 years is from 0.81 inch for northern Ireland to 9.57 inches for the south-west of England, and other excesses are 8.76 inches for the extreme south, 8.38 inches for the Midlands, 6.31 inches for the north-east of England, 6.22 inches for the eastern counties, and 5.58 inches for the south- east of England. The past year was the fourth wet one in suc- cession, at least at my station, as the following details will show : — Years. Rain Inches. Years. Rain Inches. days. days. 1901 93 19.32 1907 158 26.83 1902 148 22.70 1908 142 26.55 1903 181 37.16 1909 157 34.54 1904 146 24.10 1910 162 33.50 1905 153 27.28 1911 133 30.40 1906 161 29.35 1912 165 33.23 third place, wet weather causes the soil to run into a compact mass, in which bacteria cannot multiply freely. If wet weather prevails at the fruit-gathering season, its disadvan- tages are obvious. Tons of Strawberries and Raspberries are often ruined by wet weather, while large quantities of Plums and Cherries are split and spoilt. Then it is impossible to keep fruit plantations clean in a wet season, or to find profitable work for all the hands for a good part of the year. Lastly, a wet and cold summer and autumn greatly reduce the demand for fruit, and thus affect prices. It will be noticed that 1901 was very much the driest, and 1903 the wettest of the 12 years. Up to and including 1902 there had been a series of dry seasons, beginning with 1895. My own records do not go back so far ; but at London ( Brixton), where the average for 30 years up to 1895 was 24.84 inches, the rainfall of every year from 1895 to 1902 inclusive was below the aver- age, the range being from 17.82 inches in 1898 to 23.33 inches in 1897. At Brixton 1902 was a drier year than 1901, though not at my station. Drought or Flood. If offered the choice of two evils — drought or flood — I should choose the former for many reasons, at least for fruit trees, though not for Black Currants or Raspberries. For Strawberries, if they get a good soaking when coming into blossom, drought, it seems to me, is preferable to flood. Of course such drought as that of 1901 is injurious to everything, especially when the scanty rainfall is distributed over such a very small number of days. But the con- ditions of 1902, with 148 rain days and a rain- fall of 22.70 inches, are preferable, in my opinion, to those of 1903, with 181 rain days and 37.16 inches. Now, let me give the reasons for my choice between two evils. On the one hand, it is to be borne in mind that a wet season means a cold season, and an abundance of summer heat and sunshine are necessary to the perfect maturing of fruit crops. Again, a wet season encourages the development of scab and canker in Apples and Pears, and brown rot in Plums, Cherries, and to a less extent in Apples. In the the greatest of blessings to all classes of farmers or fiuit growers, as it allows of cultivation of the soil while this latter is in a friable con- dition induced by the frosts of winter. Then Apples and Plums have both been finer in certain dry seasons than in some wet ones, and have dropped less off the trees, while the fruit has kept much better after being gathered. Of course the periods in which the excessive rain occurs make a great difference to results. Wet and cold weather when the blossom is set- ting must have bad effects in preventing bees and other insects from fertilising the blossoms to the Fig. 15. — ECHIUM PININANA and e. simplex (in the foreground) in a TENEEIFFE GARDEN. (See p. 19.) On the other hand, where orchards are kept well cultivated by horse and hand hoeing, so that there is a mulch of fine soil on the surface, they will withstand a greah deal of dry weather. When severe drought sets in, as it did last April after a flood of rain, the land soon dries to a condition of such hardness that it can hardly be moved by hoes. But this is the fault of the flood rather than of the drought, as land will always hoe well in April when there has not been an excess of rain. A drv March is one of full extent, if in no other way. Drought, too, is very injurious if it occurs when the fruit should be swelling. The frequency of rain also counts for a great deal. A great quantity could be endured in the summer, if it fell on com- paratively few occasions, so that there would be intervals of dry weather and sunshine be- tween the rains, and not the prolonged spells of low temperature which accompany rain when it falls day after day for a long time. A Southern Grower. January 11. 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 21 TREES AND SHRUBS. DWARF CONIFERS.* In many genera of Conifers dwarf individuals, which are seminal or rarely bud-variation forms, have appeared and hive been multiplied by nur- serymen and others interested in the cultivation of such plants, the largest number of such abnormal forms being found naturally among the seedlings of species which have been the most largely cultivated. The seedlings of no other Conifer, perhaps, show so great variation as those of the Arbor Vitse of the eastern United States, Thuya occidentals. Some of these forms are very dwarf, forming round compact heads only a foot or two high ; others grow into large globular masses ; others again form narrow pyramids, and some have pendulous branches. They vary, too, in the colour of the foliage, that of some forms being of different shades of green, and that of others yellow. Like many other dwarf Conifers, several of these forms are well suited for the decoration of the rock garden and for dwarf hedges or small beds. The collection of the forms of Thuya occidentalis in the Arnold Arboretum is probably one of the largest in ex- istence and contains many interesting specimens. It is established on Yew Path leading from the Valley Road to the Hemlock Hill Road, and adjoining the Arbor Vitaes is the collecti"ii Of Chamsecyparis (Cupressus) or White Cedars. The species of this genus from the Pacific Coast are not hardy in New England, so it is not possible to grow here various dwarf forms of C. Lawsoniaua which are common in European collections. Of the Japanese species, often called Retinosporas, there are several dwarf forms, the most beau- tiful of these perhaps being the variety nana of C. obtusa. For those who admire plants with coloured foliage C. pisifera argentea is an attrac- tive small plant. Of the White Cedar of the eastern United States (C. thyoides) there are a few interesting dwarf forms. The most con- spicuous of these is probably the variety ericoides, of dwarf, compact, pyramidal habit, with leaves which, as well as the branches, turn reddish-brown with the first cold weather and retain this colour until spring. Another inter- esting form is the variety leptoclada, also of dwarf habit and bluish-green colour. One of the most valuable of all the dwarf evergreens is that variety of the Japanese % ew (Taxus cuspidata), which is now cultivated in American gardens as variety brevifolia, but is not to be confounded with Taxus brevifolia, which is a Californian tree. This variety of the Japanese Yew has very dark green leaves and wide-spreading, rather irregularly-growing branches; it attains a height of only 4 or 5 feet, but sometimes covers a space 10 or 15 feet in diameter. Seedlings raised from this plant often assume the upright growth of the typical species. In the collection of Y'ews on Yew Path there is also a small, very compact plant of a form of Taxus cuspidata, which is one of the most distinct and beautiful of all the dwarf ever- greens in the Arboretum ; this appears to be a unique plant, and has not received a name. Nearly all the forms of the European Yew (Taxus baccata) suffer more or less severely here from cold, and several of them are unable to survive a New England winter. There is, how- ever, one form which is perfectly hardy ; this is a broad, flat-topped, rather compact shrub not more than 2 feet high, with exceedingly dark-green foliage. This variety is sometimes sold in American nurseries as Taxus repandens ; this name has not been published, however, in any of the technical books on Conifers, and we know nothing here of its origin. It has lived entirely uninjured for several years on the edge of the group of Yews on Hemlock Hill Road at the entrance of Yew Path, one of the most exposed positions in the Arboretum. This • Bulletin No. 36. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, Mass. is certainly a plant of great value for this part of i he country. Among the Junipers there are several dwarf forms of the arborescent species. Of our common Red Cedar, Juniperus virginiana, a form with branches spreading close to the ground, grows at several places on the coast of Maine. The plants of this form in the collection are too young to show their habit ; it has not yet re- ceived a name. The form globosa of the Red Cedar is a small, round, handsome shrub well worth a place in collections of these dwarfs. The var. tripartita, which is not rare in European nurseries, is a low, broad shrub, with spreading and erect branches forming a wide, open head. There are a number of large plants of this form on the left of the entrance to the path which leads from Yew Path to the knoll on which the Juniper collection is established. Of Juniperus chinensis the best-known dwarf form is the variety procumbens, with elongated branches spreading into wide mats. Of this species there are also in the collection plants of a dwarf form with erect stems forming small, round-topped shrubs. Of the European Savin (J. Sabina), the var. tamariscifolia is a vigor- ous prostrate shrub, and the variety humilis, which is the smallest of all the Junipers in the collection, is only a few inches high with small, spreading prostrate stems. Of the Conifers of the Pacific coast, with the exception of Lawson's Cypress and the Douglas Spruce (Pseudotsuga mucronata), no dwarfs have yet appeared, or. if they have appeared, they have not been multiplied in nurseries; and this seems to be true of the Firs. Spruces, Pines and Hemlocks of Asia with one exception ; this is the dwarf form of the Japanese Pimis densi- flora (var. pumila) which is much cultivated in Japanese gardens, and is one of the handsomest of all dwarf Conifers. This little Tine, which sometimes grows to the height of 6 or 8 feel and forms a head of spreading brand 10 or 12 feet through, is perfectly hardy here, and is now well established with a number oi other dwarf Conifers on Conifer Path. Unlike other dwarf Conifers, this plant flowers freely. and occasionally bears cones. There are dwarf forms of th • common White Pine of the eastern states, Pinus Strobus, which are decorative plants, and several dwarf forms of the so-called Scotch 1'ine (P. silvestris), which are more pyramidal in habit than forms of the White Pine. The most commonly cultivated dwarf Pine, how- ever, is the Mugho Pine (P. mughus or pumilio). This is a shrub of the mountains of Central and Southern Europe, and a form of P. montana, growing sometimes with that tree as on the Pyrenees, and sometimes, as on the Dolomites, by itself without other forms of the species. In cultivation it is a broad shrub, with numerous erect stems, occasionally reaching the height of 15 feet, and covered with dark-green foliage. Plants in cultivation produce cones freely, and the seedlings probably retain the habit of the parent. There are two quite distinct forms in the Arboretum collection, one with much coarser Leaves than the other. This Pine is perfectly hardy, and grows rapidly, but long before it reaches its full size it loses the lower branches and compact form which is the chief beauty of the young plants. No other C miter, with the exception, perhaps of the eastern American Arbor Vitae, has shown so great seminal variation as the European or Norway Spruce (Picea Abies), and some of these forms are among the most attractive of all the dwarf Conifers. Some of the best of these are variety Clanbrasiliana, a low bush seldom more than 6 feet high (var. Gregoriana), usually not more than 1 to 2 feet high, and the varieties pumila and pygrnaea, both of exceedingly dwarf habit. Of our native Black Spruce (Picea Mari- ana) the var. Doumettii is a compact, pyramidal plant, which does not often grow more than 10 or 12 feet tall, and is of bluish colour. An in- teresting dwarf form of the Rocky Mountain Blue Spruce (P. pungens or Parryana, or as it should be called, P. Menziesii) appeared several years ago in the Arboretum nurseries, and pro- mises to be valuable as a decorative plant. It has not yet received a name. There is in culti- vation, too, a dwarf of the Spruce tree of the Caucasus (P. orientalis), which, however, is little known in collections, and in the Arboretum col- lection are two plants of a dwarf Douglas Sprue :. The genus Abies, the Firs, have as yet pro- duced few dwarf forms. The best known is probably the dwarf of the Balsam Fir of north- eastern North America (A. balsamifera), known in gardens as A. Hudsonica, a very dwarf and not particularly attractive plant. There is a dwarf pyramidal form of the Fir of Centi.il Europe (A. Picea), but this, after a few year.-, is apt to lose its dwarf habit and grow into a tall tree. A dwarf form of the Rocky Mountains (A. lasiocarpa) was raised several years ago in the Arboretum, and is still a true dwarf in habit, although grafts taken from this plant are begin- ning to assume the narrow pyramidal habit of the species. The original plant can be seen in the bed of dwarfs on Conifer Path, where there are three grafted plants of the dwarf Rocky- Mountain Blue Spruce. The common Hemlock of the eastern states (Tsuga canadensis) has a strong tendency to seminal variation, and dwarf and other abnormal forms of this tree often occur in the woods. The most distinct and interesting of these is a compact form with closely-appressed pendulous branches teaming a broad, low, round-topped mass. Many years ago, four or five plants of this form were found by the late Joseph Howland, of Mattapau, New York, on one of the mountains back of Fishkill Landing, on the Hudson River, and were named by him Sargent's Hemlock, for his friend and neighbour Henry Winthrop Sargent. Only one or, perhaps, two of these wild plants are now living, although the variety has been much propagated by nurserymen by grafting its branches on the common Hemlock. These grafted plants, as they grow more rapidly an I are of more open habit, are less compact and less beautiful than the original seedlings. Th i plant in the Arboretum among the large col lection of dwarf Hemlocks on Hemlock Hill Road is a grafted plant, but at Holm Lea, in Brookline, there is one of General Howland s original plants. The beautiful Carolina Hem- lock (T. earoliniana) has not been very largelv cultivated, but among the plants in the Arbore turn Pinetum, near the corner of Centre and Walter Streets, are two plants which look as if they were true dwarfs, as they are less than one- quarter of the size of the other trees of the same age growing with them, and show no tendency to form an upright stem. SOPHORA (EDWARDSIA) GRANDIFLORA. This handsome shrub grows and flowers well in certain gardens of the south-west of Scotland, but probably the finest plant in that country is in the garden of Sir Herbert Maxwell at Mon- reith, Wigtownshire. It is planted against a wall of the gardener's house, and flowers freely every season, making a charming picture with its bright yellow blossoms. In inland gardens the shoots are cut back by frosts, and the plants never assume the vigour and beauty presented by the specimen at Monreith. H. Arnott. Chester's New Magistrates. —Amongst the names of those recently appointed to the magisterial bench of the City of Chester are Prof. Robekt Newstead, F.R.S., Mr. J. D. Siddaxl, and Mr. George P. Miln. All three gentlemen have been closely connected with the work of the. Chester Paxton Society. Professor Newstead, who is President of the Chester Natural Science Society, succeeded Mr. Miln, who held office for three years, and Mr. Siddall has likewise pre- viously held the office for a similar term. Each gentleman holds the Kingsley Memorial Gold Medal. 22 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Januaby 11, 1913. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jennings, Gardener to the Duke of Devonshire, Chatsworth, Derbyshire. Winter- flowering Begonias.— Begonias of the Gloire de Lorraine type should now be cut over, taking great care that only the flower- spikes are removed and that the plants are not cut right down. By this method the cuttings will come sooner and stronger from the base. Keep the plants growing in a temperature of 60° to 65° in order that they may produce suitable growths for cuttings. Poinsettia. — Plants of Po'msettia that have ceased to be decorative should have their flower- heads removed, but do not cut these down too low. Place the plants under the staging of the house to dry off gradually. Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations. — Watch carefully at this time of the year for green fly. Young plants in 7-inch pots should have all the ventilation possible, even if the temperature of the house falls as low as 40°. Great care should be taken with the watering; do not let the plants get too dry. Avoid the use of fire-heat as much as possible. Two-year- old plants should be treated in much the same way, but it will depend on the period of the year the flowers are required what tempera- ture should be maintained. For the two-year- ol 1 plants applications of Clay's manure once a week or every ten days will be beneficial. Apply a dessert-spoonful of manure and a little soot mixed, but prevent the manure touching the stems of the plants. The Conservatory. -Various bulbs, forced shrubs and other plants will furnish a bright display of flowers at this season. In conserva- tories where Palms and flowering shrubs are planted in borders, Ruellia macrantha makes a fine display in winter, also Begonia fuchsioides, Linum trigynum, Pleroma macrantha, Justicia carnea, Hibiscus and Abutilons. Camellia Houses. — Luculia gratissima, which is now in full flower, is a suitable plant for associating with the Camellias which are on the point of flowering. Specimens five years old are from 12 to 14 feet high. Great care should In- taken to keep the Camellias clean. A good plan is to syringe them overnight occasionally with soluble paraffin and wash them next morning with clear water, applied by means of the hose- pipe. Chrysanthemums. — The cuttings should be examined carefully, and any that are rooted removed near to the roof-glass, where air can be given. If cuttings of certain varieties were not ob- tainable earlier suitable shoots should be inserted without delay. Where considerable numbers of summer-flowering Chrysanthemums are culti- vated, it is a good plan to place the old stools in boxes, and cover them with old potting-soil or manure from a spent Mushroom bed. If the roots are placed in early vineries or Peach houses they will soon produce numbers of shoots suitable for cuttings. Cineraria and Schizanthus. — Plants of Cineraria and Schizanthus that have been wintered in frames should be brought into the glasshouses at once. Feed the roots with manure- water made from cow, sheep or deer dung. Place the manure in a bag in a tank of water, and dilute the strength according to require- ments. Fumigate the plants directly they are housed. Roses in Pots. — Plants that have not been attended to should be put in order without delay. Sec that the drainage is efficient, and top-dress the plants with a mixture of loam, mortar rubble, dry cow-dung and fine bones. Any necessary pruning .should be completed, and the pots washed, preparatory to introducing the plants into a house where growth may be started very gradu- ally in a temperature of 45°. When a succession of blooms is required a batch of plants should be brought indoors each week. Do not open the side ventilators. Climbing Roses should have all weak wood removed, and be otherwise pruned according to the requirements of the individual varieties. If practicable, fork the surface of the border and apply a top-dressing of good cow manure, followed immediately by a copious watering. Canna. — Canuas raised from seeds sown at this period of the year and grown in a stove temperature during the summer, should flower well next autumn. If the seed-coats are notched with a knife and the seeds afterwards placed m a pot of warm water for 24 hours, germination will take place almost immediately afterwards. Sow a single seed in each thumb pot ; by this means little damage will be done to the roots when the seedlings are repotted. Old roots of Cannas that are dormant should have the soil shaken from them carefully, the dead portions removed, ar.d the plants repotted in rich soil mixed with plenty of rotted cow manure. Start them into growth in a warm house. An early vinery or a Peach house is suitable if a plant house is not available for them. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Edwakd Harriss, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockinge, Berkshire. Sweet Peas. — A sowing of Sweet Peas should be made if the work has not been done already. The safest method is to sow two or three seeds in each 3i-inch or 4-inch pot, placing the pots in a moderately warm pit. Cover them with boards till the seedlings are through the soil, to protect the seeds from mice. Grow the seed- lings in very cool conditions from the first, admitting plenty of fresh ah- whenever the weather permits, and keeping them near to the roof-glass. Support the shoots with small twigs, which should be placed in position when the plants are very young. The seedlings may even- tually be hardened off and placed in a cold frame till planting time arrives. Let the ground be prepared as soon as possible, both for the early and later batches. Deep cultivation and plenty of well decomposed cow manure are neces- sary to obtain the best results. At the final pieparation of the ground a liberal quantity of soot should be scattered over the surface. A sewing of Sweet Peas may be made out-of-doors towards the end of January, selecting a warm border. If the ground is heavy the seeds should be covered with old potting-soil sifted finely. It will be advisable to sow the seeds rather thickly. Birds and mice will do much damage unless they are guarded against. Pelargonium. — Cuttings of Pelargoniums which were rooted in the autumn should be placed in a warm house, such as a fruit house which has just been started. Those which are growing in boxes should be potted into 4-inch or 5-inch pots in a compost of loam, leaf-mould and sand. If the stock of any variety is insufficient, cuttings may be inserted when suitable shoots are avail- able for the purpose. The cuttings will root best if inserted around the sides of 4i-inch pots, placing four or five cuttings in each pot. The compost should be of an open texture and con- tain plenty of coarse sand. There may not be room in the ordinary pit to propagate bedding plants at this time of year, but the difficulty may be overcome by forming a moderately warm hot- bed in a heated pit of some other kind. All bedding plants may be propagated easily in this manner. Fuchsias, Salvia Glory of Zurich, Tropseolums, Ageratums, Lantanas, and Lobe- lias may all be potted and placed near to the roof-glass in a warm, moist atmosphere. Any of these subjects may be increased by cuttings inserted in fine, sandy soil, which must be made firm. Cover the surface of the soil with a sprink- ling of coarse sand before inserting the cuttings. Salvia Glory of Zurich is a very effective plant for the flower garden when massed with other suitable subjects. Large, well-established plants will flower out-of-doors during the greater part of the season. The plant is very subject to attacks of red spider when grown under glass, and measures must be taken to destroy this pest, dipping the leaves in an insecticide" Towards the end of the present month sow seeds of Wigan- dia, Delphinium, Canna tuberous and fib'ous- rooted Begonias, Hollyhock and Verbena. Early - flowering Chrysanthemums.— These plants are valuable for the mixed border or supplying cut blooms in the reserve garden. The clumps which were dug up in the autumn and placed in cold frames have developed plenty of shoots suitable for cuttings. The roots may be divided and potted up, or cuttings may be taken and inserted in pans or boxes in sandy soil, placed in a frost-proof pit. Harvest Home, Horace Martin, Improved Masse, Crimson Marie Masse, Ambrose Thomas, and Source d'Or are a few of the many decorative varieties suitable for the purpose. Protecting Plants. — The winter has been unusually mild and many bulbous plants are growing rapidly. Certain of the more tender subjects will need slight protection should severe weather set in. It is a good plan to have ready a quantity of dry bracken for the purpose. Plenty of material should be available for covering frames which are sheltering bedding plants. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Peas. — A sowing of a good, hardy Pea may be made as soon as the soil is in a suitable condi- tion, choosing a sheltered situation. Trenches may be dug 6 inches deep and the excavated soil laid on the side of the trench which is most e.\ posed; the ridge of soil will afford a certain amount of protection to the young plants until they are several inches high, when branches of Spruce, Fir or other evergreens may be placed amongst the Pea sticks. Sow the seeds a little thicker now than will be necessary later in the season, and cover them with 2 inches of fine top- soil. The Pilot is a good variety for this sowing : the plants are hardy and furnish pods containing from eight to ten dark-green Peas of splendid quality. If only moderate supplies are required,' the seeds may be sown in pots and placed, in a cold pit. Admit plenty of air, and expose the plants fully to the light so that the growths will not become drawn. Broad Beans. — A sowing of Broad Beans may be made in ground which has been dug deeply and manured heavily in the autumn. Sow the seeds in double rows at 8 inches apart, allow- ing 4 feet between the rows. Spinach may be grown in the space between the plants, but it should be cut before the Beans are ready to gather. When the plants have made good pro- gress and set a sufficient quantity of pods, the tops may be pinched from some of them to hasten their development. Early Longpod is a good variety for sowing now, and Improved Longpod may be planted for succession. Young Bean plants are attacked by slugs, and should be dusted frequently with soot and woodashes. Asparagus. — If roots are available, the forc- ing of the plants may be commenced at once. Few vegetables may be forced more easily than Asparagus, provided a pit is available for the purpose. A hot-bed of leaves should be formed to the depth of 4 feet, and when the tempera- ture of the bed has fallen to 70° a layer of well- decomposed farmyard manure, 2 inches thick, should be spread over the surface. Cover the manure with finely-sifted leaf-mould to the depth of 1 inch, and arrange the Asparagus roots in this material as closely together as possible with- out damaging them. Cover the stools lightly with sifted soil, and water the (roots with water warmed to 75°. After a few days the young shoots will appear, and may be covered with several inches of finely-sifted leaf-mould. Further waterings should not be necessary, but care must be taken that the temperature of the bed does not rise above 75°, or the roots will be injured. The best plants for forcing are those which have been grown specially for the purpose, without cutting the shoots, although good results may be obtained by lifting some of the older plants from the beds. Lettuce. — Small sowings of Lettuce may be made, either in boxes placed in a heated pit or in a bed in a pit. Pioneer and Golden Queen are reliable varieties for frame culture. Cauliflowers in Cold Pits. — The plants should be ventilated freely. If seedlings are still growing in the seed-bed they should be potted without delay, as there will be less danger of them becoming pot-bound than those shifted some time ago. Radishes. — Make frequent sowings of Radishes to maintain a supply throughout the season. Radishes require a rich soil and liberal supplies of water. January 11, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 23 THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orclliii Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking. Zygopetalum. — Plants of Zygopetalum maxillare and its white-lipped variety Sanderia- mim are starting into growth, and should be at- tended to at the roots. As this species extends its climbing rhizomes several inches annually, it is not suited to pot culture ; it gTows naturally upon the stems of Tree Ferns, and is usually imported with its roots firmly established in the stem. So far as my experience goes, the plant will not grow well lor long together in the com- posts ordinarily employed for Orchids ; the roots, as a rule, damp off in a short time, and the speci- men deteriorates. When a plant has overgrown its natural block of Tree Fern, it is advisable to affix on the top of the original portion, by means of wire, a fresh piece of Fern stem. The roots should never be in the least dry. Suspend the block perpendicularly from the roof at the cooler end of the intermediate house, and where the sun will not shine directly upon the foliage. Im- mediately growth commences, moisten the block each morning, and, when the new roots grow freely on the Fern block, spray the whole of the plant overhead each afternoon when the house is damped. Thrips, if present, invariably attack the young shoots, and once they get down in the centre of the growth or in the axils of the leaves it is exceedingly difficult to eradicate them before much damage is done. Each plant should be examined for the pest every day, and even twice a day when the weather is warm and bright. Plants of Z. Mackayi and its variety crinitum that have recently passed out of bloom may be repotted should they require it. A mix- ture of fibrous loam, Osmunda fibre (cut up small) and Sphagnum-moss in equal parts, with plenty of small crocks added, will provide a suitable com- post. Such hybrids as Z. Sedenii, Z. Perrenoudii, Z. Murryanum, Z. Glayi, Z. Gottianum, Z. leuco- chiluni, and Z. Sanderi, also the species Z. brachypetalum, Z. Burkei, Z. grandiflorum, Z. Jorisianum, and the rare Z. Ballii require similar treatment. These hybrids and species should also be grown at the cooler end of the intermediate house, and they should be protected from the direct rays of the sun ii all times. It is important to grow the plants in clean, well-drained pots. In repotting, press the soil only moderately tight about the roots, and leave sufficient space at the surface for watering. Old and well-established plants should be watered thoroughly each time the soil becomes dry- Damp the spaces between the pots two or three times daily when the weather is fine, but do not promote too much atmospheric moisture during cold and frosty weather. Insect pests should be well sought after at all times. Zygocolax. — These beautiful Orchids have been raised from Zygopetalums crossed with Coli \ jugosus. Zygocolax Veitchii, Z. Amesianus, Z. Charlesworthii, and Z. leopardinus require a similar treatment to that advised for Zygopeta- lums. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Pruning Orchard Trees. — Growers differ in the methods they employ for pruning orchard trees. Whilst some thin the shoots to excess, others neglect to prune the trees at all. Young, vigorous trees are often spoilt by severe pruning, which causes the tree to grow rank and unfruit- ful ; nevertheless, when the tree is young, prun- ing is necessary to preserve a proper balance of growth, and must be practised until the tree is fairly well established. Afterwards, extra-strong shoots should either be removed entirely or cut back to a lateral, but care must be taken not to thin the shoots unduly. Crowded branches and such as cross each other should be cut clean out at the base, trimming the cut surface with a sharp knife and painting it with white lead. It it better to spread the work of thinning the branches over a few years than to remove too many at once, but weak and sappy growths in the centre of the tree should be removed forth- with. Bush trees of Apples and Pears which have been summer pruned will need little prun- ing now, beyond removing a few of the stronger growths and side shoots. Winter Wash.— Old trees, growing in shady situations or in crowded orchards, are often in- fested with moss and lichen, especially where the ground is not properly drained, for stagnant soil is the most frequent cause of this infestation : on land that is drained these pests usually disap- pear after a time. An old-fashioned remedy is to dust the infested limbs with quicklime, choos- ing a still morning when the trees are damp, but with hopes of a fine day to follow. Another method is to mix the lime with water and apply it by means of a brush, first scraping off as much of the infestation as possible with a piece of hard wood sharpened for the purpose. The most effective method of destroying the moss is to spray with caustic alkali wash. This strong specific should only be used when the buds are perfectly dormant, as it kills green vegetation. Apply the wash on a mild, calm day, when the bark is moist, but not during frosty weather. The operator should wear rubber gloves and an old suit of clothes. Take care that none of the spray drips on other plants growing in the neighbour- hood of the trees. The wash should be warmed to 110° Fahr., and it is an advantage to have a portable copper, so that the water may be heated on the spot. The wash should be applied as a fine spray, taking care to wet the whole of the branches thoroughly. If the work is done effi- ciently, the trees will be cleaned perfectly. Do not use the knapsack sprayer, as the caustic alkali destroys the rubber connections ; an ordinary syringe in a practised hand is quite suitable. If American blight only is present, spray the trees with paraffin mixed with soft water, or wash the branches with Gishurst Compound. Painting the affected parts with methylated spirits is a certain remedy, but it is a slow and tedious process. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By James Whytock, Gardener to the Duke of Buccleuch, Dalkeith Palace, Midlothian. Figs. — The cultivation of Figs under glass has increased during recent years, and these fruits are now regarded as being as important as Peaches or any others that are forced. In order to obtain the best results, the trees should be grown in houses by themselves. Provided the right conditions are afforded, the Fig may be forced very easily ; the chief requirements are a moderate temperature and an almost constant circulation of air. The earliest fruits are obtained from trees in pots, which should have been placed in the house at the beginning of December. A mild bottom heat should be provided and the temperature maintained at 50° to 55°, raising it to 60° when the fruits appear. Maintain atmo- spheric moisture by syringing and damping the bare spaces, but do not promote too much mois- ture, or it may cause the fruits to drop. The Fig is very subject to attacks of red spider, but this pest may be kept in check by syringing and damping. Houses with permanent trees may be started, but the temperature should not exceed 50° for the present. Before forcing is commenced, prune and cleanse the trees thoroughly and put the house in proper order. Shoots of a medium size are the most fruitful. The border should be inside the house, and should not afford too great a root run; the width may be from 4 to 5 feet. according to the extent of the roots, and the depth 2 feet. It should be well drained, as the Fig requires plenty of water when in active growth. Let the soil be of a porous nature, containing lime rubble. Apply top-dressings of manure when the fruits are swelling. Peaches. — The later Peach houses should be got in readiness for forcing. In many cases the wood failed to ripen well last season, and this fact must be taken into consideration when the trees are pruned. Unfruitful trees that have expended their energies in the development of gross \v 1 should be root-pruned. Take out the soil with out damaging the roots more than is unavoidable, and sever the large main roots, arranging the others near to the surface to encourage the de- velopment of root-fibres. Plants that have been unsatisfactory or are exhausted should be discarded and fresh specimens planted. Reserve trees should always be available for the purpose : if these have been trained on walls out-of-doors and have grown to a good size, they will furnish the span- almost at once. In one instance I shifted such a tree in March, when it was in bloom : it was shaded for a time, and experienced so little check that the flowers set and fruits ripened the same season. Trees in the earliest house have set their fruits ; therefore, the atmo- sphere may be kept closer and warmer than when the plants were in bloom. These conditions can be maintained until the fruits have swelled con- siderably, but do not syringe the trees to excess in cold, sunless weather, nor keep the surface of the borders too moist. Place a little quassia extract in the water occasionally when syrn to destroy any aphides that may be pre: Late Vineries. — Any Grapes that are still hanging should be removed from the vines, and, if not required for immediate use, placed in the fruit-room. If the stalks are placed in bottles of water, the berries will keep fresh for a long time. The ventilators of the vinery should be opened fully and the house kept as cool as pos- sible. The inside border should be examined, to see if water is necessary : if the soil is dry, water the roots copiously. But if it is decided that the border is moist enough, withhold water until the vines have started into growth. The proper condition of the border is of the utmost importance, and more failures in Grape growing may be traced to unsatisfactory conditions of the roots than to any other cause. On the whole an excess of moisture in the soil is more harmful than a deficiency. If any additions or improve- ments to the border are contemplated the work should be done now. When this is completed, a top dressing of turfy loam, mixed with a suitable fertiliser, should be applied before the vines are started. In pruning remove any loose bark but do not scrape the rods severely : only scrub the stems with Gishurst Gompound. If the vines are infested with insects fumigate the house and paint the rods with a suitable specific. At the same time give the interior of the vinery a thorough cleansing. THE FRENCH GARDEN. By Paul Aquatias. Forewords. — The grower having definitely decided what crops he will cultivate this sea- son, must allot his forcing materials ac- cordingly, to secure a constant succession. Nothing militates more against success than neg- lecting to draw up a proper plan of the year's work. With plenty of decayed manure available there should be no great difficulty in obtaining excellent and early produce. Unheated Frames.— The ground allotted to these having been prepared by deep digging some time previously, the frames should be set in rows, allowing a path 10 to 12 inches wide be- tween them, and sunk 1 or 2 inches into the ground, sloping from back to front to allow the rains to run off the glass. They should then be filled with six or eight barrowloads of well- decayed manure from last season's hot-beds. and, when the dung is made level, there should be only 3 inches head-room for the plants. Radishes or Spinach may be sown broadcast very sparsely and covered with a thin layer of fine soil. Lettuce "Passion" may be grown at the rate of 75 plants per frame of three lights, or Lettuce "Little Gott" 70 per frame. After having removed all decaying outside leaves, the lights are placed on the frames, no attention being required for a few weeks except covering the glass during times of frost. Hot Beds. — We are forming the bulk oi tne hot-beds this week, using half fresh manure and half-dry manure stacked since last autumn. The beds are 5 feet 6 inches wide, the width of Hie frame. Both manures are well mixed to- gether and placed evenly to a thickness of 11 inches. It is unnecessary to_ throw the manure in heaps and mix it two or three times at regular intervals, which is often advised, because fermentation at this time of the vear is exceedingly slow and will not injure the plants. When the bed is well trodden down, the frames are set straight and level and made firm at the corners ; a thin layer of manure is placed' inside them to make an even^ surface. Next, old, decayed manure or "black" soil is placed to a depth of 1 or 2 inches. Carrot Early Parisian or Bellot is sown very thinly and covered with fine soil. Seven rows are made to mark the place of the Lettuces, and the lights are set on the frames. A few Radish seeds may also be inserted, but with the quantity of " black " soil, it will be found more profitable to increase the number of Lettuces in each frame instead. Winn the manure begins to ferment, plant the Let tuces at the rate of 147 per frame or 21 per row. I have tried different varieties for several years, but none has equalled Little Gott. 24 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 11, 1913. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden. Letters lor Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Oarden, London. Communications should be written on oNt side only of THE paper, sent as early in the w:eh as possible and duly signed by the writer, lj desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee oj good faith. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrat:ons, 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. T he Editorswill be gladto receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gatdens. or oj remarkable plants, Jlowers, trees, &c., but they cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News.— Correspondents will greutlyoblige by sending to the Editors early intelligence oj local events likely to be OJ interest to our renders, or oj any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Newspapers. —Correspondents sending newspapers should be caiefultomark the paragraphs they wish the Editors to see. APPOINTMENT*. MONDAY. JANUARY 13- United Hort. Ben. & Prov. Soc. meet. TUESDAY, JANUARY 14— Scottish Hort. Assoc. Ann. Meet. Nat. Amateur Gard., Assoc. Ann. Meet. Royal Institution meet. {Lecture by Prof. W. Bateson, F.R.S., on "The Heredity of Sex and Some Cognate Problems.") WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15— North of England Hort. Soc. meet, at Leeds. (Lecture by Mr. R. Farrer on " Treasures of the Alps.") Royal Meteorological Soc. meet. THURSDAY, JANUARY 16— Linnean Soc. meet. Royal Inst. meet. (Lecture by Mr. Seton Gordon on " Birds of the Hill Country.") FRIDAY, JANUARY 17— Royal Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. J. J. Thomson.) Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 88-2. Actual Temperatures: — London. — Wednesday, Januaiy 8 (6 p.m.) Max. 47°; Min. 42u. Gnxftiieis' Chronicle Othce, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. — Thursday, January 9 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 29-8° ; Temp. 47° ; Heather— Fine. Provinces.— Wednesday, January 8: Max. 49° Mayo; Min. 42° Shields. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and WEDNESDAY— Rose Trees, Fruit Trees, Begonias, &c, at Stevens's Auction Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, at 12.30. MONDAY and FRIDAY— Herbaceous Plan^ and Perennials, Hardy Bulbs and Lilies, at 12 ; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30 ; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protueroe & Morris. WEDNESDAY— Hardy Bulbs and Roots, Perennials and Herbaceous Plants, Lilies, &c, at 12; Special Sa'e of Roses, at 1 ; Palms and Plants, at 5 ; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe He Morris. The Suburban Garden. The problem of the small suburban garden is not yet solved. Here and there the ingenuity and good taste of the owner contrive results which are at once distinctive and beautiful ; but for the most part such gardens are laid out on lines as narrow as themselves, and the strips of grass show by their trim or un- tended state the relative extent to which the possessors have abandoned hope of triumphing over circumstance. For truly circumstance is not in favour of the small, semi-detached suburban garden, and adverse circumstance takes many forms — the owner's dog, the neighbour's cat, the exigencies of the household, the smoke of the atmosphere, and the intermittence of labour either of the owner or the hired gardener. The problem of the small suburban garden must ever remain in- soluble unless the owner is himself a keen gardener, or unless the landscape gardener discovers — as some day he will undoubt- edly— that in the suburban garden there is in very truth an unfilled field for his systematic labours, and a source of wealth as well. He will then undertake to plan and maintain the garden at a relatively small cost. Were he to do so it is certain that the gardens would be more beautiful, and that thousands of indifferent folk would become fascinated by gardening. He might appeal, and by no means in vain, to the pride of home which is latent in every Englishman and patent in every Englishwoman. But we recognise that to till this field the landscape gardener re- quires a rare combination of remarkable qualities, and that his work might after all be more effective in a missionary than in a monetary sense. Nevertheless, as pointed out in an in- teresting article on the suburban garden in the * 'Architects' and Builders' Journal, examples not only of isolated successful suburban gardens, but also of whole series of such gardens are to be found. For ex- ample, those of the garden suburb of Hamp stead have shown that the trium- virate which rules so many gardens with despotic and undistinguished rule, the Pelargonium, Daisy and Lobelia, to wit, have been dethroned there, and in their place, as the writer remarks, Lupins and Larkspurs, Monkshood and Mulleins, Pinks and Primulas, Columbines and Campanulas hold welcome sway. As pointed out in the article to which reference has been made, the suburban gardens of England suffer from yet another drawback, the dividing wall of brick which keeps the narrow border dry, and may, of course, also screen the plants from the sun. America has vetoed the dividing wall, and the gardens are in free com- munication with one another. Here and there, it is true, the American owner evinces the remains of a leaning towards individualism by planting a hedge, but for the most part he is content to gain the sense of space at the sacrifice of the symbol of possession. He would be a rash man, however, who advocated the removal of the boundary fence or wall from the gardens of this country. They are what those of us who dwell in the suburban houses are accustomed to, and custom demands our acquiescence ; and yet, though he shrank from the role of reformer, no one who has seen the oblong boxes at the back rows of houses such as may be peered into as the train approaches a London terminus — no lover of gardens could refrain from shud- dering at the sight of so much squalor, emphasised by chlorotic Pelargoniums. Then, as they reel past him, the traveller sees among these gardens one owned by a man with the gardener's touch and bright with things in flower. He realises what might be done if only custom could be exorcised, and the neighbours of the gardener brought to understand that systematic neglect is not the basis of suc- cess in gardens. What a hopeless problem it is, this unnecessary squalor of our inner ring of London suburbs in which we acquiesce. Yet, after all, the problem of " Vol. 36, No. 932. the suburban garden cannot be insoluble, for is not the cottage garden a triumphant vindication of the natural love of plants and of gardening inherent in the hearts of Britons? Nor is this the sole ground of encouragement. The great houses of London in Mayfair have at last realised that the backyard need not be left desolate, and now many an erstwhile back yard of a London mansion, instead of being hidden by thick glass or curtains, has been transformed into a formal paved space, with vases, and statuary, and tubs bright with plants, and often a loggia lit at night with cunning and alluring elec- tric lamps, which invite the inmates to venture out and enjoy the sense of space which every gardener, however small, should contrive to beget in the heart of its owner. Coloured Plate. — Our coloured Supplement shows a flowering shoot of Allamanda Hender- sonii, a well-known stove plant. In the days when collections of flowering stove and green- house plants were important features at horti- cultural shows, Allamandas were pre-eminent. Their companions were Dipladenias, Bougain- villeas. Eucharis, Ixoras, Hippeastrums, and other large-flowered plants which were grown with extraordinary success. Those days were at least a quarter of a century back, when the culti- vator's art found expression in the production of large trained specimens. Climbers, including the Allamandas, were trained on balloon-shaped trellises, and they were remarkable for the num- ber of flowers upon them. Such specimens are rarely 6een now. The plants are grown here and there on more natural lines, Allamandas as pillar or rafter-plants or against the gable-end of a warm house, positions in which they cer- tainly have a more decorative appearance. When large-flowered scandent shrubs are desired there are few better plants than A. Hendersonii. It is doubtfully distinct from A. Schottii, introduced in 1847 from Brazil and flowered in Henderson's nursery, St. John's Wood, in that year. Botanic- ally it is considered to be a variety of A. cathartica, as ako are A. grandiflora, A. netii- folia, and A. violacea, the last named being, as its name denotes, a purple variety ^ all other Alla- mandas being yellow. A. Hendersonii is pro- bably the showiest of them all ; it is certainly the easiest to cultivate, and it flowers profusely for about six months in the year. Planted in a border of rich loamy soil, it starts into vigorous growth in spring and under favourable conditions de- velops shoots many feet long in a few months. The flowers are borne in clusters on lateral shoots, and although they have a floppy, ephemeral look they last for some days when cut and placed in water. As winter approaches the plants should be allowed to get dry at the roots and remain so until about the middle of Febru- ary, when they should be severely pruned on what is known as the short-spur system, and encouraged to start into vigorous growth. The usual watering and syringing and a temperature ranging from 65° to 75° Fahr. are all that are required to induce free growth and a production of flowers. In tropical countries Allamandas are grown as shrubs supported by a stout stake, the 6hoots being pinched now and then to induce a bushy habit. Thus treated they are particularly effective. Where space cannot be afforded for A. Hendersonii the smaller- growing A. grandiflora may be grown. This has much thinner shoots and rather smaller leaves and flowers, the latter being of a pale yellow colour. The purple-flowered A. violacea is a distinct and decidedly attractive stove plant. January 11, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE 25 Gardeners Royal Benevolent Institu- non. — The seventy-third annual general meeting of the members and subscribers of this institution will be held at "Simpson's." Strand, on Thurs- day, the 23rd inst., at 2.45 p.m., for the purpose of receiving the report of the committee and the accounts of the institution (as audited) for the year 1912, electing officers, and for the elec- tion of 20 annuitants. There are 67 candidates. The chair will be taken by Sir Hahry J. Veitch, treasurer and chairman of com mittee, at 2.45 o'clock. The poll will open at 3 o'clock and close at 4 o'clock. During the year 1912, Caroline Morris, Harriet Sawyer, Jane Hole, and Charlotte Bradbery, widows of annuitants, were placed on the funds without election in accordance with Rule III, 13. The Perpetual - flowering Carnation Society. — We are asked to state that this Society has determined that a subscription of 2s. 6d. per annum shall entitle head gardenei i who live upwards of 200 miles from London ;.. be elected as associate members, and this boon is extended to foremen and journeymen gar- deners, irrespective of the 200 miles limit. Associate members may attend any of the society's meetings but cannot vote, and are not eligible for office. They will be entitled to one non-transferable ticket for each show, ami a copy of the Carnation Year Booh published annually. Surveyors- Institution. — The next ordinary general meeting of this Society will be held at the Institution on the 13th inst., at 8 p.m., when the adjourned discussion on Mr. E. M. Konstam's paper on "Land Values Taxation: a Criticism of the Evidence before the Departmental Com- mittee on Imperial and Local Taxation," read a: the meeting of Monday, November 25, 1912, will be resumed. Royal Meteorological Society. — Tho annual general meeting of the Society will be held at the Surveyors' Institution, 12, Great George Street, Westminster, S.W., on Wednes day, the 15th inst., at 7.30 p.m. An ordinary meeting will sub equently be held, when a paper on "The Snowfall of the United States" will be read by Mr. Charles F. Brooks. New Secretary of the Board of Agri- culture.—The Government has appointed Sir Sidney Olivier, K.C.M.G., Governor of Jamaica , Permanent Secretary of the Board of Agriculture, in place of Sir Thomas Elliott. Sir Sydney Olivier was born in 1859, and is the son of Rev. H. A. Olivier, of Winchfield, Hants. In 1882 he entered the Colonial Office, and in 1896 was appointed private secretary to Lord Sel- eorne, who was then Under-Secretary for the Colonies. The new Secretary was appointed Governor of Jamaica in April, 1907. He is credited with remarkable powers of organiza- tion. A New Haricot. — The value of Tepary (Phaseolus acutifolius, Gray, var. latifolius) is the subject of a communication addressed by Mr. ■Walter Swingle to the Serin Sorticole de I' Algeria. According to Mr. Freeman, of Tucson, Arizona, the Bean grows in the desert region of tho S.W. States of America, and has been culti- vated by the Indians from time immemorial. This species yields far better than ordinary Haricots — at all events in warm and semi-desert regions, and the plant, as is to be expected, is very resistant to drought. Tepary forms a large part of the food of the Papago and Pima tribes of Indians, whose powers of endurance of fatigue are attributed to the dietetic qualities of this plant. The Pigments of Flowers. -Among the contributions to the current number of the Journal of Genetics (November, 1912) is a paper by Professor Keeble and Dr. E. F. Armstrong on the mode of formation of flower colour. It might at first sight seem surprising that bio- chemists have not yet succeeded in understand- ing the precise chemical processes to which the formation of flower pigments is due. But as those know who have worked at this problem, it is by no means easy of solution. Nature, so lavish in some respects, uses her pigments in the this is actually the case is proved by the authors above cited. They show that wherever pigment occurs there also the special oxidizing agent is also present. In stripic flowers the coloured areas possess the oxidizer and the white areas do not. Moreover, they further prove that, in dominant white flowers of Primula sinensis, the oxidase or oxidizing agent, though present, is prevented from acting by a definite chemical substance. They show that, by treating the petals of domi- nant white flowers with certain chemical re agents the inhibiting or checking substance, Fig. i6.— eciiium bourgevuanum in a teneriffe garden. (See p. 19.) most parsimonious manner, contriving, never- theless, to produce the wonderful results with which we are all familiar. The investigator, un- able to obtain large quantities of flower pigment, is compelled to attack the problem of its forma- tion in another way, namely, b • endeavouring to produce the pigments artificially, or by attempt- ing to make the plant produce its pigments by- treating with various re-agents. As the result of the latter method it has been shown that the red and purple and other anthocyanin colours of flowers and fruits are produced as the result of an oxidation of a colourless chromogen. That which prevents the oxidase from making pig- ment, may be removed. When the preventer or inhibitor of oxidation is thus turned out of the petals, the latter are able to oxidize a colourless chromogen, and so convert it into pigment. It is probable that all pigment formation is the result of a struggle as it were between oxidizing agents and agents which check their action. Hence it is not surprising that the amount of pig- ment produced — as, for example, in Apples — may vary considerably with methods of cultivation and with the seasons. The biochemist has still a good deal to do before he will be able to advise tha 26 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [January 11, 1913. horticulturist how pigment formation may be hastened or increased ; but the chemical know- ledge of this process is advancing, and we are not without hope that, in course of time, the knowledge may prove not only of scientific in- terest but also of practical value. The paper by Professor Keeble and Dr. Armstrong is illus- trated by a coloured plate, the excellence of which reflects great credit on the draughtsman and on the Cambridge University Press. Gift of a Park to Dundee.— Dr. J. Key Caird, whose name appeared in the New Year Honours list amongst the new baronets, had pre- sented a park to the inhabitants of Dundee. A special meeting of the town council was held on December 31, when Lord Provost TJrquhabt an- nounced the offer of the park, which was unani- mously accepted. The new park, which has been acquired at a cost of £15,000, is at the east end of the city, and comprises 158 acres. Bamboo Pots.- D . Perez, of Teneriffe, describes in the Journal of Horticulture of France (November, 1912) the use which is made at the Gape and in Australia of pots made from sections of the stem of the great Reed (Arundo Donax). From his account it appears that the pots are used extensively for the planting of Acacias and in the propagation of Eucalyptus. The room taken up by the pots is very small ; the pots themselves are not fragile, hence are excellent for transport purposes. Dr. Perez speaks highly from personal experience of these substitutes for ordinary pots. He finds that they serve admirably for striking cuttings of such subjects as Atriplex. The device was first adopted by the Portuguese in India, and since they no doubt used Bamboo stems for the purpose, the name Bamboo pots is explained. Tenth International Congress of Agri- culture.—The Tenth International Congress of Agriculture will be held at Ghent, Belgium, from the 8th to the 13th of June next. The work of the Congress will be classified under the follow- ing five heads : — (1) rural economy ; (2) science of agriculture, special crops, and agricultural education ; (3) cattle breeding ; (4) agricultural engineering ; and (5) forestry. The opportunity of visiting the International Exhibition, which will include large and important sections dealing with agriculture and country life, will make the Congress one of special interest. A British Com- mittee, under the chairmanship of Sir George Fordham, is being formed to secure adequate re- presentation of this country at the Congress. Further particulars may be obtained from the Secretary to the British Committee, Craven House, Northumberland Avenue, W.C. Extraction of Pine Seeds. — The National Nurseryman gives details of experiments con- ducted by the American Forest Service in ex- tracting seeds from Pine cones. A machine, re- sembling a modified grain thresher, has been used for threshing white Pine seed from the cones when the latter were partially dry. It is thought that by further modifying an arrange- ment of the teeth in the cylinder seeds may be successfully threshed from the cones of such trees as yellow Pine, Douglas Fir, and even Lodgepole Pine. If this proves possible, the capacity of a seed-extracting plant can be increased to ten times its former output. The chief difficulty to overcome is the cracking and spoiling of the seeds during the process of threshing. Honouring an Apple. -The National Nur- seryman, U.S.A., states that an interesting cere- mony occurred near Morrisburg, Ontario, on June 8, when a monument was unveiled to an Apple tree. The farmers of Dundas, Ontario, raised the money by popular subscription, and placed a marble stone close to the spot where the original Mcintosh Red Apple tree grew. The old tree stood for over a century and then fell. The history of this Apple is as follows :— About 115 years ago Mr. John MoIntosh, who went to Canada with the United States Loyalists, and settled in Matilda Township, found a number of young Apple trees while clearing a place for a hornet These he preserved. One of them pro- duced fruit of such superior colour and quality that he named it Mcintosh Red. In 1893 the old tree was partly injured by fire, but con- tinued to bear on one side until 1908, when it failed for ever. Publications Received. — Bitter Pit In- vestigation. The Past History and Present Posi- tion of the Bitter Pit Question, by D. MoAlpine. First Progress Report, 1911-12. (Melbourne : Albert J. Mullett). — Proceedings and Journal of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society of India. (January-June, 1912.) Secretary, Mr. F. H. Abbott, .Udaipur. PLANT NOTES. ABUTILON LNSIGNE. Some of the more vigorous of the garden forms of Abutilon are justly regarded as desirable sub- jects for furnishing the roof and rafters of a greenhouse or conservatory, as under such condi- tions they flower freely, and from the pendulous nature of the blossoms they are in this way seen to the best advantage. In all respects except the colour of the flowers these garden varieties bear a strong family likeness. It is, however, different in the case of some of the species, and A. insigne, can be recommended as equally suitable for train- ing to a roof, while it also possesses the merit of being perfectly distinct from any other member of the Abutilon family. In the first place the large, heart-shaped leaves are of a thick rugose character, and the flowers, which are freely borne, and that, too, over a considerable period of the year, are of a very open bell shape, with the edges of the petals refiexed. The colour is a kind of purplish crimson, with very dark vein- ings. This Abutilon, which is a native of Colombia, was introduced hi 1851, but it would appear to have been almost lost till renewed attention was directed to it about 30 years ago. There is a variety named aureum marmoratum in which the leaves are marbled with yellow, but the variegation is not sufficiently clear to be effective. CROWEA SALIGNA. In the days when hard-wooded plants were popular this Crowea was extensively grown, fre- quently as specimen plants. Then nearly all of this class lost their position in gardens, but within the last few years an increased amount of interest has been taken in some of them. Among those affected by this partial revival must be included Crowea saligna, which doubtless owes its present-day interest to the showy nature of its bright pink blossoms, and the fact that they are borne throughout the winter months, when flowers in the greenhouse are always appreciated. This Crowea forms a freely- branched shrub of an evergreen nature. The leaves are somewhat Willow-like, hence its specific name. It is also known as Crow~ea latifolia. It is a native of New South Wales, and was introduced in 1790. A second species, C. angustifolia, a quite distinct species, has linear leaves, and the segments of the flower correspondingly narrow, added to which its usual season of blooming is in the spring, when the long slender shoots, wreathed with their starry flowers, form a very pleasing feature. This species is a native of Western Australia. In order to flower Crowea saligna throughout the winter months a structure maintained at a temperature of 50° to 60°, and a light, buoyant atmosphere, are necessary. CENTROPOGON LUCYANUS. Signs are not wanting of a revival in favour of this pretty winter and spring-flowering plant, which, despite its value in this respect, has for a long time suffered some neglect. At the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society some flowering examples of this Centropogon were very bright and showy. It belongs to the order Campanulaceae, and is of a soft half-shrubby character. The branches are naturally of an arching or partially drooping habit of growth, and this is increased when the flowers, which are borne at the points of the shoots, are developed. These flowers, which are a couple of inches or more long, are of a curved tubular shape, and bright rosy-carmine in colour. It is readily propagated by cuttings of the young shoots, taken in the spring, and placed in a close propagating case with a gentle bottom heat. The young plants may be grown in a warm structure for a time, but during the summer they succeed best in a frame. A light soil such as equal parts of loam and leaf-mould, with a good dash of sand, will just suit this Centropogon. During their growing period the young plants must be stopped once or twice in order to induce the production of side shoots. When grown in pots the branches as they develop will need to be supported by stakes, but the plant is also well suited for growing in a suspended basket, for which purpose its drooping habit eminently fits it. In winter a minimum tempera- ture of 50° to 55° is necessary. W. T. NOTICES OF BOOKS. The Planters' Note Book.* There is nothing adds so much to the in- terest of a collection of trees or shrubs as the fact that the history of each specimen can be traced from records made by the planter. Each tree has then an individuality of its own, and ceases to be merely an item in the production of a general effect. We are grateful to the planters of an earlier age, but how much our interest in the trees they planted would have been enhanced had they kept records of their work, showing the day a tree was planted, whence it came, its rate of growth, and so on. Mr. Wood- ward, the designer of The Planters' Note Bool;, has himself set a good example in the Hortus Arleyensis, wherein is placed on record much in- formation about the fine collections at Alley Castle, near Bewdley. Mr. Woodward has de- signed the small volume under notice for the use of planters of hardy trees, shrubs and plants who may desire to keep records of the specimens they plant. Each page is devoted to one tree or plant, and is conveniently spaced so that the planter can record the identifying number of the tree, the date it was planted, its origin, its scientific and common names, its native habitat, and particulars as to soil, situation and aspect. This much occupies half the page. The other half is left to put on record its subsequent history ; such, for instance, as its increase from time to time in height and girth, the date of its first flowering or developing fruit, and so on. One suspects that it has been the initial trouble of getting a note book, ruling it, paging it, &c, that has caused so many to neglect the task of keeping records. There is now no longer that ex- cuse, for in this neat little book the planter has it already done for him. It is of a handy size to put in the pocket for carrying about the garden, and has a binding of leatherette. Pages are ruled for the record of unusual temperatures and rainfalls, and for indexing. I can recommend The Planters' X<>lr Booh, for it represents a happy idea, admirably carried out. W . J. B. * The Planters' Note Rook, by Robt. Woodward, Jmir. ; pp. 124, small 8vo. ; price Is., post free Is. lid, London : Gardeners' Chronicle, Ltd., 41. Wellington Street. January 11, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 27 LINDENBERGIA GRANDIFLORA. This is a valuable plant for winter flowering. It lasts in good condition for about three months, and is quite easily cultivated. The accompany- ing illustration (see fig. 17) is reproduced from a photograph, and proves the decorative qualities of the species. The plant was introduced to the Cambridge Botanic Garden by seeds from Cal- cutta, and was figured in the Botanical Magazine in 1900, tab. 7738. Ever since it has been a fea- ture of the conservatory each winter. It is really a greenhouse plant, and should be grown in green- house temperature throughout the year. In the Botanical Magazine it is described as an annual, but this results no doubt from some wrong re- cord. The plant is really a perennial, though its cultivation should be of annual character, as in the case of Chrysanthemum and some other decorative subjects. After the plants have realised there can be no difficulty. The soil found to answer here is sandy loam with some peat. R. Irwin Lynch, Botanic Garden, Cam- bridge. HOME CORRESPONDENCE, {The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Rhododendron ponticum var. aucub/e- folium, — The note by Mr. Cook in the issue for December 28, p. 487, reminded me of the origin of R. aucubrefolium, and the follow- ing short note about it may, I think, be of interest to your readers. Mr. Botting Hemsley described the so-called R. aucubaefohum some years ago in the Journal of the Linnean Society from a dried specimen collected by Mr. Henry in Central China, and at the time he had every reason to believe it was a genuine specimen [Photogtaph by R. train Lynch. FlG. 17. — LINDENBERGIA GRANDIKLORA. flowered they are cut back, cuttings are put in as soon as ready, and two or three plants in a pot make good specimens. The one illustrated is made by two plants in an 8-inch pot. It is 2 feet 6 inches high and about 18 inches through. Some of the plants are 3 feet 6 inches high. The flowers are pale-yellow in colour, very simi- lar to those of the Musk plant, the flowers hav- ing a somewhat similar appearance but very much larger, measuring nearly an inch across. Cut sprays last well in water, but the colour is unsuitable for artificial light. The plant is a native of the Himalayas, and is common on the hills from Simla to Bhotan, at elevations of from 2,000-6,000 feet. This species is the most ornamental of the genus. A further point worth mention with regard to cultivation is that the species appears to like shade in summer, but it is so easily grown that when its nature is once This, however, proved fatae ; the specimen eventually turned out to be a " make-up," one of Mr. Henry's coolies having very cleverly united the flowers of R. pittosporsefolium with a leafy portion of DaphniphyUum macropodum. I recently saw in a garden near here a variegated Rhododendron, such as Mr. Cook describes, and which I took to be R. ponticum var. variegatum. On making inquiries about this plant I was told that it had only assumed the variegated or diseased appearance during the last two or three years, and that when originally planted it bore normal and healthy foliage. Near by were grow- ing several other varieties of Rhododendron with green foliage, all of which looked happy and robust. These shrubs, including the variegated one, were, I was informed, planted at the same time in the same kind of soil, which is of a peaty nature, and that the roots receive periodically a mulch of decayed manure. I was unable to obtain the varietal name of the variegated shrub when received from the nursery. The variega- tion of this shrub was good as variegation goes, but it appeared to me to be misplaced in the genus Rhododendron, and what the contrast of colour would be like when the shrub is in flower I leave to the imagination, never having seen it. Geo. B. Milne-Bedhead, Millard's Hill, Frorne. Hamamelis mollis.— Surely Mr. Fitzherbert (see p. 4) does but scant justice to this beautiful shrub when he says the flowers " are as large as, or probably larger, than those of H. arborea." They surpass the older species in every respect, being fully twice the size, making a far more brilliant display and being quite as freely pro- duced. I used to consider H. arborea the pride of the winter shrubbery, but now it looks almost dingy beside the Chinese Witch Hazel. The blos- soms have the same remarkable power of resist- ing cold. The first blossoms this year had to encounter 19° of frost about a month ago, which they endured without their beauty being dimmed, though Jasminum nudiflorum was denuded of bloom. Altogether, I give the first place to H. mollis among the shrubby subjects that have come to us of late years from the Flowery Land. Care is necessary with plants grafted on the other species to prevent the stock throwing up growth to the detriment of the scion. Herbert Maxwell. The Cabbage Root Fly I read with interest the article on economic entomology (see p. 489), and am prompted to state my own observations on the subject. The life history of the cabbage root flv has been recorded by many, including Mr. F. V. Theobald, Mr. Walter Collinge, and Miss Ormerod. Mr. Collinge, in his report for 1906, stated that this pest was particularly preva- lent in the Midland counties. Mr. F. V. Theo- bald in his report, 1907, recorded that a corre- spondent living in the Isle of Grain, Rochester, had nearly the whole of his crop of Turnips affected. From information and observation this pest not only attacks the Cabbage, but many other members of the Brassica family in the gar- dens under my charge in autumn, and under glass in the early spring. We make sowings of various Brassicas, including Cabbages and Cauliflowers, and I have noticed for several seasons that this fly has special preference for the Cauliflowers in the spring time. Mr. Collinge, quoting Wash- burn, in his report for 1906, states : " The female early in May deposits about 50 eggs either on the ground near to the plant or upon the plant stem, and these eggs hatch out in about seven or eight days. Generally the female lays a single egg in a place, and the larvae are full fed in about 21 days. Many of the grubs remain in the pupal stage from a fortnight to several months." As regards my own observation, I have not found the eggs on the ground, but always on the stem of the plant near or slightly below the surface of the ground. I have the stems of two young Cauliflower plants from the seed bed, one of which had five and the other four eggs upon them. They are in a fluid medium, and I have had them for some time. Some of the eggs have become detached, but three still remain on one of the stems, and the rest are floating in fluid. I obtained a good photograph of the eggs whilst they were fresh. They are about l-30th of an inch in length, slightly curved and tapering to each end, somewhat roughly furrowed, and white. When the larvae hatch out they eat around the stem of the plant, leaving the vascular tissues intact. Sometimes the young plants sur- vive the attack by forming roots as by notching or layering. We had a number of Brussels Sprout plants destroyed by this pest in the autumn when the plants were almost fully developed, and I secured a number of the pupa which I took off the plants as larvas on October 1. They are in a suitable vessel under observation so that I may determine the date of emergence of the fly from this winter brood. As regards the summer broods they are hatched from April to October. I notice that the Rev. Hilderic Friend suggests placing the roots in some material that will have the effect of destroying the eggs, and I should like to know what the preparation is. The better plan would be to prevent the eggs being laid ; it is not diffi- cult to notice when plants are affected by the maggot of the cabbage fly, and as the attack is not simultaneous the remedy may be applied as soon as the first plant is observed to flag. The better plan is to water the young plants in the 28 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [January 11, 1913. seed bed before they are affected, and then, at planting tim I have found Vaporite effectual, half an ounce to one gallon of water. I put a portion of the Vaporite in boiling water, and then make up to the full strength with cold water. This can be repeated in, say, a fortnight after the first application. Very dilute crude carbolic acid is also useful at a strength of a teaspoonful to one gallon of water, not more. These insecticides will also prevent attacks by other apterids. Mr. Friend speaks of four species of mites and three species of white worms. I have been wondering what they could be. There are numerous apterids in most soils containing organic matter. .7. G. Blakey, The Gardens, Holmwood, Redditch. Plants in Flower Out-of-doors (see p. 3). — I was much interested in the list of shrubs and plants in flower at Kew Gardens on Christmas Day. The following plants were in flower here on January 1 : — Garrya elliptica, Daphne Mezereum, Corylus Avellana (female flowers), Anemone angulosa, Galanthus nivalis, Primula vulgaris, P. officinalis hybrida, P. o. "Miss Jekyl'.'s," P. denticulata alba, Aubrietias Dr. Mules and Bougainvillea, and Alyssum argen- teum, A. saxatile, Veronica and Teucrium. In hedgerows and fields Bellis perennis (Daisy) and Ranunculus repens were blooming abundantly. John Edwards, Sylfqin Gardens, Welshpool. Corsican Pine.— Will A. D. W. oblige by explaining upon what grounds he bases his state- ment in the Gardeners' Chronicle for Decem- ber 21 that the timber of Pinus Laricio " has not come up to expectation," and is therefore not recommended for planting in this country. Very few trees of this species have reached ma- turity in Great Britain, and the trees are chiefly isolated specimens, like the fine one in Kew Gardens. How, then, is A. D. W. able to pronounce upon the quality of the timber likely to be produced in these islands? Of course, if he has sampled young trees, he is likely to have found them worth no more than Scots Pine of the same age ; but the growth of P. Laricio is more rapid than the Scots Pine, and the timber produced in the Corsican forests is of such fine quality that Napoleon caused battleships to le built of it, and it is largely imported into Italy for shipbuilding at the present day. Mr. H. J. Elwes reported in 1907 that logs 23 feet long and 1 foot square at the small end " fetch at Bastia, after long haulage by road and railway, 36 to 40 francs per cubic metre, or about lOd. to lid. per cubic foot. The timber is very strong, but heavy. . . When of the first quality, it is con- sidered to be as good as American Pitch Pine." One advantage it possesses for British planters over every other forest tree, not excepting Sikka Spruce, is that, when first planted, it is practic- ally immune from attack by hares and rabbits. It is not desirable that currency should be given to an unfavourable estimate of this most valuable tree by a writer who withholds the data for his judgment. Herbert Maxwell, Monrtith. — ; Those who contemplate planting the Corsican Pine should not take the remarks of A. D. W. about the growth of this species too seriously. After many years experience, I have come to the conclusion that it ,s the most profit- able tree to plant, especially on an estate where a return in some form or other is looked for. I do not maintain that Cor sican Pine is valuable from a timber point of view, especially for outside use. as compared !•> Larch, Oak or Ash. hut for supplying timber for estate repairs it is the best tree to plant. Thirty-four year,-, ago I planted Corsican Pine. Spruce, Scots Fir and Austrian Pine in batches in an old wood, cutting down the Oak and clear- ing the Hazel undergrowth. The trees were planted in rows 4 feet 6 inches by 5 feet, with no preparation to the soil, simply digging th" holes as besl « • could among the roots of trees and Hazel steins ; the trees made good progress, the Corsican Pines ami Spruce Firs taking the lead. No thinning was done except the removal of an occasional dead tree and the careful trim- ming of the lower branches, as they died, up to 12 feet high. About six years ago our first thinnings were made from the Corsican and Spruce batches. Many of the former tic. were 30 to 35 feet high (they are now 40 Eeet), with a diamel a of L2 inches and 14 inches at the base. The st.-tns were perfectly straight and clean in growth. From these were cut rafters 16 feet long, 4 inches by 3 inches, which, when seasoned, were most useful for estate repairs and new work indoors as shed-roofing, doors, frames, and even rafters for greenhouses. Many of the Spruce trees were used for making ladders and scaffold poles. The Scots Firs were the next most useful tree, but these grew irregularly. The Austrian Pines were the most useless of the batch, the trees growing crooked at the base and irregular. As Larch is not a success here as a timber tree, I would ask A. D. II'. what tree he would recommend that will answer the same purpose as the Corsican Pine? E. Moly- neux, 6'wanmore, Hampshire. One of the largest logs of the Corsican Pine that I have had converted was 18 feet in length, and contained fully 30 cubic feet of To some extent, no doubt, the importance of ripened wood has been overrated, but can anyone deny that this is one of the essentials in fruit culture? The writer se?ms to give his case away when he says: "The reason was an insufficiency of moisture at the roots," &c. No person of ex- perience underrates the importance of root-prun- ing, watering, or summer pruning — it would be interesting to know if Mr. Small believes in the latter operation — but these things supply no reason for stating that ripened wood is of no account. The fruit crops, however, largely depend on weather conditions, which are outside the gardener's control, and Nature accomplishes much without his aid ; this applies especially to the maturing of the wood. I entirely agree that fruit crops are Fig. i8.- -LINDENBERGIA GRANDIFLORA : FLOWERS YELLOW. (See p. 27 and R.H.S. Awards, p. 29.) timber. The timber was used experimentally in many ways — for fencing, indoor furniture, "and to support the banks of a rapidly-flowing river. The latter trial was most satisfactory; but in no case did the lasting properties of the timl>er come up to expectation. The estate architect, who also made use of the timber, reported to the owner of the property on which it was grown — "contains too much resin, and is apt to become honeycombed." .4. D. W. .Ripened Wood.— Mr. Small 'p 488. vol lii) asks the surprising question, " What differ- ence can it make to a tree m the production of fruit whether the wood be w^ell ripened or not " better after a wet season But does anyone ex- pect good results from fruit trees when light and sunshine — essentials to the formation of firm, ripe wood and high quality fruit — are almost absent? From my own observation, failure ot the fruit crops is generally the result of unsuit- abl ■ weather the previous season, as is proved by the average yield in the various districts from year to year. The splendid crops of fruit in 1911 were due in this district to the periods of sun- shine, and copious rainfalls, in 1910 ; and the lesser crops of this year are not due to i lie fait of the wood being well ripened, but, as Mr. Small says, to insufficiency of moisture. J. Lisney, Berwick House Gardens, Shrewsbury. January 11, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 2 'J SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. January 7. — The first meeting of 1913 was held on Tuesday last in the Society's Hall, Vin- cent Square, Westminster. The display of Orchids was unusually excellent for a January exhibition, and the Society's Gold Medal was awarded for a magnificent collection of Cypri- pediums 6hown by Mr. G. F. Moore. The Orchid Committee granted one First- class Certificate and eight Awards of Merit. The principal exhibits in the floral section were Carnations, Primulas, Cyclamens, Camellias, Rhododendrons, and hardy plants. The Floral Committee conferred only one Award of Merit — to Lindenbergia grandiflora, an old garden plant. The exhibits in the fruit and vegetable section were more numerous than usual : they included a collection of Apples shown by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, for which a Gold Medal was awarded. The Fruit and Vegetable Com- mittee made no award to a novelty. Floral Committee. Present: Henry B. May, Esq. (in the Chair); Messrs. W. G. Baker, Chas. E. Shea, W. Bain, G. Reuthe, C Blick, Chas. Druery, Chas. E. Pearson, Chas. Dixon, F. Herbert Chapman, W. P. Thomson, John Green, E. A. Bowles, W. J. Bean, J. F. McLeod, Wm. Howe, R. Hooper Pearson, R. Reginald Nevill, H. J. Jones, F. Page Roberts, Arthur Turner, W. J. James, E. H. Jenkins, George Paul, Ed. Mawley, and ('. R. Fielder. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, showed excellent plants of their strains of Cyclamens in li df -circular mounds, edged with Adiantum Ferns. There were numerous fine specimens of the beautiful Giant White variety, these forming bands to groups of Salmon Scarlet and Salmon Pink. Other batches contained Rose Pink, Vulcan (crimson), and Giant Crimson and White. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, showed more than 30 varieties of Zonal-leaved Pelar- goniums; the blooms were of remaikable size and the colours exceptionally bright. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, Surrey, illus- trated, with a large batch of well-grown plants, the decorative value of Isoloma hirsuta. At one end of the Isolomas there were well-flowered plants of Azalea indica in variety, brightened by neat examples of the bright rose- coloured Azalea Hexe and three specimens of Tilland-ia Duvalii, an uncommon Bromeliad, which bears large mauve flowers. The species differs from T. Lindenii in having a peacock-blue margin to the petals; the combination of mauve, peacock blue, and the pink of the scape is very charming. Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Ltd., Waltham Cross, showed some splendid little bush Camel- lias in full bloom. These were chiefly of the single and semi-double varieties, which are so valuable for planting in the open garden, and in- cluded such varieties as Waltham Glory (bright red), Tricolor (an appropriately-named sort), Vesta (rich crimson), and Snow-flake. There were also plants of many double varieties which are more suitable for greenhouse cultivation. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, showed an assortment of indoor flowering plants, for which a Silver Flora Medal was awarded. The collection included numerous plants of Erlangea tomentosa, with scented foliage and flowers like those of a Eupatorium ; Freesias ; a magnificent plant of Begonia Ensign arranged amidst the fine blue Coleus thyrsoideus, with the yellow Senecio grandiflora at the back ; Ghent Azaleas, Primula malacoides, associated, and P. kewensis. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, made a bright show with forced plants. Carnations, and Alpines. A small rockery contained flower- ing plants of Iris Tauri, I. reticulata, I. Dan- fordii, I. histrioides major, Saxifraga Greis- bachii, S. Boydii alba, and a large, white- flowered Helleborus niger. Amongst the Car- nations were large blooms of Mrs. L. Mackinnon (scarlet), Lady Coventry (rich red, " Mal- maison"), King Manuel (salmon), Lady Meyer (pink), and White Wonder. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. J. Piper & Sons, Bayswater, ar- ranged a pretty floor group of Primula obconica rosea and P. malacoides, in a setting of shrubs and conifers disposed in rock work. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Whitelegg & Page, Chislehurst, filled a long table with Piimula obconica in bat. hes of distinct shades, separated by clumps of P. malacoides. The best shades were rose and bluish-mauve. (Silver Banksian Medal.) H. J. Pitt, Esq., Stamford Hill, London (gr. Mr. Thurgood), showed 14 healthy plants of Agave Leopoldii, a species illustrated and de- scribed in the last issue, p. 11, figs. 10, 11. Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, Edmonton, filled a table with greenhouse Ferns. The plants were splendid specimens, and included numerous genera and species. Amongst the finer plants were those of Drynaria quercifolia, Polypodium Mayi cristata, P. irioides, P. ramo-cristatum, P. Vidgenii, Asplenium marginatum, Platycerium Cordreyi, Gymnogramme grandiceps, G. superba. Adiantum asarifolium, Nephrolepis Rooseveltii, and Hymenodium crinitum. (Silver Flora Medal.) D. MacMaster, Esq., M.P., Merle Wood, Virginia Water (gr. Mr. E. C. Pigg), showed a batch of Freesia refracta alba of excellent strain and exhibiting good cultivation. Mr. H. Burnett, Guernsey, showed Carna- tions, for which a Silver Flora Medal was awarded. We noticed, as extra good, Shasta (white), Scarlet Glow, White Wonder, Benora, Lidy Alington, and Lady Northcliffe. Messrs. Allwood Bros., Wivelsfield Nurseries, Haywards Heath, showed a very attractive ex- hibit of Carnations. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Middlesex, had a splendid array of Carnation blooms. The various stands contained beautiful blooms of Empire Day, Baroness de Brienen, Mrs. C. F. Raphael, Cinnabar, and Snowstorm. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. W. Wells & Co., Ltd., Merstham, showed varieties of Perpetual-blooming Carna- tions. Northport is a new variety of American origin ; the colour is the shade known as cerise. Carnations were also exhibited by Mr. G. Englemann, Saffron Walden. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. Clarence Elliott, Stevenage, showed a rockery planted with Morisia hypogaea, Geu- tiana acaulis, jEthionema iberideum, Viola gra- cilis, Saxifraga burseriana, and other subjects in bloom, with several excellent dwarf Conifers, in- cluding choice plants of the pigmy form of Abies excelsa named Remontii. Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Ltd.. Dover, showed coloured Primroses, Cyclamen Coum, Anemone fulgens, Gentiana acaulis, Hellebores. Crocuses, and other early-flowering hardy plants. Messrs. R. Gill & Sons, Falmouth, showed varieties of Rhododendrons, fruiting sprays of Cornus capitata (syn. Benthamia fragifera), and Primula Winteri. The finest Rhododendrons were R. argentea and the dark-red variety Cor- nubia. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, Kent, was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for hardy plants and shrubs. Amongst plants in flower were Iris Danfordiae, I. reticulata, I. purpurea, I. histri- oides major, various Crocuses, Anemone blanda, Leucojum carpaticum, Galanthus Ikarae, Hepa- ricas, Berberis Bealii, and the rare Rhododen- dron parviflorum. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Exhibits of Alpine and hardy plants were also shown by Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham ; Messrs. John Peed & Son, West Norwood; and the Misses Hopkins, Mere Gardens, Shepperton. Mr. C. P. Raffill, The Gables, Kew Green, exhibited nearly 400 photographs of plants grow- ing in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. There were numerous rare and choice Orchids, several Cycads only seen in botanic gardens, a large assortment of trees and shrubs, and general views in the gardens. The photographs were remark- ably clear and distinct. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. E. Westmacott & Co., 368, Strand, London, showed Natal Wattle Bark (Acacia pyc- nantha), for tanning ; samples of Berry wax, which is used as beeswax, and is obtained by boiling the berried sprays of the bush Myrica fragifera ; Soya Beans ; varieties of Sugar Beans ; South African Cotton (vars. of Gossypium her- baceum) ; Calabash pipes ; Transvaal Tobacco ; and flowers of Ornithogalum lacteum (Chinkerin- chees), cut in South Africa on December 6. Award of Merit. Lindenbergia grandiflora ste figs. 17 and 18, also p. 27). — A sub-shrubby species with clear, bright-yellow, musk-like flowers, of which the expanded coralla is about 1 in. in diameter. The specimen shown was about 3 feet high, branching and flowering freely in the upper half from woody stems, and we understand that the same specimen has been in flower for three months. There seems to be some doubt as to when the plant was first introduced, but it was a favourite subject for decorating the Opera House in Geneva some 30 or more rears ago. The species is figured in Sot. Mag. (tab. 7,738), but the plant exhibited lacked the bright red spots which are conspicuous on the corolla lobes in the figure. Shown by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Ltd. Orchid Committee. Present: J. Gurney Fowler. Esq. (in the Chair) ; and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), W. H. White, W. Bolton, Gurney Wilson, J. Wilson Potter, R. A. Rolfe, F. M. Ogilvie, G. F. Moore, F. J. Hanbury, W. Cobb, J. Charlesworth, J. Cypher, W. H. Hatcher, J. E. Shill, H. G. Alexander, A. Dye, R. Brooman-White, C. J. Lucas, C. Cookson, de B Crawshay, W. P. Bound, A. McBean, T. Armstrong, C. H. Curtis, and Sir Harry j. Veitch. There was a great display of Orchids, a dozen groups being staged. Cypripediums, the chief plants of the season, predominated, the most re- markable group being that staged by G. F. Moore, Esq., Cherdwar, Bourton-on-the-Water (gr. Mr. Page), which occupied the whole of the end staging of the hall. Some 250 good specimens were included in the group, fine forms of C. insigne, C. Leeanuim, and C. Earyades being numerous. C. Bridgei. C. Thompsonii, C. Cuitinannii, C. Germaine Opoix. C. A. J. Balfour, forms of C. Acteus and hybrids of C. Fairriea- num were remarkably good and interesting. The group was awarded the Society's Gold Medal. A Silver-gilt Flora Medal was awarded to Baron Bruno Schroder, The Dell, Englefield Green (gr. Mr. J. E. Shill), for a remarkable group of splendidly-grown varieties of Laelia an- ceps. The plants were finely flowered, the pure- white L. anceps alba having 13 spikes, the very handsome L. a. Schroder*, L. a. Dorothy (a very large flower), L. a. Morada, L. a. grandiflora, L. a. Sanderiana, L. a. Crawshayana, L. a. Amesiana, and others being equally well repre- sented. The unique plant of Odontoglossum Pescatorei Sanderse was also shown. (See Awards.) Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Haywards Heath, were awarded a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a very effective and interesting group, in which were manv rare plants. The centre was composed of Leelio-Cattleya Golden Oriole and other yellow and crimson hybrids; whilst at the front of the group were the pretty yellow Oncidium cheirophorum. and the white Mas- devallia tovarensis. Brilliant colour was afforded by a fine series of Odontiodas and some very richly-coloured Odontoglossums were also in- cluded. H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney, was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a good group of well-grown Orchids. At the back of the group were some excellent varieties of Odontoglossum crispum and hybrid Odontoglossums, including 0. ardentissimum Ernestii, the handsome 0. crispum Mrs. Goodson, and some hybrids of 0. Rossii. A good selection of Odontiodas gave bright colour, and several good Loelio-Cattleyas and Sophro-Cattleyas were noted. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group, in which were a pretty selection of hybrids of the Cypripedium Countess of Carnarvon class ; also C. Idina, which secured an Award of Merit at the last meeting, and a new and fine form of it named Portia, which had a very broad and well-marked dorsal sepal. C. Actaeus langleyense, C. vill- Exul, Miltonia Warscewiczii. Cattleya Ianthe, some good Lselio-Cattleyas, and a very pretty and interesting hybrid between Diarrium bi- cornutum and Laelia purpurata. and having pretty flowers with some resemblance to these of Lselia anceps, were interesting. -, Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a good 30 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 11, 1913. group, in which were two beautiful forms of Lselio-Cattleya Walter Gott, the yellow L.-C. Pauline, and various unnamed hybrid Lselio- Gattleyas ; Cypripedium Atlas, C. Minos Youngii, C. Troilus Sanderse, the superb Mil- tonia Bleuana gloriosa, some very showy Odon- toglossums and Odontiodas, and, among species, the very remarkable Cycnoches Cooperi, a showy variety with purplish, unblotched flowers, and ivory-white arms to the middle of the lip. E. H. Davidson, Esq., Orchid Dene, Twy- ford, was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a neat group of rare Orchids, the most prominent plant in which was the new, brilliant, vermilion- scarlet Habenaria Roebelenii (see Awards). Fine forms of Odontoglossum eximium, 0. crispum, hybrid of beautiful shape and intense purple blotching, good Odontioda Bradshawise, and 0. keighleyensis, and a noble plant of Oncidium crispum with nine branches to the spike were also noted. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Enfield, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group, the centre of which was of Phakenopsis Schil- leriana and P. Rimestadiana. With these were plants of Vanda ccerulea, that named albo-vio- lacea being very remarkable, white with violet lip. Good specimens of Dendrobium Wardianum, Ansellia africana, Cattleyas and Lselio-Cattleyas, Angrsecum eburneum and Oncidium splendidum were included. H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr. Mr. Thurgood), secured a Silver Banksian Medal for a group containing a representative collection of Cypripediums of good quality, se\eral Odonto- glossum Thompsonianum, 0. loochristiense, 0. crispum and various hybrids, Cirrhopetalum ap- pendiculatum, the rare Miltonia Endresii, Epi- dendrum Endreso-Wallisii and varieties of Lselia aneeps. Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a fine group, principally Cypripediums, the forms of C. insigne and C. Leeanum being very numerous and good. The centre of the group was of coloured Calanthes and the pure-white C. Harrisii, varieties of La?lia aneeps, &c. Masde- vallias were represented by M. Chamberlainia- num. M. Schroderianum, M. tovarensis, M. Bocking Hybrid, and M. triangularis. Messrs. J. & A. McBean, Cooksbridge, staged a neat group, for which a Silver Banksian Medal was awarded. The bulk of the group was com- posed of fine forms of Odontoglossum crispum, together with some blotched hybrids, varieties of Lselia aneeps, the showy L. Gouldiana, Cym- bidium insigne, C. Wiganianum, Odontioda Brad- shawiae and other Odontiodas, and white Lailia aneeps. J. S. Moss. Esq., Bishop's Waltham (gr. Mr. Kench), showed Odontoglossum Smithii " Moss variety," a lighter form than the original; the prettily-blotched 0. crispum Kenchii, and some interesting seedlings, one of which was very close to 0. crispum Graireanum. Sir Chas. Haddon, Berkhamsted, was awarded a Bronze Medal for a group of Cypripedium in- signe. The Lady Wernher, Luton Hoo (gr. Mr. Metcalfe), showed several plants of the rose- purple Calanthe Vulcan. F. J. Hanbury, Esq., Brockhurst, East Grin- stead, sent Cypripedium Lady Carlisle (Troilus X Hera), a very large and handsome flower. De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr Stables), sent Odontoglossum Vulcan Crawshayanumi, a fine flower, and 0. rosefieldi- ense, both of which had before received Awards. W. R. Lee, Esq., Plumpton Hall, Heywood, sent Cypripedium Lady Dillon (Mrs. W. Mostyn X nitens " Ball's variety "), a very showy and large flower. The Hon. Robert James, Richmond, Yorks., sent Cypripedium Lady Evelyn James (Leeanum var. x aureum), fine and of good shape. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart. (gr. Mr. Collier), sent a grand plant of Odontioda Bradshawia? violacea, scarlet with a purple shade. Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield (gr. Mr. Hopkins), sent Cypripedium Memoria Mostynii, a pretty yellow and white flower, and C. Actauis " Westfield variety," which had pre- viously secured an Award of Merit. Lieut. -colonel Sir Geo. L. Holford, K.C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), sent a grand plant of Cattleya Miranda " Holford 's variety"; Cypri- pedium Ulysses (Vandyke x G. F. Moore), a very pretty flower ; C. Corsair (Niobe X nitens), with the characteristic dorsal sepal of C. Niobe, and the handsome C. Rossettii. Mr. Raffill, of the Royal Gardens, Kew, ex- hibited a very remarkable set of photographs of rare plants, principally Orchids. AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Odontoglossum Pescatorei Sanderce, from Baron Bruno Schroder (gr. Mr. J. E. Shill). — A unique form previously awarded a First-class Certificate, but the award was withheld, as no picture was obtained. It was now confirmed. Flowers of fine shape, white with the inner parts of the segments spotted cinnamon-brown. Awards of Merit. Odontoma Firminii (Miltonia vexillaria X 0. crispum), from M. Firmin Lambeau, Brus- sels.— A remarkable cross, well showing the fea- tures of both parents. Flowers white with a brownish-rose mask to the lip. Habenaria, Roebelenii, from E. H. Davidson, Esq., Orchid Dene, Twyford. — A brilliant new- species from Annam in the way of H. militaris, but dwarfer in habit and with a broader label- lum, which is deeply cleft at the sides and an inch broad. Bright vermilion-scarlet. Lozlia aneeps Roeblingiana, from C. G. Roebling, Esq., Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.A. — A very singular and pretty form, with the petals distinctly veined with purple. Cypripedium Amazon (Leeanum Corona X nitens), from F. M. Ogilvie, Esq. (gr. Mr. Balmforth). — A model flower with a very fine, round dorsal sepal, green at the base and white above, and massive lip and petals. Cypripedium lona (bellatulum X Fairrie- amimj), from his Grace the Duke of Marl- borough (gr. Mr. Hunter). — Flowers cream- white beautifully veined with claret -purple, and very distinct. Cypripedium Alcinida (Alcibiadcs x insigne Hare-field Hall), from Messrs. Charifsworth. — Dorsal sepal broad, white with an Apple-green base and some purple-spotted lines. Petals and lip broad and well formed. Odontoglossum George Day (Rossii rubescens X crispum), from H. S. Goodson, Esq. (gr. Mr. G. E. Day). — A pretty flower with lilac-coloured ground ; the sepals and petals are spotted with claret colour. Front of the lip lilac-rose. Cycnoches species (provisionally named Cooperi). from Messrs. Sander & Sons. — A very remarkable Orchid from Peru, and, presumably, a new species, though allied to C. pentadactylon, from which, however, it differs much in colour. The fine racemes had large, sepia-brown flowers, unspotted, but with a darker veining. The arms of the labellum are ivory-white. Referred to Kew for name. Certificates of Appreciation. Confirmed by the Scientific Committee to M. H. Graire, Amiens, and Messrs. Charlesworth, Haywards Heath, for Adioda St. Fuscien (Ada aurantiaea X Cochlioda Noezliana). — A very re- markable cross nearest to Ada aurantiaea, but with deep-scarlet flowers more openly displayed than in Ada. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: Geo. Bunyard, Esq. (in the Chair); Messrs. Jos. Cheal, Geo. Woodward, Edwin Beckett, A. W. Metcalfe, W. E. Humphreys, A. R. Allan, J. Jaques, John Harrison, Owen Thomas, C. G. A. Nix, A. Bullock. G. Reynolds, J. Davis, and J. Vert. Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, showed 105 varieties of Apples, for which a Gold Medal was awarded. The fruits were in splendid condition, and showed little deterioration after being kept for so long in the fruit room. The more striking varieties were {dessert) Washington, Cox's Orange Pippin, Ribston Pippin, Baxter's Pearmain and Adams's Pearmain ; [culinary) Em- peror Alexander, Alfriston, Gascoyne's Scarlet Seedling, Sandringham, Beauty of Stoke, Annie Elizabeth, Bismarck, Bramley's Seedling, and Newton Wonder. Of the lesser known sorts we may instance Cornish Aromatic (a splendid des- sert Apple that keeps well), Lamb Abbey Pear- main (rather smaller and more conical than Cox's Orange Pippin, which it somewhat resembles : the flesh is hard and the fruits keep well until June), Hoary Morning (a fine late Apple, prettily striped with red, firm of flesh and a good keeper), Margil, Brabant Bellefleur (a dessert variety that will keep until May), Tyler's Kernel, Barnack Beauty, Calville des Femmes (a yellow Apple somewhat like a ripe Quince), and Melon Apple. Messrs W. Seabrook & Sons, The Nurseries, Chelmsford, exhibited many excellent Apples. Such varieties as Blenheim Pippin, Duchess's Favourite, Cox's Orange Pippin, Bismarck, and Worcester Pearmain were brilliantly coloured. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, showed vege- tables of superb quality, arranged to the best advantage. Early White Broccoli was excellent, the large curds being snow white. New Year's Savoys, Al Kales, Brussels Sprouts, and Heart- ing Couve Cabbage were all of first-class quality ; and, besides these, there were good samples of Chicory, Seakale, Celeriac, Kohl Rabi, Scarole or Batavian Endive and Mushrooms. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Mrs. E. H. Dennison, Little Gaddesden, Berk- hamstead (gr. Mr. A. G. Gentle), exhibited 24 varieties of Carrots, both long and stump-roots sorts. The roots were good specimens, the liner being Red Elephant, for which a Cultural Com- mendation was awarded ; there were Carter's Giant Orange, Intermediate, Scarlet Perfection, Long Surrey, Summer Favourite (stump-rooted), and Early Nantes. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. W. E. Sands, Hillsborough, Co. Down, Ireland, staged 63 varieties of Potatos. The tubers were clean and shapely, not over large, but even in size. Notable varieties were Erin's Queen, Irish Hero (oval), Vitality, Leinster Won- der (round), International Gem (oval), The Col- leen, and King George V. We were informed that these sorts are all of excellent table quality. (Silver Knightian Medal.) PERPETUAL-FLOWERING CARNATION. The following British-raised varieties of Car- nations were registered by the Perpetual-Flower- ing Carnation Society in 1912. The descriptions are as supplied us : Variegated Gloriosa (sport), flesh-pink, with deeper-coloured flakes. Salmon. Enchantress (sport), rich salmon-pink. Mary Allwnod (seedling), cardinal pink, a new colour in Car- nations. From Messrs. Allwood Bros. Carmen (seedling), purple. Calypso (seed- ling), white, pencilled heliotrope. Arcturus (seedling), scarlet. Elegance (sport), white, marked with pink. From Mr. H. Burnett. Queen Alexandra, a sport from Scarlet Glow, colour salmon-pink. From Mr. George Clark. Mrs A. F. Button (sport), varying shades of pink. From Mr. A. F. Dutton. Albion (seedling), rose-pink. Lucy (seedling), clear light pink. May (seedling), light pink with white stripes. My Rose (seedling), rose-pink. Fanny (seedling), light pink with red stripes. From Mr. C. Engelmann. Cinderella (seedling), deep mauve, with broad red stripes, evenly distributed over the flower. From Messrs. George Fairbairn & Sons. Lady Meyer, soft pink. From Mr. E. Guile. Snowstorm, pure white. Matador, bright cerise. From Mr. Wm. Lawrenson. Cinnabar (seedling), old rose terra-cotta. Elsie Boyd, mauve, old rose. Satin Robe (seedling), bright rose-pink. From Messrs. Stuart Low & Co. The Primate (seedling), salmon-pink. From Mrs. Thomas Page. Nigella (seedling), pure white. Violet Seely (seedling), bright rose pink. From Mrs. Seely. Salmon Winsor (sport), deep salmon rose. From Mr. J. D. Webster. Lady Algy (sport from Brecon), salmon. Salmon Enchantress (sport), rich salmon-pink. From Messrs. W. Wells & Co. Mrs. Brodie Henderson (seedling), dull red cinnabar colour. Violet Lord (sport from May January 11, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 31 Day), colour medium pink, with darker mark- ings. Son. John Boscawen (seedling), light pink. Mikado Junior (seedling), clear mauve. Miss Hardcastle, brilliant scarlet. From Messrs. Young & Co. CITY OF LONDON ROSE. The first annual exhibition of this new society will be held at the Cannon Street Hotel. The sum of £70 will be offered in prizes, in addition to several cups, including one from the City Press. Classes in the metropolitan section are open only to growers residing within certain specified distances of the Royal Exchange. The hon. secretary is Mr. A. E. Protheroe, 67 and 68, Cheapside. MARKETS. THE WEATHER. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending January 4, is furnished from the Meteorological Office : — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. Tbe weather. — The genera] condition was very unsettled. Rain was experienced almost daily in Ireland at d the south- west of England, and also in the North ot Scotland, and on several days over the Kingdom as a whole. In some dis- tricts, however, fair intervals were commoner than during the few weeks preceding. The temperature was above the average, the excess being 6" id England E. and the Midland Counties, and 5° in some other parts of Britain. In the South of Ireland the excess was no more than 1.4", and in Ireland N. and the English Channel about 2.5°. The highest ol the maxima occurred on irregular dates at many stations on December 81, and at many others on January 4, and ranged from 65° in England E. and the Midland Counties to 61° in England N.E. and Scotland W. The lowest of the minima, which were mosily recorded either on December 29 or January 2, ranged from 26° in the Midland Counties to 83-' in England N.E., and to 85° in the English Channel. The lowest grass readings were 18" at Crathes, 20° at West Linton, Kew Observatory and Hatnpstead, and 22° at Manchester, Kancebyand South- end-on-Sea. The temperature of the soil was high for the time of year at a depth of 1 foot and also at 4 feet. The mean temperature of the sea.— At most places on the north-eastern, northern and north-western coasts the water was colder than during the corresponding week of last year ; elsewhere it was mostly a little wanner. The means for the week ranged from 51° at Seaheld and 50° at Newquay and Scilly to 40° at Burnmouth. The rain/all was more than the average in Scotland N. and VV„ the western districts of England, and also in the Midland Counties, but less elsewhere. On December 30 as much as 1.85 inch fell at Fort William, and 1.16 inch at Aspatria. On January 4 more than I inch was recorded over a large area in the south-west of England and South Wales. The bright sunshine was below the normal generally, but exceeded it in England E. and S.E., and also in Ireland N. and the English Channel. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 27 in England S.E. and 26 in the English Channel to 8 and 7 respectively in England N.W. and Scotland W. In England S E. and the English Channel the mean daily duration was 2 1 hour ; in Scotland N.and W. only 0-5 hour. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending January 8, 1913. The fifth warm week in succession.— Each of the past five weeks, that is to say, of tbe present winter so far as it has gone, has been exceptionally warm for the time of year. During 'he past week all the days were warm, and also, with one exception, all the nights. On the warmest night the exposed thermometer did not fall lower than 42°— an un- usually high minimum reading for January. The ground is at the present time 4" warmer at 2 feet deep, and 5° warmer at 1 foot deep, than is seasonable. Rain fell on five days, and to the total depth of three-quarters of an inch. The only really wet day was the 4th inst,, when from 6 a.m. on that day to 7 a.m. on the next day. or for 25 hours, rain was falling without intermission. During the week 3J gallons of rainwater came through the bare soil percolationguage, and 3 gallons through that on which short grass is growing. I he sun shone on an average for 53 minutes a day, which is 87 minutes a day short of the mean duration of bright sun- shine for the same psriod in January. The winds were as a rule rather high, but in no hour did the mean velocity exceed 15 miles. In no hour was the direction of the wind any point between north and east, or north and west. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by one per cent. E. M.. Berkhamsteii, January S, 1913. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. FOREIGN. Desfoss£-Thuillier Fils & Co., Orleans, France— Nur- sery Stock. Sluis & Groot, Enkhuizen, Holland— Vegetable, Flower, and Agricultural Seeds. The Japan Seed and Plant Co., Ltd., near Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.— Japanese Seeds. Fredrick Roemer, Quedlinburg, Germany— Seeds. Dammann & Co., San Giovanni a Teduccio, near Naples, Italy— Nursery Stock. W. Atlee Burpee & Co., North Fifth Street, York Avenue, Philadelphia— Seeds. WiLHu.M Pfitzer, Militarstrasse, 74, Stuttgart, Germany- Seeds. L. Daehnfeldt, Odense, Denmark— Seeds. 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. — Eds.] Cut Flowers, 4c: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d 2 0-30 Arums (Richardias) Azalea, per dozen bunches ... 4-050 Bouvardia, per dz. bunches ... 6 0-70 — white and coloured ... 6 0-80 Camellias, white, per dozen ... 16-20 I amadous, per dozen blooms, best American varieties ... 19-20 — smaller, per doz. bunches 15 0-18 0 — Carola (crim- sooj, extra large 4 0-50 — Malmaison, p. doz. blooms : pink ... 12 0-15 0 Chrysani hem urns, per dozen : — white ... —20-40 — pink ... _. 2 0-40 — yellow 16-30 — bronze 2 0-40 — white, per doz. bunches ... 12 0-18 0 — coloured ... 12 0-18 0 Daffodils, per doz. bunches ... 7 0-80 Eucharis, per dozen ... ... 2 6-30 Freesia, white, per doz. bunches... 2 6-30 Gardenias, per box of 15 and 18 blooms ... 5 0-70 Gerbera Hybrid, p. doz 2 6 — Hyacinth Roman, perdz. bnchs. 15 0-18 0 Lilium auratum, per bunch ... 2 0-26 — 1 o n g i ti orum, per doz., long 2 6-30 short ... 2 0-26 s,d. s.d. 2 0-26 16-20 2 0-26 10-13 Lilium lancifolium — alba, long — short — speciosu m rubrum, per dozen : — long — short Lily ot the Valley, per dozen bunches : — extra special ... 12 0-18 0 — special 10 0-12 0 — ordinary ... 8 0-90 Mignonette, per doz. bunches... 3 0-40 Orchids, Cattleya, per doz. ... 15 0 — — Cypr ipedium 2 0-30 — Odontoglossum crispum Pelargoniums, p. dz. bunches — Double Scarlet Poinsettias, per dozen blooms Roses, 12 blooms : — Liberty — Madame A. Chatenay — Niphetos — Richmond 4 0-50 4 0-50 9 0-10 0 9 0-10 0 5 0-80 5 0-80 2 0-26 5 0-60 Spiraea (Astilbe) ja- ponica, per dz. bunches ... 6 0-80 Tuberose, p. doz. blooms, long... 10-13 short ... 0 8-09 Tulips, per dozen bunches ; — red 8 0-90 — white 9 0-10 0 — yellow. 8 u- 9 0 — bronze 9 0-10 0 — pink 10 0-18 0 Violets, Princess of Wales, per dozen bunches 2 0-30 Guernsey Flowers: Average Wholesale Prices. Narcissus : _ boleil d'Or „ — Grand Primo — Princeps s.d. s.d. 8 0-40 2 0-26 3 0-40 Narcissus: Henr> Irving .. s.d. s.d. 4 0-60 2 6-30 French Flowers : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Anemone, double pink, per doz. 2 6-30 Lilac, white, per bunch 3 6-40 — mauve 4 0-60 Marguerite, yellow, per doz. bnchs 2 6-30 i, pr. bunch 0 9-10 Naicissus, Pa| er White, pr. pad, 48 bunches ... 7 0-90 — Soleil d'Or.p.dz. 2 0-36 Out Foliage, Ac s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Ad ian t u m Fern (M a ideuhair), best, per doz. bunches ... 6 0-70 Agro st i s (Fairy Grass), per dz. bunches ... 2 0-40 A spar ag us plu- mosus, long trails, pr.Jdoz. 16-20 — medium, doz. bunches ... 12 0-18 0 — Sprengeri ... 10 0T3 0 Berberis, natural, per doz. bnchs 3 0-40 Ranunculus, per doz. bunches : — double scarlet — yellow — bronze — carmine Roses, Safrano, pkts. of 24 blms. Violets, per pad of 48 and 60 bchs. 4 0-50 — Parma, large bunches, each 4 6-50 Average Wholesale Prices. 8 0-12 0 8 0-12 0 10 0-12 0 5 0-60 3 6 — s.d. s.d Carnation foliage, doz. bunches... 3 0 — Croton foliage, var- ious, dz. bchs. 12 0-15 0 Cycas leaves, arti- ficial, per doz. 3 0-12 0 Eulalia japonica, per bunch ... 10-16 Moss, gross bnchs. 6 0 — Myrtle, dz. bchs. (English), small-leaved... 6 0 — — French ... 10 — Smilax, per bunch of 6 trails ... 10-13 Plants in Pots, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Azalea, white and coloured, per dozen ] ots AraliaSieboldii, dz Araucana excelsa, per dozen Asparagus plumo- sus nanus, per dozen... — Sprengeri Aspidistra, p. dz., green ... — variegated Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, 48's, per dozen Chry^anthem ums, 48's 10 0-15 0 Cinerarias, p. doz. 9 0-10 0 30 0-36 0 6 0-70 18 0-21 0 10 0-12 0 8 0-90 21 0-30 0 30 0-60 0 9 0-12 0 s.d. s.d. Cocos Weddeli ana, per dozen — 60's — larger, each .. Croton, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Cyclamens, 48's ... 10 0-12 0 Cyperus alter- mfolius, p. dz. — laxus, per doz. Dracana, green, per dozen Erica hyemalis ... — nivalis 60*s 72's — gracilis, 48's ... 12 0-15 0 in thumbs 3 6-40 60's ... 6 0-80 6 0-12 0 2 6-10 6 5 0-60 4 0-60 10 0-12 0 12 0-15 0 12 0-18 0 6 0-80 3 0-40 Plants tn Pots, ftc: Average s.d. s.d. | Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 — in small and large 60's — hi 48's, per doz. — choicer sorts per doz. — in 32's, per dozen Ficus elastica, per dozen Genistas, per doz. Geonoma gracilis, 60's, per dozen — larger, each ... Hyacinths, white, in pots, per dozen Kentia Beimore- ana, per dozen — Fosteriana, 60's, per dozen ■ larger, per dozen Latania borbonica, per dozen Lilium lancifolium rubrum in pts,, per dozen 8 0- 12 0 12 0- 60 20 0 8 0-12 0 10 0-18 0 9 0- 12 0 12 0 - 6 0- 2 6- 8 0 7 6 12 0- 15 0 S 0-42 0 4 0- 6 0 18 0-63 0 12 0-30 0 18 0 21 0 Wholesale Prices (Contd,). s.d. s.d. Lilium, lancifolium alba, in pots., dozen 18 0-21 0 — i ongiflorum, per dozen ... 18 0-80 0 Lily of the Valley 18 0-21 0 Marguerites, in 48's, per doz., white 8 0-10 0 Pandanus Veitchii, per dozen ... 36 0-48 0 Pelargonium (Ger- anium), double scarlet, 48's ... 4 0-50 — other varieties 5 0-60 Phoenix rupicola, each 2 6-21 0 Poinsettias, per dozen pots, 48*s 10 0-12 0 — 60's 6 0 — Solatium, 48's, per dozen 8 0-12 0 Spiraea japonica, per dozen pots 6 0-80 — pink 10 0-12 0 Tulips, per box of 24' s ; — white — pink — scarlet (Tulips or Bulbs) Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Apples : — Dessert, Eng- lish, £ bushel 2 0-40 — Cox's Orange, J bushel ... 6 0-10 0 — Cooking, per bushel 2 0-40 — Wenatchee, p. case 7 0-90 — American, brls. 27 0-30 0 — Cal if orn i a u Newtowns.case 7 0-80 — Nova Scotian, per barrel ... 13 0-16 0 — Oregon, New- town Pipp., cs. 8 0-10 0 Apricots, Cape, per case ... ... 4 0-60 Bananas, bunch : — Doubles ... 10 0 12 0 — No. 1 7 0-80 — Extra 8 6-10 0 — Giant 12 0 14 0 — Loose, p. doz. 0 6-10 — Red coloured... 4 6-56 — Jamaica, per ton £9-£12 — Jamaica Ordi- nary, per box (9 doz.) ... 4 0-56 Dates, per dozen... 2 9-30 — Egyptian, cwt. 25 0 — Cranberries.p. case 9 0-14 0 Grape Fruit, case: — 96's \ - Ill ::: ::: 8 °-18 ° — 54s J — per dozen ... 4 0-60 Grapes (English), per lb. : — Canon Hall .. 6 0-10 0 — Muscat of Alexandria ... 6 0-10 0 — Black Alicante 0 6-16 — Almeria, barrel 12 0-18 0 — Gros Colman 0 8-26 Grapes, Lisbon, case Lemons, per case : — Malaga — Messina, per case Nuts, Almonds, per bag — Brazils, cwt.... — Spanish, per sack „. — Barcelona, per bag — Cocoanuts, 100 — English Cobs per lb.... — Chestnuts, bg. — Walnuts French, per cwt. ... ._ — Naples, p. cwt. Lychees, lib. box... Oranges : — Jaffa, per case — Jamaica, case — Mandarines, p. box — Morida Tan- gerines, p. case — D e n i a , per case — Calif ornian. Seedless, case Pears : — French, box — — per crate ... French Doy- ennedu Cornice per crate — Dutch Catillac, £ bushel — American, per barrel Pineapples, St. Michael Rhubarb, dozen bundles 2 6-80 3 6-30 2 6-30 s.d. s.d. 7 0-86 16 0 — 8 6-24 0 52 6 — 54 0-62 0 35 6-36 6 18 0-23 0 0 3-04 14 0-26 0 300 — 64 0 — 16 — 6 6-76 4 0-6 0 0 8-56 14 0-16 0 11 0-22 0 10 0-12 0 30 - 6 0-80 5 6-66 3 6 — 7 0-80 3 0-50 0 8-0 10 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. Asparagus, Giant, per bundle .. — Paris green — Sprue, per bundle Artichokes (Globe), pei dozen — French — ground, $ bus. — B a t a v i a , French, dozen Beans : French, p. pkt. — Guernsey, lb. — Madeira, per handle Beetroot, p. bushel Broccoli, bushel — bags Cabbages, p. tally — boxes — red, per dozen Carrots (English), pr. doz. bun.... — unwashed, per bag — washed, bag ... Cauliflowers per tally — boxes — Cornish, crate — Italian, crate... Celeriac, per doz. — French, p. doz. Celery, per dozen " fans " — unwashed Chicory, per lb. ... Cucumbers, p. flat Endive, per dozen — French p. doz. Greens, per bushel — bags s.d. s.d. 16 0 18 0 3 6-40 0 8 - 2 6- 3 0 5 0 — 1 0 — 1 0 - 0 4- 0 5 2 0 — 4 0 2 6 — 1 0 — 1 6 — 2 6 — 1 0- 2 0 1 0 — 1 6- 2 6 2 6 3 0 — 7 0-10 0 2 3- 4 6 3 0- 4 0 29 — 10-16 2 6- 12 0-18 0 7 0- 9 0 0 3 ' — 7 0-90 1 fi- 2 0 2 A — 1 0 — 1 6 — Herbs (sweet), pkt. per gross Horseradish, 12 bundles Leeks, per doz. ... Lettuce, French, per crate — per dozen .Mint, per dozen bunches Mushrooms, culti- vated, ner lb. — ■ broilers Mustard and Cress, per doz. Dunnets Onions (English) per bag — per bushel — picklers, per bag — (spring), per doz bunches — (Spanish), case — Dutch, bags ... Peas, French, pad of 10 lb. — Guernsey, per lb Parsley, per doz. bunches Parsnips, per bag — per bushel Radishes(English) per dozen Sage, per dozen ... Savoys, per. tally — per box Seakate, punnets- Spinach, p. bushel Sprouts, A bushel — bags " Scotch Kale, busl. s.d. 10 0 s.d. 12 0 ■ 1 6-1 36 1 6 0 10- 06- 1 0 0 8 0 4-06 3 6 2 0 3 0 4 6- 2 6 a 0 3 0 1 6 1 0- 2 0 4 0 2 0 1 0- 2 6 1 0- 1 6- 1 6 5 6 1 3 2 0 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE [January 11, 1913. Vegetables: Average Wholesale Prices (Contd). Tomatos, Canary, per bundle Thyme, dz. bnchs. Turnips (English), perdz. bunches — per bag s.d. s.d. 8 0-14 0 2 0 — 13-26 2 6 — Turnips, un- washed, bag ... 2 6 Turnip tops, bushel 1 0 — per bag U6 Watercress, p. dz. bunches 0 4 s.d. s.d. 1 6 0 6 Remarks.— There is still a good supply of English Apples, including Bramley's Seedling, Dumelow's Seedling (Wel- lington), Blenheim Pippin and Cox's Orange Pippin, but the last will soon be finished. Apples in boxes from overseas consist chiefly of beautifully-coloured, well-graded fruits of the variety Spitzenberg. There are also some of Oregon and Californian Newtown Pippins. Apples in barrels from Nova Scotia consist principally of Baldwin Ribston Pippin and Russet sorts. Pears are a limited supply ; the varieties available are Winter Nelis, Easter Beurre. Glou Morceau and Keiffer (culinary). English Black Alicante and Gros Colman Grapes continue very plentiful. Belgian Gros Col- man is a good supply. Only selected bunches of Muscats appear to be in deniaad. Cape Colony fruit made its first appearance last week, consisting of Apricots ; this week in- cluded some fine Peacbe? in boxes of 23 fruits, realising as high as from 40s. to 56s. per box. Teneriffe Tomatos are now a plentiful supply, and are the only ones obtainable. French-grown vegetables, consisting of Asparagus, Peas, Dwarf Beans and Salads, are all available in fairly large quantities. Dwarf Beans are also arriving from the Channel Islands and Madeira. Mushrooms have been a better trade during this week. Large quantities of forced Rhubarb reach the market daily. Ordin iry vege ables of all kinds are much in excess of the demand. E. H, R., Covent Garden, Jaiui-ti , S, 1913. Potatos. per cwt. per bag. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Bedfords ... ... 4 0- 4 B Dutch ... 2 9- 3 9 Kenls ... 4 3-50 Belgian ... 3 3- 4 0 Blacklands ... 3 6-39 oerman ... 3 9 4 9 Evergoods ... ... 3 6-39 Dunbars — ... 5 9- 6 3 King Edward ... 4 0-50 Scotch {grey soil) 4 0- 4 9 Remarks.— Trade shows a slight improvement, but prices remain about the same, although they are sligbtly firmer on the Continent. Stocks of foreign Potatos are still large, but English consignments are much fewer. Edward J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St. Pancras, January 8, 1913. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mr. George JoRCAN.for 18 yea's with the late Sir James Bailey, at Shongrjve and at Loft's Hall, Saflron Walden, as Gardener to Lord Bravbkook, Audley End. Mr. Jordan was for many years in the service of the Rev. Boners, and was lecurer on Horticulture to the Suffolk County Council. Mr. Wh. Jackson, as Gardener to E. Hesketh, Esq., Beachctoft, Eliham, Kent. Mr. A. Falconer, for nearly 3 years General Outside Foreman at Ford Manor, Lingfield, Surrey, as Gardener to J. Joicey, Esq., Poulton Priory, Fairford, Glouces- tershire. Mr. Hugh Brennand, for the past three years Foreman at Gaddesby Hall, Leicester, as Gardener to the Hon. Mrs. Dale, Tingrith Rectory, Woburn. Mr. F. Lord, Foreman at IJavenham Gardens, Malvern, and previously at Chevening Park, as Gardener at Studley Horticultural College, Studley, Worcestershire. to LorredhondenU Arum Leaves: F. G. B. Dolgelly. The cause of the disease cannot be determined from leaves alone. Send a portion of the root -stock. Book: J. H. Heraman. The first edition of Loudon's Encyclopaedia of Gardening was published in 1822, and a second in 1824, of which there were several reprints till 1830, but in 1831 the work was re-written and much- enlarged editions were published. Mrs. Lou- don relates that the book had " an extraordin- ary sale." Consequently, notwithstanding its value as a conspectus of the horticultural world of the period, a copy of any of the editions is not worth more than a few shillings. Brassica and Celery Leaves : E. C. The Cab- bages are affected with Gleosporium concen- tricum. Destroy all diseased plants, and treat the soil with quicklime. The fungus only at- tacks plants of the Cabbage family, and you should plant other vegetables on the infected ground for some time to come. The fungus attacking the Celery is Cercospora Petroselini. Adopt the same measures as in the case of the Cabbages : the fungus only attacks Celery and Parsley. Chrysanthemum Diseased: H. II'. The Chry- santhemums are affected with Chrysanthemum rust. Spray the plants at intervals when they are making their growth with a solution of potassium sulphide made by dissolving 1 ounce of potassium sulphide (liver of sulphur) in 1 quart of hot water, afterwards making this up by adding clear water to 22 gallons. Any dis '3 i''l foliage should be taken off and burned. Good results have been obtained by applying water containing a little paraffin. Cyclamen Leaves Unhealthy: St. G. N. C. There is no disease present on the leaves. The appearance suggests the presence of eelworm at the root. Employer's Liability: W. L. You are entitled to compensation for the injury sustained, and unless your employer gives you notice you will be entitled to wages during your absence. Eremurus : 8. E. T. The following particulars were given in Gardeners' Chronicle, January 27, 1912, in answer to a similar question to yours : — Eremuri should be planted not later than the end of January. Choose for them a sunny site, sheltered from strong winds. especially those from the east. Plant the roots 4 inches or 6 inches deep in well stirred soil, and if the soil is of a heavy and close texture, apply a good dressing of old mortar rubble, both above and below the roots. If the staple is light and friable, lime will not be : sary. When the crowns appear through the soil, cover them with Spruce or Fir branches to protect them from severe frosts. This method of protection will preserve the plants from damage by strong winds. If the soil is of a light nature, it will not be necessary to lift the crowns every year, but ir. heavy, wet land lift the crowns when the foliage dies down, store them in a box of sand in a dry (shed, and replant them in well-worked soil. December, if the soil is not too wet, is the best month to plant in your district, but it is better to plant a month later in wet. sticky soils. E. himalaicus, E. robustus, and E. Elwesianus are the best species to commence with, and as you gain knowledge of their requirements you might try E. Bungei, E. B. var. Shelford, and E. Olgae. The three last-named should form a group apart from the others, it being quite unnecessary to lift these roots every year. Foliage Pi \nts: W. F., Walsall. Palms suit- able for the purpose are Rhaois flabellifot mis, R. humilis. Chamaedorea elegantissima, C graminifolia, Chamasrops humilis and Damiono- rops fissus. Codiaeums (Crotons), Andreamis. Baroness James de Rothschild, Emperor Alex- ander III. Newmannii, B. Comte and -Mrs. Iceton will be suitable for your purposes, also Dracaenas Baptistii, Victoria, amabilis, ferrea, John Luther and Cooperi or pendula. Garden Competitions: D. T. Your best plan is to obtain a copy of the B.H.S. Rules for Judging, and draw up a set of conditions ac- cordingly. Therein you will find the value m points of the different subjects you mention. The book may be obtained through our pub- lishing department, price Is. 6d. Gardening Employment in France : F. G. There are three important centres fur general nursery work out-of-doors in France : (1) The Vitry and Chatenay district near Paris ; (2) Orleans ; (3) Angers. In several other towns nursery work or pepiniere is carried on systematically and well. Nursery work under glass is done principally around Paris and also at Tours. By making application in good time accompanied with a recommenda- tion a gardener can usually secure a situation. The wages vary according to the locality. You must remember that in France, and most other parts of the Continent there is no half- day holiday on Saturday. If you apply to Mr. Schneider, President of the French Horticul- tural Society of London, 3, Meredyth Road, Barnes, London, sending him full particulars respecting your age, your experience, -and the names of the places where you have worked, stating how long you intend staying in France and also what kind of work you prefer, he will endeavour to assist you further. Lawn Sands : P. McL. These are proprietary manures, and their composition is known only to the makers, though most of them contain large quantities of nitrogen. If you mix some nitro- genous manure with fine soil, and dress the lawn with this it will give the same results. A little basic slag might also be added with ad- vantage Mildew on Vines: G. H. Drench the vines thoroughly whilst they are at rest with a solu- tion of 1 lb. of copper sulphate in 30 gallons of water. . Names of Fruits: Constant Header. 1, Seaton House ; 2, King's Acre Pippin. — Tower Lodge. Belle Grideline. Names of Plants: ./. 1). Euphorbia Lathyris, Caper Spurge. — Stoke House. 3, Ionopsidium acaule. — E. M. Cymbidium giganteum. — J. B. F. 1, Abies lasiocarpa ; 2, A. Nord- manniana ; 3, Picea pungens ; 4, Cupressus pisifera filifera aurea ; 5, Thuya occidentalis aurea ; 6, Pinus excelsa. — J. F., Anxious. 1, I'ernettya mucronata ; 2, Erica lusitanica ; 3, Leyeesteria formosa. — M. C. Moschosma riparium the Natural Order of Labiatae. Orchids Seeding: H. E., Nantwich. Cattleyas, Lselias and most other epiphytal Orchids ma- ture their fruits better if the plants are sus- pended. They should be watered carefully ; but, as the seed capsules attain their full size, Less water should lie afforded the roots, and as the pods approach the bursting stage a shred of raffia or thin indiarubber band placed round them will prevent the seed from becoming scat- tered, nr an envelope of thin tissue paper may be fastened round the fruit when thoroughly ripe. Cut the capsule and store in a dry place, sowing a portion of the seed now and the remainder later. Pear Beurre Grey : H. B. This variety is re- corded in Barron's British Pears; the Official Report of the Committee of the National Pear Conference, held in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, Chiswick, October, 1885. Fruits were sent to the conference by Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, and Messrs. J. R. Pearson & Sons, Lowdham, Nottinghamshire. Perpetual-flowering Carnations: C. M. It is difficult to determine the cause of failure in your perpetual-flowering Carnations without seeing the plants or knowing the varieties. A shady greenhouse is not the best place to grow them in during the winter season, plenty of light being essential to the proper develop- ment of the flowers. The plants should pro- duce tine flowers during December, January, and February in suitable conditions. The treatment you have afforded your plants is on the whole correct. Nitrate of soda is harmful to the plants, and should not be used. Do not employ pots of too large a size ; 62-inch pots are suitable, but for the stronger-growing varieties 8-inch pots may be employed. The soil should not contain too much manure or leaf-mould. Examine the roots to see if these are vigorous and active. You will probably find that they are not in the best condition, mainly owing to over- potting and feeding. If this is the case keep the soil moderately dry, and thus induce a healthy root action. Do not apply stimulants until the latter part of February. A night temperature of 45° to 50° is correct; in smoky districts ex- cessive night temperatures should be avoided. Splitting of the calyx in the case of ordinary neat varieties is caused by irregular growth, due to fluctuations of temperature or light. Shrub for Associating with Rhododendron sinense (Azalea mollis) : J . R. M . Eucryphia piunat iliihi, a beautiful shrub flowering in late autumn, would be suitable fur your purpose. Vines Bleeding : W. F. The cause of bleeding in vines is late pruning or ill-ripened wood. If the vines are healthy, no great harm will result, as the bleeding is bound to cease sooner or later. Barron, in his Vines anil Vine Culture, recommends covering the wounds with sealing wax or some styptic which may be obtained from any sundriesman. The warm, moist weather has probably been responsible for your vines bleed- ing to such an unusual extent. It is a good plan, in the case of outside borders, to cover the soil with spare lights or sheets of corru- gated iron to ward off winter rains. If the vinsry is started now, extra warmth may excite the vines into increased bleeding for a time. . Violet Wellsiana Diseased : F. D. The fun- gus Urocystis viola? is causing the injury. All diseased plants should be destroyed and the soil treated with quicklime. Violets should not be planted on the infected land for some time to come. Communications Received.— J. B. L — G. B., Stafford — S. A._A. G._ W. C _J. C W. B. H._R. J. W.—F. C. _C. B. Sawbrdgeworth — P. McL.— B. and 1". -W. 1 N. _W. R. C W. H._ Dr. W J. E G. K A. D. W — W. C, Newport— W. F._ H. B._ H. E.-S. B— L and M. _J. Y., New York— A. R. W F. H W._ T. Y.—H. G. — G. M.T„ H. C. L. c o u X O c •o u fl O £ c £ a a 3 z z u 3d w c y x X < Q Z < < January 18, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 33 ggflfc^ THE (SatiDenets'CInomcl No. 1,360— SATURDAY, January IS, 1913. c CONTENTS. Acacia dealbata at Brank- Obituaiy- some Hall gardens ... 45 Geert, Auguste Van ... 18 Alpine gaiden, a Swiss 42 Grolez, Jules 4a Birkinshaw, Mr. T. W., Theobald, William ... 48 presentation to 41 Orchid notes and glean- Books, notices of— ings— Sweet Pea Annual, 1913 42 Brasso-Cattleya The Orchid vVorld ... 86 Orpheus 36 Tulips 37 Lselia Gouldiana 36 Year Books and Diaries, Potatos, Rhodesian re- 1913 41 striction on imported... 42 Bowling greens 33 Rosary, the — Brazier, Mr. G., ap- Notable crimson Roses 36 pointed secretary of Scotland, notes from ... 45 the Shropshire Horti- Societies- cultural Society 41 Glasgow Fruit Tiade Corsican Fine, the 45 Benevolent 47 Florists' flowers — Horticultural Club ... 46 P erp et ual flowering Manchester and North Carnations 36 of England Orchid .. 16 Foreign correspondence— Perpetual-fl oweiing Half-holiday for gar- Carnation 46 deners 44 Royal Caledonian Iris caroliniana 44 Hort 46 Fruit-growing in Nova Royal Horticultural ... 41 Scotia 41 (Scientific Committee) 46 Gardener s' Royal Scottish Hort. 46 Benevolent Institution Species, elementary 42 (Worcester Auxiliary) 41 Sweet Pea, the 10 Grape Madresfield Court • 5 Week's work, the — Jacobinia chrysostepl ana 39 Flower gaiden, the ... 39 Law notes — Fi uits under glass 88 Action against a horti- Hardy fruit garden ... 89 cultural society 47 Kitchen garden, ihe ... 38 Undeveloped land duty Novelties of 1913 46 Orchid houses, the 38 43 Plants under glass 39 Nursery notes— Wilks, Rev. W 34 S. Bide & Sons, Faro- Wood, ripened, in fruit ham ... „ 47 i trees 45 ILLUSTRATIONS. jEthionema coridifolium in the Pont de[ Nant Alpine garden, Switzerland Arenaria purpuiascens in a Swiss Alpine girden Pont de Nant Botanic Garden, Switzerland (Supple- mentary Illustration) Sweet Pea, reproduction of the earliest illustration of a Theobald, William, portrait of the late Tulip on the frontispiece of " Le Fioriste Francois " ... Wilks, Rev. W., portrait of, 35 ; at work in his new garden THE MAKING OF A BOWLING GREEN. IN the course of the last 20 years or so the ancient and royal game of bowls has been, and still is, winning an ever increasing number of enthusiastic fol- lowers, so that poor must be the place which cannot claim to possess a first- rate bowling green. The public authorities have not been slow to fall into line by allotting spaces, properly laid out and carefully tended, in public parks and on open spaces. Private clubs are spring- ing up everywhere, and their natural am- bition is to possess a first-class green of their own. Many private individuals also make arrangements in their gardens, where space permits, to indulge in the pleasant pastime. Hence there is a con- siderable demand for skilled workmen able to undertake the formation of greens. To the looker-on, innocent of the vagaries the bowls display when spinning along the turf, any good lawn would appear to be sufficient. This, how- ever, is far beside the mark, for a green which would give satisfaction to even a mediocre player must be well laid. It must be perfectly level ; bumps and dents, however small, would spoil it. The turf should be short and soft, of fine, even texture, and weeds cannot be tolerated. A good, yet porous foundation is neces- sary, so that the green will readily drain itself of any excessive moisture ; indeed, it should during the summer be playable within an hour or so after even heavy showers. These oonditions are absolutely essential. A full-sized bowling green is 40 yards square. This gives six rinks of 20 feet each, and enables players to play across and transversely, allowing the ends at which most wear and tear occurs a rest, say, every alternate week, and so keep in good condition. If, however, space does not suffice for a green of a full size, a smaller, say three, two or only one rink green may be made. Each rink should be 20 feet in width and 40 yards long, but if only one rink is contemplated, it is ad- visable to allow 2 or 3 feet over at each side, especially if bowls of larger bias than three degrees are played with. (Bias, it may be said, is given to the bowl by a flattening of one side. Throughout the southern counties bowls of three degrees bias are usually played with, though one meets players who prefer so much as four and even five degrees. Again, English greens, especially those in southern counties, are now almost always laid dead level ; players in Scot- land and in the North, as a rule, prefer the crown-green, which is raised in the centre — or, in the smaller ones, across the middle — to the extent of 6 inches. Be the green large or small, it should be bordered by a ditch covered by a grille, which latter should be sunk about 1 inch or so below the surface of the turf. This ditch again should be bordered by a bank, pre- ferably turfed, to form a boundary of the whole green. Good suitable turf cannot be obtained locally in some parts of the country, and has to be brought from long distances. Scotch turf, or that which grows near the sea, is as a rule preferred. If, however, the expense is to be kept down, and if time is not pressing, good turf may be raised by sowing suitable seed. It may be mentioned here that some people hold the opinion that it is impossible to obtain satisfaction from sowing ; if, however, the seed is carefully chosen and the work properly done, there is no reason why thoroughly good greens should not be formed from seed ; on the contrary, ex- perience proves that this can be done. The site chosen should be in a sheltered spot, or where shelter from wind may be obtained by judicious planting. In setting out the ground allow 40 yards square for the green itself, 1 foot all round for the ditch, and whatever space may be desired for the bank on which spectators would take up a position in order to watch the game. Much, of course, depends upon the surroundings ; it may be that space does not permit of the top of the banks being extended, or even that they must be dispensed with all together. If a bank be made it should be at least 18 inches high and as steep as it can be made ; in fact, all but vertical at its face, and turfed down to the grille. Having selected the site and decided how far the banks should extend, we now set out a square 122 feet long at each side. If the ground is fairly level, it is as well to make the bank all round at a level corre- sponding to that of the green itself. If, however, the ground slopes considerably, which on clayey soil is rather an advan- tage, as a better drainage is then obtain- able, it is well to let the banks on two sides slope downwards and dispense with it at the lower level altogether. If the top soil is of fair quality, it may be set on any vacant adjoining ground for use ; if not, it should be removed together with the subsoil to a depth of 2 feet below the estimated level of the green. After the bottom has been well cleaned out and roughly levelled, the top level for the height of the green, less turf, must be set in. This should be taken from corner to corner and across the middle, and stumps should be set at convenient dis- tances, say, every 20 feet or thereabouts, to a height of 2 feet above the ground. In doing this leave a margin all round of 1 foot to form the ditch afterwards, and set the outside stumps by line, so that a good, straight boundary may be obtained. Be careful that the stumps throughout are set to the correct level according to the green it is desired to make, and make them secure so that they cannot be dis- turbed by subsequent operations. It depends greatly upon these stumps whether the green turns out well or other- wise when completed. It is desirable that at this stage a good water supply be laid to the edges of the green, so that the water may reach to the middle without the hose being dragged all over every time that the green has to be watered ; this is specially important if the green is being raised from seed. The foundation should now be built up. Large, hand-picked clinkers, such as may be obtained at any large factory, railway or refuse destructor, are best for this pur- pose, though good coarse, hard core which will allow a very porous bottom to be made can be used. Whatever material is used should be placed so that it will make a firm but porous bottom, which cannot clog or sour for years to come. When the whole space has been covered to the depth of 18 inches a heavy roller should be used to settle it firmly, so that the surface can- not give way after the green has been finished. When this bottom has been satisfac- torily put in a layer of smaller clinker, say, such as would pass through a 1-inch sieve but not a A-inch one, should be placed on it. This material should also be used to make good any hollows, and bring the total level up to 1 foot 7 inches. If this layer, when rolled, gives a good close surface sand may be put directly upon it. If, however, there are signs of the sand running away into the bottom layer, it is well to run in a thin layer of fibre or leaves or similar material which may be at hand. As the top soil which has been removed should be well sifted, there is generally a fair quantity of fibrous material left over which may be used for this purpose. Such a layer, of course, should be very thin, is being only re- quired to keep the sand in place. 34 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 18, 1913. The ditch should now be formed by boarding the whole green around along the outside stumps to the required height, that is, level with the top of the outside row of stumps. The sand, of which the next layer con- sists, should now be brought on to a height of a further 2 inches. It must be clean and free from clay or other binding material, which would make this layer too solid when the surface soil has been rammed, and practically spoil the drainage which it is intended to supply. Any fine sand will do ; sea sand, however, provides an ideal material, and may be readily ob- tained almost everywhere, as railway com- panies as a rule only charge freight for it to the nearest railway station. After the sand has been carefully spread and levelled all over it should, especially if dry, be worked firm by a copious supply of water applied through a good rose. Soil passed through a 1-inch sieve has now to be laid upon this sand. It should be put to such thickness as will allow the whole to be firmly trodden and levelled flush with the stumps. The level and straight-edge must be tried over the whole surface, and every inequality, however small, should be rectified. For levelling the sand or soil the back of an ordinary wooden rake may be used. A more useful tool, however, is easily con- structed from a handle about 6 feet long, a strip of wood 5 feet long, 2 inches wide, and about | in. thick. This latter should have a hole drilled in the middle and the handle inserted rake-like. If a nail is driven through the edge of the cross-piece and the handle and a couple of stays nailed from the handle to the cross-piece, the whole is of sufficient durability to pull a fair amount of soil along with it. The tool will be found very useful wherever surface levelling is required. H. P. L. (To be concluded.) 1866 Mr. Dix got me elected a Fellow of the Society. I came to Croydon as curate of the Parish Church in 1866, was ap- pointed Vicar of Shirley in 1879, and hon. secretary of the R.H.S. in February, 1888. " In 1894, on the second Sunday after Easter, my voice suddenly stopped in the middle of a sermon. I was dumb ! I could not even give out a hymn, so as to end the service. Next day I was taken up to London to see Sir Felix Semon, the throat specialist, and after careful ex- amination he said he had no hesitation in pronouncing it to be cancer of the MR. WILKS AND HIS NEW RESIDENCE. We may take it for granted that most of our readers will easily recognise in the hard-working planter illustrated on tbis page the portrait of the Rev. W. Wilks, the energetic secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society. Many, too, may also know that Mr. Wilks has found it necessary to resign his position as Vicar of Shirley, a post he has held for a very long time, although the reasons for his partial retirement may not be generally understood. The following par- ticulars obtained from Mr. Wilks himself, on the occasion of a recent visit to his new and charming residence, explain the circumstances fully. We put them in his own words : — " From my earliest recollection I have been imbued with the love of gardening. My grandfather and my father were both enthusiastic gardeners, and the Rev. Joshua Dix, chairman of the Floral Com- mittee of the R.H.S. , was an intimate friend of our family, and used to take me as quite a lad to the shows of the Society. I was also present at the opening of the Great Conservatory and the Gardens at South Kensington, and in the year 1865 or didly, and in the course of six weeks I was able to return home to Shirley, and could just feebly and faintly whisper. For a further 18 months I could only whisper, but all the time my voice was getting stronger and stronger, and exactly two years after the breakdown I was able to preach again in my . church at Shirley, and though I have, of course, only one vocal chord instead of other people's two, my voice, by diligent prac- tice, has become stronger and stronger, although the effort to use it has always caused me considerable pain. In 1910 I {Photograph by y. Russell &■ Sons. Fig. ig. — the r.h.s. secretary at work in his new garden. larynx. I then placed myself under the charge of the late Sir Henry Butlin, and from April to October I went up to see him regularly twice a week ; he put electric wires down my throat and burnt the affected part. All these months I was absolutely dumb, and in October Sir Henry said I must come up to a nursing home in Wimpole Street, and he would open the larynx and take away the growth on the vocal chord. This was done, it being found necessary, when the larynx was opened, to remove the whole of one vocal chord. The wound healed splen- found my throat giving me more and more discomfort with every exertion of voice, and it became evident to me that I could not much longer continue both my church and parochial work and my work for the R.H.S. I must give up one or the other of them, and my throat trouble seemed to me to indicate clearly which to abandon. So in the winter of 1910 I set about plan- ning a new house at Shirley, adjoining my old vicarage ; the building was begun in March, 1911, and finished in October, 1912, my resignation of the vicarage dating from October 6, 1912. I moved into January 18, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 35 my new house, ' The Wilderness,' on October 19th, 1912, my 69th birthday." Mr. Wilks's new residence is situated just two miles from Croydon Railway Station, on the near side of the old vicarage. Every detail in its structure has been determined by himself, and in place of a " builder's " house he has one which specially suits the site and provides just those features personal inclinations have suggested. The ground forms a gently-rising slope from the road and house, and the appearance from the back is exactly that of a piece of semi-cultivated common, ending no one knows where, be- cause the rising ground at length falls again and so terminates the view. The site is only 4i acres, but looking from the house there are no obvious dividing lines or sug- feels a little proud that he has raised almost every specimen himself from a cut- ting or seed. The site includes a small plantation at the side farthest from the vicarag-e with sufficient leafage to give shade, but not enough to exclude light. The ground is covered with Ivy, and amongst the Ivy Mr. Wilks planted here and there a hardy Cyclamen. ■ The Cyclamens have not only succeeded in holding their own against the Ivy, but have grown beyond expectations, producing colonies of seed- lings, in almost every instance the plants in late autumn appearing with bold foliage that has made its way through the Ivy without difficulty. This fact shows that these beautiful plants may be grown in greater shade than is generally supposed REV. W. WILKS, M.A., IN HIS STUDY. gestions of restricted area. The land was ordinary meadow grass when purchased by Mr. Wilks, and he has planted cuttings and seeds of favourite trees and shrubs just how and where he pleased, the result being, as already stated, that the effect is that of a more or less cultivated com- mon. A common, because the grass is dotted all over with shrubs and other plants, and cultivated, because in place of only the native gorse, what appears to be a random collection of plants is really a choice selection made by the gardener- proprietor. As plants grow whilst their owners sleep, the progress they make is sometimes a matter of surprise, and look- ing at the finished appearance of the grass- covered mound to-day Mr Wilks already — perhaps in any position where the wood Anemone succeeds. From what has been said it will be seen that Mr. Wilks is en- gaged in a delightful scheme of wild gar- dening, which comes up to within a yard or so of the house. The grass, be it said, which in spring is hidden by the wealth of flowering bulbs, is mown once a year. At no season is the view from the house un- interesting, for the eye can never rest upon bare soil. There are several hardy flower borders, but so placed that they do not come into immediate view. We had intended saying only a few words about Mr. Wilks's new garden, but there is an interesting circumstance that it is impossible for us to pass over with- out remark, namely, the fact that Mr. Wilks will shortly complete his twenty- fifth year as secretary to the lloyal Horticultural Society. The circumstance will serve to bring to the minds of some of the older Fellows the pathetic condi- tion of the Society's affairs in 1887, when the South Kensington policy had brought it to a state of bankruptcy, destroyed its prestige, and invited contempt. There was little to justify the hopes that were still indulged in by the faithful few that the ship might be made to survive the storm and bad navigation she had experienced, but one hopeful factor there certainly was ; for two years earlier Sir Trevor Lawrence had been elected the Society's President, an incident which has had a profound and salutary effect on its history. In the presence of dismal failure it was only natural that division should exist amongst the Fellows in regard to the future policy ; indeed, there were three parties, (1) certain members who were content to go on as before, borrow- ing money from time to time as occasion demanded and circumstances permitted, with the certainty of drifting further and more hopelessly into debt and depen- dence ; (2) others who were content to let the Society's existence come to an end, and (3) still others who could not contem- plate the demise of the Society with any degree of satisfaction, but were even more averse from continuing the old and discredited policy. We need not mention many names, but amongst those who con- stituted the third group were the Rev. W. Wilks, Dr. (now Sir Daniel) Morris, Dr. Maxwell Masters, and others connected with the Horticultural Club, an orga- nisation formed in 1875 to provide a social circle that might assist the R.H.S. in its necessitous circumstances. In February, 1888, two secretaries were elected on one day, first, Colonel Mason, at the general meeting of Fellows, and, later, the Rev. W. Wilks, by the Council at a meeting at which Colonel Mason tendered his resignation, the Council, of course, having the right to fill a vacancy occurring between two general meetings. Later Dr. Morris was appointed Treasurer, and with Sir Trevor Lawrence as President, the Society, with three excellent officers, soon began to put its house in order and ar- range a policy which should consist solely in furthering the cause of horticulture. We are not writing the Society's his- tory, but merely relating a few circum- stances of which we are reminded by Mr. Wilks's 25 years of service. What that service has done for the Society is known to the Fellows, but it may be mentioned that whilst in 1888 there were 1,100 Fel- lows, there are now nearly 13,500, and a long list of affiliated societies. From a state of bankruptcy the Society has pro- gressed until at the present it has invested funds to the amount of £67,258. It pos- sesses a home in the Vincent Square Hall of which every horticulturist is proud, and a garden at Wisley of great beauty and in- terest. Such is some of the work which has been accomplished by Mr. Wilks and his colleagues in the quarter of a century which comes to an end at the annual general meeting of Fellows to be held next month. 36 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 18, 1913. THE ROSARY. NOTABLE CRIMSON ROSES. Roses of this special colour — whose dimensions are of an impressive description— belong, for the most part, either to the class of Hybrid Perpetuals or to that of the more popular Hybrid Teas. It would tax the resources and the experience of an expert, in many instances, to distinguish the varieties of those classes from each other. It is difficult to understand why Margaret Dickson, which here grows and aspires like a Noisette, should be entitled a Hybrid Perpetual, while certain Roses of a similar com- plexion, with probably less reason, should be called Hybrid Teas. When my dark crimson- hued Irish namesake appeared, it was placed in the H.T. class by several distinguished rosarians, including its raisers ; and in the H.P. class by others, whose opinion on such a sub- ject as heredity could not be despised ; the latter asserting that in foliage at least it was essentially a Hybrid Perpetual. Never- theless I cannot doubt that one of its parents must have been a Hybrid Tea. Some of the older crimson Roses, which seem, like certain human beings, to have a gift akin to everlast- ing youth, still survive in our catalogues, and hold their own at our great exhibitions. Among these may be mentioned Beauty of Waltham, raised by that treat rosarian and gifted horti- cultural writer, the late Wm. Paul; Duke of Edinburgh and Duke of Wellington, the velvety texture of which has always been much admired, are still assiduously cutivated in many gardens in preference to others similar in colour and of more recent origination, but not more attrac- tive in aspect. These newcomers, moreover, are often of very moderate capability in the special directions of growth and floral productiveness; and their prices are prohibitive. One of the sweetest of the older Roses is Annie Wood, with which I was greatly charmed, when I came upon it incidentally, like an exquisite surprise, in the nurseries of Messrs. Thomas Smith and Co., at Stranrae* in my county, not many years ago. There, aiso, some of the more modern dark crim- sons, especially Commandant Felix Faure, are gloriously grown. The firm's exhibits of this variety, which has great artistic capabilities, have been immensely admired at many of the lead- ing Scottish horticultural exhibitions. Charles Lefebvre is a venerable variety still largely cultivated, which, I may add, not seldom rewards the attentions of the cultivator with grandly effective flowers. Salamander is a Rose of extremely charming crimson-scarlet com- plexion ; so also is the more recently raised Florence Haswell Veitch, which, though the blooms are not of abnormal size, are of the very finest texture, and profusely-produced. Leslie Holland, introduced last year, is also a very beau- tiful variety ; though not, in my experience, a vigorous grower, it flowers with such freedom and splendid effectiveness that I do not hesitate to recommend it to my readers as a fine bedding variety. I greatly question, however, if it will ever entirely supersede Hugh Dickson or J. B. Clark, both of which have nobly stood the stern test of experience as Roses that can be supremely effective in almost all circumstances and under ungenial climatic conditions. Apart from their colour, which is fascinating, and their charm- ing fragrance, they are among the grandest growers in our Rose gardens and the most flori- ferous. I have not yet had the privilege of seeing the variety King George V, the colour of which is described as "rich, blackish-crimson, with deep, velvety, violet flush " ; but rosarians who have seen it at Belmont, near Belfast, have been greatly impressed by its attributes. Much is expected of that nobly-endowed, dark-crimson variety (a native of far-famed Ncwtowuards), en- titled George Dickson, a Rose of the greatest charm and most exquisite fragrance, which last year gained the Gold Medal of the National Rose Society, and has been supremely successful wherever it has been shown. Combining the colour of Hugh Dickson and Horace Vernet, it should be a great acquisition to rosarians. David B. Williamson, Wigtownshire. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. BRASSO-CATTLEYA ORPHEUS. A fine flower of this pretty hybrid between Cattleya Trianse and Brassavola glauca is sent us by J. J. Neale, Esq., Lynwood, Penarth (gr. Mr. H. Haddon), who states that the seeds were sown six years ago. It is a good, flatly-displayed flower, white, tinged with lavender colour. The original form, between B. glauca and C. Trians alba, was shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons at the Royal Horticultural Society's meet- ing held on January 14, 1902, when it received an Award of Merit, and was recorded in the Gardeners' Chronicle. The plant was then shown as Laelio-Cattleya, Brassavola glauca and B. Digbyana being then placed under Laelia by some authorities. Apart from the Orchids, it is in- teresting to learn that in the gardens at Lynwood of J. J. Neal, Esq., from which such an interesting collection of curious and insectivorous plants was sent to the great International Horticultural exhi- bition, seeds of the dwarf Australian Pitcher plant have been matured and the seedlings are coming along vigorously. Cephalotus follicularis from imported roots has the reputation of being difficult to grow, although at Lynwood it thrives well. Home-raised seedlings will probably grow much more freely than imported crowns. L^LIA GOULDIANA. The flowers of this beautiful Orchid are mauve-purple in colour, and appear at this season. The variety is the most showy and dis- tinct of its section, but it never seems to have been appreciated in gardens as its merits deserve. There are probably several reasons for this. In the first place the true plant has never been plentiful. In estimating its place in the genus, Reichenbach, who originally des- cribed the plant in Gardeners' Chronicle, January 14, 1888, p. 41, from specimens flowered with the original importers, Messrs. Sander & Sons, while placing it near to L. autumnalis suggested that it might be a natural hybrid. Consequently after the original im- portation was distributed and until a recent importation the true plant has not been avail- able, but L. autumnalis in its worst form has often been requisitioned to represent it. The fact is that the true L. Gouldiana is totally different from any others of its section. It forms a compact plant, the rather erect, bright green leaves, free growth, and very floriferous character rendering it easily recognisable. In Mrs. Bergheim's gardens, Belsize Court, Hamp- stead, Tracy's Nursery, Twickenham, and other gardens in the neighbourhood of London, it was the brightest Christmas flower, unblemished by the fogs which damaged the blooms of "many other Orchids. " THE ORCHID WORLD." The January issue of this monthly publication is specially interesting and varied, among other subjects being notes on Orchids at Palmerston North, New Zealand ; on British Orchids, and on the Application of Genetics to Orchid Breeding. A coloured plate of Odontoglossum Harwoodii, "The Shrubbery variety," and illustrations of Rhyncostylis retusa alba, Cypripedium Viking, Cattleya Schroderse and Dendrobium nobile vir- ginale, with 220 flowers, in the Westonbirt col- lection, are also given. FERPETUAL-FLOWERING CARNATIONS. Most gardeners at the present time will be contemplating striking their batch of cuttings, and a few hints on the preparation and after- treatment may be acceptable. First secure a small hand-light, and place it in a house or frame having a moderate temperature. The cooler the conditions in which cuttings are rooted the better for their welfare. Fill the hand-light about half full of sawdust, then procure 3-inch pots, which must be clean and well crocked, filled with silver sand, which has been washed. When selecting the cuttings, great care should be exer- cised in removing them from the plants. Give a gentle, downward pull, and the cutting should come away with a small portion of bark from the flower stem. This should be trimmed off with a sharp knife. Should the cutting come away without any of the main stem, it can be taken that it is too soft, and will not root easily. When dibbing them in see that each cutting rests on the bottom of a hole. If this operation is not attended to with great care, the cutting hangs up in the hole, and very seldom strikes. Water them thoroughly with luke-warm water before plunging the pots in the sawdust in the hand-light. Every morning, open the light for about two hours to allow the surface moisture to evaporate, and wipe the glass with a sponge. No watering or sprinkling will be required dur- ing the three to five weeks that will elapse before roots are formed. Immediately this stage is reached admit air gradually till the young plants are inured to the general conditions of the house. When sufficiently rooted, take them out of the frame and place them in a temperature of 50°, close to the glass. The plants will require potting up singly in small 60's, using a compost consist- ing of 1 part loam and 2 parts half-decayed leaf- mould, and plenty of coarse silver sand to ensure its porosity, with a little soot added, first passing all these materials through a half-inch sieve. Before potting is commenced, the com- post should be warmed to the same temperature as that in which the plants are growing. After potting is finished, place the plants again in the same temperature, and if possible put them on a stage that has a good layer of small shingle or ashes, as this will tend to keep the roots cool, and act as a deterrent to red spider, which, if once established, is harmful to Carnations. Shade the plants from 'bright sunshine until they have recovered from the check received through pot- ting, exercising great care with the watering till the plants get established. Syringe every morning between the pots, and keep the temperature of the house about 50° to 55° during the day, with a night temperature of 45° to 50' . After a month or five weeks they will again want repotting, on this occasion into 5-inch pots, using a rougher compost, the loam to be broken up to the size of a Walnut. The ingredients should consist of 1 part loam, 2 parts leaf- mould, 1 part Mushroom-bed manure, a little bonemeal, soot and sufficient sand. Mix them well together, and pot the plants rather firmly. After this is finished, place the plants in a heated frame if possible, and near to the glass, on a bed of ashes. Keep the frame moderately close till the plants have started rooting into the new soil, when air should be given liberally on all suitable occasions to pro- mote sturdy growth. The syringe must be usr'd every morning between the pots and overhead to keep down red spider and green fly, and if weak soot water is used it will help the plants considerably. » As regards stopping by pinching the shoots, this should be done once in the small 50's about a fortnight before they are potted on, and again when in the larger pots. Do not stop all the shoots at once, but at intervals of 10 days from one stopping to another. When the January 18, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 37 puts are filled with roots, they will require pot- ting into the flowering-pots, 8 and 9-inch pots, according to the strength and variety of the plant. The soil should be much rougher ; the loam should be broken up not any smaller than a hen's egg, using one part loam, two parts leaf- mould, one part manure from an old Mushroom bed, adding mortar rubble, soot, bonemeal, a small quantity of blood manure and sufficient sand or road grit to make the whole porous. The pots should be plunged in ashes in a frame. If the weather is mild the lights can be removed, but should heavy storms threaten the lights ought to be put on till the plants are well established ; should hot, dry weather occur syringe the plants frequently with snot water. The. staking should NOTICES OF BOOKS. Tulips.* No flower, not even the Rose herself, has so much history behind it as the Tulip. From the time of its introduction into Western Europe in the 16th century the Tulip, what with its scien- tific problems like "breaking" and "thieves," what with romantic episodes like the Dutch Tulip mania of the 17th century, what with its attrac- tion for the severest school of florists, has been the subject of continuous writing. The long tra- dition is now worthily carried on by Mr. Jacob, whose knowledge as a florist and gardener, whose antiquarian zeal, and whose cheerful appreciation J^-t Pksiiut tnnchil mti fltur* -Dun rwmkrt irtAai dt cou'curs ■Lurti brunc lautrc plus TJtpie Frtnani it vur Je j JLlcmcJite # -Pour compotcr rne* orntmenfr J>"1**'J ^J-RJTXV Ouz £«« JUMunl Janj, la C>ur /» JW* >tf*_ FlG. 31, — FRONTISPIECE OF •' LE FLOK1STE FRANCOIS " (1654.) [Reproduced from "Tulips.") be carried out as the plants require it, using three stakes triangular fashion ; this will admit about three growths to each stake. Some varie- ties, such as Mrs. H. Burnett and Britannia, will require four and five each. The housing of plants should be carried out not later than the second week in September, placing them on a bed of shingle or ashes and well exposed to the light. Should red spider present itself syringe the affected plants with "Spidacide." Green fly can be destroyed by fumigating with a nicotine vaporiser. Some of the best varieties are Carola, Jessica, Enchantress, Lady Alington, White Perfection, Beacon, Mrs. H. Burnett, Rose Doree, Rose Pink Enchantress, and White Wonder. G. Hart, Hockley House Gardens, Twyford, Winchester. of the elements of human nature manifested in the history of this remarkable flower have com- bined to produce a book which all Tulip lovers will want on their bookshelves. There are Tulips and Tulips, and Mr. Jacob adopts the simple garden classification of early-flowering singles and doubles, Cottage or May-flowering, Parrots, Darwins and Rembrandts, and species. Really, the classification might be reduced still further into species, earlies, and late flowering, for Par- rots, Darwins, Rembrandts and Cottage Tulips all belong to the one great group that has the florist Tulip at its head. It is to this group that the interest attaches; to begin with, its origin » Tulips. By the Rev. J. Jacob. (Present-Day Gardening Series.) T. C. & E. C. Jack, Edinburgh, 1912. Pp. 116, Is. 6d. net. is a mystery, because the variety was introduoed ready made, as it were, and the wild species which went to constitute the original stock re- main still unknown. Turkish manuscripts of the 14th century are extant which show that the Turks in the neighbourhood of Bagdad then grew named varieties of a Tulip with the essential characters of our own, i.e., a Tulip that began its life as a self-coloured flower and later broke into streaks and splashes on a clear ground. Now, no wild Tulip species possesses this property, nor do we get much suggestion from the acknow- ledged species of the materials which went to form the original complex. The deep-blue or black base with white sap and a crimson skin pigment are common to several Tulips of the central Asiatic and Mediterranean countries, while from some other parent must have come the self yellow colouring (a sap, not a skin colour), the clear base, and possibly the scent, which is found in species like sylvestris and Persica and in a few of the garden varieties, e.g., Sulphur among the florist Tulips and Prince of Austria among the earlies. Breeding experiments might throw light upon the origin, but as Tulip seedlings take from five to seven years to flower, and two or three successive generations would have to be raised, it is doubtful if anyone will embark on the task. Mr. Jacob's book opens with a chronological and bibliographical table, beginning with Busque- bius in 1554 and Gesner in 1559. and from this list the student who wishes for fuller information can learn the sources at his disposal. The onl\ serious omission we have noticed is that of Mr. J. W. Bentley's series of articles in the Journal of Horticulture for 1895 or thereabouts, by far the fullest and most accurate account of the florist Tulip that has ever appeared, ending with a catalogue raisonie of the then known varieties, which preserves for us much of the knowledge and opinions of those keen critics, the working-men florists of the North. After a chapter on the Tulip mania, Mr. Jacob gets to work with his descrip- tions, and as he writes with the loving experi- ence of many years of his own and other people's gardens this part of the book may be taken as a very safe guide to the best varieties for each and every purpose. Mr. Jacob's avowed favourites are the Darwins, with their superb colouring and vigorous, sturdy habit, proof against the vicious weather which is apt to descend upon us about the middle of May, equally beautiful, too, as gar- den plants and for table decoration. The eye that has been trained to florist Tulips finds something coarse and unrefined in the Darwins : the size, the leathery square-based petal and the dingy bases offend his instincts, but he cannot deny their superb habit and glow of health. Sonv; day, by crossing and selection, we may hope to see Darwins and florists combined into a race possessing the excellences of both, but improve- ment moves tardily in so slow breeding a race. Chapters follow on cultivation, and Mr. Jacob rightly insists on two cardinal points : lift the bulbs every year and see that there is a suffi- ciency of lime in the soil. The land should not be manured directly for the Tulips ; soil that has carried Potatos or other well-treated vegetable crops is best. Mr. Jacob recommends bone-meal ; we have found basic slag even better. Finally, Mr. Jacob discusses bedding and combinations of Tulips with other flowers, all the outcome of con- siderable experience. But we must say a word of praise for the illustrations ; coloured figures of Tulips exist from the earliest days of the flower, but even those in Sweet's Guide are little better than diagrams ; now, at last, we have the flower itself. Anything more true to life than the Darwins on Plate ITI or the florist's Tulips on the first plate we have never seen. What a boon it would be for future generations of florists if all the notable flowers of this generation could be similarly photographed and a record set kept in the librarv of the Royal Horticultural Society ! A. D. Hall. 38 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE [January 18, 1913. ^ — == =^ The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W H Whiti, Orchid Grower to Sir Trkvor Lawiience, Bart., Burford, Dorking. ODONTOGLOSSUM INSLEAYI AND O. GRANDE. —Plants of 0. Insleayi are pushing up their flower-spikes, and require a plentiful supply ot water at the roots; in fact, the roots require more water from the time the spikes appear till growth is completed than at any other period. This species greatly resembles 0. grande in its pseudo-bulbs and foliage, but the leaves are slightly longer. The blooms are very showy, and last fresh for a long time. The new pseudo- bulbs of 0. grande are completed, and, until growth recommences, the roots should be kept on the dry side, but not so dry as to cause the bulbs to shrivel. Both these plants grow best on a high, dry shelf in a cool house. The yellow variety of 0. grande named Pittianum is worth adding to any collection. L/EL1A8,— The bright scarlet L. monophylla is a gem amongst Lselias, but the plant has always been considered a difficult subject to keep in good health for long. When well established and grown in a moist position in a temperature just a trifle higher than that of the Odontoglossum house, it grows and flowers freely. Last year I placed a small plant for trial with 0. grande, and it has been kept moist at the root always. This specimen grew satisfactorily. Plants that have commenced to grow and require larger pots or fresh rooting-material should be attended to. Place them in small, well-drained pots in a mixture of small portions of Osmunda fibre and Sphagnum-moes in equal parts. Do not press the materials too tightly about the roots. Keep the plants in a well-shaded posi- tion at all times, and, during their growing period, spray them lightly overhead occasionally with clear rain-water. This small plant shows a great contrast in its growth with the taller L. harpophylla, which has bright, orange-red flowers. Any plant of this species that requires increased rooting space should be repotted. If the compost is exhausted and the plants enfeebled in consequence, no time should be lost before re- potting them. Such plants should on no account be allowed to bloom the first season after they are repotted. Employ a similar mixture to that advised for L. monophylla, adding a good sprinkling of fine crocks. Never water the roots unless the soil is really dry, when sufficient mois- ture should be afforded to soak the compost thoroughly ; if kept constantly moist the roots decay prematurely. A cool house is suitable for this species for at least eight months of the year, but while the plants are making their growth and flowering extra warmth, such as a Cattleya house provides, is beneficial. Recently-potted plants should be shaded from direct sun- shine, or the slender stems and leaves will soon shrivel. Plants of L. rubescens (syn. acuminata) that have bloomed recently should be suspended close up to the roof-glass in a cool house where Dendrobiums are resting. If healthy the plant will need but little moisture until growth re- commences ; a little water may be afforded occa- sionally when the pseudo-bulbs or leaves show signs of shrivelling. Lselias of the Mexican types, including L. autumnalis, L. Gouldiana, L. albida, L. anceps and its many distinct varieties, are useful for furnishing blooms at this season. The majority of the plants have finished flower- ing, and should, if necessary, be afforded fresh rooting material before the new pseudo-bulbs commence to develop roots. In repotting do not disturb the old roots more than is absolutely necessary, or the plants may fail to furnish their full complement of flowers next season. Where there are five, six, or more pseudo-bulbs on one rhizome, the latter should, if it has plenty of live roots attached, be severed between the second and third pseudo-bulbs ; if only few roots are present sever between the third and fourth ones. The larger portions may then be repotted into pots or pans of a suitable size. The dis- carded pseudo-bulbs may be used for purposes of propagation ; if laid upon damp moss they may produce fresh growths. When potting keep the rhizome of each plant on a level with the rim of the pot, which should be about half-filled with materials for drainage. The compost should con- sist of Osmunda fibre only divided into small portions. Pot each piece rather firmly, but not so tightly as to prevent water passing freely through the compost. After repotting, and until each plant is re-established, afford water with discretion, merely watering around the outer edge of the soil to induce root action. If too much moisture is applied the old roots will decay. Keep the plants for the present in a temperature ranging between 50° and 55°, but increased warmth may be afforded as the new growths develop. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By James Whvtock, Gardener to the Duke of Buccleuch Dalkeith Palace, Midlothian. Forcing Strawberries.— The success in the forcing of Strawberries in pots depends to a large extent on the proper development of the crowns and on the pots being well filled with roots the previous autumn. Plants of the earliest batch that were plunged in a mild hot-bed com- posed chiefly of leaves at the beginning of De- cember are in flower, and should be placed on a shelf near to the roof-glass in a house facing south, with a mean temperature of 60°. Pollinate the flowers carefully and admit as much fresh air as will be safe. The plants are very susceptible to attacks of red spider, and, although they may have been thoroughly sprayed with an insecticide on former occasions, it will be necessary, after the flowers ate set, to syringe the foliage twice with soft tepid water daily, taking care to wet the undersides of the leaves. Promote plenty of atmospheric moisture by damping the paths and bare spaces in the house frequently. As the pots are well filled with roots, manure water may be applied frequently. The stimulant may consist of drainings from the cow-6hed, or some quick- acting artificial manure in solution. The stimu- lant should be well diluted so that it may be applied often, but not when the fruits are ripen- ing, as at that stage clear water only should be used. Plants for succession may be placed on a shelf near to the roof-glass in a Peach-house in which the trees have recently been started. Before bringing the plants under glass place the pots on their sides and syringe the foliage well with an insecticide. Remove a little of the top soil from the pots and replace with fresh loam mixed with a suitable fertiliser. Allow the plants to remain in the Peach-house until the fruits are set, when they should be removed to a warmer house. Melons. — If Melons are transplanted direct from the small pots in which they were germin- ated, the results will be better than if they are shifted first into larger pots. Plants raised from seed sown at the beginning of the present month will soon be ready for planting out. Prepare a hot-bed in advance, but this will not be necessary if bottom heat is available from hot-water pipes in a propagating case. Melons grow best in heavy soil mixed with lime rubble. Mounds of soil 18 inches wide and 9 inches deep will be sufficient at the start, but the planting should not be done until the soil is warmed to the tempera- ture of the house. The roots will not require watering at the time of planting, as the moisture in the soil will be sufficient for some time to come. Promote atmospheric moisture by damping the walls, paths and bare spaces in the house, but do not syTinge the plants heavily until they have commenced to grow freely. The mean tempera- ture of the house should be 70°. Cucumbers. — Plants raised from seeds sown in December are ready for planting. See "that the house is scrupulously clean and free from in- sect pests. Prepare a hot-bed of stable dung and leaves, having previously sweetened the materials by turning them on one or two occasions. Cover the surface of the bed to the depth of a few inches with well-rotted leaves and place the mounds of fresh lumpy loam mixed with well- decayed manure at suitable distances apart. When the soil is warmed through the Cucumbers may be planted. The temperature of the house should be maintained at 70°. Keep the atmo- sphere moist by syringing the plants and damp- ing the walls, regulating the amount of damping by the weather conditions. Fruiting-plants that promise to continue in bearing should be top- dressed with turfy loam, mixed with a suitable concentrated manure. Tomatos.— Plants raised from seeds sown las June are still furnishing a supply of ripe fruits. Those raised last October and growing in 6-inch pots may, when the first flowers are developed, be shifted into 10-inch pots in which they will fruit. The soil should be of a fairly light tex- ture, and some manure from a spent Mushroom bed added to it. The plants should be grown in a light, airy house, having a temperature of 60°. Successional plants raised from seeds sown in December, and growing in 3-inch pots, should be placed on a shelf near to the roof -glass in a warm-house. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Seakale.— Crowns intended for forcing should be lifted carefully, before they commence to grow, and planted temporarily at the foot of a north wall. When doing this work, select suitable young roots for purposes of propagation. These should be cut into portions about 8 inches long, and planted in a horizontal position on a warm border, covering them with sandy soil to the depth of six inches. Place the cuttings as closely together as possible, so that a large num- ber may be planted in a small space. During times of severe frost protection is necessary. By the beginning of April the plants will com- mence to form crowns, and may then be planted permanently on well-prepared land in rows 2 feet apart, allowing a space of 1 foot between the plants in the lines. Seakale should be grown in rich soil, and requires plenty of moisture at the root. It may be forced very easily in any dark place where' sufficient heat can be provided to start the crowns into growth. If large supplies of this vegetable are required, forcing may be done in a deep pit provided with shutters, which must be rainproof, as dripping water is injurious. A little bottom heat is necessary. Place the crowns in about 9 inches of soil, which should be moderately moist, so that no further water will be necessary until the shoots are cut. Tomatos. — The earliest plants should be ready for transferring into their fruiting pots, re- ceptacles 10 inches indiameter being themost suit- able for the purpose. The potting soil may con- sist of three parts turfy loam and one part leaf- mould. Press the compost moderately firm about the roots, and fill the pots to within 2 inches of the rim. This space will allow room for a top- dressing of rich material when the fruits arc set. After the plants are potted, place them on a gentle hotbed to promote root development, but admit air both night and day to prevent the plants from becoming drawn. The bottom heat is of great importance if ripe fruits are required early in April. Arrange the hotbed so that the first truss of flowers may be opposite the bottom wire of the trellis, which should be within 1 foot of the roof-glass. Keep the atmosphere of the pit dry during th'j time the fruits are setting, in order that the pollen may disperse. Sow seeds for successional plants, and germinate them in a temperature of 55°. When the seedlings are well through the soil, place the seed-pan to within a few inches of the roof-glass, and, as soon as they are large enough, pot them singly in 3-inch pots in a compost of two-thirds sandy loam and one-third leaf-mould. Do not press the soil too firmly. Afford water sparingly until the plants com- mence to grow freely. A temperature of 60° will be suitable from this stage onwards. Lettuce. — Plants in cold pits intended for use during the spring should be afforded air freely to prevent damping, which is very trouble- some during dull, mild weather. Stir the sur- face of the bed frequently, and remove decayed leaves. The lights may be removed entirely on fine, warm days, but they should be replaced at night-time, tilting them to prevent water dripping on the plant. Onions. — If large bulbs are required, a sowing of one of the large-rooted varieties should be made at once. Sow in boxes in a slightly-heated pit. The boxes (or pans, if these are used) should be well-drained and filled with a mixture of fine, sandy loam and leaf-mould. Press the soil firmly, and sow the seeds thinly. As soon as the seedlings appear, afford sufficient ventila- tion to keep them sturdy. A sowing of Leeks may also be made now, affording the same treat- ment for the time being as recommended for Onions. Januaby 18, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 39 - PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jennings, Gardener to the Duke of Devonshire, Cbatsworth, Derb>stiire. Propagation from Cuttings. — Attention should be given to the propagation of Codiasums (Crotons) and Cordy lines (Dracaenas). Ringing may be practised with Crotons, binding the cut stems tightly with ordinary wood-moss and sand. Both (Jrotons and Dracaenas should be cleansed thoroughly before the cuttings are taken, spong- ing the leaves with soluble paraffin. Cuttings of Coleus should also be inserted to furnish early plants. Where Fuchsias and Heliotropes are grown for flowering indoors, the plants which have been dormant for some time should be in- troduced into gentle heat. Start the plants into growth before pruning them. Tree Carnations. - Cuttings that were in- serted in boxes during the first week in January should now be rooted and may be removed into a light house, when a little air can be admitted. It is an advantage to propagate the plants in boxes, as they may be hardened before they are potted. Where space is limited it is a mistake to grow too many varieties. Select, say, six or eight choice sorts which do best in the particular district; May Day, Enchantress, Carola or Triumph, Winsor, White Perfection, White En- chantress, Britannia, and Mikado are suitable varieties for our district. Old plants should be fed regularly; do not use liquid manure, but Clay's fertiliser and soot mixed in equal quanti- ties. The stimulant may be applied once a week at the rate of a dessertspoonful to each plant. Do not wet the stems of the plants with the liquid. Seeds. — Sow seeds of Amaryllis, Begonia, Clerodendron, Celosia, Coleus, Eucalyptus, Grevillea, Jacobinea, and Saintpaulia. Pelargoniums. — If cuttings of winter- flowering Pelargoniums have not been inserted already the work should be done at once. Eor standard plants choose those with straight main shoots and remove the others. Train the plants to stakes and grow them in a warm-house until the stems have reached a suitable height. Feed the roots with artificial manure, and later transfer them into their flowering pots. The scented- leaved variety Clorinda is very suitable for grow- ing as standards ; the cuttings should be inserted at this period. The plants, when rooted, should be grown in a warm-house until they reach the required height, when they must be hardened gradually. Smilax and Asparagus for Greenery. — Where large quantities of Smilax are required for decorating purposes it is a good plan to sow the seeds in pans, and germinate them in botlom heat. When the seedlings are large enough to handle pot them in thumb pots, and later in 4j-inch pots, employing a mixture of good loam, leaf-mould, and sand as the rooting medium. Place them in a warm propagat- ing house or on a shelf in the stove ; when they are established they may be planted out and trained against the back wall of a vinery, Peach- house, or any other suitable place. At Chats- worth we plant them in a strong board trough made about 9 inches deep and 9 inches wide, and the length of the wall. Crocks are placed at the bottom for drainage. The shoots are trained up fine green string or thread. By cutting the stronger growths first a supply of greenery may be obtained all the autumn. Seeds of Asparagus Sprengeri sown now will furnish plants that will produce long sprays in autumn. Afford similar treatment to that recommended for Smilax, but gTow them in large baskets lined with rich loam and filled with good soil, leaf-mould, and mortar rubble. Place two or three clumps of plants in each basket, and when they are well rooted soak the soil once a week with liquid manure made from cow- dung. The baskets may be hung from the roof of a conservatory or any warm-house. Cyclamen. — Most gardeners prefer to sow seeds of Cyclamen in the autumn, either during August or September. Seedlings raised at that period should be well established in thumb pots. Keep the surface of the soil free from Algae and other green growth. Plunge the pots in fibre near to the roof-glass in a house having a tem- perature of 60° to 65°. See that the soil does not become dry, and syringe the plants first thing after breakfast and again after dinner. Keep a sharp look-out for green fly, which must be de- stroyed. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Edwakd Harriss Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockinge, berkshue. Preparing Ground for Summer Bed- ding.— If the flower-beds are vacant the soil should be dug or trenched as may be considered nece.sary. It is not always possible to obtain a sufficiency of well-rotted iarmyard manure, but this material may be supplemented with leaf- mould and decomposed or burnt garden refuse. Heavy, retentive land may be made more open in texture by annual dressings of burnt garden refuse, road scrapings, or even coal ashes. Soot and lime are both valuable materials for sweetening and enriching soil, and should be used liberally. The weather has been unfavour- able for digging operations, especially in shrub- beries where the land is heavy. Take advantage of every favourable opportunity to complete this work. Hollow places in roads and paths where water accumulates should be made good, and water-logged ground near trees should be drained. Lawns should also receive attention in this matter, as coarse grasses and moss grow in water-logged ground and 6poil the turf. The present is a suitable time to apply mulchings of manure or fresh soil to trees in the pleasure grounds. Specimens showing signs of exhaustion should have their surface roots bared and covered again with rich materials. The trees will soon give evidence of the benefit of these small attentions. The ground should be prepared for spring planting as soon as possible so that the soil lias time to settle before planting is done. Trench 2 or 3 feet deep, using plenty of manure and fresh soil if the ground is of poor quality. Low-lying places should be drained, using old bricks, clinkers, or stones. Rose s. — It severe frosts occur tender varieties will need some protection. Bracken Fern or branches of evergreens securely adjusted will be sufficient to protect ramblers planted against walls or trellises. The planting of Roses should be finished as soon as possible. If the specimens in the Rose-beds show signs of deteriorating, lift them and trench the ground, adding plenty of well-rotted manure and fresh soil before planting the beds afresh. Climbing Roses should be treated in a similar manner. If the pruning of climbing Roses is not completed the work should be no longer delayed, as growth is advancing rapidly. Violets in Frames. — The weather has been favourable for Violets in cold frames, as it has been possible to remove the lights almost daily since they were planted. Slugs, which are plenti- ful this season, must be guarded against. Re- move decaying leaves and flowers and stir the soil between the plants lightly with a pointed stick, afterwards applying a top-dressing of loam mixed with decayed leaves and dung. Continue to admit plenty of air to the frames, removing the lights entirely during favourable weather. Carnations. — Rabbits and game are very destructive to Carnations, and measures must be taken to protect the plants from them. When the ground is dry enough give the surface a light dusting with soot, then stir the soil between the plants with the dutch hoe. In exposed situa- tions place a few evergreen boughs amongst the plants as a protection. Admit plenty of air to plants growing in frames when the weather is mild. Examine the soil occasionally to see if water is necessary. If the plants are well rooted applications of weak soot-water will be beneficial. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. The Weather. — At the time of writing these notes the weather is very wintry and heavy falls of snow have put a stop to most work out- of-doors. I have previously stated that it is not wise either to plant or prune during times of frost ; in fact, the less trees are handled at such times, the better, for much damage may be done, the results of which will not be apparent until later. If the ground continues frosted planting of all description should be discontinued, and such trees as are awaiting planting, including any received from the nurseries, should be stored in a cool, dark shed, without unpacking them. If the weather is not very cold and other conditions are suitable they may be un- packed carefully and heeled in a sheltered spot. Cover the roots with a good layer of loose litter, or it may be placed on the ground over them, the latter being, perhaps, the best plan. Trees are sometimes injured by placing them in draughty sheds, and this must be guarded against. During times of frost mice, hares, and rabbits may cause considerable damage to the trees by gnawing the bark. It is a good plan to coat the stem and lower branches with a mixture of manure and quassia, adding water until the mixture is of a suitable consistency. The fluid may be applied by means of a whitewash brush. Some growers use coal tar for the pur- pose. This is satisfactory in keeping the vermin away, but the tar becomes unsightly during the summer, whereas the other mixture becomes washed off in time by the rains. Where hares are troublesome the, mixture known as Benardene may be employed. A soft cord should be run around the outskirts of the plantation at a height of about 6 inches from the ground, and snsported at intervals of 2 yards by short sticks. The cord should be smeared with Benardene, repeating the application about every ten days. Hares will not pass over or under the cord. Wall Trees. — The materials for nailing and labelling the trees may be prepared under cover. Old shred and nails should be sorted, and those that are fit for use again cleansed thoroughly. Old nails are usually made red hot and then plunged in oil. The shreds may be placed in hot water to destroy eggs of insect pests. Whether ordinary wall nails are used or those known as Francis wall nails, it is a good plan to immerse them in linseed oil for a time. New labels may be prepared and written, but they should not be attached to the trees at present nor the old ones removed, as this will entail trampling on the ground, which is harmful, whilst it is sticky after frost. The Fruit-room. — The present affords a suitable opportunity to overhaul the fruit in the fruit-room. Specked or decayed fruits should be removed, but the work must be done with great care as fruit is easily damaged after it has been kept until this date. Our Pears have kept very badly, consequently those that are sound are very valuable. The temperature of the fruit-room must not fall too low on cold nights ; at the same time the atmosphere should not be stagnant, admitting air on all favourable occasions. Bush Fruits and Planting. — The re- marks printed on p. 7 were not perfectly clear. Under "pruning" the first clause related to bush fruits such as Gooseberries and Currants. In the note on planting it should have been stated that the rotted manure, broken bones, oyster shells and soot are to be mixed with the soil during the work of trenching. It was not in- tended to recommend the placing of a layer of such materials immediately over the improvised drainage. JACOBINIA CHRYSOSTEPHANA. This species is one of the most attractive win- ter-flowering plants for decorative purposes. Well- grown specimens in 6-inch pots possess from six to eight heads of bloom, and when at their best rival the ever-popular Poinsettia for beauty and effect. The rich orange-coloured flowers continue in a fresh state for several weeks. Although this Jacobinia has been in cultivation a good many years, it is not very \\ idely grown in private gardens; but I feel sure, if it were better known, it would become a favourite Its cultivation is quite simple. The best plan is to root cuttings in the spring, and grow them on in an intermediate temperature. When the young plants have made four pairs of leaves, remove the points of growth to induce the formation of side shoots, and in very bright weather afford a slight shade during the middle of the day. A compost consisting principally of good fibrous loam, with a little leaf soil and silver sand added, suits them admir- ably, and firm potting is essential. Occasional applications of weak soot water help to develop rich, green foliage, and later on some approved fertiliser will assist in the formation of the flower heads. The plants should be kept free from scale and other pests. When they are in flower a temperature of from 55° to 50° is the best, chrysostephana also lends itself to cultivation on a rockery in a conservatory or winter garden. J. Gardner, Balsford. 40 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [January 18, 1913. 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 tlie 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. 1/ desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editors to see. " sowing seed of this most elegant and very pleasant plant lately received from the Reverendo Patri Francisco Cupani — the learned monk and enthusiastic natura- list of Panorini, to whom the above diag- nostic name is due." Commelin continues : " This Lathyrus, an annual, rises to a height of 6 or 7 feet. . . . From the wings The oldest specimen is, as Mr. Beal tells- us, in Plukenet's Herbarium, which forms part of the Sir Hans Sloane collection, and dates from 1700. Ray (Historia Plantarum Generalis, 1688-1704) describes Lathyrus Major e Sicilise : "A very sweet-scented Sicilian flower with a red standard ; the lip-like APPOINTMENTS. SATURDAY, JANUARY 18— British Gard. Assoc, meet at Cardiff. (Lecture by Mr. W. W. Pettigrew on "Kew: lis Influence on Horti- culture.") TUESDAY, JANUARY 21- Royal Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. Royal Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. Bateson, F.R.S.) THURSDAY, JANUARY 23- Gardeners' Royal Ben. Inst. Ann. Meet, and Election of Pensioners, at Simpson's Restaurant, Strand, at 2.45 p.m. Royal Inst. meet. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24- Royal Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. John Oliver Arnold.) Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 38-8. Actual Temperatures: — London. — Wednesday, January 15 (6 p.m.) Max. 48°; Min. 89°. Gardeneis' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London — Thursday, January 15 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 29-4" ; Temp. 13" ; Weather— Fine. Provinces. — Wednesday, January 15: Max. 48° Pres- ton ; Min. 37° Valencia. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY— Perennials and Herbaceous Plants, Liliums and other Hardy Bulbs, at 12; Roses and Fruit Trees, al 1.30; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.G., by Protheroe & Morris. MONDAY and WEDNESDAY— Rose Trees, Shrubs, Liliums, Gladioli, &c, at Stevens's Auction Rooms, King Street, Covent Garden, at 12.30. WEDNESDAY- Herbaceous Border and other Plants, Hardy Bulb^ aiid Tubers, at 12; Special Sale, Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30; Palms and Plants, at 5; at Protheroe & Monis's Rooms. THURSDAY— Miscellaneous Bulbs and Roots, at 11; 8,169 cases Japanese Liliums, at 2.30; at Protheroe & Morris's Rooms. FRIDAY— Hardy Border Plants, Bulbs and Tubers, at 12; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30; Orchids, at 12.45 ; at Protheroe & Morris s Rooms. Those interested in the culti- Tho sweet vation of this flower will do Pea. wen to read the whole of Bulletin No. 320, Cornell University, which contains valuable in- formation on various aspects of its cultiva- tion and history. The first section of the Bulletin, which is the third of the series devoted to Sweet Pea studies, deals with the genus Lathyrus, and contains an arti- ficial key to and description of the species of that genus. The second section on the Sweet Pea in Botany and Horticulture, opens appositely with Keats' lines : — Here are Sweet Peas on tiptoe or aflight With wings of gentle flush o'er delicate white And taper fingers catching at all things To bind them all about with tiny rings. The botanical history of the flower dates from 1695, in which year it appears as " Lathyrus distoplatyphyllus hirsutis mol- lis, magno et peramoeno flore odoro " — the Lathyrus with broad, divided, downy leaves and large flowers of pleasant odour. The first illustration and descrip- tion are contained in Commelin's Hort- Medici Amstelodamensis (1697-1701). Com- melin states, in his description, that he is Fig. 22. -THE FIRST ILLUSTRATION OF A SWEET PEA: FROM COMMELIN'S DRAWING IN " HORT-MEDICI AMSTELODAMENSIS" (1700). of the leaves spring butterfly-like flowers, which are large and have a purple stan- dard, the remaining petals are sky-blue " — no doubt therefore that the wild proto- type was a bicolor ! Commelin's drawing, which we reproduce (fig. 22), will have at least a sentimental interest to those of the Sweet-Pea cult. petals surrounding the keel are pale blue. Its seed-pod is hairy." Ray also uses the description of Cupani cited above. It is evident that the plant grew rapidly in popular favour. Mr. Petiver mentions it in a paper in the Phil. Trans. (1713) as a rare plant to be seen in several curious January 18. 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 41 gardens about London, " particularly in the Society of Apothecaries Physick Gar- den at Chelsea." The standard of these plants is still red, and the wings are still blue. Gerard and Parkinson make no mention of the novelty. H. B. Ruppi, in Flora Jenensis (Francfort, 1718), after de- scribing the Sweet Pea under one of its many aliases (L. Siculus Ravini), and stat- ing that it is called generally in gardens the musk-scented Lathyrus, puts on re- cord the first sport. " Sometimes it varies with a white flower " ; and so history con- tinues to tantalize the earnest inquirer by meagre, running comment till the time of Linnasus, who stood godfather to our plant, naming it L. odoratus. Mr. Dicks has contributed valuable in- formation (in All About Sweet Peels), ob- tained from Mr. G. Sprenger, as to the habitat of the plant. The latter gentle- man, at Mr. Dicks' s instigation, obtained the information that the Sweet Pea is native of Sicily and Sardinia. So far, we have sailed in the open ; but now we approach shoal water. There is a Sweet Pea from Ceylon, Lathyrus Zeylanicus, described by Burmann in 1737. It also has sweet-scented flowers ; it is not, however, content with bicolors, but produces white and red and variegated blossoms. The Ceylon Sweet Pea of Bur- mann differs from its Sicilian rival only in flower colours. Burmann never visited the island ; Thwaites and Trimen, two of the best systematists of their time, lived in Ceylon for many years — writing from memory, we should say that they spent between them 50 years in working out the flora of the island. Yet Trimen does not mention a Lathyrus odoratus — though he had access to Thwaites's notes and herbarium, and though he was an in- defatigable explorer. Wherefore we are disposed to conclude, with Mr. Beal, that the Ceylon Sweet Pea is a myth, and that Burmann's white and red and white plants were sports from the Sicilian bicolors in- troduced from Sicily in 1699. That variation grew apace is evident. Miller {Gardeners' Dictionary, 1731) re- fers to the existence of two sorts, one white and the other " has pale red flowers which are called by gardeners Painted Lady Peas." And purple (bicolor), white and Painted Lady the Sweet Peas seemed to remain for half a century, till John Mason offered in his catalogue — published at " The Sign of the Orange Tree in Fleet Street " in 1793 — black, purple, scarlet, white and Painted Lady Peas. Stripes came in in 1817, and in 1837 Mr. Carter, the founder of the firm of Messrs. J. Carter and Co., offered all five of Mason's varieties, together with a striped form. Five had increased to nine varie- ties by 1860 ; one of the nine " Blue Edged," appears, however, to have been raised by crossing L. odoratus and Lord Anson's Pea, L. Magellanicus. It changed its name to Blue Hybrid, and re- ceived a F.C.C. in 1883. On the more recent history of the flower we cannot dwell. It constitutes a record of acumen and industry on the part of many firms and many gardeners which we hope to recount in an early issue. Nor may we deal at present with the equally honourable record of American raisers. All gardeners with a taste for history will read Mr. Beat's Sweet Pea Studies with keen enjoyment, and will be more than ordinarily grateful to him for the pains which he has bestowed on a fascinating but difficult subject. Coloured Plate .—The subject of the coloured plate to be published with the next issue is Anemone Pulsatilla Tosea " Mrs. Van Der Elst." Royal Horticultural Society. — The next meeting of the Committees will be held in the Vincent Square Hall, Westminster, on the 21st inst. Shropshire Horticultural Society. — We understand that Mr. George Brazier has been appointed to succeed Messrs. Adnitt & Naunton as secretary of the Shrewsbury Show. Mr. Brazier has assisted the late secretaries for many years past, and is known to many who visit the show. Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institu- tion (Worcester Auxiliary^. The annual meeting of the Worcester and District Auxiliary of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution was held on the 8th inst. Mr. C. E. Pipe pre- sided. The Committee's report drew attention to the greatly-increased membership, and stated that the Auxiliary was the strongest connected with the Institution. Valuable assistance had again been afforded by the opening of Madres- field and Davenham Gardens to the public, in aid of the funds, and they offered their thanks to Earl Beauciiamp and to Mr. C. W. Dyson Perrins. The balance-sheet showed that the re- ceipts (including £6 7s. lOd. balance brought for- ward) amounted to £132 14s. 2d., and that the expenditure had been £130 7s. 6d., leaving a balance of £2 6s. 8d. They had forwarded £120 to the hon. treasurer, Sir Harry J. Vkitch. Earl Beauciiamp was re-elected president of the branch. Alderman A. H. Constance presided at the dinner which followed the annual meeting. Year-Books and Diaries ior 1913-— As usual at this season our desks are well furnished with year-books and diaries. The following notes refer to some of those of most interest to our readers : — B.H.S. Diary.- — This diary published by the Royal Horticultural Society is issued for the second time. It provides a useful diary for gar- deners, and the information and fixtures, &c, contained are the result of a wise selection. The price is Is. My Garden Diary. — Messrs. Sutton & Sons have prepared, as usual, in the daintiest fashion their little garden memorandum book. The title, My Garden Diary, hardly comprises its whole scope, for the diary pages are interleaved with helpful and practical hints on general culture. A charming garden scene, printed in soft colours on each cover, gives a finish to this little book, which will prove an acceptable present to every garden lover. The current issue of Who's Who forms the 65th edition of this valuable work of reference, which has been revised with much care, and is issued by Messrs. A. and C Black at the price of 15s. The same enterprising firm of publishers are to be congratulated upon their new venture, a " Dictionary of Standard Books," which comes to us under the handy and succinct title. Hunks that Count. It supplies a compressed biblio- graphy on almost every subject. The indices (one of authors and one of titles) are excellent, and the arrangement of the subjects— a difficult matter in a book of this scope — extremely good. The price is 5s. net. The Englishwoman's Y ear-Book and Direc- tory (also from the hands of Messrs. Black) is now quite an institution and indispensable to many thousands of women. The advice given as to the choice of a profession is extremely prac- tical and useful, and will be of the greatest pos- sible service to those in need of counsel. The price is 2s. 6d. The Writers' and Artists' Year Booh is one of Messrs. Black's most useful productions; and must prove a boon to many a professional and amateur journalist. It is brought thoroughly up-to-date every year, and contains full and ac- curate lists of the chief journals, not only Eng- lish, but American and Colonial. We even find a list of cinematograph firms who are willing to accepts plots for films — a sign of the popularity of the picture-theatre. The price of the book is Is. The Horticultural Directory has made a punctual appearance this year, and will be wel- comed by the many horticulturists who find it an indispensable address book. It is, in fact, rather more than this; besides giving exhaustive lists of gardeners, nurserymen, country houses, &c, there is at the beginning quite a mass of useful information of various hinds, including tables of weights and measures, recipes for destroying pests, and other matters. The book is published by the proprietors of the Journal of Horticul- ture, and the price is Is. The Irish Farming World Directory ami Annual for 1913 will be welcomed by those in- terested in Irish affairs and agriculture. It is published at the office of The Irish farming World at the modest price of 9d., and gives a large quantity of useful and interesting informa- tion and photographs of Irish prize cattle. Vinton's Agricultural Almanac and Diary for 1913, price Is. Messrs. Vinton & Co. have taken great pains in the compilation of this little book, which contains much information of a character likely to be indispensable to the farmer and breeder. The Photographic Almanac, published yearly by Messrs. H. Greenwood & Co., is this year more attractive than ever. All who are in- terested in photography, either as a profession or as a hobby, will welcome this useful com- pendium of information on the subject. Colour photography becomes more and more a feature, and we find several good examples of the three- colour process. The Small Holders' Year Book, the second issue of which is published by Messrs. C. Arthur Pearson, Ltd., gives information of a clear and succinct character. The price of the book is Is. Presentation.— Mr. T. W. Birkinshaw, who is giving up the position of head gardener at Hatley Park Gardens, Bedfordshire, has received a presentation from Sir Charles Hamilton, Bart., in the shape of a piece of silver as an acknowledgment of his services during the nine years Mr. Birkinshaw has served at Hatley Park. In this period many alterations and addi- tions have been carried out. Fruit-growing in Nova Scotia. — An ex- perimental fruit farm has been established at Kentville, in the heart of the Annapolis Valley, the famous fruit-growing district of the province ; and Professor Crowe, the well know n fruit expert from the Ontario College of Agriculture, has been appointed director. Money has been voted for the enlargement of the Nova Scotia Agricul- tural College. 42 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 18, 1913. Sweet Pea Annual, 1913. — A valu- able contribution in this excellent little volume is Major Hukst's paper on " Rogues in Sweet Peas," read at the annual conference and re- ported in the Gardeners' Chronicle. The dis- cussion which followed the paper makes interest- ing reading. No one knows more about the raising of new varieties than Sir. W. Cuthbert- son, whose article on the subject will be read with interest by all Sweet Pea enthusiasts. The fullest details are given, as the instructions are intended for amateurs. Impressions of last year's show, written by Mr. Lester L. Mouse, of San Francisco, prove that the British grower is pre-eminent. " I had heard and read much about the wonderful results the English Sweet Pea grower secures in size of bloom, length of stem, breadth of leaf, &c, but I was not prepared for the impressions these giants would make on me." After praising the R.H.S. hall for its ex- cellence and condemning it for being too small, Mr. Morse finds fault with the confusion of names. " A hundred varieties I thought I easily recognised were shown under names I had never included in their consignments. The presence of infestation is generally indicated by nodular swellings about the size of split Peas, on the surface of the tuber, and on removing a thick peel from 6uch tubers watery-looking spots, about the size of a pin head, are to be 6een under the swellings. Elementary Species.— Mendelism appears to be making trouble for the systematist — paying him in kind for the multiplicity of names with which he has endowed our science. Each time an investigator undertakes breeding experiments with a " species " he discovers that the species is an aggregate of definitely dissimilar things. These dissimilar members of the species fall into groups, which are sometimes very numerous. These groups form the petites especes of Jordan or the elementary species of de Vries. It is idle to dismiss them as varieties, for that but lays the person who does so open to the unan- swerable question, varieties of what? We must therefore recognise that a species has only a subjective existence, and that the term is [Photograph by R. A. Malby, F.R.P.S. FlG. 23.— .ETHIONEMA CORIDIFOLIOM IV THE PONT DE NANT ALPINE GARDEN, SWITZERLAND. heard of, and frequently one variety bore four to six names." But there is plenty of praise — " the show itself was marvellous." Mr. J. A. Bull shows how to overcome the evil of streak disease by a system of manuring, attributing the com- plaint to a lack of potash in the soil. Much of the book consists of tabular matter, but no refer- ence is made to the annual meeting. Rhooesian Restriction on Potatos. — We learn from the South African Agricultural Journal that the Southern Rhodesia Govern- ment, by a regulation dated October 3, 1912, prohibits the importation of Potatos from other parts of South Africa or from over- sea, if found on inspection to be infested with the pest known as "root gall worm" (Hetero- dera radicicola). Infested tubers will be re- fused admittance to Southern Rhodesia or des- troyed. The root gall worm, sometimes called Potato eel worm, occurs commonly in Potatos grown in most parts of the Union, and shippers of Potatos to Southern Rhodesia will need to exercise great care not to have infested tubers tolerated only because of its convenience. It implies — at least in many cases — a collection of elementary species which stand to the species in much the same way as the latter stands to the genus of which it is a member. The most recent account of elementary species is that given by Professor Trow in the Journal of Genetics. His investigation of the species Senecio vulgaris — the common Groundsel — shows that it contains 12 elementary species, which may each be bred true to type for several generations — and probably for an indefinite period. Observations of this kind are to be commended, for they throw a sug- gestive light on the so-called variation which occurs in our cultivated plants. The usual idea is that under cultivation a definite and stable form has begun to vary, and has gone on varying till it has produced the almost infinite variety of form and colour with which we are familiar in many garden plants. But it may well be that the seeds of this variation were present in the wild form and, more than this, not only the seeds but also the fruits. In other words, it seems probable that what the nurseryman has dona in many cases is to cross various element- ary species and so effect combinations of charac- ters which, by reason of the effective isolation of the elementary species, have no opportunity of arising in nature. Publications Received.— Small Gardens for Small Folks, by Edith Loring Fullerton. (Philadelphia: W. Atlee Burpee & Co. Price 5 cents.) — Der Konigliche Botanische Garten und das Koniglich totanische Museum zu Dahlem. (Berlin: Horn & Raach). — Unsere Freiland-Laubgeholze, by Ernst Graf Silva Tarouca. (Leipsiz : G. Preytag). A SWISS ALPINE GARDEN. See Sigs. 23, 24 and Supplementary Illustration.) In Switzerland, as in this country, a difficulty is experienced in growing many of the rarer Alpine plants in botanic gardens, more especially in those which are situated at com- paratively low elevations. It is owing to this fact that several gardens have been established in the mountains in favourable situations, where the- plants grow satisfactorily, for the conditions in these higher altitudes are more like those the plants enjoy in their own habitats. During the winter months in these high elevations the plants are covered with snow, ready to burst into flower the moment it melts. Among the first gardens of this kind was one- made by Mr. H. Correvon. It is situated in the Valais and is known as the garden of La Linnsea. Here many of the more difficult plants are grown with complete success, which would be impossible in the warmer climate of Geneva. Another successful garden, which I had the pleasure of visiting during the past season, is one made by Dr. Wilczek, of the Lausanne Uni- versity Botanic Garden, and situated in the Val de Nant. After an interesting journey of about three hours from Bex up the beautiful Val de L'Avencon, in the Vaudois Alps, we ar- rived at the Pont de Nant (see Supplementary Illustration). It is situated at the lower end of the Val de Nant at an elevation of over 4.000 feet above sea level. The garden is situated at the base of a huge vertical bluff several hundred feet high, with a north-west aspect, but it receives the full sun- shine after 10 a.m. The general design of the garden represents a group of mountain peaks and ridges of various heights, with nar- row paths and valleys winding up and down between them. This arrangement provides a great variety of aspects, ranging from full ex- posure to sunshine to complete shade. The gar- den cannot be described as picturesque with its rounded heaps of stone and soil varying in height from 3 feet to 6 feet only. But the sur- roundings compensate for any lack of beauty in the garden itself, for, looking up the Val de Nant. a beautiful view of the valley is ob- tained. At its head is the Glacier des Martinets, backed by the snow-capped mountains behind, while in the opposite direction may be seen the Grand Moveran towering above its smaller neighbours. In building the rock garden, stones collected in the vicinity are used in the most suitable way necessary for the requirements of the various plants, no note being taken of the natural lie of the strata. The soil is of a very gritty nature, and consists chiefly of rocky debris, which is eminently suitable for mountain plants, as it en- sures perfect drainage and provides a free medium for their long, ramifying roots. At the middle of June the garden was full of most interesting and beautiful plants, whilst many of them were in full flower. In fis- sures made by placing two large stones to- gether, on rocky ledges, or in pockets of the gritty soil itself, certain plants which are diffi- cult to cultivate in English gardens were January 18, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 43 flowering profusely. Among the more interest- ing plants noted was the lovely little Lebanon Candytuft, /Ethionema coridifolium (fig. 23), with its rose-pink coloured flowers on stems oidy 1 or 2 inches high. Others of the same genus noticed were M. Thomasianum from the Piedmont, and a charming hybrid of M. grandiflorum with racemes of bright-pink flowers shorter than in the parent plant. Asperula nitida or Gussonii, as it is sometimes called, which seldom flowers freely in British gardens, presented abundant masses of pink flowers. I also noticed in good condition A. hirta from the Pyrenees, a taller plant than the last, with paler flowers. Another Pyrenean plant, Arenaria purpurascens (illustrated in fig. 24) was growing on a stony bank, and was covered with purple flowers. W. 1. (To be continued.) L-. NOVELTIES OF 1912. (Concluded from p. 19.) An interesting point in connection with the plant novelties of the past year is the fact that European gardens have again gained a number of new shrubs and plants from China, mainly due to the efforts of Messrs. James Veitch & Sons and Messrs. Bees Ltd. There are destined to provide even greater variety in flowers and in foliage than is enjoyed at present. Messrs. James Veitch & Sons secured Awards of Merit for a good number of subjects of this class, together with some species re- quiring greenhouse treatment. Some of the best of Messrs. Vettch's novelties from China and elsewhere were Cotoneaster amoena and C. Harrowiana ; Primus Pissardii Moseri flore pleno, Pyrus Veitchiana, Berberis Stapfiana, Philadelphus Bouquet Blanc and Voie Lactee ; Viburnum Davidii, Kniphofia John Benary, Deutzia Veitchii, Eremurus Lemon Queen, and Primula Knuthiana. Among greenhouse plants Begonia Optima and Emita, two tine hybrids from B. socotrana; Rhododendron (Azalea) indi- ciim "Blushing Bride," R. Clorinda (a Javanico- Jasminiflorum hybrid), the charming decorative Cinerarias hybrida and Pompadour ; Camellia cuspidata, and Elaeocarpus cyaneus. The Hon. Vicary Gibbs. Aldenham House, Elstree (gr. Mr. E. Beckett), has done much to popularise recent introductions in shrubs and decorative plants from China by the extensive collections which he has shown at the Royal Horticultural Society. He received a First-class Certificate for Cotoneaster divaricata and Awards of Merit for Cotoneaster salicifolia rugosa, C. Zabelii, Corylopsis Veitchiana, Hydrangea Sargentii, and Ribes laurifolium. Miss Willmott, Warley Place, Essex (gr. Mr. Fielder), secured Awards of Merit for Primula warleyensis, a pretty little mauve species, Deutzia longifolia, Corylopsis multiflora, Tropaeolum albiflorum, and Lilium warleyense. Lieut. -Col. Sir George Holforu, K.C.V.O. (gr. Mr. Chapman), had many good varieties of Hippeastrum in the extensive group staged at the International Exhibition at Chelsea, and H. Musigny and H. Rose du Barri, for which Lord Rothschild received Awards of Merit on March 19, were two of the finest ever shown. H. "Ruby Queen" and "Pink Perfection," exhibited by Messrs. R. P. Ker & Son, Liver- pool, were very showy and distinct. Ferns. Messrs. H. B. May & Sons have for their certificated novelties Nephrolepis exaltata Will- motta?, N. e. muscosa (F.C.C.), Adiantum cuneatum micropinnulum. Poly podium Vidgenii and Lastrea patens Mayi. Mr. W. A. Manda, St. Albans, secured an Award for Polypodium Mandaianum ; Messrs. Parker, Whetstone, for Asplenium divaricatum elegans and Pteris Parkeri ; Mr. W. B. Cran- field, Enfield, for Scolopendrium vulgare cris- pum nobile, and Messrs, Hill & Son, Edmon- ton, for Polypodium Hillii. Narcissi and Tulips. Last season saw some excellent novelties in Narcissi. Robespierre, with a large orange- coloured cup, and Rubalite, white with orange- red eye, both shown by Mr. A. M. Wilson, Bridgwater, obtained Awards of Merit, and a similar Award went to Helios, exhibited by Messrs. W. T. Ware. Croesus, shown by Mr. A. M. Wilson, secured a First-class Certificate, and Killie- crankie and Pedestal were from the same raiser. Other novelties distinguished in 1912 were of the year. Begonias of the winter-flowering class received some very fine new varieties raised by Messrs. Clibran's, Altrincham, and this firm re- ceived Awards of Merit for Lucy Clibran, double salmon-pink; Splendour, semi-double, reddish- scarlet; Eclipse, salmon-rose; Scarlet Beauty, Clibran's Pink and Eclipse, all of them possess- ing unusual merit. Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon, Twerton- on-Avon, obtained Awards for tuberous- rooted Begonias Florence Nightingale (a fine white flower), Mrs. Robert Morton, and Golden Shower (rich yellow), James Braid, F. W. Walker, and Princess Louise Victoria. Messrs. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, received an Award of Merit for Begonia "Decorator," a very dis- tinct variety suitable for cultivation in suspended baskets. [Photograph by R. A. Malby, F.R.P.S. Fig. 2(. — arenaria purpurascens in a swiss alpine garden. Ernest H. Krelage (Messrs. Krelage & Son), Deepdale (Mr. W. A. Milner), Flame (Messrs. W. T. Ware), Florizel and Ruby (Messrs. Barr & Sons), Nemesis (Messrs. Cartwright & Good- win), Seville (Mr. H. D. Phillips), Silver Spangle (Mr. F. H. Chapman), and Trafalgar (Mr. W. A. Milner). Of Tulips Velvet King (Messrs. Barr & Sons) and Grenadier (Messrs. T. Ware) received Awards of Merit. Other Florists' Flowers. Apart from such groups as Roses, Dahlias and Carnations, certain other florists' flowers have yielded their proportion of novelties to the total Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, have shown many good novelties in Delphiniums. They ob- tained Awards at the Royal Horticultural Society's meetings and at the Wisley trials for the varieties Dr. Lodwidge, Drake, Dusky Monarch, Lovely. Mrs. Ja6. Kelway, Smoke of War, and Ta^alie. Messrs. Forbes, Ltd., Hawick, received Awards for Delphiniums Col. Crabbe, J. S. Sargent, Mme. E. Gerry, Royal Standard, and Dr. Bergmann ; Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co. for Delphinium Cymbeline, Darius, Jessica and Lorenzo ; Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon for Delphinium Harry Smeatham ; and Mr. G. Ferguson for Delphinium Lavanda. 44 THE GARDENERS' CHR ONICLE. [January 18, 1913. For Sweet Peas Messrs. Dobbie & Co. received Awards for quite a large number of good novelties, including Dobbie's Scarlet, Brunette, Isobel Malcolm, Lavender George Herbert, Mrs. Cuthbertson, Tennant Spencer, Thomas Stevenson, and Decorator. The variety named last was also well shown by Messrs. G. Stark & Son, Great Ry burgh, who also received Awards for Hercules and Premier. Mr. A. Malcolm, Mr. Deal, Mr. R. Bolton, Messrs. A. Dickson & Son, and others contributed choice novelties to the various shows. Miscellaneous Novelties. Leptospermum scoparium Nichollii, with which the Rev. A. T. Boscawen won the cup offered by the Gardeners' Chronicle at the Royal International Horticultural Exhibition, forms a charming bush of rose-pink flowers, its companion variety Boscawenii being also very pretty. Water Lilies are now great features in many gardens, and especially with Mr. Leopold de Rothschild at Gunnersbury House (gr. Mr. J. Hudson). The best novelties of 1912 were Nymphsea formosa, a pink flower, 8 inches in diameter, with yellow centre; and N. Attraction, deep crimson. Mr. de Rothschild received Awards of Merit for both varieties. Montbretia " Star of the East," for which Mr. Davidson, Westwick Gardens, Norwich, re- ceived a First-class Certificate on August 13, is far and away the best variety of Montbretia ever raked. The new varieties of Papaver orientale, shown by Mr. Amos Perry are showy objects, and Achillea Perry's white is a useful, hardy border plant. Calceolaria Veitchii, of Messrs. Robert Veitch & Son, is a good addition to their useful strain of Calceolarias ; Iris variegata Ossian and I. squalens var. Nibelungen, of Messrs. Barr & Sons, are excellent varieties in a very favourite class; and Messrs. Wallace & Co., Colchester, and others have some good novelties to their credit. The following new and noteworthy plants, shrubs and fruits were illustrated in the Gar- deners' Chronicle in 1912 : — Achillea Kellereri, Anil 20, p. 252. Achillea Ptarmica Perry's White. September 21, p. 234. Adiantum cuneatum var. micropinnulum, October 12, p. 289. ^Esculus chinensis, November 9, pp. 346-7. JSthionema amcenum, September 7, p. 199. Aloe Bainesii, June 29, p. 425. Aloe dichotoma, June 29, p. 424. Alccasia Micholitzana (Supp.), May 25, p. xvi. Amaryllis procera, July 27, p. 73. Androcymbium melanthoides, January 6, p. 13. Androsace Henryi, May 25, p. 354. Anthemis cupaniana, February 24, p. 117. Apple Crawley Beauty, December 21, p. 474. Apple Padnall Seedling, November 30, p. 413. Asparagus Lutzii, December 7, p. 427. Astilbe Avalanche, July 6, p. 11. Astilbe simplicifolia, August 3, p. 101. Begonia Decorator, August 10, p. 124. Begonia Clibran's Pink, December 28, p. 492. Begonia Florence Nightingale, August 3, p. £5. Begonia Lucy Olibran, November 23. p. 387. Begonia luxurians, January 13, p. 28. Begonia splendour. November 23, p. 392. Bowkeria Gerardiana, August 17, p. 140. Buxus Henryi, December 7, p. 423. Calceolaria Veitchii (Supp.), June 1, p. xxii. Calceolaria virgata, January 27, p. 50. Camellia cuspidata, April 20, p. 261. Campanula cenisia, July 20, p. 43. Campanula Petrsea, August 17, p. 132. Campanula speciosa, August 24, p. 159. Carnation Baroness de Brienen, April 20, p. 254, Carnation Benora, October 19, p, 297, Carnation John Rid The award was given to a vase of blooms which had been cut in the United States, and had not even been placed The rare Fagus fusca, an evergreen Beech from New Zealand, was shown by Mr. G. Reuthe. The plant is of twiggy growth, and has small, ovate leaves, less than half-an-inch long. The name is derived from the brown colouring of the leaves. The species is figured in Hooker's Icones Plantarum, 1844, t. 630-1. Miss Willmott showed flowering shoots of Amygdalus warleyensis. The species makes an open bush some 6 feet in height, with slender, dark-brown twigs. The flowers are about three- eighths of an inch in diameter ; the pinkish-white petals are onesixth of an inch in length by half that in breadth, and the calyx is reddish and finely toothed. The flowers are not showy, but they are borne freely in twos and threes on leaf- less wood of the previous year. It was raised from seed collected some 30 years ago, but tha origin of the seed was not recorded, and the species has not been identified at Kew. Miss Willmott also showed flowers of Dom- beya (Astrapaea) Wallichii. They are intense carmine, clustered, and sessile in a dense, um- bellate head (suggesting Hsemanthus in the dis- tance, although the genus belongs to Stercu- liacese), and a brilliant effect is given by the numerous protruding yellow stamens. The 6pecies is figured in Lindley's Botanical Illustra- tions of Rare and Curious Exotic Plants, 1821 (tab. 14), and is described as "one of the most superb plants in the world." Orchid Committee. Present: Sir Harry J. Veitch (in the Chair); Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. secretary), de B. Crawshay, J. Wilson Potter, Gurney Wilson, R. G. Thwaites, F. J. Hanbury, R. A. Rolfe, A. McBean, C. H. Curtis, J. Charlesworth, J. Cvpher, J. E. Shill, H. G. Alexander, W. P. Bound, A. Dye, W. H. White, Stuart Low, W. Bolton, J. S. Moss and T. Armstrong. Lady Wernher, Luton Hoo (gr. Mr. Met- calfe), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a very fine group of Calanthe Regniere, with occa- sional plants of C. Baron Schroder, the variety albescens having an inflorescence half an inch across at the base and over 4 feet in height. The whole group showed what cultural skill can accomplish. Lady Wernher exhibited the deep-rose C. Vulcan at the last meeting. Messrs. Charlesworth &• Co., Haywards Heath, secured a Silver Flora Medal for an effec- tive group, in which the fine sprays of Odonto- glossum ardentissimum, including the pure-white form ; 0. Wilckeanum, 0. Lambeauianum, and other hybrids, were tastefully arranged with scarlet Odontioda keighleyensis having branched sprays of dark-scarlet flowers ; white forms of Lselia anceps, Trichopilia Goldiei, Zygopetalum Roeblingianum, Catasetum discolor, various Sophro-La;lio-Cattleyas, including S.-L.-C. Elec- tryon (L.-C. Gottoiana x S.-L. Felicia) with pretty, nankeen-yellow flowers with claret- coloured lip ; and the pure-white-petalled L.-C. Bella alba. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, staged a good group, for which a Silver Flora Medal was awarded. A collection of Cypripediums had for the best C. insigne Louis Sander (raised be- tween C. insigne Harefield Hall and C. i. McNabi- anum), with a broader and more squarely- arranged dorsal sepal than Harefield Hall, clear- white with gamboge-yellow base and purple spotting. A fine form of C. Mrs. Wm. Mostyn, C. Pyramus, Cattleya Miranda, C. Thayeriana, Pleurothallis Roezlii, Epidendrum laterale, Phalrenopeis Rimestadiana, and various Laelio- Cattleyas were also noted. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a group, in which their fine type of Dendrobium Ward'a- num and other Dendrobiums were well repre- sented. Messrs. Jas. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for an effec- tive group, the centre of which was of the pretty hybrid Calanthes Bryan, Wm. Murrey and Bella, arranged with Laalia anceps Hillii and other L. anceps. The body of the group was of Cypri- pediums and the new Ccelogyne intermedia (see Awards), also Miltonia Bleuana, Ada aurantiaca, and several pretty Brasso-Cattleyas and Odonto- glossums. Mr. W. A. Manda, St. Albans, secured a Silver Banksian Medal for a very remarkable collection of varieties of Cattleya Trianae, ranging from white to rose, with deep-rose-crimson lip, the variety Mandaiana having a red line. Forms of Phalaenopsis casta and a distinct form of Cypri- pedium insigne named Lagerae with brown base to the dorsal sepal were also shown. Messrs. Hassall & Co., Southgate, staged a group for which a Silver Banksian Medal was awarded. Very effective were forms of Odonto- glossum amabUe, 0. ardentissimum, and other hybrids. Lieut. -Col. Sir Geo. L. Holford, K.C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), showed Cypripedium Jura (insigne Harefield Hall x Mrs. Mostyn), a flower of large size and good proportions, with a broad, white dorsal sepal bearing large reddish- purple spotted lines. The petals were very broad and curved forward, coloured like C. Beeckmani. 62 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [January 25. 191-3. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park (gr. Mr. Collier), staged an interesting group, in which were a fine specimen of Cirrhopetalum robustum (graveolens), the curious Eria globi- fera (shown at the last meeting as Fletcheri), the blush-white Zygopetalum rostratum, Zygo- Colax Wiganianus, Z.-C. Vetichianus, Masde- vallia tovarensis, Pleurothallis Scapha and Lycaste lasioglossa. Mr. Sidney Flory, Tracy's Nursery, Twicken- ham, sent Odontoglossum Phoebe magnificum, with a fine spray of showy, white flowers evenly spotted with reddish purple, a curious cross be- tween 0. Adrianae and 0. Rossii, which closely retained the 0. Rossii character, and several hybrid Cypripediums, of which the hybrid be- tween C. insigne Harefield Hall and C. Leea- num Clinkaberryanum was a fine form. E. H. Davidson, Esq., Orchid Dene, Twy- ford, showed a selection of fine hybrids, his grand form of Sophro-Cattleya Saxa gaining an Award of Merit. Others noted were a very richly-coloured form of Odontioda Bradshawiae and Odontoglossum illustrissimum with violet- purple flowers tipped with white. Baron Bruno Schroder, The Dell, Englefield Green (gr. Mr. J. E. Shill), showed a noble plant of Laelia anceps Hilliana rosefieldiensis with several spikes of large, white flowers with pink front to the lip. Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr. Mr. Hopkins), 6ent the pure-white, fragrant Brasso-Cattleya Wellesleyae (B. glauca x C. Mossiae Wagneri), Cypripedium Morningtoniae (F. Sander x nitens), with a dark-spotted dorsal sepal, and C. Cupid magnificum. cream- white, tinged and veined with light purple. J. Brisdon Seatle, Esq., Fairfield, Putney (gr. Mr. Paice), showed Odontoglossum crispum Rossendale, and a blotched seedling 0. crispum. C. J. Lucas, Esq., Warnham Court (gr. Mr. Duncan), showed Cypripedium George Branch (Lathamianum X Boxallii), a large, well marked flower. C. J. Phillips, Esq., The Glebe, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Bucknell), sent Odontioda Euterpe "The Glebe variety," a distinct form, of a uniform deep red, with a violet shade; 0. Joan (Odon- tioda Charlesworthii x Odontoglossum arden- tissimum), claret-red, with slight white lines ; and the remarkable Odontioda' Madeline var. Prince of Orange. (See "Awards.") AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Cattleya Enid var. F. Lambeau (Mossice Beincckiana x Warscevoiczii Frau Melanie Bey- rodt), from Monsieur Firmin Lambeau, Brussels (gr. Mr. Demunter). A charming Cattleya, large in size and perfect in shape, pure white, with a distinct veining of purple in the lip, which has light yellow in the throat. Awards of Merit. Lnzlio-Cattleya Firminii var. ardens (L.-O. Ceres x 0. Dowiana aurea), from Monsieur Firmin Lambeau. A darker form of the fine hybrid for which Monsieur Lambeau previously received a First-class Certificate. The flower i6 as large as C. Mossiae ; the sepals and petals are bright copper-red on an orange-coloured ground. The lip is dark, ruby-crimson, with orange- coloured disc. Odontioda Madeline var. Prince of Orange (Odontioda Charlesworthii x Odontoglossum crispum), from C. J. Phillips, Esq., The Glebe, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Bucknell). A very remark- able variation, in which the deep blood-red of O. Charlesworthii is almost eliminated, and the form and substance of a good Odontoglossum crispum presented. The ground colour is prim- rose yellow, the inner halves marked with pale, reddish-lilac blotches. Odontoglossum Aireworth "Goodson's variety" ( T.o mhrauianum x crispum), from H. S. Good- son, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day). A very pretty flower, witli broad seg- ments tinted with pale lilac, the inner halves being spotted with cinnamon-brown. Sophro-Cattleya Saxa " On-hid Dine variety " CS. graiidiflora x 0. Trianoz), from E. H. Davidson, Esq., Orchid Dene, Twyford. A '^ood flower, some 3 inches across, of a clear rose- red, with yellow base to the lip. Ccelogyne. in/rrmrrlia (Crislala Lemoniana X (.. Massangcana), from Messrs. JA3-. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham. A graceful hybrid that may be 6aid to be intermediate between the parents. The inflorescence i6 arched, and bears many flowers, these latter being white with yel- low disc, and reddish ridges on the lip. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: Jas. Cheal, Esq. (in the Chair); Messrs. W. Bates, A. R. Allan, H. Markham, J. Davis, A. Bullock, Geo. Wythes, P. C. M. Veitch, J. Jaques, Owen Thomas, H. Somers Rivers, C. G. A. Nix, G. Reynolds, Edwin Beckett, W. E. Humphreys, A. Grubb, and S. T. Wright (secretary). A Silver Banksian Medal was awarded to Sir Walter Gilbey, The Orchards, Elsenban, Stansted, for an exhibit of preserved fruits. Messrs T. S. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, excelled all their previous displays of Oranges in a fine exhibit, which was awarded a Gold Medal. In the centre of the group was a pergola fur- nished with three large branches, one of St. Michael, with 50 fruits, another of Dom Louise, with about 80 fruits, and a third of Valencia Lemon, cut from a tree bearing 140 fruits. There were pot trees of various varieties, all in splen- did health and fruiting abundantly. St. Michael, Egg, and Dulcissima are amongst the most pro- lific sorts. The stage was covered with gathered fruits, and the best-flavoured of these were Achilles, Egg, and Embiguo or Navel. Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, exhibited 65 varieties of Apples and Pears. The fruits were above the average in quality, and were re- markably plump and fresh. The new Crawley Beauty was shown in three large baskets; from its appearance it was equal to any in the collection. The variety Encore was also in- cluded. Of the better-known sorts, Bismark, Lord Derby, Claygate Pearmain, Mannington Pearmain, King of Tompkins County, Alfriston, and Hollandbury may be instanced. The Pears included TJvedale's St. Germain, Santa Claus, and Duchesse de Mouchy. (Silver-gilt Rnightian Medal.) Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, showed re- markably good root vegetables, for which a Sil- ver Banksian Medal was awarded. Carrots in- cluded very large roots of New Red Inter- mediate ; Beets, Sutton's Black, Blood Red and Green Top ; Onions, Long-Keeping, Ailsa Craig, Crimson Globe, Sutton Globe, and Improved Reading ; and Potatos. Messrs. James Carter & Co., Raynes Park, Wimbledon, showed a solid, conical-hearted Savoy named Cartercone. The variety was re- commended for trial in the Wislev gardens. EDINBURGH BOTANICAL. January 9. — The third meeting of the session was held on the above date, Sir Archibald Buchan-Hepburn, Bart., in the chair. Mr. W. E. Travis communicated a paper deal- ing with additions to the flora of Arran ; Mr. Miller Johnson, B.Sc, a paper describing the invasion of vegetation into disforested land. A paper on the Primulas of the Bullate section was read on behalf of Professor Bayley Balfour, F.R.S. The descriptions of two new species — Primula rufa and P. Monbeigii— from the Chinese province of Yunnan were given. The species of the section are natives of Yunnan and Tibet with an outlier — P. Lacei — in Baluchistan. Dried specimens of most of the members of the group were exhibited, including one magnificent sheet of P. Forrestii, collected by Mr. George Forrest in Yunnan. Mr. McTaggart Cowan communicated a paper dealing with Cochlearia danica, Linn., being a preliminary note to a revision of the genus Coch- learia, as it occurs in Britain. Among the exhibits were : — A series of new species, collected by Mr. George Forrest in Yun- nan, including the following striking plants: — Cyananthus formosus (Diels), C. Forrestii (Diels), Codonopsie Bulleyana (Diels), C. meleagris (Diels), Adenophora coelestis (Diels), A. mega- lantha (Diels), Arena ria ionandra (Diels), a new Burmese species of Cordia (C. globifera, W. W. Sm.) with very tomentose leaves. Of a large collection of living plants shown from the Royal Botanic Garden, the following were of special interest : — Acanthocarpus Preissei, Lehm. — A remarkable south-west Australian plant of that group of Monocotyledons which seem to connect Junca- ceae and Liliaceae. The twisted leaves are a pro- minent feature of adaptation to dry conditions. Bulbine favosa, Schult. — A strong-scented, yellow-flowered South African plant. Parthenium Hysterophorus, Linn. — An Ameri- can white-flowered species. Pleione Delavayi, Rolfe. — A fine dark-flowered species of much better colour than any other in cultivation. Pomaderris phylicaefolia, Lodd. — An Austra- lasian ericoid form. Primula petiolaris, Wall. var. pulverulenta, Hook. f. — A delightful plant introduced as P. Winteri from Kumaon, W. Himalaya. Samolus ebracteatus, H.B.K.— A Central American form with rather smaller flowers than our native species, S. Valerandii. Saxifraga hederacea, Linn. — White-flowered species of the Cymbalaria section from south-east Europe and Asia Minor, forming a pretty cover on a rockery after the fashion of Thymus Corsica. Sedum alamosanum (S. Wats), S. cupressoides (Helmsley), S. longipes (Rose). — Three Mexican species of Sedum, of which S. cupressoides is of special interest as a companion growth form to that of the South African Crassula lycopo- dioides. STIRLING CHRYSANTHEMUM. January 11. — The annual meeting took place on this date, under the chairmanship of Mr. Henry Kinross, the president. The annual re- port and balance-sheet were read and adopted. The income from all sources exceeded the ex- penditure by £8 15s. 8d. This was considered satisfactory, as the receipts at the hall door on the days of the show were £6 9s. 3d. less than' in the previous year. The show schedule was considered ; several classes were added in the amateurs' section. Captain Stirling, of Keir, is hon. president of the society. SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL. January 14. — The annual business meeting of this association was held in Dowell's Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh, on this date, Mr. Massie, the president, was in the chair, and there were 170 members present. The annual report stated that the work of the past session had been carried on vigorously, and that the average attendance at the ordinary monthly meetings was over 90. The exhibits at the monthly meetings were generally of much excellence, and 4 First-class Certificates, 14 Cer- tificates of Merit, and 8 Cultural Certificates were awarded to new or meritorious plants, &c. Chiefly as the result of a personal appeal by Captain Stirling, of Keir, the honorary presi- dent, there had been a large accession of new members in the higher grades of the scale of subscriptions brought into existence last year under the new constitution, and the member- ship now stood at about 1,400, a net increase over the previous year's number of 120. The Horticultural Institution Fund, which at the commencement of the previous year stood at £80, now amounted to £288 ; a benevolent fund had been instituted, and the funds of the asso- ciation, which now, after providing for present depreciation on stocks, stood at £828, were fully £100 better than at the beginning of last year. A considerable number of local secretaries had been appointed in the various Scottish counties, and the governors of the Edinburgh and East of Scotland College of Agriculture had favour- ably entertained a suggestion made by the council that horticulture should have direct representation on the governing body of that institution. The Chrysanthemum show, owing to the sunless, backward season, was rather smaller than usual, nevertheless there was a balance of income over expenditure of £22 18s. 9d., and it was visited by over 21,000 people during its three days' run. Both the council's report and the financial statement were adopted unanimously. On the motion of Mr. Fife, seconded by Mr. Whytock, the president, Mr. Massie, was elected an honorary life member of the association. Captain Stirling, of Keir, was re-elected honorary president for the current session. Mr. David King was elected president, and Messrs. R, Fife and W. Galloway were elected to the two vacant vice-presidencies. The following Januakx 25, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 63 wqre elected to the seven vacancies in tike coun- cil : — Messrs. W. Copeland, Dr. W. G. Smith, 11. Thomson, G. Cochran, A. Johnstone, W. Mather, and A. C. Scott. Mr. A. D. Richard- son was re-elected secretary and treasurer, and Messrs Robertson and Carphin, C.A., were elected as official auditors. On the motion of Mr. King, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring office-bearers, which was acknow- ledged by Mr. Maseie. A donation of £10 each was voted to the Gar- deners' Royal Benevolent Institution and the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund. It wae intimated that, on the invitation of Mr. C. W. Cowan, the members would visit Dalhousie Castle on April 19. A syllabus of subjects for session 1913 was submitted, and it was agreed to revert to the former hour of meeting, viz., 7.30 p.m., all the year round. A number of donations to the library, includ- ing 25 volumes of the Gardeners' Chronicle from 1341 onwards, from Messrs. Wm. Thomson & Sons, Clovenfords, were announced. The new president, Mr. King, will deliver hie inaugural address at the meeting on February 4. UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND PROVIDENT. January 13. — The monthly committee meeting of the above society was held in the Horticultural Hall, Westminster, on this date, Mr. Chas. H. Curtis in the chair. Five new members were elected. It was announced that the sick pay for the month amounted to £79 6s. 6d. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. January 23. — As these pages are being passed fox press we learn the result of the ©lection of pensioners to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. The election was preceded by the annual meeting of the subscribers, which took place at Simpson's Restaurant, Strand. Sir Harry Veitch, chairman and treasurer, made an earnest appeal for increased support, pointing out that, although the claims of 67 candidates had been allowed by the committee, it was only possible to elect 20. The annual report, read by the secretary, wa6 accepted unanimously. RESULT OF ELECTION! No of Age. Votes. 59 3,450 67 3,417 64 3,394 73 3,2j3 73 3,220 78 3,144 64 3,120 62 3,107 75 3,014 73 2,991 68 2,935 62 2,896 64 2,877 62 2,869 65 2,859 78 2,826 71 2,779 77 2,778 84 2,773 65 2,755 Candidates Elected after the Poll; The following two candidates were elected by the Committee in virtue of Rule DJ, Clause 10 : Batten, Martha (64). Reed, Daniel (71). A further candidate, William E. Hill, was elected owing to the kindness of Mr. Arthur W. Sutton, who guaranteed a pension for a year. Robert McCombie was chosen by Mr. N. N. Sherwood as the recipient of a pension provided by the " Sherwood Commemoration Gift, 1912." It was resolved, on the proposition of Mr. to ei\ Thomas» t° elect another candidate, W. G. Gaitjer, in anticipation of a sum of money which is expected from the directors of the Royal International Horticultural Exhibi- tion. In all there were 25 elections during the day, being the highest number elected on any single occasion in the history of the Institution. Chisholm, George D. Morley, Ebenezer Stevens, Richard Throssell, Frances Barnes, Henry ... Page, John " ... Forty, George ... Smith, Mary Baxter, Edward... Baker, William Wright, Harvey Tucker, Francis Witt, Harry Stocking, Fanny Evans, Harriet' D. Birse, William ... Canham, Anne ... Bryan, Susan James, Theophilus James, Cornelia... LINNEAN. Januahv 16. — At a meeting held on the above date, the president, Professor E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., announced that the council had decided to apply the bequest of £100 left by Sir Joseph Hooker to the Society as the nucleus of a fund to be styled " The Sir Joseph Hooker Lecture " Fund, of which particulars will be given at the next general meeting. Mr. G. Claridge Druce reported on six recently- discovered or described new British plants, in- cluding Spergularia atheniensis, Heldr. and Sart. The general secretary read a letter from Dr. George Henderson, received that morning, with specimens of Alnus glutinosa, Medic, and what he regarded as A. incana, Medic, the latter showing catkins discharging pollen freely in December, whilst those of the former still re- mained closed. THE WEATHER. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for tho week ending January 18, is furnished from the Meteorological Office : — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather continued unsettled, and precipitation was again frequent, but fair, dry intervals were not uncommon in most parts of England and Ireland. The temperature was below the average, the deficit being about 5° in Scotland E. and W., England N.E., and Ireland S., and about 4° in England N.W. and Ireland N. In England E., however, it was only 0'6°, and in England S.E. no more than 0'1U. The highest of the maxima were re- corded mostly in the latter half of the week, and ranged from 52° in England N.W. and 51Q in the English Channel to 41° in Scotland N. and England N.E., and to 48° in Scotland E. Early in the week the maxima were below 82° at many stations in North Britain. The lowest of the minima, which occurred generally on the 18th or 14th, ranged from 1Q>' in England N.W. (at Newton Rigg on the 18th) and llu in Scotland E. (at West Linton on the 14th) to 27° in Scotland N. and to 35" in the English Channel. The lowest grass readings were 0° (zero) at Newton Rigg, 5° at West Linton, 6° at Harrogate and Worksop, and 10" at Rauceby and West vVitton. In various parts of the kingdom the earth temperature was below the normal at a depth of 1 foot, but at all stations it was above it at a depth of 4 feet. The rain/all was less than the average in Scotland N., England N.W., and the Midland Counties, and about equal to it in Scotland E. and W. and Ireland N. Elsewhere it *vas in excess, the difference being large in the southern and southwestern districts. At a few stations in the north-west of Scotland the precipitation was very slight, but at Cally (Gatehouse) 1*20 inch was recorded on the 14th, and 1*35 inch on the 15th. The fall of snow in the North of England early in the week considerably increased the depth of that already lying. At Cockle Park, Morpeth, its depth on the 13th was 18 inches. The bright sunshine exceeded the normal except in England N.E. and over Scotland, the excess being considerable in many parts of England. In England S.E. the mean daily duration was 27 hours, and the percentage of the possible amount 32 ; in the English Channel the corresponding values were 2'2 hours and 27, and in England E. 1*9 hour and 24. In Scotland and the north-east of England the percentage of the possible duration was 8 or less, and the mean daily figure about 0 5 hour. THE WEATHER IN WEST HER IS. Week ending January 22, 1913. Eleven days cj almost continuous rain. — Since the present month began there have been only four unseasonably cold days, and but live cold nights— two of those cold days and three of those cold nitihis being in the past week. On each of, the three cold nights in question the exposed thermo- meter registeted only 11° of frost. The ground is at the present time 1° warmer than is seasonable at 2 feet deep, but it is slightly below the average at lfoot deep. Rain has fallen on all but one of the last 11 days, and to the total depth of 2| inches, or very nearly as much as the average quantity for the whole of January. Ol that amount seven gallons of rainwater came through the bare soil percolation gauge, and five-and-a-half gallons through that on which short grass is growing. The sun shone on an average fori hour 22 minutes a day, which is 13 minutes a day short of the mean daily duration of bright sunshine in the middle of January. Light airs as a rule prevailed, and the direction of these ligut airs has been principally some point between south and west. For 31 hours the direction of the wind was some northerly point. I mention this because in the previous five weeks there haJ been virtually no winds at all from that half of the compass. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 8 p.m. exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by three per cent. A selected patch of Double Snowdrops came first into flower in my garden on the 18th inst., which is 22 days earlier than its average date for the previous 26 years, and three days earlier than in the earliest of those years.— E,M,t Berkh<*tnsted, fauuary 22, 1913. ENQUIRY. Mice in the Garden. — Can any reader inform me of a method of ridding the garden of mice without resorting to the use of poison? I have trap6 set always, and we keep several cats, but the gardens are alive with the pests. We keep dogs, and these might be injured if poison were utilised to kill the mice. G. II'. MARKETS, COVBNT GARDEN, January 22. i - 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, □ot only from day to day, but occasionally several times in one day. — Eds.1 Oat Flowers, *c: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d Arums (Richaidiasj 8 0-40 Lilium speciosum Azalea, per dozen rubrum, p. doz. bunches 2 6-30 long ' lH-ao B o u var d ia, per short 10-1B dozen bunches, Lily ot the Valley, white and per dozen coloured — 60-8 0 bunches : Camellias, white, — extra special ... 12 0-15 0 per dozen 16-20 — special 9 0-10 0 Carnations, per — ordinary 6 0-80 dozen blooms, Mignonette, per best American doz. bunches... 3 0-40 varieties 16 2 0 Orchids, Cattleya, — smaller, per per doz. 15 0 — doz. bunches 12 0-15 0 — C y p t ipedium 2 0-30 — Caiola (crim- — Odontoglossum son), extra crispum 4 0-50 large ... 4 0-50 Pelargoniums, — Malinaison, p. p. dz. bunches, doz. blooms: Double Scarlet 9 0-10 0 pink 12 0-15 0 Roses, 12 blooms : Chrysanthemums : — Lady Hillingdo .30-40 — white, per — Liberty 5 0-80 dozen 2 0-40 — Madame A. — — per dozen bunches Chatenay 5 0-80 8 0-10 0 — Nipheios 16-20 Daffodils, per doz. — Richmond 5 0-80 bunches: Spiraea (Astilbe) ia- ponica, per dz. bunches — dolden Spur... 4 0-50 — Sir Watkin ... 5 0-60 5 0 6 0 — Henry Irving... 3 0-40 Tuberose, p. doz. — Victoria 5 0- blooms, long... 1 3 — — Frinceps _ 3 6-40 short 0 10- 1 0 Eucharia, per Tulips, per dozen dozen 2 6-30 bunches : Freesia, white, per — double red ... 12 0-15 0 doz. bunches... 2 0-26 — — orange 10 0 12 0 Gardenias, per box pink 10 0-12 0 of 15 and 18 - red _ 5 0-60 blooms 6 0-80 — white ... 6 0 — l.iliuin auratum, — yellow.„ ™ 7 0 — per bunch — i o ug i tl orum, 2 0-26 — bronze— 6 0-70 — pink 80-9 0 per doz., long 3 0-36 Violets, Princess short 2 0-26 of Wales, per — lane if o 1 i um dozen bunches 16-20 alba, long 16-20 — Anemone ful- short 13-16 geris 2 6-80 Guernsey Flowers: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Narcissus: Na1 cissus: _ boleild'Or ... 2 0-26 — Henry Irving... 2 6-30 — Grand Pnmo 19-20 — Gloriosa .— 19-20 — Princeps 2 0-26 — Poeticus 4 0-50 French Flowers : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Anemone, double Ranunculus, per pink, per doz. 16-20 doz. bunches : Lilac, white, per — Baibaroux ... 4 0-50 bunch 3 6-40 — double scarlet 8 0-90 — mauve 4 U- 6 0 — yellow — bronze 8 0-10 0 Marguerite, yellow, 10 0-12 0 per doz. bnchs 19-20 — carmine 5 0-60 Mimosa, pr. bunch 0 9-10 Roses, Safrano, Narcissus, Paper pkts. of 24 blms. 16 2 0 White, pr. pad, Violets, per pad ... 3 0-40 48 bunches ... 5 0-60 — Parma, large — Soleil d'Or.p.pad 5 0-60 bunches, each 2 0 - Cut Foliage, Btc: Aver age Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d A d ian t u m Fern Carnation foliage, (Maidenhair), doz. bunches... 3 0 — best, per doz. Croton foliage, var- bunches 6 0-70 ious, dz. bchs. 12 0-15 0 Agro s l i s (Fairy Cycas leaves, arti- Grass), per dz. ficial, per doz. 3 0-12 0 bunches 2 0-40 Eulalia japouica, Asparagus plu- per bunch 10-16 mosus, long Moss, gross bnchs. 6 0 — trails, pr. JJoz. 16-20 Myrtle, dz. bchs. — medium, doz. (English), small-leaved... bunches 12 0-18 0 6 0 — — Sprengeri 10 0 12 0 — French I 0 — Berbetis, natural, Smilax, per bunch per doz. bnchs 3 0-40 of 6 trails 10-13 Plants In Pots, &C: Ave rage Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Azalea, white and Cinerarias, p. doz. 9 0-10 0 coloured, per Cocos Weddeli- dozen pots ... 30 0-36 0 ana.per dozen: ArabaSieboldii, dz. 6 0-70 — 60's ... 6 0-12 0 Araucaria excelsa, — larger, each .- 2 6-10 6 per dozen Asparagus plumo- 18 0-21 0 Croton, per do/en 18 Cyclamens, 48's ... 10 0-12 0 sus nanus, per Cyperus alter- dozen... 10 0-12 0 nifolius, p. dz. 5 0-60 — Sprengeri 8 0-90 — laxus, per doz. 10-5 1) Aspidistra, p. dz., green — variegated Dracaena, green, 21 0-30 0 oer dozen 10 6- £2 0 30 0-60 0 Erica hy emails ... 12 0-15 0 Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, 48's, — gracilis, 48's... 12 0-15 0 — — in thumbs 36-4 0 per dozen 9 0-12 0 60's « 6 0-80 61 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 25, 1913. j FlantslnPots,«c: Average Wholesale Prices (ConffJ. a.d. s.d. Vegetables: Average Wholesale Prices i Could.). s.d. s.d, 8 0-12 0 Lilium lancifolium aiba, in pots., dozen 18 0-21 0 — I o n £ i 6 Grain, per dozen _. 18 0-80 0 Lily of the Valley 18 0-21 0 Marguerites, iu4&"s, per doz., white 8 0-10 0 Pandanus Veitchii, per dozen ... 36 0-48 0 Pelargonium (Ger- anium), double scarlet, 48 s ... — other varieties Phoenix rupicola, each Poinsettias, per dozen pots, 43' s 10 0-12 0 — 60's 6 0 — Spiraea japonica, per dozen pots 6 0-80 — pink 10 0-12 0 Tulips, per box of 24' s ; — white — pink — scarlet (Tulips or Bulbs) ... Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 — in small and large 60's ... 12 0-20 0 — in4b"s, perdoz. 60 — — choicer sorts, per doz. ... 8 0-12 0 — in 32's, per dozen 10 0-18 0 Ficus elastica, per dozen 9 0-12 0 Genistas, per doz. 12 0 — Geonoma gracilis, 60's, per dozen 6 0-80 — larger, each ... 2 6-76 Hyacinths, white, in pots, p. doz. 12 0-15 0 Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen 6 0-42 0 — Fosteriana, 60's, per dozen 4 0-60 larger, per dozen 18 0-63 0 Lataiiia borbonica, per dozen ... 12 0-30 0 Lilium lancifolium rubruin in pts., per dozen .. 18 0 21 (I Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Apples : — Cox's Orange, I bushel ... 6 0-10 0 — Cooking, per bushel 6 0-60 — Canadian, brls. 18 6-30 0 — Wenaicliee, p. case 8 0-96 — American, brls. 18 6-30 0 — Calif ornian Newtowns, case 7 0-80 — Nova Scotian, per bairel ... 14 0-22 0 — Oregon, New- town Pippin, per case .. 10 6-11 6 Apricots, Cape, per box 4 0-60 Bananas, bunch : — Doubles ... 10 0 12 0 — No. 1 ... > ... 9 0-10 0 _ Extra 11 0-12 0 — Giant 12 0 16 0 — Loose, p. doz. 0 6-10 — Red coloured... 4 6-56 — Jamaica, per ton I9-il2 — Jamaica Ordi- nary, per box (9 doz.) ... 4 0-56 Dates, per dozen... 2 9-30 — Egyptian, cwt. 25 0 — Cranbeiries.p. case 9 6-12 0 Grape Fruit, case: — 96's — i°'S ■ 16 0-22 0 — 64 s ... — 54s I per dozen ... 4 0-60 Grapes (English), per lb. : — Canon Hall .. 8 0-15 0 — Muscat of Alexandria ... 15 0-20 0 — Black Alicante 0 10-1 0 — Almeria, bariel 16 6-22 6 — Gios Colman 12-26 — telgian, p. lb. 0 10-1 0 Lemons, per case : — Malaga .. 16 0 — Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. S.d. 4 0-50 6 0-60 2 6-21 0 19-20 2 0-26 19-20 s.d. s.d. 9 0-21 0 30 0 64 0 1 6 17 6 Lemons, Messina, per case Nuts, Almonds, per bag 52 6 — — Brazils, cwt.... 54 0-62 0 — Spanish, per sack 40 0-42 0 — Barcelona, per bag 35 6-36 6 — Cocoanuts, 100 18 0-23 0 — English Cobs, per lb 0 3-04 — Chestnuts, bg. 14 0-26 0 — Walnuts French, per cwt. ... — Naples, p. cwt. Lychees, lib. box... Oranges : Seville, sours, case — M e s s i n a , bitters, case ... — Jatia, per case — Mandarines, p. box — Florida Tan- gerines, p. case 14 0-16 0 D e n i a , per case 12 6 23 0 — Ca 1 i f o rnian. Seedless, case 11 6-13 6 Peaches, Cape, box 12 0-30 0 Pears : — French, per ciate — Dutch Catillac, $ bushel — Cal if ornian, Winter Nelis, per case Easter Beurre, p. case — American, per barrel Pineapples, St. Michael Rhubarb, dozen bundles — Natural 8 0-86 9 0-96 13-66 6 Or 8 0 3 6 — 13 6-14 6 8 0-86 7 0-80 2 6-40 0 10- 1 2 3 0-40 10 0-12 0 3 6-40 0 8 — 2 6 — 5 6 — 2 0 — 10 — 2 0-26 2 6 1 0- 4 II 1 3 Asparagus, Giant per bundle — Paris green — Sprue, bundle — Dijon — Lauris ArtichokeslGlobe), per dozen — ground, J bus. — Batavia, French, dozen Beans : — Guernsey, lb. — French, per lb. — Madeira, per handle Beetroot, p. bushel Broccoli, bushel — bags ... ... Cabbages, p. tally — boxes red, per dozen Cariots (English), pr. doz. bun. — — unwashed, per bag — washed, bag ... Cauliflowers per tally — boxes .._. — CornisH, crate — Italian/crate... Celeriac, per doz. — French, p. doz. Celery, per dezen " fans " — unwashed Chicory, per lb. .. Cucumbers, p. doz. 14 0-16 0 Endive, per dozen 19-26 — French n. doz. 2 6 — Greens, per bushel 13 — _ bags 19 — s.d, s.d. 10 0 — 3 0 — 16-26 10- 16 — 80 - 16 — 10 — 2 0-30 2 6- 3 0 — 7 0-10 0 2 3-46 3 0-40 2 9 — 10-16 8 0 — ! 12 0-18 0 10 0-12 0 0 3} Herbs (sweet), pkt. per gross Horseradish, 12 bundles Leeks, per doz. ... Lettuce, French, per crate — per dozen Mint, per dozen bunches Mushrooms, culti- vated, |.er lb. 0 10 — 12 0-15 0 10-20 16-39 10-16 3 0 — — broilers Mustard and Cress per doz. Dilnnets Onions (English) uer bag — per bushel — picklers, per bag — (spring), per doz bunches s.d. s.d. Turnips, un- washed, bag ... 2 6 — Turnip tops, bushel 10-13 — per bag ... 2 6-30 Watercress, p. dz. bunches ... 0 4-06 s.d. s.d, Tomatos, Canary, per bundle ... 10 0-17 0 Thyme, dz. bnchs. 2 u — Turnips (English), per dz. bunches 16-20 — perbag 3 0-36 Remarks.— English Apples are now limited to the varieties Bramley's Seedling and Dumelow's Seedling (Wellington). Consignments of Apples from overseas continue very heavy, especially from Nova Scotia. Wenatchee Apples in boxes consist of the varieties Jonathan, Winesap, and Spitzen- berg, the last being a very popular variety owing to its rich colour and excellent flavour. Consignments of fruits from Cape Colony received recently consisted of about 600 cases of Apricots and Pi aches, other fruits expected to arrive soon from South Africa include Wickson, Kelsey and Chalcot Plums; also Pears, which ar_- a heavy crop. Supplies of English and Belgian Grapes are very liberal for the time of year; but Muscat varieties are getting scarcer. Pears obtainable include Winter Nelis and Easter Beurre (Californian). Tenenffe Tomatos have not been so plentiful as usual in January, and their p.i:es are firmer. Dwarf Beans from Guernsey, Madeira, and Fiance are a limited supply. Asparagus, both English and Flench grown, is obta nable in fairly large quantities. Seakale continues moderately plentiful. Mushrooms have been a Urger sup- ply during the past week. The commoner vegetables con- tinue plentiful and cheap. E. H. k., Covent Garden, Jan- uary 22, 1913. Potatos. — (Spanish), case 5 6-60 Dutch, bags Peas, French, pad of 10 lb. — Guernsey, p. lb. Parsley, per doz. bunches — - Parsnips, per bag 2 0-26 13 — per bushel Radishes(English) per dozen Sage, per dozen ... Savoys, per. tally — per box Seakale, punnets... Spinach, p. bushel - Sprouts, i bushel 10-13 — bags 16 — — bushel 1 9 — Scotch Kale, busl. 10 — Bedfoids 4 0-46 Dutch Kents 4 3-50 Belgian Blacklands ... 3 6-39 German Evergoods 3 9-40 Dunbars King Edward — 4 3- Remarks.— Trade remains fairly good and prices are film. Stocks of English and foreign Potatos ure not so heavy as In previous weeks. Edward J. Xewtiutn, Covent Garden and i>t. Pancras, January 23, 1U13. per bag. s.d. s.d. 3 0-39 3 6-46 4 0-49 5 9-63 Scotch (grey soil) 4 0-49 0btttiar)j. Edward Webb. J. P., D L —We regret to re- cord the death of Mr. Edward Webb, of Studley Court, Stourbridge, senior partner of the firm ot Messrs. Edward Webb & Suns, Wordsley, which took place at Paris on Tuesday last Mr. VU'bb. who was in his 69th year, had been ailing for some few weeks. On Thursday, the 16th mst., he started for Nice. Whilst proceeding from Calais to Paris, he was overtaken by sudden ill- ness, and he remained in an unconscious condition in Paris until his death. Mr. Webb was brought up to the milling and glass industries, but in the year 1873 he commenced business in the seed trade in conjunction with his brother, the late Colonel Webb. He had a wonderful capacity for business, and often travelled 1,200 miles a week to be present at various markets: he consistently attended Wol- verhampton, Kidderminster and Worcester mar- kets for a period of 40 years. Ho not only con- trolled the seed and hop business, but also the Wordsley Flour Mills, the large manure works at Saltney, and the farms at Kinver Hill, High Grove, Whittington and Cornsall. comprising f>-ne 1,200 acres. He was also a director of -rs.'showell's Brewery, Birmingham, Messrs. Phipps. Northampton, Messrs. Rohnson s, Netherton, and the North Worcestershire Brewery Co. Ho was high sheriff for the county of Worcester in 1895, also deputy -lieutenant and justice of the peace. He married Margaret, third daughter of the late Charles Evers Swindell, Esq., of the Quarry, Oldswinford, and is survived by four sons and three daughters. 0 8-09 0 4-06 3 0-46 16-20 40 - 2 0 — 5 0 — 10-20 2 6-30 1 6 — 2 0- 2 6-40 1 6 - 10-13 6-3 0 rrfcjpondeniv Address : Enquirer. Archibald Findlay, Mairs- land, Auehtermuchty, Scotland. Arum : F. G. B. There is no trace of disease caused by fungi or insects. The trouble must be looked for in some wrong method of culti- vation. Best Early Pea : Teacher. One of the most popular and reliable varieties is Gradus, or selections from that well-known variety, such as Early Morn and Early Giant. These varie- ties are of medium height, very free crop- pin"- and the quality of Peas is excellent. They are only a few days later than the early, white- seeded varieties, which are far inferior for culinary purposes, and the newer sorts suc- ceed in almost any soil and situation. Books: Inquirer. Both the books you men- tion may be recommended. The first treats of diseases due to climate, wrong treatment, kc. The second deals with diseases caused by para- sitic fungi. Of English books the treatise by Massee, Diseases of Cultivated Plants and Trees, is admirable. For purposes of identifi- cation Cooke's Fungoid Pests will be found very useful. The best book dealing with in- sect pests is Theobald's Insect Pests of Fruit. There are, of course, excellent books in French and German, but those we have men- tioned are as good as any to be found in any language. Bordeaux Mixture: Dun. This fungicide may be obtained from any of the horticultural sun- driesmen. Or if you wish to make it yourself, a formula to be relied upon is that of Professor Galloway, of the United States Department of Agriculture. Put 25 gallons of water in a barrel or other wooden or earthenware vessel in which there is no metal, and wrap 6 lbs. of copper sulphate in coarse sacking, suspending this just below the surface of the water. In another vessel slack 4 lbs. of lime, bringing it into a smooth paste by adding only a little water from time to time during the crumbling of the lime. When the lime is properly slacked add sufficient water to bring the whole up to 25 gallons. When the copper sulphate is en- tirely dissolved and the lime is cool, pour the lime milk and the copper sulphate solution slowly together into a barrel holding 50 gallons, adding water and stirring the whole together for a few minutes after mixing. Air-slacked lime should not be used in making this mix- ture, as its employent would cause injury to the foliage. This mixture may be further diluted to the requirements of the case. It is better to use it rather under than over the strength that is safe. Spray one plant first and note the result. The ingredients used are : Water. 50 gallons ; copper sulphate, 6 lbs. ; unslaked lime, 4 lbs. Chrysanthemums : J. P.. Wakefield. The damage is caused by the leaf-miner. See reply to / C, Milton, in the issue for January 18, P- 4a Cineraria : D. C. There is no fungous disease present. The injury appears to be due to the presence of too much water in the soil. Try the effects of watering the plants at intervals of three days with a weak solution of sulphate of potash. Mites Infesting Ferns, &c. : B. E. The speci- mens belong to the genus Tyroglyphus, one of the cheese mites. These acarids sometimes swarm in incredible numbers in forage, hay, and farinaceous substances to such an extent that sometimes there is weight for weight of mites and fodder, &c. We have no evidence to prove, nowever, that the creatures are destruc- tive to plant life, though they would certainly cause irritation if they occurred in very large numbers. Dust the plants with flowers of sul- phur, which is the best deterrent for acarids. Names of Plants : A. B.C. 6, Probably Aspara- gus racemosus ; in the absence of flowers the species cannot be determined with certainty. — B. R. 1. Sophronitis violacea ; 2, Epidendrum ciliare; 3, Oncidium pubes ; 4, 0. longipes.— B. H. Lopezia miniata.— W. F. & Sons. Cotoneaster frigida.— .7. P. B. 1, Euonymus europseus ; 2, Anaphalis margaritacea. Prices of Palms : Barcelona. We do not recom- mend individual firms. Scan our advertise- ment columns. Rose Fisher Holmes : B. J. This variety was named after the firm of Messrs. Fisher, Holmes & Co., Handsworth, now Messrs. Fisher, Son & Sibray. Vine Shoots : P. C. E. J. The vine shoots are covered with vine scales, Pulvinaria vitis. Add a wineglassful of paraffin to 1 lb. of soft soap in 1 gallon of water, and thoroughly brush all the branches with the solution. Violets Attacked by Red Spider : Llandaff. It is not a difficult matter to eradicate this pest. and we do not recommend the destruction of the plants. Syringe the foliage with sulphur mixed with water, and dust the leaves with sulphur. Communications Received. X Y Z. (please^end name and address _F. H.—H. B.—S. E„Yoik-W. w. W L A G.—E. M._H. J.. Berlm-T. S.— Enquirer -S.i H.-E TW. & Sons_H. C. L.-W. T ,-A P. B._ R A M H R. H _H. S. T.-O. S._A. P. S._ W. J. T. *G P 1T> F R-L. F. P._R. P. B._C. F. B._E. R. J. _M. A H. H H. C. Geneva. c 0 u X u u D c v •o i- « o x c £ o a a 3 CO W w Q Z > 3i < o D W z o w z Februaby 1, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 65 THE (Smrbcncrs'dDbroniele No. 1,362— SATURDAY, February 1, 1913. CONTENTS. Almond, the Oowering of the 73 Apples, inheritance in ... 74 Bees and the cinemato- graph 73 Begonia "Julius" as a basket plant 75 Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal 73, 78 Books, notices of — British Lichens, Hand- list of The Botanical Maga- zine Carnation propagation ... Chrysanthemum Queen Mary Chuck, Mr. Wm., retire- ment of Cliveden, Buckingham- shire Denmark, progressive ... Fruit-farming in 1912 ... Fruit-trees, ripened wood on ... Gardeners, three famous Horticulture, the pro- gress of Husbandry, the progress of Hydrogen cyanide in plants Law notes Lenten Roses Mice, method of trapping Nesting-boxes, an exhibi- tion of Obituary— Ryall, A Shearer, William Oranges, English-grown Orchid notes and glean- ings— Brassavola Digbyana crosses Calanthe Regnieri Ca'anthe Veitchii ... Cleisostoma Wend- landorum Peas, culinary, a bacter- ial disease of Pests, scheduled— The San Jose scale ... Pine, the Corsican Rainfall in 1912 Rosary, the— Tna's at Bagatelle ... Societies — Brighton, Hove and Sussex Hort British Gardeners' As- sociation Coventry Chrys. Horticultural Club -... Liverpool Hor'. National Clirys. Royal Horticultural ... (Scientific Committee) South African Combre- tace£e, the Week's work, the — Apiary, the Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass Hardy fruit garden, the Kitchen garden, the ... Orchid houses, the ... Plants under g ass Wilks, Rev. W.i testi- monial to 73 ILLUSTRATIONS. Begonia " Julius " as a basket plant .. ... Cliveden, Buckinghamshire, views at, 65, 66, 67 and Supplementary illustration Crump, Mr. W., portrait of Goodacre, Mr. J. H., portrait of San Jose scale, Aspidiotus perniciosus Speed, Mr. W., portrait of ... Trap for mice 75 76 76 76 79 CLIVEDEN. ), back of larva, with wax exuding; (c), female from scale with young insects showing through body wjll of parent; (d), male; (<0, scale formed by female; (/), scale-infested Pear. (a scandens trained on the roof should be removed and the plants cleansed thoroughly. Suitable young growths should be trained into position. If a stimulant is required, liquid manure may be afforded. Established plants of Camellia growing in the borders should receive a top-dressing of rich loam mixed with a liberal quantity of cow manure. The roots should be well watered, and, as soon as the flowers are over and fresh growth appears, the house should be fumigated to destroy the black fly which in- fests these plants. If practicable, syringe the foliage bv means of a hose-pipe in the mornings and afternoons. Camellias growing in tubs should be treated in much the same way, but instead of applying a top-dressing feed the roots with liquid manure. Saintpaulia ionantha. — This plant may be propagated from leaves inserted in sand in any corner of a hot-bed or propagating frame or even on the stage of a stove or propagating house. See that the base of the leaf is well pressed on to the sand. When the young plants are well rooted they should be potted singly into 60-sized pots in a "mixture of equal parts loam and leaf -mould mixed with a little coarse sand. At that stage the plants should be grown in the intermediate stove. They will produce an abun- dance of their beautiful blue flowers in the autumn, and are very effective arranged on the edges of the staging with Panicum plieatum. border. I do not advocate the inclusion of ordinary bedding plants, such as Pelargoniums, Heliotropes, and Marguerites, as there will be plenty of variety without them. The taller plants must necessarily be placed at the back of the border, but the middle and front portion should not be too formal, and the best effect is obtained by intermixing a few of the taller plants with the shorter ones. Such plants as are chosen for this purpose should be of a choice character, as they will occupy very prominent positions. Seed Sowing. — It is time to sow certain annuals. Seeds of East Lothian Stocks should be sown in well-drained pans, filled with a light compost. When large enough for transplant- ing, the seedlings should be potted singly into 60-sized pots, and kept growing actively nearly to the roof-glass in a cool pit. Later on they will need hardening preparatory to plac- ing them out-of-doors. Antirrhinums should also be sown; the tall and intermediate varie- ties are the most useful for the flower garden. Sow also Arctotis, Lobelia, Salpiglossis, Helio- trope, Dianthus, and annual Carnations, which are easily cultivated, and very useful for de- corative purposes indoors. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Edward Harriss, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockinge, Berkshire. The Herbaceous Border. — If the herba- ceous borders were not attended to in the autumn, the work should be done as soon as the weather is favourable. It is not necessary to lift all the plants annually, but they should b? trans- planted every three or four years, trenching the ground thoroughly before the borders are made up afresh. Many of the subjects may need to be restricted, and last year's arrangements somewhat modified. Nearly all the plants in herbaceous borders are gross feeders, and require to be grown in deeply-cultivated, well-manured ground ; in poor soil they are soon affected by drought in the summer time. October is the most suitable month for rearranging the border, for the height and habit of the various subjects are then readily seen. If it is intended to re- plant the whole of the border, the clumps should be taken up, and the ground trenched to a depth of 3 feet, mixing plenty of well-decayed cow manure, soot and lime with the soil as the work proceeds. As soon as the ground has been got ready, the planting should be proceeded with. If trees or shrubs are employed as a background up to the border, their roots should be cut back somewhat at the time of trenching, or they may rob the borders of moisture and nourish- ment. Certain plants grow very large in the course of two or three years. These should be divided and portions growing on the outside selected for replanting. There is a danger in narrow borders of employing too many varieties, causing the border in summer to be crowded with an endless variety of plants. Space should be left between the permanent subjects for planting in.- summer — Antirrhinums, Phlox Prunimondii, Calceolarias, Lavateras, Cen- taureas (Cornflowers), annual Chrysanthemums, Sunflowers of sorts, Salvia Glory of Zurich, and other varieties of Salvia; Salpiglossis, Eschscholtzias, Coreopsis, Cosmeas, Clarkias, Godetias, Cannas, Zinnias, Asters, _ Alonsoas, Campanula pyramidalis, Kochia trichophylla, Nemesias, Nicotianas, Pentstemons, and Ver- benas. Most of these plants are annuals, and may be employed with good effect in the mixed THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Buiford, Dorking. Deciduous Calanthes. — All the early flowering varieties of the vestita section of Calanthes having passed out of bloom, the plants should be afforded a short period of rest, withholding water at the roots and arranging the plants closely together on a dry shelf or a stage in a house where the temperature does not fall much below 60°. A dry position in the Cattleya house is suitable, for then they will obtain plenty of sunlight, necessary to mature the pseudo-bulbs perfectly. Allow the plants to remain in this house until new growths begin to develop at the base of the young pseudo- bulbs, when it will be necessary to repot them. Calanthes of the Bryan and Wm. Murray sec- tions are in full flower ; the inflorescences are very useful for furnishing cut blooms for decora- tive purposes. The flowers of C. Regnieri, C. Sanderiana, C. Stevensii, C. Williamsii, and the pure white C. nivalis are expanding and, with care, will continue in bloom until April. A little water may be afforded the plants occa- sionally, taking care not to saturate the soil. When "the last flowers are opening water should be withheld entirely. The flowers of these late-blooming species are not seen to advantage when the plants are stood on an ordinary stage, unless the spikes are bent over and tied down. My practice is to stand the plants upon the floor in one corner of the house in company with Cyperus alternifolius and Ferns. Cattleyas and L>elias.— Plants of C Law- renceana, having completed their growth, should be kept drier at the roots; if the soil is allowed to become excessively wet decay will arise in both the leaves and pseudo-bulbs. Ar- range the plants well up to the roof-gla^s. Plants of C. Percivaliana, C. chocoensis. C. amethystoglossa, C. Leopoldii. C. Trianoe, and its varieties are pushing up their flower-spikes, and should be afforded an" increased amount of water at the roots, but moisture should be withheld when the blooms ar.e fully expanded, continuing the treatment until fresh growth appears. These remarks apply to several hybrid Cattleyas and Lselio-Cattleyas that ere also about to flower. The roots of dormant Cattleyas, Lfelias, and their hybrids should be kept comparatively dry until the flower-spikes develop or growth re- commences, remembering that well-matured specimens require only a small amount of mois- ture to retain their pseudo-bulbs in a plump con- dition. Plants of C. Mossise and C. Mendelii are in the resting stage, and, notwithstanding that certain of them are developing a number of fresh roots, must still be watered with extra care. Afford each plant only a very moderate quantity of moisture whenever the compost be- comes quite dry. C. Warscewiczii (syn. C. gigas). C. Rex. C. Dowiana and its variety aurea,' also the hybrid C. Hardyana should be kept at rest for as long as possible. One of the principal details to observe when these plants are at rest is to afford them all the light February 1, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 71 possible and plenty of fresh air ; the latter not only by day but at night also. At Bur- ford, whenever the thermometer out-of-doors registers between 40° and 50° during the even- ing, and is not likely to fall below 40°, we open all the lower ventilators wide, maintaining a temperature in the house between 55° and 60°, principally by fire-heat. If the weather ap- pears likely to become colder during the night Archangel mats are rolled along the eaves of the roof, which is the coldest part of the house, and, during times of frost, or when cold winds prevail, the mats are spread their full length up each light. When the wind is very boisterous the lattice-wood blinds are rolled down, thus making them secure and preventing them from being blown off. At the same time as much air is admitted through the bottom ventilators as is practicable. By these means plenty of fresh air is admitted to the house at all times. By employing thick covering material on the glass during very cold weather the amount of fire-heat may be reduced consider- ably. Experienced growers know well that ex- cessive fire-heat is frequently the cause of de- terioration among the plants, and its too free use should be prevented by every means possible. During mild, sunny days the top ventilators may also be used to advantage, but cold draughts in a direct line with the plants should be avoided. well ripened. Aim at keeping the tree fur- nished all over with fruiting-wood, especially in the lower and centre parts, where the knife should be used sparingly ; but cut back the strong top branches to well-placed side growths. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, Moulton Pbddocks, Newmarket. Wall Trees. — There is a great diversity of opinion as to which is the better method of at- taching fruit trees to walls. Some advocate the use of shreds and nails, others wires attached to the walls. Each system has certain advan- tages, and the grower must be guided in the matter by the situation of the wall or garden. Well-wired walls are cleaner, as the rains and syringings wash the brick-work ; whilst nailed branches catch and hold filth that falls from branches above. A wired wall is neater in ap- pearance, and galvanised wire should be used. The tying and cleansing of trees may be done quickly and easily when wires are em- ployed. But branches nailed to the wall are wanner. In cold districts the wire has been known to cause the young green bark of Pi and Apricots to shrivel for an inch from the junction, with bad results. This is due to the wire becoming frozen. Some advise placing the wire so close to the wall that it becomes almost a part of it, but this is not to be recom- mended. Whilst the weather remains favour- able push on with the work of pruning, cleans- ing, tieing, and planting of the trees. Apricots. — The Apricot is the first fruit tree to flower, therefore it should be the earliest to receive attention. If the young shoots were pinched in the summer very little young wo. id will need to be removed now. As a rule the general crop is produced on two-year-old wood, but clean, well-coloured fruits are often de- veloped on shoots of the previous season, especi- ally after a hot summer, and on trees grown tinder a wall case, for in such circumstances the wood becomes well ripened. Weakly growth should be removed entirely, and strong leading branches trained in their full length where space permits. Many growers object to long spurs be- cause of their unsightly appearance, but they can always be kept thinned, and the longer ones shortened to a suitable spur at the base. Apricots will not thrive unless the drainage is efficient, and it is always advisable when plant- ing to keep the roots well to the surface. A top-dressing of rich loam, mixed with some stimulant, should be afforded old trees in full bearing, but it is not advisable to feed young trees, as this would result in gross wood that is very liable to gumming. Peaches and Nectarines. — It is a good plan to loosen the trees from their supports, allowing them to hang a little away from the wall. This will retard the flower-buds, and give the tree a longer period of rest. As in the case of the Apricot, if the trees were carefully disbudded and pinched in the summer, little pruning will be necessary now, with the excep- tion of removing old fruiting wood where it can be replaced with young shoots. The latter may be trained in their full length if they are THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Horseradish. — This plant delights in a deep, rich soil and a) rather moist situation. The ground should be treated in the same manner as for Rhubarb. If young, clean roots have been selected for the purpose, they may be planted in rows 2 feet apart and 9 inches asunder, or small crowns may be dropped into holes made by an ordinary garden dibber. If this latter method is adopted entirely new growth is made, but the crop is longer reaching maturity. Jerusalem Artichokes. — The crowns should be lifted and stored in a dry shed until required for use. A part of the crop may be placed in mounds in the open and covered in the same way as are Potatos. Whilst the crop is being lifted sufficient medium-sized tubers should be selected for forming new plantations, which may be made at once. Any out-of-the-way part of the garden will be suitable, provided the soil is, in a good condition. Allow a distance of 4 feet between the rows and 18 inches between the individual plants. Digging and Trenching.— The wet weather has rendered ground operations almost im- possible, especially on heavy land. Take ad- vantage of every favourable opportunity to pro- ceed with the work, so that it may be completed by the end of February. Vacant ground should be thoroughly broken up and exposed to the in- fluence of the weather ; this is of great import- ance in the case of land on which small seeds are to be sown. Parsnips. — Ground intended for this crop having been trenched early in the winter, should be forked over on the first favourable oppor- tunity. Make the soil as fine and level as pos- sible, so that it will require little further prepara- tion beyond raking the surface with a wooden rake, before the drills are drawn. Parsnips should be sown as early in February as the state of the soil will permit, but it is better to delay sowing for a week or two than to trample on the ground whilst it is wet. Draw the drills at 18 inches apart, and sow the seeds carefully on a quiet day, as they are easily blown away by tit.' wind. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle they may be thinned to 6 inches apart; at the second thinning the alternate plants should be removed, thus leaving the crop 1 foot apart in the row. If exhibition roots are re- quired, pulverise the ground thoroughly, and, after setting the garden line, bore a number of holes at 18 inches apart. Fill the holes with fine soil, and insert three seeds at each station. When the seedlings are large enough, they may be thinned, leaving the strongest plant in the middle of each station. Slugs are often trouble- some to the young plants, but they may be kept in check by frequent dustings of soot and lime, applied in the early morning. Parsnip roots still in the ground should be lifted before growth com- mences and stored in a cool place. Cover the roots with fine soil to keep them plump. Asparagus. — The beds should be forked over as lightly as possible, taking care not to injure the crowns. Undecayed manure on the surface should be removed and dug into the alleys : this will lighten and enrich the soil for future top- dressing. As the work proceeds, some of the finest soil may, if necessary, be placed over the crowns, regulating the quantity by the amount of cover- ing already over them. When the work is fin- ished the crowns should not be lower than 6 inches from the surface, whilst the soil should be light and rich. Shallots and Garlic. — A plantation of Shallots should be made as soon as the soil is in a workable condition, choosing a light, sandy border. If drills are drawn 1 foot apart, the bulbs may be pressed into the soil and covered until the tops are just visible above the ground. Nothing more will be necessary until growth com- mences, when the soil between the rows should be lightly stirred with a Dutch hoe. Garlic should also be planted, allowing a space of 18 inches between the rows. THE APIARY. By Chloris. Seasonable Hints. — Owing to the wet, warm weather the bees have no doubt consumed a considerable quantity of food, for breeding will have begun. Where there is any doubt about an insufficiency of food soft candy should be given. Syrup must not be used yet, because it will stimulate the queen to ovipositing, and breeding must not be artificially encouraged. Place the cakes of candy under the quilts ; at the same time examine the latter to make sure they are dry. If they are wet replace them by dry ones, taking care to leave no gaping corners. If the roofs are leaky, make good the cracks, for damp- ness is the cause of dysentery. Choosing the Hive. — Everyone has ex- perienced a difficulty in this respect. No be- ginner should choose a double hive, as it is difficult for even an expert to manage, and its advantages are of a very doubtful character. Single hives, with double walls of the "W.B.C." type, will be found most useful, and give the greatest return per hive when carefully managed. Being double, the inner portion inhabitated by the bees remains drier than is the case with single-walled hives. The empty space between the two walls tends to retard the loss of heat by conduction, for air is a bad conductor. Simi- larly, the double walls tend to keep down the temperature in the very hot weather for the same reason. Preparation for the Spring. — It is a very good plan to wash all floor-boards with some disinfectant, such as Izal or Jeye's Fluid, in readiness for the spring cleaning, so that those in use may not only have a good scraping to rid them of the refuse which has collected during the year, but that they may also be disinfected before being used again. To keep bees in a healthy state, constant attention must be given to cleanliness. Those beekeepers who have no spare floor-boards would be well advised to make several at once before the busy season arrives. Many complain of their bees swarming just when the honey-flow is at its highest, but they never consider its cause. It may be prevented by giving more room, either above or below, and by more room I mean more breeding space. When the crowded hives are examined it will be found that all the frames are crowded with brood. To avoid this make extra brood chambers, to be placed under the full one, and to make sure of the bees working there find the queen and place her below in the new brood chamber, and over it place queen-excluder zinc. By making the brood chambers now much disappointment will be saved during the coming season, beside doubling the yield, for after the brood hatches the bets will fill the cells with honey, which can be extracted, and the drawn-out combs will be of great benefit at the end of the season if it be possible to secure driven bees, for they can quickly fill them with syrup, and thus be ready for the winter as early as the established stocks. Making a Start.— Those who are thinking of making a start with this fascinating hobby will be considering the site. Unfortunately many novices choose the wrong spot, and as a conse- quence give up because the bees are an annoyance to neighbours or passers-by. Choose a south or south-east aspect where there is good shelter on the north and east. Shelter may be formed by a wall, boards, high bank, or a good hedge. The spot should be one little frequented by passers-by, because vibration disturbs the bees at a time when they, need to be quiet. Further, during a lull in the honey-flow, persons moving about near hives cause the bees to become vicious. The ground in front of the hive should lie free from grass and weeds, because when returning heavily laden with honey and pollen, bees often fail just near home, where the cold soil or vegetation chills them and they perish. Grass and weeds form a good shelter for toads, the great enemy of the bees, for they eat all that come within their reach. Never allow hives to re- ceive the drip from trees. If a good thick layer of ashes be spread on the cleared ground it can be kept clean with the aid of weed killer or the flat hoe. If four stout, tarred stakes be driven into the ground, and four battens be nailed on them, they will provide a good level stand, to which the hives may be secured by ropes during stormy weather. 72 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 1. 1913. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be seat to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, tV.C. APPOINTMENTS. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1— Soc. Francaise d'Hort. de Londres meet. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3— Nat. Chrys. Soc. Ann. Meet. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4- Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. C. F. Ball, on " Plant Hunting in Bulgaria.") Hort. Club Ann. Meet, and Dinner. Scottish Hort. Assoc. meet. Roy. Inst. m-et. (Lecture by Prof. W. Bateson.) THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6— Linnean Soc. meet. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7- Roy. Gard. Orphan Fund Ann. Meet, and Election of Orphans at Simpson's Restaurant, Strand, at 3 p.m. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10— United Hort. Ben. & Prov. Soc. meet. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11- Roy. Hort. Soc Ann. m et. Roy. Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. W. Bateson.) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14— Roy. Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. Andrew Gray.) Finchley Chrys. Soc. Ann. Meet. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18- Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p m. by Miss Mason, on " Some Flowers of Eastern and Central Africa.") Roy. Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. W. Bateson.) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19- North of Eng. Hort. Soc. Ann. Meet, and Sh. at Leeds. Roy. Meteorological Soc. meet. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - Linnean Soc. meet. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21— Madras Agri- Horticultural Soc. Sh. (2 days). MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24- Surveyors' Inst, meet ; Ann. Dinner at 7 p.m. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28- Roy. Inst. meet. (Lecture by Mr. C. T. R. Wilson.) Average Mean Temperatuhk for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 39-5. Actual Tem fekaturks : — LoHDOR.— Wednesday, Januaty 29 (6 P.M.) Max. 46"; Min. 42". Gardeners' Chronicle Office. 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London —Thursday, January 30 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 296": Temp. 46°: II eather— Dull. Provinces.— Wednesday, January 29 : Ma».46° Bantry j Min. °42 Aberdeen. SAL.ES for the ensuing week. MONDAY and WEDNESDAY— Roses, Fruit Trees, Perennials, Bulbs, &c, at Stevens's Auction Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, at 12.30. MONDAY and FRIDAY— Herbaceous Plants and Hardy Bulbs, at 12; Roses, and Fruit Trees, at 1.30; at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Prothetoe & Morris. WEDNESDAY— Perennials and Herbaceous Plants and Hardy Bulbs, at IS; 2,217 cases Japanese Lilies, at 2 30; Trade Sale Miscellaneous Bulbs, at 11 ; Palms and Plants, at 5 ; at Protheroe and Morris's Rooms. THURSDAY— Special Sale of Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1 ; at Protheroe & Morris's Rooms. Sale of Greenhon e% Pining, Boilers &c, also Stock of Plants at the Nurseries, Hertford Road, Lower Edmonton, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. FRIDAY— Orchids by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45. The The problems which confront Progress the horticultural branch of of Horti- the Board of Agriculture are numerous, intricate and diffi- cult. They are rendered the more difficult owing to the fact that they have to be considered side by side and in relation with the problems appertaining to the de- velopment of the larger industry of agri- culture. To the uninitiated, horticulture may appear to be a mere annex or small branch of agriculture, and it is to be feared that to many people in positions of authority it connotes either the growing of plants in back-gardens or the cultiva- tion of precious shrubs and flowers in the luxurious conditions of wealthy establish- ments. The first essential is therefore that the Board of Agriculture should realise that horticulture is an industry of independent rank and of first importance ; that it is destined to take yet higher rank, and to vie in importance with and ultimately to surpass agriculture, and that therefore the interest of and problems appertaining to horticulture must not be so merged with those of the sister industry as to lose their proper individuality. A very brief consideration of the existing facts will suffice to show that the claims which are advanced on behalf of horticulture are not exaggerated. The horticultural histories of Holland, Belgium, Denmark and France prove that the cultivation of the future will be not agricultural but intensive cul- tivation— in other words that growers will tend more and more to discard their old methods and to adopt those of horticul- ture. The perfection of these methods has been brought about by growers work- ing on horticultural lines. Therefore, if the interests of horticulture are con- fided exclusively or mainly to men whose training has been purely agricultural the art of intensive cultivation will most assuredly make but little official progress in this country. These considerations lead at once to the conclusion that attached to each farm institute established in the counties there should be a horticultural depart- ment as an independent unit. If the amount of money be not sufficient for this to be done at the outset, counties in different parts of the country should be selected, and instead of, or side by side with, farm institutes, horticultural insti- tutes should be established. To select suitable counties for such institutes would not be difficult, for many of them are honourably distinguished already on acoount of the excellence of the work done by their several horticultural instructors. Working often with few facilities, and with miserably inadequate funds, theLse men have done good pioneer work and could be relied on to give an excellent account of themselves if provided with a larger scope and opportunity. Passing to other aspects of the work of the Horticultural Branch, we may infer that the large and important question of fungous and insect pests and the cognate question of a phyto-patho- logical State service of inspection and certification will be referred to the horti- cultural sub-department. The recent appointment of an entomologist and the announcement of the early appointment of additional assistant inspectors may be taken to indicate that this part of the functions of the horticultural branch will be prosecuted with thoroughness and vigour. There are indications also— which will be welcomed very warmly by the friends of horticulture— that the yet more important questions of cultivation are to engage the attention of experts on the staff of the Board. As we write, the selection of a chief inspector is under con- sideration. We take it that the first and main function of this officer will be the difficult and important one of making a horticultural survey of this country. Such a task— the purpose of which is excel- lent—will soon prove itself to be beyond the scope of any single individual, how- ever gifted he may be, and doubtless, in course of time, he will be provided with adequate assistance wherewith to carry out the survey. The problems connected with the culti- vation of fruit will be dealt with in three institutions. Two of these fruit stations — one in the west and one in the south- eastern counties — are in course of forma- tion. The third, which we believe will be in the eastern counties, is not yet estab- lished. We think that the north has a claim on the third station, and we should recommend the North of England Horti- cultural Society to bestir itself betimes. There is an undue concentration of funds for agriculture and forestry in the Univer- sities of Cambridge and Oxford, and, much as we respect these ancient seats of learning, we hope that the policy of con- centration will not be pursued further. To return to the duties of the chief Horticultural Inspector. The function of this officer is no doubt chiefly that of an observer and recorder. Where crops fail, he will be required to ascertain whether cultivation is at fault. It will not be his function to- bother about fungous pests, but to learn rather how plants of a given kind may be grown in spite of these enemies which prey upon all products of imperfect cul- tivation. Kew will serve, as we under- stand the proposals, as the clearing house for fungous and insect pests, and thither will be sent the specimens suspected of harbouring parasites inimical to culti- vated plants. Following after the survey must come, and, as soon as possible, an inquiry into the economic state and possibili- ties of small and intensive cultiva- tion. Not selfishness but patriotism makes us deplore the success which waits upon the efforts of Canada and Australia to attract our young men overseas. We have a suspicion that this country might serve equally well for the settlement of many of the youths who now emigrate, and if the horticultural branch could prove that our suspicion is well-founded it would do the nation a service of the greatest magnitude. Lastly, although we look with grateful and friendly eyes on the advances which the horticultural branch of the Board is mak- ing we do not disguise from our- selves that the horticultural edifice must remain quite incomplete and must forego its full measure of useful- ness until there be established at least one College of Horticulture which shall stand to this applied science as a univer- sity stands to pure science. To farm out horticultural problems to this or that specialist institute is all very well ; but horticulture needs and deserves more than this, namely, a College of Horticulture where each and every problem of purely horticultural import may be investigated, and in which the highest training in the various branches of horticulture may be given. It must be a college in which teaching and research go hand in ham', and one which young men destined for horticultural careers will attend, not for the purpose of learning snippets of science, but with the object of becoming good scientific growers. February 1, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE 73 Royal Horticultural Society. — The next meeting of the Committees will be held on Tues- day next, February 4, in the Vincent Square Hall, Westminster. At the 3 o'clock meeting of the Fellows Mr. C. F. Ball will deliver a lec- ture on " Plant Hunting in Bulgaria." Testimonial to the Rev. W. Wilks, M.A. —The fact that Mr. Wilks will shortly com- plete his 25th year of service as secretary of the Eoyal Horticultural Society was mentioned in these columns a fortnight ago. We now publish a communication issued by the Council explain- ing a movement that is on foot for marking the event in a satisfactory manner: "On February 11, as stated in the Society's annual report for 1912. the Rev. W. Wilks, M.A., V.M.H., will have served 25 years as secretary of the R.H.S., and it is thought by many of those closely associated with him in the Society that the occasion should not be allowed to pass with- out some recognition of the valuable service he has rendered during this long period. The hold that the Royal Horticultural Society has esta- blished on public confidence has led to a success which may well be described as phenomenal. This has been, in part at least, due to the labours of Mr. Wilks, and the Council have always felt that they might rely upon his tact, judgment, and resource to help them to meet the difficulties they have had to contend with from time to time. The result has been that a large body of Fellows feel anxious to take advantage of this opportunity to mark their appreciation of the services rendered to the Society by Mr. Wilks during a quarter of a century. This should take, they suggest, the shape of a testi- monial, subscriptions to which are not to exceed £1 Is. If you are willing to support the pro- posal, be so kind as to send your subscriptions to the Manager, London County and Westminster Bank, Victoria Branch. Victoria Street, West- minster, S.W., with the form and in the envelope enclosed. Cheques and Postal Orders should be crossed ' Wilks Testimonial.' Mr. W. A. Bilney, a member of the Council, has kindly undertaken the duties of hon. secretary, and all communications (except subscriptions) should be addressed to him at Temple Chambers, Temple Avenue, London, E.C." The invitation is signed by Sir Trevor Lawrence, president, and about 50 Fellow?. Horticultural Club. — The Rev. W. Wilks, M.A., will be a special guest of the Horticultural Club at the annual dinner on Tuesday next. English Oranges. — If it were not for the exhibits of English Oranges contributed every year by Messrs. Rivers & Son, horticulturists might imagine that Orange fruit culture has ceased to be practised in English hothouses. It is a fact that most of the old orangeries have fallen into disuse, or are employed for some other purpose than that for which they were built, but it can at least be said that Messrs. Rivers still make Orange fruit culture one of their speci- alities, and a number of English gardens likewise preserve this feature. Those who attend the annual dinner of the Horticultural Club on Tuesday next, will have opportunities of testing the flavour and sweetness of home-grown fruits for themselves, as we believe a gift from Messrs. Rivers' houses will form part of the dessert on that occasion. Those who have no knowledge of the free-cropping qualities that Oranges exhibit when forced in suitable condi- tions may be recommended to visit Sawbridge- worth when the trees are in fruit. Messrs. Rivers have a house, 60 feet long and 12 feet wide, containing 18 trained trees. The temperature in this house does not fall below 50°. and the fruits ripen from December to March. The yield from this house this season exceeded 1300 fruits. Ocean transit is now so easy and cheap that we import abundant supplies of Oranges all the year round, even in winter when most of the fruits are so inferior that one wonders how they can find appreciation, but in January, at any rate, it may possibly be found that the home-grown Orange is scarcely equaUed in the English market. The Flowering of the Almond.— The extraordinary precocity of the present season is shown by the flowering of the common Almond, which is always a fairly satisfactory index. The first flowers on a tree, situated in a favourable position in Wandsworth, five miles south-west of London, expanded fully on Saturday last, the 25th ult., being the first time in the past 11 years that any flowers have expanded in January. Previous dates for the flowering of this tree are : February 24, last year; March 11, 1911; March 12, 1910; April l,'l909; March 23, 1908; March 20, 1907; February 28, 1906; March 7, 1905; and March 21, 1904. Chrysanthemum Queen Mary. -Blooms of this beautiful white Japanese variety were sent recently by Messrs. R. F. Felton &Sons to Queen Mary, whose appreciation of the gift is described in the following letter : — " The Lady in Waiting is commanded by the Queen to thank Messrs. Felton, and ask them to kindly convey to Mr. Wells, of Merstham, Her Majesty's most grateful thanks for so kindly sending her the beautiful basket of Chrysanthemum blooms, which the Queen admires immensely, and greatly appreciates the kind thought." The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. — Mr. Leopold de Rothschild will preside at the 74th anniversary festival dinner on June 25 next in aid of the funds of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, of which he is a vice-president. National CHRYrANTHEMUM Society.— The annual general meeting of the members of the National Chrysanthemum Society will take place at Essex Hall, Essex Street, Strand, on Monday next, the 3rd inst., at 7 p.m. The Ghent Show. — The list of English Jurors for the Ghent Show in April next, pub- lished in our last issue, should have included the name of Mr. William Cutbush. The Bee and the Cinematograph. — Re- cently at the London Opera House, Kings way, an unusual feature was provided by a film illus- trating the life and habits of the honey bee. Mr. J. C Bee Mason, the expert who explained the details of the film, stated that he spent six weeks of close observation to obtain the picture showing a queen bee emerging from the cell. The stages from the hatching of the eggs until the breaking away of the perfect insects from the cells, after a kind of wriggling process, were all shown clearly and naturally, as were the gathering of nectar, storing of honey, and other details. Progressive Denmark. — The following extract, which is the more interesting in that it reaches us from the other end of the earth, the Philippine Islands [Agricultural Review, Decem- ber, 1912), is deserving of wide publicity : " In no other country in the world does the Govern- ment lend aid to its farmers as does Denmark. . . . A labourer who has worked on a farm for five years, and who has a character so good that two reputable farmers will certify to it, may obtain from one of the banks controlled by the Government a loan wherewith to purchase a farm of from 4 to 10jr acres. The amount loaned by the bank covers probably nine-tenths of the value of the farm." "The Botanical Magazine." — The issue for January contains illustrations and descrip- tions of the following plants : — Senecio stenocephalus, tab. 8472. — This species belongs to the section Ligularia, and is a native of Japan and Northern China. Speci- mens were collected by Mr. E. H. Wilson in one of his earlier expeditions, but the plant which provided the material for the Botanical Maga- zine plate was collected in Northern China by Mr. Purdom, also on behalf of Messrs. James Veitch & Sons. Maximowicz in describing the plant, speaks of the presence of only one ray- flower in each head, and Mr. W. Botting Hems- ley, in a note in Gardeners' Chronicle, Septem- ber 16, 1905, p. 213, refers to this peculiarity, which, however, is apparently not constant, for those shown in the Botanical Magazine figure have from four to five ray-florets, and Mr. Hutchinson in the accompanying text states that they number from one to five. The plant is a very strong-growing subject, and, like others of the genus recently introduced from China, it is suitable for planting on the banks of streams or in the wild garden, where bold effect i are desired. Rosa sertata, tab. 8473. — We are also in- debted to Messrs. Veitch for the introduction of this new Rose. It was found by Mr. Wilson whilst plant-collecting in China for that firm, and the Kew plant was raised from seeds sent home by him. The species is closely allied to R. Willmottise, but it is much larger in all its parts. R. sertata develops long, slender shoots, which arch gracefully, and produce, in mid- June, a profusion of rose or rosy-purple flowers. The fruits also are richly coloured, whilst the foliage is finely cut and of a very dainty appear- ance. Clerodendron Bakeri, tab. 8474. — The Clerodendrons are favourite indoor plants, and C. Bakeri promises to be a useful addition, as it is stated to be a very decorative plant when well grown. Being a native of West Tropical Africa, it needs a stove treatment. Specimens at Kew, grown in a tropical stove, flowered in March. The inflorescence is a many-flowered cyme, of long, tubular, white flowers. Amorphophallus corrugatus, tab. 8475. — This species was discovered by Dr. A. F. G. Kerr in Siam, at 5,000 feet altitude. Both the spathe and the spadix are very ornamental : the former is hooded, green on the outside, mottled with white at the base, and has purplish margins. The appendix is corrugated, and the ovaries a purple colour, these being determining charac- ters. Aster Purdomii, tab. 8476. — The Asters pro- vide many excellent garden plants, and, judg- ing by the picture of this new Chinese species, it should prove a desirable acquisition. The flowers and flower-stalks are a pale-violet colour. The capitulum is about 2£ inches across, and the flower-stalks about 6 inches long. The species was collected by Mr. Purdom in Shensi, North China. The plant is perfectly hardy, and makes an excellent subject for the rock-garden. Nesting-box Exhibition. — Nesting boxes, which the Selborne Society's Bird Sanctuary's experience has shown to be an improvement on the usual Continental type, have found consider- able favour with English bird -lovers, and an exhibition has been arranged by the Brent Val- ley Bird Sanctuary Committee, from to-day. (February 1) to the 15th, at which the tried fiims and new designs may be seen, as well as other apparatus connected with the attracting of birds. It will be held in the offices of the Selborne Society at 42, Bloomsbury Square, London. 74 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE [February 1, 1913. The Rainfall of 1912. -The records of the rainfall in 1912, contributed by correspondents in various parts of the country, will be read ■with / more than usual interest. At Hill House Gardens, Harrow Weald, Middlesex, the total rainfall for the year amounted to 28.83 inches, which is 3.40 inches above the average for the past 20 years. On 220 days a measurable quantity of rain was recorded. April was the driest month, when there was only .07 inch. In August, rain fell on 26 days, the total amount for the month being 5.52 inches. At Rosemundy Gardens, St. Agnes, Cornwall, rain fell on 225 days, the total rainfall being 41.90 inches. The four wettest months were March (5.05 inches), June (4.82 inches), August (7.46 inches), and December (6.14 inches). Mr Frankish states that at Waltham Hall Gardens, near Grimsby, the year's rainfall was 32.67 inches, compared with 25.41 inches in 1911. June and August were the wettest months, when 4.59 inches and 4.24 inches fell respectively. On August 26, 1.36 inch was recorded. April was the driest month, when only 0.48 inch fell. Mr. Wilmot Yates, Rotherfield Park Gardens, Alton, states that the rainfall was by far the heaviest recorded for many years past, and amounted to 49.88 inches. On September 29, 2.20 inches fell. August, with 8.29 inches, was the wettest month, whilst March, with 5.79 inches, June (5.34 inches), and December (6.29 inches), were also unusually wet. Rain fell on 203 days. Records compiled by Mr. E. Matthews, at Ardtornish Gardens, Morvern, Argyle, show that rain fell on 252 days, as compared with 240 days in 1911. The total rainfall for the year measured 83.63 inches, which is in excess of 1911 by 3.11 inches, and of the average for the past three years by 8.86 inches. > May was the driest month, with 2.98 inches, and December the wettest, with 14.83 inches. There were 15 days each with a fall exceeding 1 inch, and on one of these, Sep- tember 3, there was a fall of 2.27 inches, of which 1.70 inch fell in five hours. The most pro- longed drought lasted 18 days, from September 16 to October 2 inclusive. Mr. W. R. Roberts, who forwards the records taken at Bailrigg Gar- dens, near Lancaster, states that 3.68 inches more rain was recorded than in 1911, and there were 39 more wet days. The total rainfall for the year was 45.63 inches, and this quantity fell on 229 days. At Davenham Gardens, Malvern, rain fell on 209 days. The greatest fall in the 24 hours was on January 17, when 1.10 inch was recorded. August was the wettest month, with a fall of 8.73 inches, and April the driest, with only 0.13 inch. The total rainfall for the year amounted to 37.79 inches, compared with 21.23 inches in 1911. Mr. G. Bentley, Shugborough Gardens, Stafford, gives the total rainfall in those gardens as 36.74 inches. August was the wettest month, when 6.46 inches fell. On each of 243 days 0.1 inch or more was recorded. The rainfall at Dyrham Park Gardens, Barnet, exceeded that of 1911 by 5.60 inches. The heaviest rainfall oc- curred during a thunderstorm on the afternoon of July 23, when 2.81 inches fell in about 130 minutes, or from 1.15 p.m. to 3.27 p.m. Febru- ary 3 was the coldest day, when 24° of frost were registered. Records compiled by Mr. James B. Allan, Osberton Gardens, Worksop, show that the hottest day was July 12, when the thermo- meter registered 89° in the shade, and the coldest day January 3, when there was 25° of frost. The heaviest rainfall occurred on August 26, when 1.17 inch of rain was recorded. April was the driest month, with only two rainy day6 and a fall of 0.16 of an inch. In August the rainfall amounted to 5.26 inches. There were 192 rainy days, and the total rainfall for the year amounted to 32.61 inches, or 13.24 inches more than in 1911. The year's rainfall at Greenhill Gardens, Warminster, amounted to 40.96 inches. Rain fell on 184 days; the heaviest fall in 24 hours was on September 29, when 1.10 inch was recorded. April was the driest month, with only 0.09 inch, which fell on two days, the 8th and 9th. The four wettest months were August (5.83 inches), March (5.72 inches), June (5.35 inches), and December (5.35 inches). Mr. S. R. Ceofts, Borough Meteorologist, Bridlington, sends the following details. Rain fell on 211 days, the total amount being 31.21 inches, an in- crease over 1911 of 4.77 inches. There was less sunshine by more than 413 hours. The greatest rainfall was on May 22, when 1.60 inch was re- corded. The average rainfall for the past five years at Bridlington is 27.81 inches. At Lowther Castle Gardens, Westmorland, the year's rainfall amounted to 35.46 inches. Rain fell on 215 days. December was the wettest month, with 4.54 inches, but August was almost as wet, the record for that month being 4.53 inches. There were 27 rainy days in December. Mr. W. A. Cook sends the following particulars from Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham, Sussex. The total rainfall was 37.83 inches, and the number of rainy days 192. In August, 7.91 inches were recorded. The wettest day was September 29, when 1.87 inch fell. More than 1 inch of rain also fell on October 28. April was unusually dry, the rain- fall totalling only .8 inch. Inheritance in Apples.— The study of in- heritance in our cultivated plants has made, dur- ing the last 15 years, a remarkable advance, but, very naturally, this has been principally in an- nual plants. The fruits which are generally grown in this country take many years to reach fruiting age, and results from them are, there- fore, slower. For this reason, special interest will be aroused by the recently-published Bul- hi in* of the New York Experiment Station by Professors Hedrick and Wellington, in which the results of crosses of Apples made in 1898 and 1899 are discussed. Our knowledge of descent in the Apple has, so far, been based entirely upon the knowledge of cases where but a few seeds have been raised from one cross, and it is unnecessary nowadays to emphasise the necessity for large numbers before any worthy deductions can be drawn. It is in this respect that the paper under consideration marks an advance. A considerable number of certain crosses were made, and these should give pause to those who think that in such cases a certain number of " rever- sions " to a crab-like fruit will be found. In the whole series no crab-like fruit appeared. The case of the cross Esopus x Ben Davis may be taken as typical. Of this, 29 seedlings have fruited ; two of this number resembled Esopus in all characters and two equally reproduced the other parent, Ben Davis. The rest were an ad- mixture of the characters of the two parents in varying combinations. Though some fruits are markedly smaller than either parent, no fruit could be called "Crab-like" in the more elastic use of the term. The discussion of Mendelian in- heritance is, of course, but of little value till a second generation is raised, but one lesson" can be learned, and that a very valuable one, and it is that a large number of any one cross will probably give the desired admixture of characters. The self-sterility of most Apples is now well known, and it is interesting to note that in two varieties — Hubbardston and Baldwin — where some self- fertilised seed was procured, the plants were of unusual weakness of growth, and in the case of the latter fruit a very large number perished in the seed-bed from fungous attacks, &c. We are glad to note that the authors deal a blow at the * New York Agricultural Experiment Station. Geneva. Bulletin 850; June, 1912. idea, so sedulously propagated by some American nurserymen, of pedigree cultures of certain varie- ties of fruits, the argument being that if a specially fruitful and vigorous branch appear on a tree, stock raised from it will show such characters in perpetuity. The authors consider all such differences to be the result of environ- ment only. Enough has been said, we trust, to show the important character of the paper under consideration. The further development of this work will be awaited with interest. A Bacterial Disease of Pisum sativum. — A short preliminary note on a new bacterial disease of the culinary Pea (Pisum Sativum) was read at the meeting of the Royal Society on January 23 by Miss D. M. Cayley. The fact that the disease is transmitted in the tissues of the cotyledons of the Pea shed is of interest. From the cotyledons the organism spreads into the young growing plant and into the soil. The disease is likely to prove a formidable one from an economic point of view. The organism caus- ing the disease is a large, rod-shaped bacillus, which has been formed in large numbers in the intercellular spaces and cells of the cotyledons. It has also been found distributed more or less throughout the whole plant — in the young radicle, the collar, the phloem cambium medul- lary rays, and occasionally in the pith of the stem, in the parenchyma of the vascular bundles of the pod, in the loose cells on the inner sur- face of the pod, and in the funicle. It was Mig- fested that the organism gained access to the cotyledon through the micropyle. The general sympComs resemble those of the formidable " Streak " disease of Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus). Streaks appear at the base of the petioles. These streaks dry out and split open. The stem becomes discoloured and rather water- soaked in appearance, the plants look generally unhealthy, and the yield is considerably reduced. In bad cases the collar may be very much disor- ganised, and the plant dies. The percentage of germination of the seed is also reduced. From various reports received by Prof. Bateson, the disease seems to be widely spread. It has caused considerable damage in the experimental plots at the John Innes Horticultural Institution at Merton for the last two years. A similar orga- nism to the one above described has been observed in, and isolated from, the stem of King Edward VII Sweet Pea, which was suffering from a bad attack of " Streak," and, in view of these obser- vations, the author has considerable doubts as to whether Sweet Pea Streak Disease is, as it is commonly held to be, due to Thielavia basicola. Further investigations are in progress. Herbage Studies: Hydrogen Cyanide in Plants. — Professor Armstrong, Dr. E. F. Armstrong and Mr. Horton have communi- cated to the Royal Society an interesting and valuable paper on the occurrence of hydrogen cyanide in fodder plants. The communication, which is a continuation of their previous studies, shows that the variety of Lotus corniculatus. previously held to be free from cyanide, con- tained, in fact, a minute trace of this substance. They have shown also that White Clover— like Lotus corniculatus — is a cyanophoric plant — that is, one which contains hydrogen cyanide, and they prove that, whereas the wild form is always possessed of a certain amount of cyanide, the cul- tivated form is destitute of that substance. The authors cited have, moreover, continued their studies of herbage plants in other directions, and are inclined to believe that the biochemical variations which occur in herbage plants are responsible for the very different values for fattening purposes that different pastures are known to possess. They hope in the coming summer to put this interesting hypothesis to the test of experiment. February 1, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 75 The Progress of Husbandry. — In his note on this subject (Gardeners' Chronicle, Janu- ary 4, p. 14) B. P. B. falls into an error in assuming that Mr. Middleton omitted, from his presidential address to the Agricultural Sec- tion of the British Association, reference to the work of Mackintosh of Borlum. The error is traceable to the fact that, although our report of Mr. Middleton's address was a fairly full one it was, by the nature of the case, by no means complete, and among the portions which were omitted was the reference to Brigadier- General Mackintosh, the reputed author of An Essay on Ways and Means for Inclosing, Fallowing, Planting, <£-c, Scotland, and that in Sixteen Years at farthest, by a Lover of his Country. Mr. Middleton's reference to this work and its reputed author is so sympathetic and complete that we give it in full, at the same time taking the opportunity of recommending all those of our readers who are interested in the history of husbandry to obtain and peruse the except Harte and Adam Dickson, and he had obviously studied all the more important works published in England in the previous century, lie argues that since the Union, Scotland had not made progress, and that, while extravagance had spread and necessaries greatly increased in cost, no attempt had been made to learn good rural economy from the English. He points out that until they improve their estates Scottish lairds cannot hope 'to emulate English land- owners. He counsels fallowing and inclosing, and recommends that skilled English labourers should be brought to teach English methods. He indicates where the best workmen might be obtained. Men from Devonshire for denshiring (paring and burning) ; men from Cambridge- shire for draining ; men from Hertfordshire for ploughing ; from Hereford for fruit planting ; and from Shropshire for hedging. He estimates that six hundred and forty men would be re- quired for Scotland. A ' regimental number,' he facetiously remarks, but a welcome regiment, Fig. 37. — begonia "julius": colour of flowers, rose-pink. reprint of the address issued by the British Association, Burlington House, London, W. " Of all old books on agriculture this is, to me, the most interesting. The anonymous writer is believed to have been Brigadier-General Mackintosh of Borlum, one of the Rebel Leaders of 1715, who fell into the hands of the English at Preston, was imprisoned in Newgate, and sentenced to death. But this Highlander was not to be held by English gaolers. With some of his comrades he overpowered the prison guard and made good his escape. The Essay was written, its author informs us, in ' my Hermitage ' — supposed to have been a cell in Edinburgh Castle — and the writer remarks that he can give no better reason for his work ' than other Enthusiasts do, the Spirit moves me.' Assuming ' A Lover of his Country ' to have in- deed been Mackintosh of Borlum, the prisoner employed his enforced leisure to great advan- tage. He displays more familiarity with the classical authors than any of his predecessors, or for that matter than any of his successors, for they would be armed only with spade and shovel ! He would apportion a group of these men to every county in Scotland and place them under the guidance of County Supervisors. ' And if I might have my wish,' he says, ' we should not go on by Halfs, and all Europe should be quickly disabused of the Reproach they load us with of Idleness and Poverty.' In another pas- sage he prophesies that ' Scstland from one of the poorest, ugliest, and most barren Countries of Europe, is, in a very few Years, become one of the richest, most beautiful and fertile Nations of it,' and who would now assert that the old rebel's prophecy has not been fulfilled? Other objects requiring the attention of the Scottish Improver of 1729 were Land Tenure and Educa- tion. Our author urges upon landowners the folly of a system of tenure which demands ser- vices from their tenants, and which affords the occupiers no incentive to improve their farms, and he advocates leases not only in the interests of the lairds themselves but in justice to the farmers. Mackintosh was an enthusiastic edu- cational reformer ; he animadverts on the unsuit- able instruction offered in rural schools and ex- plains how easily it might be improved. Their Scottish schoolmasters knew Latin ; why should they not translate passages from Varro, Columella, and other writers which boys might read? For the use of Charity Schools in remote parts the ' learned Mr. Buddiman ' should be employed ' to translate and compendize ' the works of Cato, Palladius, and others. Why, he asks, should not one day a week be set aside for the discussion of agricultural subjects, so that country boys might ' dispute on points of Husbandry or breeding or fattening Cattle ' ? And why should those advanced pupils, who read Greek and Latin authors, have unsuitable text-books placed in their hands? Might not the chaste Hesiod and the useful Varro sup- plant such works as those of Sappho and Ovid ? And why send so many dunces to the university? Let able lads go there by all means, but for the sake of fashion why spend the family income on educating one son at college and neglecting the others? From the school ' A Lover of his Coun- try ' turns to the kirk. Much might be done if ministers fallowed or enclosed their glebes, and used their pulpits to enforce lessons of thrift and honest dealing. Then, like Blith, he ap- peals to the universities. ' And certainly,' he says, ' the learned Masters of our Universities are too well acquainted with the Ancients not to know that Agriculture was the first Care of all Legislatures ' ; and he continues : ' Natural Philosophy was acquired and attained to by those that laboured the Ground and sowed Seeds, saw their different Ways of Propagation, planted and transplanted Trees, Herbs, Roots, found what ground produced this best, what that, and left their well demonstrated experiments to their eons and posterity ; they were the very first Philosophers. . . To be sure Natural Philoso- phy was the first, and the sagacious Husband- man the first Philosopher ; as the wandering Star-gazing Shepherd or Herdsman was the first Astronomer.' " Hand-list of British Lichens. — Students of the Lichens will be glad to have a list of the plants of this group which occur in the British Isles. Such a list has been compiled by Mr- A. R. Horwood on behalf of the Lichen Ex- change Club, and may be obtained, post free, Is. Id., from Messrs. Dulan & Co., 37, Soho Square, London. In general respects the list follows the nomenclature and order adopted in the British Museum monograph of the group. A Gardeners Long Service. — Mr. William Chuck, gardener at Brodsworth Hall, Doncas- ter, is retiring after 42 years service. During his long stay at Brodsworth, Mr. Chuck has been gardener to four members of the Thellusson family. BEGONIA "JULIUS" AS A BASKET PLANT, This late autumn and winter-flowering Begonia, raised by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., a few years ago as the result of fertilising a semi- double, white summer-flowering tuberous variety with the pollen of B. socotrana, is very valuable for baskets during the winter months. The plant is robust and free growing, and furnished with soeotrana-like foliage. The flowers are produced in clusters of five to seven, which are raised well above the foliage. They are from 2 to 2j inches in diameter, double, and of a pleasing delicate shade of rose-pink. The variety received an Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1911. Our illustration is reproduced from a photograph taken at Messrs. Veitch's Nursery on December 17 last. The plant was grown from a cutting taken in the previous August. 76 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 1, 1913. THREE FAMOUS GARDENERS. In the accompanying illustration we present a group of three gardeners whose proud boast it is that they served as young men at Heckfield Hall, Hampshire, at that time the residence of Viscount Eversley, one of the leading patrons of gardening. Messrs. Tillyard and Wildsmith, who in turn directed the operations in the Heckfield gardens, were amongst the most strict disciplinarians of the day, and represented a type which for good or for ill has almost passed away. It may be held by some that many of the gardeners of half a century ago were often un- necessarily severe and insistent upon the obser- vance of nice points relating to temperature, shading and watering. Their anxiety to main- tain the plant and fruit houses at a given tem- perature, no matter what conditions prevailed out-of-doors, may not appear justifiable in the present state of our. knowledge, but in the old days of longer hours of work and lower wages, even, than now prevail, the insistence upon such details was often considered inseparable from first-class cultivation. In other respects the effects of strict discipline were by no means un- satisfactory. Weak men were crushed by the rigid, unyielding rules, but many of the strong who passed safely through the ordeal exhibited of Mr. Speed to compete at the exhibitions. This longevity and fruitfulness have been brought about by occasional lifting of the roots and renovation of borders, aided by the most careful pruning. Mr. Speed is no less success- ful in the culture of hardy fruits, as a visit in August last would have convinced anyone. Natural flower-gardening is one of the delightful features of Penhryn, and amongst the many exotic and tender plants which Mr. Speed has planted with consummate taste in the flower gar- den and pleasure grounds, he can point to extra- ordinary fine specimens, and call to mind the conditions which attended the planting opera- tions. The new Bamboo garden, which he has designed and planted, is already a great suc- cess. Indeed, we can recommend Penrhyn Castle Gardens to our readers as amongst the finest and most interesting in the whole of Great Britain. Mr. J. H. Goodacre is, in the opinion of most gardeners, the champion fruit-grower and exhibitor. During the past 35 or 40 years he has taken more prizes at first-class exhibitions than have been won by any other man within memory or record. Our own columns have testified, indeed are always testify- ing, to the successes achieved by Mr. Goodacre, who has directed the Earl of Harrington's garden HOME CORRESPONDENCE WILLIAM CRUMP. WALTER SPEED. J. H. GOOD \CRE. afterwards qualities that go to make the best men. The members of the small group in our illustration are amongst the best known, the most skilful, and most highly respected of British gardeners, and from information in our possession we know that in each case Messrs. Crump, Goodacre and Speed attribute such quali- ties as they possess to the hard training they received, and, like all veterans, are apt to regret that the conditions of life to-day do not admit of the younger men in the gardening world ob- taining the advantages of a similar regime. They have served their employers for periods of 30, 33, and 49 years respectively, and each has re- ceived from the Royal Horticultural Society the Award of the Victoria Medal of Honour. Mr. Walter Speed, of Penrhyn Castle Gardens, North Wales, is one of our best Grape-growers, and bis skill shows itself not in raising short-lived vines and cultivating them by market- garden methods, and so impoverishing them by excessive cropping that they have to be renewed in the course of a few years, but in quite the opposite: direction. The vines which Mr. Speed found growing in several of the vineries at Pen- Thyn Castle 49 years ago are still flourishing and bear every year full crops of Grapes of first-rate quality and perfect finish, such as would delight the public if it were the practice at Elvaston Castle for so long a period. His son, the present gardener at Moulton Paddocks, is now writing one of our weekly calendars, and bids fai: to attain success as remarkable as that which his father has achieved. Mr. William Crump is likewise best known as a fruit-grower, his name being associated with the well-known Melon Blenheim Orange, and the new dessert Apple W. Crump. During the time Mr. Crump was at Blenheim Palace a great deal of successful exhibiting was done, and amongst honours won were the prizes offered by the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers and Messrs. Webber, of Covent Garden. For the past 35 years he has controlled Lord Beauchamp's- gar- dens at Madresfield Court, and has been largely engaged in the raising of hardy fruits and other trees for estate planting and for forming per- manent orchards in a co-operative scheme exist- ing between the landowner and his tenants. It would be interesting to learn how many of the gardeners of this country holding posi- tions in royal and other first-class establish- ments have received part of their training under one or other of these veterans. Take Mr. Speed, for instance. Great indeed must be the number of men who have come under his genial influ- ence during the 49 years he has been engaged in gardening in North Wales. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.} Carnation Propagation (see pp. 7, 39, 59). — I quite agree in every detail as to the methods of propagating Carnations given by correspondents, but am of the same opinion as Mr. Coates that very few loots are formed within four weeks. I propagated a batch of Carnations by the method that is referred to, and up to the present time there is no sign of roots. They were inserted on January 6, making it three weeks to the present time. George A. Aggett, Coombe Court Gar- dens, Surrey. 1 agree with Mr. Coates's remarks in the last issue. But few varieties are sufficiently rooted to permit their removal from the pro- pagating pit under four weeks. Lady Alington is one of the earliest to form roots from cuttings, and they are not developed in a shorter time than from 24 to 25 days here. Although the cuttings may root a day or two quicker in sand, it is my experience that when rooted in a suitable mixture of soil they form roots and grow much more rapidly after being potted into 60's than those rooted in sand. A. Carvell, Hackwood Gardens, Basing- stoke. It is possible to have cuttings of Per- petual Carnations ready to pot off in 14 days after they are inserted. A batch of the variety Countess of Lathom was so treated here this season. More than once I have found cuttings rooted in 11 days. Get the right sort of cut- ting, and few plants will be found so easy to root as the' Perpetual-flowering Carnation. Even leaves root freely, but, of course, they make no top growth. But "eyes" do; these are short pieces of stem with two leaves, and they root quite as freely as ordinary cuttings. The dominant bud in the axil of one of the leaves soon grows and forms a plant. It. P. Brotherston, Tyning/iame Gardens, Prestonkirk. We grow a quantity of Tree Carna- tions. The cuttings are inserted in 3 inch pots, and placed in a propagating case, having a bottom heat of 70°. A few of the cuttings form roots in 14 days, but the majority are a much longer time before they are fit to be removed from the propagating case, and placed in a light house, where air can be admitted. //. Millward, Foreman, Ingestre Gardens, Staff's. It may interest Mr. Coates to know that Carnation cuttings may be rooted in so short a time as 10 or 11 days. This is my ex- perience repeatedly. It is commonplace know- ledge that the cuttings will root in 14 days. My earliest experience of rooting them in 10 days was about 18 years ago, the variety being Miss Joliffe. The cuttings were obtained fix m a friend, and as those of my own cultivating to ;k quite a month before forming roots, I investigated the cause. The cuttings given me were superb examples, being clean, young and full of vitality. Their rooting in 10 days was as great a sur- prise to myself as to the friend who sent them, for, curiously enough, though an excellent culti- vator, he could not root them much under 28 days. In the circumstances I wondered whether those cuttings had benefited by a change of air. The time was January, the districts con- cerned Norfolk and Middlesex. Since that ex- perience I have frequently rooted cuttings in 11 days, the most recent instance being in Septem- ber, 1912, when some 400 shoots were rooted and ready for potting in the time stated. Curi- ously, of some three dozen other cuttings of the same variety obtained from older plants that had been cultivated differently, inserted beside the larger batch at the same time, scarcely one rooted under two months. Here, then, was an interesting problem, though one not difficult of solution, since all the circumstances were within my own knowledge. The quick-rooting batch of cuttings came from young, unflowered plants, and were fresh as the proverbial Daisy. The tardy-rooting ones were from old plants twice flowered, then slightly cut back. Obviously, the unflowered stock plants are a great advantage in time-saving. There are other factors of almost equal importance. The growing of the stock plants in the same temperature as that in which the cuttings are destined to be propagated savours very much of orthodox methods. It is, however, a mistake. Cuttings grown in a lower temperature and in cool, well-aired houses February 1, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 77 are to be preferred, and, if from unflowered plants, a thousand times so. Certain pro- pagators of Carnations write glibly enough about the size of the cutting, how to make it, the exact position on the old flowering stem such cuttings should occupy, and other minor details, but none of them say anything about the most important detail of all, the vitality of the cut- ting itself. In Carnation propagation there is nothing of greater importance than this. E. H. Jenkins, Middlesex. Lenten Roses. — Although, from their name, these Hellebores might be expected to defer their flowering period until a later season of the year, they are now in full bloom in sheltered gardens in South Devon, at a time when the later varie- ties of the Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) are still in flower. The Christmas Rose, however, re- fuses to hybridise with the Lenten Rose. Lenten Roses are less particular in their cultural require- ments than Christmas Roses, and in the late Mr. Archer-Hind's garden, in which a very varied and charming assortment of Lenten Roses flourished to perfection, Helleborus niger has entirely died out, though often reintroduced and tended with the same care that the noted proprietor bestowed upon all his flowers. Shelter is indispensable for the Lenten Rose, as cutting, frost-laden winds soon play havoc with the foliage, which is far more delicate than are the leathery leaves of Helleborus niger. This was exemplified during the severe weather that marked the opening months of 1895, when, in exposed sites, every leaf of the Lenten Roses was blackened by the frost, the flowers, which did not expand until the milder weather came, being entirely without foliage. Many of the named varieties of the Lenten Rose are lovely flowers, the petals of some being puiv white, while in others they are delicately spotted with minute purple-red dots. There are attrac- tive Continental varieties, but better seedling forms have been raised by the late Mr. Archer- Hind, who has devoted many years to the hybri- disation of these plants. Much damage is often done to the plants when in flower by mice, these pests destroying the buds by hundreds, and wholesale trapping is the only remedy for them. When the flowers are required for indoor decoration, the bloom-stems should be split up into four sections to a height of an inch, and then immediately placed in water. If this be done, the blossoms retain their freshness for many days, whereas if the stalks are merely cut in the ordinary way, they are unable to absorb sufficient moisture, and the flowers quickly fade. Wyndhwm Fitzhcrbert, Devon- shire. The Corsican Pine (see pp. 462, vol. Hi, 28, 45, 59). — In the recent correspondence on this subject there is one point that I think has not been sufficiently emphasised, namely, the great importance of getting seed from hardy forms, local races, and individual trees of the species to be planted. I ven- ture to think that if planters made a rule to have trees raised from seed procured in the more northern habitats of the kinds used they would be able to revise their opinions of some of the trees which now have a- bad name. While residing in British Columbia I noticed that the Douglas Fir grew in drier and more exposed positions than Thuya gigantea or Picea sitch- ensis, and also far less often died when the forest was thinned by lumbering. Perhaps it is southern seed that is responsible for the many bedraggled Douglas Firs we see in England. H. E. S. Ripened Wood (see pp. 28, 60).- Mr. Small does not understand me, and he has also failed to convince me by his further remarks on the subject. Perhaps he has discovered the diffi- culty of demonstrating the value of one factor v.-here several contribute to failure nr success. He now, however, asks "Is not the 1911 crop sufficient evidence that ripe wood is of second- ary importance? " If Mr. Small gives it a second place my discussion with him is ended, for this is in strange contrast to " absolutely nothing " to which I at first objected. But to explain further, my contention is that 1910 was the most normal season in the past seven years as regards moisture and sunshine, and whether or not Mr. Small lays the stress on the former that I do on the latter element, both assisted to produce and mature good growth. While not contending anything for the future, these conditions give the best promise. I do not know exactly what is meant by a green and sappy state at this time of year ; thei e is surely a correct medium between " too hard and ripe " and this state of Ihings. It is well known that fruit-wood, even in a wet season, particularly of trees in the open, becomes well ripened. If this seems to be begging the question, it is nevertheless a fact. The wood here is in fine condition, partly due, perhaps, to the light nature of the soil and a gravelly sub- soil. Even Cherries and Currants on north walls complete and mature' their growth with the aid of air and a certain amount of light only. Higher class fruit such as Apricots and Peaches would occupy many a north wall if they were known to succeed as well. It may interest Mr. Small to learn that nearly 200 trees here are thinned with saw and standard pruner only. To the question, why cut away the wood nature has provided, I would reply : if the unnatural operation of pruning trees in winter for considerations of space or ornament is carried out, amends have to be made in summer by the removal of un- natural growth caused thereby. I find, how- ever, these trees compare favourably with those saw-pruned of equal size, in cropping qualities. After all, variety, more than the question of pruning, governs" the filling of the fruit room. ./. TAsnry, Berwick House Gardens, Shrewsbury. LAW NOTES. UNDEVELOPED LAND DUTY. The decision of the referee, Mr. Howard Martin, P.P.S.I., in the case « I Jackman & Son v. The Commissioners of Inland Revenue (see p. 46) has been issued. The proceedings were insti- tuted by Messrs. Jackman & Son against an as- sessment in regard to undeveloped land duty, charged in respect of certain nursery grounds situated at Woking, Surrey. The Commissioners only proposed to allow four acres as developed land, upon which had been erected sheds and greenhouses, out of a total of 180 acres. Mr. Howard Martin's award states that the area of land allowed as developed by the Commissioners is sufficient. OVERHANGING TREES. A resident at Streatham answered recently to an adjourned summons at the South- Western Police Court, at the instance of his next-door neighbour, for having damaged trees, two Syca- more and a Lime, growing in that gentleman's back garden. Defendant confessed to cutting away the branches which extended into his garden. Mr. de Grey : You sawed off the top of the Sycamore tree? It did not grow into your gar- den. Defendant : Two pieces did. Mr. de Grey said if the defendant wanted to clip the trees he should have confined his atten- tion to the branches extending into his garden. He had no right to go an inch over his neigh- bour's fence. He would have to pay 7s. 6d. damage and 7s. 6d. costs, 15s. in all. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. Januaby 21.— Present: Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A. (in the Chair); Canon Fowler, Messrs. J. W. Odell, J. O'Brien, R. Hooper Pearson, A. Wersley, G. Wilson, A. W. Hill, G. Gordon, W. Hales, and F. J. Chittenden (hon. sec). Dendrobium fuscescens. — Mr. O'Brien showed a specimen of this curious species with brown flowers from the Himalayan region. It is figured in Griffiths's Icon. 1 'hud. Asiat., t. cccix, and belongs to the section included by Lindley in his genus Sarcopodium (see Lindley's Folia Orchid- arum), along with D. Ccelogyne, D. amplum, and D. rotundatum. Lindley considered the genus Sar- copodium intermediate between Dendrobium and Bulbophyllum, but later botanists have divided it, putting some of the species in Bulbophyllum and some in Dendrobium. It may be noted that the technical descriptions published of the species describe two orange spots on the column, but there are really three colours, one of them being quite low down. Apples with many or no pips. — Mr. Chitten- den showed specimens of the Apples, to which ha had previously referred, having more than two seeds in the carpellary cavities. The variety Duchess's Favourite had, as a rule, in the past season four seeds in each cell, and in one case five had been found. This is remarkable, as the num- ber in the wild types is practically constantly two, a fact which has been used as a basis for the separation of the genera Pyrus and Cydonia. Like many other points of distinction between species and even genera, this would appear not to be abso- lute. He also showed specimens of an Apple sent him by Mr. P. C. M. Veitch, of Exeter, called " No-Pip," which was reputed to form no seeds, although the Apple was perfectly developed. Those exhibited had only the merest rudiments of seeds. Galls on Poly podium sp. from the Gold Coast. — Mr. W. H. Patterson sent specimens of the fronds of a Polypodium galled along the edges of the pinnae, and somewhat crested through the attacks of a species of Eriophyes. Mites belong- ing to this genus are well known as exciting the development of galls on all sorts of plants, and one, E. pteridis, and another, unnamed, are de- scribed as causing galls on the margins of fronds of Pteris aquilina in South Europe. Mr. Pat- terson finds the mite to spread but slowly among Ferns at Aburi. Early-flowering Ash. — Mr. E. E. Turner sent from Coggeshall an example of an early-flowering species of Ash which had been identified as Fraxi- nus angustifolia. It always flowers in January, and is conspicuous by reason of the brigb*- colour- ing of the flowers, for. Henry believes tms to be the very rare variety holotricha. BRIGHTON, HOVE AND SUSSEX HORTICULTURAL. January 16. — The annual meeting of the above society was held on this date. Mr. Thomas Billing occupied the chair. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. The latter showed a deficit of £38 3s. 7d., which has been temporarily met by an advance from the bank. Mr. Balchin stated that the subscription list is greatly superior to that of last year, and the support re- ceived from the members themselves has been such that the committee look forward with con- fidence to the coming year. The Chrysanthe- mum show was a splendid one, but the reduction in the price of admission caused a loss of about £20. It had been suggested that the summer show should be dropped, but Mr. Balchin's opin- ion was that the society should support two exhibitions. Alderman Jeremiah Colman was appointed president ; Mr. Billing, treasurer ; Mr. Balchin, chairman ; Mr. Frank Wollard, vice- chairman ; and Mr. Gaston, secretary. As a mark of confidence of the members in the com- mittee, it was re-elected en bloc. LIVERPOOL HORTICULTURAL. The 34th annual meeting of this society was held, recently in the Common Hall, Liverpool, Mr. W. Mercer in the chair. The annual re- port stated that the spring, summer and autumn shows of 1912 were all successful, each exhibition maintaining its high prestige for the excellence of the exhibits. The balance sheet shows a loss of £45 Is. Id. on the year's working. The officers were elected. The Lord Mayor of Liver- pool was appointed president; Mr. Loo Thom- son, hon. treasurer; and Mr. Harold Sadler, secretary. BRITISH GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. (EDINBURGH BRANCH.) January 20. — A meeting of the Edinburgh branch of the B.G.A. was held on this date, when a paper was read by the branch president, Mr. W. H. Morland, of the Royal Botanic Gardens, on "The Gardener." Mr. Morland stated that all professionally-trained gardeners should support an association which consisted entirely of skilled horticulturists, and the British Gardeners' Asso- ciation is the only one society of that characti i at present existing in the British Isles. The next meeting will be held on the 17th inst., when a paper will be given by the secretary, Mr. James Harris, on "The. Embellishment of a few of London's Public Parks and Gardens." 78 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 1, 1913. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. (ANNUAL MEETING.) The Results of the Election were recorded in our last issue. January 23. — The 73rd annual general meet- ing of subscribers to this institution took place on the above date at Simpson's Restaurant, Strand. Sir Harry Jas. Veitch, chairman and treasurer, presided. The report of the commit- tee and balance-sheet for 1912 were read by the secretary, Mr. G. J. Ingram. These were as fol- low : — REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE. The Committee have the pleasure to present their 73rd annual report, together with a statement of the several accounts (as audited) for 1912. For 74 years the Institution has maintained the work for which it was founded, with increasing benefit year by year to those deserving applicants who have been eligible for its assistance in their necessity and distress. P*o less a sum than .£142,000 has been disbursed in relief since ita foundation, and in the last year a sum of £4,413 was ex- pended in affording permanent assistance alone, being .£67 more than in any other year in the history of the Insti- tution. At the beginning of 1912, 252 persons—men and widows- were in receipt of life annuities of £20 and £16 a year reapeotively. Of their number 'i% have died during the jear— 12 men and 10 women. Four of the men left widows, whose circumstances and needs, being such as to render them eligible to succeed to the widow's allowance, were at once placed on the in ds in succession to their l»ie hus- bands, and without election, under Rule 3, 13. Thus, at the close of the year there were 234 annuitants on the funds. And to this number it is proposed to add by elec- tion this day 20 candidates from an appioved list of 67 applicants, which will increase the list of beneficiaries to 254, being the largest number there will ever have been on the funds of the Institution. This fuither liability neces- sarily entails some anxiety, especially at a time when the charitable public are met with additional claims on their benevolence, but the Committee feel their subscribers will justify this liberal action and not let the Institution suffer in any way for want of funds to maintain this truly genuine work. It is gratifying to the Committee to be able to again report that the Victorian Kra Fund and the Good Sama- rian Fund bave rendered invaluable services in helping applicants in distressed and necessitous circumstances. The Victorian Era Fund assists those who have them- selves been subscribers to the Institution and who are anxiously awaiting election; the Good Samaritan Fund grants assistance, as far as its means allow, to all appli- cants (horticulturists or their widows) who need its aid and whose cases, on investigation, prove worthy of help. The good accomplished by these two funds cannut be over- stated, and the Committee again commend them to those 1 1 lends who have it in their power to augment financially their usefulness. It is only the interest from the funds which is available for distribution. The 73rd anniversary festival dinner, held (by kind permis- sion of the Worshipful Court) at the Grocers' Hall, London, was a very great success, Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., J. P., D.L., V.M.H., presiding, and nearly 2aQ ladies and gentlemen being present. The Committee tender to Sir Jeremiah Colman their very grateful thanks for his elo- quent advocacy of the claims or the charity on the occasion and for his munificent personal contribution to its funds. They would take this tppoitunity also of expressing their thanks to those gentlemen who acted as stewards and collectors; to the donois of flowers and those who kindly arranged the floral decorations; to the horticultural Press for their gratuitous and valued cooperation, and to other friends who in any way assisted to ensure the success of the annual festival. It is with much gi<*titude the Committee again acknow- ledge the kindness of those noblemen, ladies and gentle- men who have thrown open their beautiful gardens to the public on behalf of the funds of the Institution, amongst whom were;— The Rt. Hen. Fail Beaucbainp, Madiesfiela; Lord Northbourne, Betteshanger ; Lady Battersea, (J\ei strand; Sir p'rank Crisp, Bart., Henley; E. J. Wythes, Esq.. Epping. Sincere thanks are also given to W. A. Bilney, Esq., J. P., the honorary solicitor, for legal services, and to Messrs. Thos. Manning, J. Willaid, and Bert J. Monro for their kind gratuitous services as auditors. The Committee have also aga.n to acknowledge the kind- ness of the " George Monro, Ltd.," Concert Committee for devoting a share of the proceeds from their well-known and successful annual concert for the benefit of the funds. The several auxiliaries have been a source of invaluable holp during the past year, and have been well maintained. Special hearty thanks are tendered to the following honorary officers for their services and kindly interest, which is so much appreciated: — BRISTOL AND BATH. President*. i Hon. Treasurers. I Hon. Secretaries CoL H. Gary Batten | | Mr. Geo. Harris. Rt. Hon. Earl B«au- champ, K.C.M.G. WORCESTER John White, Esq. I Mr. Percy White. DEVON AND EXETER. I Mr. W. Mackay. I Mr. W. Mackay. C. T. Mander, Esq., Mr. Geo J.P. WOLVERHAMPTON. Bradley Mr. Geo. Bradley BERKSHIRE, Mrs. Rowland Sper- I ling. READING AND DISTRICT. Arthur W. Sutton. I Mr. L. Oastle. Esq . , J . P . , V.M.H, LIVERPOOL AUXILIARY. The Rt. Hon. the | Mr. A. J. Crippen. I Mr. R. G. Water- Earl of Derbv, man. K.G. | I The Committee are also grateful to Messrs. Sherwood. Sut- ton and Monro, who gave special contributions for unsuc- cessful candidates, which proved so beneficial to the recipi- ents; they would also express their best thanks to Mr. N. N. Sherwtod for his kind " Sherwood Commemoration Gift " of £500, which will be invested and form a fund to create a perpetual annuity of £20. The Committee are very glad to be able to acknowledge the distinction of knighthood bestowed upon their trea- surer and chairman, and to recognise the generous donation of 300 guineas to the funds from Sir Harry and Lady Veitch " in recognition of the honours conferred upon horticulture." The Committee have to tender their cordial thanks to the directors of the recent great and successful Royal Inter- national Horticultural Exhibition for their kindness in voting two-thirds of the balance of the profits remaining after all liabilities have been discharged to the Institu- tion. It is hoped that the funds will be considerably augmented from this source. The Committee have to record with deepest regret the deaths of Mr. H. E. Tillman, a valued colleague who served for many years on their board, and who bequeathed to the Victorian Era Fund £100; Mr. Thos. Swift, who had acted as an auditor for a long period; and Mr. W. A. Garaway, hon. treasurer of the Bristol and Bath Auxiliary since its inauguration. The names of these gentlemen will live in the memories of the friends of the Institution, whilst their kindly interest and services will be greatly missed. Further sad losses of subscribers and supporters during the year are, amongst others, those of Lord Llangat- tock, a vice-president and chairman at the annual festival dinner in 1901; Herbert J. Adams, Esq., J.P., also a vice- president; H. F. Tiarks, Esq., a lifelong subscriber, who bequeathed £100 for investment to continue his annual subscription; Messrs. C. K. Wild (a subscriber for 45 years) H. F. Dickins, Alex. Dean, V.M.H., W. Fyfe, J. Condie. Edward Sawyer, John Astridge, and others. The places of these warm-hearted and generous friends it will indeed be difficult to fill. In concluding this brief summary of the year's work, the Committee very earnestly commend this National Hor- ticultural Charity — the only one of its kind in the United Kingdom — to the generous consideration of all lovers of gardens and gardening, the purest of all human pleasures, for a larger measure of support to enable the Institution to extend a helping hand to those toilers in their distress and need who have given of their best for the pleasures and necessities of others. (Signed) HARRY J. VEITCH, Treasurer and Chairman of Committee, GEORGE J. INGRAM, Secretary. The chairman, in proposing the adoption of the report, referred to several of the more im- portant items in the year's work. He laid special emphasis on the fact that, although there were 67 applicants for permanent relief and the claims of each applicant had been carefully examined and passed by the committee, still the financial resources of the institution only permitted them to recommend 20 of the candidates for election that day. He pointed to the fact that, nearly half a century ago, the late Dr. Lindley had stated in the Gardeners' Chronicle that there must be something like 10,000 gardeners in this country, and only a very small proportion of that number ever contributed to the funds of the in- stitution. Sir Harry Veitch was afraid that the proportion had not greatly increased since Dr. Lindley's statement was published. Yet, for reasons alike of self-interest and charity, profes- sional gardeners might be expected to come for- ward in large numbers to the support of the Benevolent Institution, which was the only one of its kind, and was perfectly national in its scope. V. He referred to several liberal patrons whose deaths during the year had to be mourned, and begged that other enthusiastic helpers would come forward to fill the vacancies. In spite of the facts already mentioned, a review of the year's work brought considerable satisfaction to those who had laboured for the results obtained. At the commencement of 1912 there were 252 pensioners receiving full benefit, and, in addition, 42 others were helped by allowances from the "Victoria Era Fund, and 41 by grants not exceeding £5 from the Samaritan Fund. Thus, 338 cases received assistance during the period under review. Amongst unexpected donations, Sir Harry Veitch referred to a sum of £500 contributed by Mr. N. N. Sherwood to commemorate the fact that he THE GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.— BALANCE SHEET, 1912. Dr. £ 1,135 2,830 £ a. d To Balance .. .. — ,, Amount on Deposit „ Amount on Deposit " Wolfe " Legacy and Interest .. .. 1,069 „ Annual subscriptions .. .. 1,240 12 6 „ Donations at and in consequence of Festival Dinner, including sptcia! gift from N. N. Sher- wood, Esq 3,220 7 9 „ Legacy from the late Henry F. Tiarks, Esq. 100 0 0 „ Royal Horticultural Society for "Schroder" Annuity .. .. 20 0 0 „ Dividends and interest .. .. 894 1 6 „ fteturn of Income Tax .. 50 16 9 5.525 a .d. 8 8 0 0 £10,560 9 8 By Annuities and Gratuities, includ- ing special gifts from Messrs. Sherwood, Sutton, and Monro ,i Expenses of annual meeting and election „ Rant, firing, lighting, &c, includ- ing salaries of Secretary and Clerk ,, Printing and stationery, includ- ing reports, polling papers, ap- peals, *c .£139 9 1 Less advertisements 46 2 6 A s. d. Or. £ s .d. 4,413 15 6 9 IS 4 610 0 10 Postages, reports, polling papers, appeals, &c Advertisement in " Fry's Chari- ties " Carriage, telegrams and inciden- tal expenses Collection boxes Deputation expenses Bank charges .. .. „ Post Office telephone Expenses of Festival Dinner Less dinner charges 93 6 7 50 17 1 3 3 0 16 12 4 1 1 14 0 3 300 8 0 251 9 6 779 19 1 6 10 0 Investment of " Tiarks " legacy Placed on deposit Placed on deposit, " Wolfe " legacy and interest Placed on deposit, " Sherwood " commemoration gift for inves- ment Balance with the Treasurer .. 1,136 3 10 Balance with the Secretary .. 16 3 11 48 18 100 0 2,480 0 2 1,069 500 1,152 £10.560 9 8 " Required to meet quarterly payments, due January, 1913. We hav« audited the accounts of the Gardeners Royal Benevolent Institution as set forth in the Balance-sheet, also verified the securities deposited with the bankers, and, having obtained all the explanation required, we report that we found the books in order, and, in our opinion, the Balance-sheet is properly drawn, showing a true and correct account of the Institution affairs. THOMAS MANNING. BERT J. MONRO. January 20, 1918. J. WILLARD. VICTORIAN ERA FUND.— BALANCE SHEET FOR 1912. Da. To Balance, January 1, 1912 „ Donations „ Dividends „ Return of Income Tax.. £ s. d. .550 219 14 8 14 13 10 £ b. d. 142 17 9 239 13 6 £382 11 3 By Gratuities ,, Balanoe in hand, December 31, 1912 GOOD SAMARITAN PUND.-BALANCE SHEET FOR 1912, Dn. £ e. d. To Balanoe, January 1, 1912 .. „ Doi.ations 63 13 0 .. Dividends 133 18 8 „ Return of Income Tax .. .. 8 3 10 £ 351 8. 6 d. 2 205 15 6 £557 1 8 By Gratuities ,, Balance in hand, December 1, 1912 Ce £ s. 225 15 156 16 d. 0 3 £382 11 3 Cb £ 6. 212 18 344 3 d. 4 4 £557 1 8 January 20. 1913. Audited and found correct. THOMAS MANNING. BERT. J. MONTtO. . J. WILLARD. February 1, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 79 had completed 50 years of association with bhe firm of Messrs. Hurst & Son ; a pensioner for the Sherwood memorial pension had been selected by Mr. Sherwood. It was a matter of common know- ledge also that the directors of the Royal Inter- national Horticultural Exhibition were going to give to the Benevolent Institution two- thirds of the balance from the exhibi- tion, after discharging all liabilities, and it was proposed that the sum should be invested for the maintenance of a pensioner, who would be known as the International Horti- cultural pensioner. Referring to the festival din- ner of last year, Sir Harry Veitch spoke in ap- preciative terms of the kindness of Sir Jeremiah Colman, who presided on that occasion. It was proposed that day to elect Sir Jeremiah Colman a vice-president of the institution. He had very great pleasure in announcing that Mr. Leopold de Rothschild had consented to preside at the next festival dinner, and it was interesting to recall the fact that it was 25 years ago that Mr. Roth- schild filled the chair on a similar occasion. The auxiliaries had worked hard and successfully, and the committee felt a large measure of in- debtedness to all who had helped the work rf the auxiliaries in the provinces. The chairman's motion was seconded by Mr. William Iceton, and accepted with unanimity. The meeting then proceeded to the re-election of officers. Sir Harry J. Veitch was re-elected treasurer on the proposition of Mr. Arthur Sut- ton, seconded by Mr. R. Ballantine. Sir Harry Veitch, in accepting the office, stated that it was his 27th year as treasurer, but, so long as he felt able to carry out the duties of that office, he would find his greatest pleasure in the work. Mr. George Munro proposed the re-election of Mr. G. J. Ingram as secretary, and, after Sir Harry Veitch had seconded the resolution, it was adopted unanimously. Several members of the committee were re-elected, and Mr. Mash, Covent Garden, was elected in the place of the late Mr. H. E. Tillman. The auditors and arbitrators were also re-elected. Scrutineers were appointed for the ballot, and the election was proceeded with, the results of which were printed in our last issue. THE FRIENDLY SUPPER. In the evening a number of the supporters of the institution assembled in the same hotel on the occasion of the annual friendly supper. Sir Harry J. Veitch presided. Amongst the speakers to the various toasts were Sir Harry Veitch, Mr. W. A. Bilney, Mr. J. Hudson, Mr. E. Sherwood, Mr. P. C. M. Veitch, Mr. Percy G. White, and Mr. L. Castle. It was announced by the chairman that Mr. George Monro had kindly given the sum of £10 towards a pension for the unsuccessful can- didate, William Greenshields. (0bttuavi>. M JL R K E T S. COVENTRY CHRYSANTHEMUM. January 23. — The annual meeting of the above society was held on this date, Alderman A. H. Drinkwater, J. P., presiding. The presi- dent, on behalf of the society, handed to Mr. E. Ford a medal for his honorary exhibit at the recent show. The income for the year amounted to £189 5s. 9d., and the expenditure to £132 Is. 2d., leaving a balance of £57 4s. 7d. About £12 more was spent in prizes than in the previous year, and but for this addi- tional expenditure the result would have been a record one. The president congratulated the society upon its continued success. Alderman Drinkwater was re-elected president, Alderman Batchelor treasurer, and Mr. G. Griffin secretary. The committee was re-elected with one or two alterations, with Mr. S. 0. Beaumont as chair- man and Mr. A. Scott, vice-chairman. It was decided that the next exhibition should be held on November 6, 7 and 8, 1913. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mr. T. H. Roberts, for the past 4J years Foreman at Thornes House Gardens, Wakefield, as Gardener to W. H. Haslam, Esq., Odkleigh, Burnley, Lancashire, (Thanks for Is. for R.G.O.F. box.— Eds.) Mr. R. T. Law, for 2 years head of the Alpine department to the Earl of Lonsdale, Lowther Castle, Penrith, as Gardener to Miss A. Smith, Rhine Hill, Stratford-on- Avon, Warwickshire. Mr. Robkrt Anderson, for 4 years Gardener to Colonel Mirehouse, C.M.G., at Baugeston, Angle, as Gardener also to the same gentleman at The Hall, Angle, Fern- broke. A. Ryall. — It is with regret that we reoord the death of this promising young gar- dener, who died whilst returning from a plant- collecting expedition in Colombia, on be- half of Messrs. Mansell and Hatcher, Ltd. Mr. Ryall, who was only 27 years of age, had secured a large and interesting consignment of Orchids, but he died on board ship when within three days of England and was buried at sea on January 16. Deceased was engaged for some years in the nursery of Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., and he also served under Mr. G. Hunter at Chilliiigham. William Shearer. — We legret to record the death of this gardener, which occurred at his home at Upper Tooting on the 17th ult. in the 77th year of his age. To many, especially in the south, his name is little known, but there was a time when the name of Shearer was a house- hold word in connection with gardening, more particularly in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, where his brothers held responsible positions. In 1862 Mr. Shearer left Trentham Hall to take charge of the gardens at Dover House, Roe^iamp- ton, then owned by Viscount Clifden, where he remained for four years. In 1866 he was recom- mended by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons to a Government position in India, where he re- mained for a period of 25 years. ENQUIRIES AND REPLIES. Mice in the Garden. — In reply to G. 11'., the following method of trapping mice in the garden should be tried : — Procure an old drum or bucket which holds water and cut two holes in it, one on each side, exactly opposite eat !i other and 5 inch from the top rim. Insert a light, round stick, to which is affixed a wooden roller about 5 to 6 inches in diameter, through the holes. Nail roasted cheese on the roller and Fig. 39. — device for trapping mice. then fill the drum or bucket with water to within about 2 inches from the roller. Dig out a hole in the garden where the mice frequent and plunge the drum or bucket to about £ inch above the stick, so that the roller may revolve easily. The mice will walk along the roller for the bait, and, in their efforts to secure it, will tumble into the water. F. E. Cottrell, Lympne Castle Garden*, Hythe. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending January 29, 1913. The heaviest fall of snow as yet this winter.— This was, on the whole, a warm week. On three consecutive days the temperature in the thermometer screen rose to 50°, and on the warmest night the exposed thermometer did not fall lower than 38°. The ground is, at the present time, about 1° warmer than the average, both at 1 foot and 2 feet deep. In the middle of the week, however, the temperature at 1 foot deep was 4° warmer than is seasonable. Rain fell on three days, to the total depth of three-quarters of an inch. About a third of that quantity was due to snow, which, at 9 p.m. on the 22nd, covered the ground to the average depth of 3 inches — making this the heaviest fall of snow recorded here as yet this winter. The snow, however, on the ground, was gradually melted by rain which came after, so that by the following morning the whole of the snow had almost entirely disappeared. During the week four gallons of rain and melted snow came through the bare soil percolation gauge, and three gallons through that on which short grass is L.Tjwnii;. The sun shone on an average for 43 minutes a day, which is 1 hour 5 minutes a day short of the mean daily duration for the same period in January. The sun shone brightly for 5 hours on the 26th, but on five other days no sunshine at all was recorded. The wind was high in the early part of the week, and in the windiest hour the mean velocity reached 18 miles— direction W.S.W., but after- wards calms and light airs alone prevailed. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by 3 per cent. E.M,t Bcrkhamstcd, January 29, 1913. COVENT GARDEN, January 29. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnisned to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several ot the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations, h must be remembered that these quotations do nor repre- sent the prices on any particular day, but only tha 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 tunes in one day. — Eds.1 Cut Flowers, Ac: Average Wholesale Prices. Arums (Kichardias) Azalea, per dozen bunches Bo u v ar d i a, per dozenbunches, white and coloured Camellias, white, per dozen Carnations, per dozen blooms, best American varieties — smaller, per doz. bunches — Carola (crim- son), extra large — Malmaison, p. doz. blooms; pink Chrysaniuemums : — white, per dozen — — per dozen bunches DaftodiK per doz. bunches : — Uoiueu Spur... — Sir U akin ... — Hemy Irving... — Victoria — Prmceps Euchaiis, per dozen ... Free^ia, white, per doz. bunches. .. Gardenias, per box of 15 and 18 blooms Liliuiu auratuin, per bunch — I o n g i riorum, per doz., long — — short — 1 an c if o 1 i um alba, long — — short s.d. s.d. 3 0-40 2 6-30 16-20 12 0 15 0 8 0-10 0 3 0-40 4 0- 5 U 3 0 5 0 — 3 0-36 2 6-30 2 0-26 6 0-80 3 0-36 2 0-26 16-20 13-16 s,d. s.d. Lilium speciosum i ubriiin, p. doz., long 16-20 short ... 10-13 Lily ot the Valley, per dozen bunches: — extra special ... — special — ordinary Mignonette, per doz. bunches- Orchids, Cattleya, per doz. ... 15 0 — — C y p i ipedium 2 0-30 — Odontoglossum crispurn Pelargoniums, p. dz. bunches, Double Scarlet 6 0-80 Roses, 12 blooms : Lady HillingdonS 0-4 0 12 0-15 0 y 0-10 0 6 0-80 3 0-40 4 0-50 — Liberty — Madame A. Chatenay — Nipheios — Richmond Spir«ea(Astilbe) ia- ponica, per dz. bunches Tuberose, p. doz. blooms, long... short Tulips, per dozen bunches ; double red ... orange pink — red — white — >ellow — bronze — pink Violets, Princess of Wales, per dozen bunches — Anemone ful- geris 3 0-60 8 0 — 16-20 3 0-60 6 0-60 13 - 0 10- 1 0 10 0-12 0 10 0 12 0 10 0-12 0 5 0-60 6 0 — 7 0 — 5 0-60 8 0-90 16-20 2 6-30 Guernsey FlowerB: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Narcissus : Narcissus : _ boietl d'Or ... 1 6- 2 0 _ Henry Irving... 2 0-26 — Grand Primo 16-19 Gioriosa ... 16-19 — Pnnceps ... 1 6- 2 0 — Poeticus — 4 0-50 French Flowers : Average Wholesale Prices s.d. s.d. Anemone, double pink, per doz. 16-20 Lilac, white, per bunch - ... 3 6-40 — mauve 4 u- 6 0 Marguerite, yellow, per doz. bncbs 19-20 Mimosa, pr. bunch 0 9-10 Naic;ssus, Paper Whiie, pr. pad, 48 bunches 6 0- — Soleild'Or,p.pad5 0- Ranunculus, per doz. bunches : — Baibaroux — — double scarlet — yellow — bronze — carmine Roses, Safrano, pkts. of 24 blms. Violets, per pad ... — Parma, large, bunches, each s.d. s.d. 4 0-50 8 0-90 8 0-10 0 10 0-12 0 6 0-60 16 19 8 0-40 I 0 — Out Foliage, Ac: Average Wholesale Prices s.d. s.d. A d i a n t u m Fern (Maidenhair), best, per doz. bunches Agrost i s (Fairy Grass), per dz. bunches ... 2 0-40 A spaiag u s pln- mosus, long trails, pi-.^doz. 16-20 — medium, doz bunches — Sprengeri Berberis, natural, per doz. bnchs 6 0-70 12 0-18 0 10 0 12 0 3 0-40 Carnation foliage, doz. bunches... Croton foliage, var- ious, dz bchs, Cycjs leaves, arti- hcial, per doz. Eulalia japonica, per bunch Moss, gross bnchs. Myrtle, dz. bchs. ( En gl i s h), small-leaved... — French Smilax, per bunch of 6 trails s.d. s.d 3 0- 12 0-15 O 3 0-12 0 10-16 6 0 — 6 0 — 1 0 — 10-13 Plants in Pots, ftc. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Azalea, white t the light. No growths should be allowed to develop after midsummer, or in positions where they cannot be exposed to sun and air. The points of the side shoots should be pinched with the thumb-nail before the shoots attain 8 inches in length, and they will afterwards, if the vine is vigorous, stretch out to 2 or 3 feet. One bunch only should be left on each lateral growth, and if the vine is weakly it should not be allowed to bear much fruit. After the buds have started growing, the house will need ventilation on all favourable occasions, com- mencing early in the morning before the tem- perature rises more than 1° or 2°, allowing it to rise to 80°, and closing the ventilators sufficiently early in the day to keep as high a temperature as possible without exceeding that figure for as long as daylight lasts. During the summer 10° higher for a short time will do no harm up to the time the Grapes commence to colour. It is important not to open the ventilators so wide at one time as to seriously lower the temperature of the house. If the" roots are under proper control, the border should be sprinkled with freshly- slaked lime now at the rate of one peck to a perch. About three doses of a concentrated manure should be applied during the growing season, the first before the flowers open and the last when the berries commence to colour. The border should never be allowed to bee ..me very drv under the surface. A light mulching of stable manure is beneficial during a hot summer, and should be applied after the border has become warmed by the sun. Grub in Apple Tree: M. C. The grub is the larvae of the Leopard moth, Zeuzera /Eseuh. If other burrows are observed in the Apple trees push a piece of stiff wire into the tunnels to kill the grubs. Iris siylosa : G. M. The damage has most probably been caused by the larvae of one of the Nocture moths, perhaps that of the Cabbage moth, Mamestra brassicse. The in- . sects feed at night, and should be sought for with a lantern. Mushrooms : Tori. The unhealthy condition of the Mushrooms is due to the presence of a fungus (Hypomyces perniciosus). Try drench- ing the soil with a solution of nitrate of pot- ash, employing 2 ounces of nitrate in 1 gallon of water. If this does not check the disease, remove all the materials of the bed and start afresh. Names of Plants: J. B., Falfirld. Correa speciosa magnifica. — H. C, BedhiU. 1, Phil- lyrea latifolia ilicifolia ; 2, Berberis japonica ; 3, Pieris japonica ; 4. Skimmia japonica ; 5, Cupressus Lawsoniana lutea ; 6, Cassinia ful- vida; 7, Ligustrum lucidum ; 8, Pinus excelsa. — H. B. 1. Cupressus macrocarpa lutea; 2, Cassinia fulvida ; 3, Cupressus Benthamiana arizonica ; 4, Abies nobilis. — II'. T. Odonto- glossum constrictum ; 2, Oncidium prajtextum ; 3, Dendrobium moniliforme ; 4. Ccelia triptera. — /. A. Forfar. Ornithogalum lacteum (you can obtain bulbs from most of the large bulb merchants). — Foreman. Cypripedium Leeanum (an ordinary variety). — G'. 8. P. H. 1, Eran- themun. pulchellum ; 2, Sempervivum arbo- reum ; 3, Asparagus mvriocladus ; 4, Si'laginella Martensii ; 5, Selaginella Wildenovii ; 6, Coleus (garden variety). Vine Roots : W. W: The injury is due to the soil being too wet ; the drainage should be examined with a view to increasing its efficiency. Communications Received.— J W., Britwe'l— J. L — . W. R. C._ Wermhite_W. W., Newcastle_F. J._R. P. S. _W. P._A. B._G. M W. M W. H. Y C. S. F._ P. & Co._H. B P. E. L VV. K., Austria— S. & Sons— F. B J. B. R Dr. K. S., Germany— H. S. T W. R. D. _W. J. T., Jamaica— R. A. D., Cambridge— L. K._ L. G. _ M. A. K — G. W., South Africa— O. S L. F. P J.T. _Hix_E.H.\V., U.S.A G. T., Versailles. UJ o o feU 5^ P-. K O H (/I O Q J <: « O « O Z W Q 55 « W X H S5* W a W > U H < w tn D O K I w S S P Febbcabx 8, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 81 THE ^itrbeuers'CbronicIc No. 1,363— SATURDAY. February S, 1913. show American notes- National flower at New York App'es with more than 10 seeds „. lienies, a bountiful crop of Z Birds, the food of Books, notices of — Makers o f British Botany Small Landholders' Handbook ... „. Calamhes, two new Cliveden, Buckingham- shire „_ Corsican Pine, the ._ Florists' flowers — Collerette Dahlias „. Perpetual - flowering Carnations ™ Sweet Peas— foreign correspondence- No;es from Southern Italy ... Fruit trade, the ... Fruit wood, ripened Gardeners, three famous "Geo. Monio" concert Heiedity and mutation... Leaves, the loss of water by - ... CONTENTS. Lobelia Etinus floribunda Obituary- Martin, John McDonnell, Patrick . Nicholas, John... Ross, John Webb, Edward Piiuaula Allionii Rainfall in 1912 Rosary, the— Cultural hints for February Societies — Manchester and North of England Orchid ... National Dahlia Royal Horticultural ... Scottish Hort Tea industry, lectures on the Traces of bygone civil- isations „ Veitch, Sir Harry, French honour for Week's work, the— Flower garden, the ... French garden, the ... Fruits under glass Hardy fruit garden, the 89 Kitchen garden, the ... Orchid homes, the ... Plants under g'ass ~ 81 ILLUSTRATIONS. Cliveden, Buckinghamshiie, views in the gardens at 82, 83, 84 King, Mr. David, portrait of 89 Odontioda Madeline var. Prince of Orange 92 Primula Allionii growing on the Maritime Alps S5 Webb, Edward, portrait of the late 94 MAKERS OF BRITISH BOTANY.* TWO years ago a course of 10 lectures was delivered in the University of London on the subject of " British Botanists." The course aroused consider- able interest, and as a consequence it was decided to publish the substance of the lectures in book form. To this decision the volume under review owes its origin. The work entailed in preparing it has been borne by Professor Oliver, who has car- ried out a difficult and onerous task with conspicuous success. It has included the provision of a considerable number of biographies, which, on account of exigen- cies of time, could not be included in the series of lectures. Thus the work which Professor Oliver has discharged has consisted in convoying without loss the writings of no fewer than 18 con- tributors to the offices of the Cam- bridge University Press. When it is re- membered how difficult is the task of pro- curing even one promised contribution from a colleague, surprise will be felt that Professor Oliver has contrived to bring his work to completion in the rela- tively short time of 18 months. The British botanists whose biographies are included in the volume are Robert Mori- * Makers nf British Botany ! a Collection of Biographies by Living Bo anists. Edited by F. W. Oliver. F.R.S. \ nnbridge University Press.) 1913. pp.332. 9E.net. son (born 1620), John Ray (1627), Nehemiah Grew (1641), Stephen Hales (1677), John Hill (1716), Robert Brown (1773), Sir Wil- liam Hooker (1785), the Rev. J. S. Henslow (1796), John Lindley (1799), William Griffith (1810), Arthur Henfrey (1819), William Henry Harvey (1811), the Rev. Miles Berkeley (1803), Sir Joseph Gilbert, of Rothamsted (1817), William Crawford Williamson (1816),' Harry Marshall Ward (1854), and Sir Joseph Hooker (1817). To this list must be added the names of the Edinburgh professors from 1670 till 1887— James Sutherland, the Prestous, Charles Alston, John Hope, Daniel Rutherford, Robert Graham and John Hutton Balfour — whose biographies are contributed by their distinguished successor, Professor Isaac Bayley Balfour. Few botanists will be inclined to deny the title of any of these adepts :n their science to a place in this national dictionary of distin- guished botanists ; but at the same time many will deplore with the editor the omission from the list of the names, of Knight and Bentham. Lindley, who was a fine judge of intelligence, re- garded Bentham as the ablest botanist of his time, and Knight deserved inclusion not only on account of his contributions to pure science, but also because he was one of the very few botanists— and among them the greatest — who has contributed to our horticultural knowledge of plants^ Other names of men who have done good service also occur to the mind as worthy of inclusion in this volume, and we wel- come the assurance offered by Professor Oliver in the introduction to this work that " such omissions . . . have not been deliberate, and that it will no doubt be possible to repair them should a second edition of the work be called for." A perusal of the volume convinces us that the occasion for reparation will not be long delayed, and the remarkable ex- cellence of the biographies which it con- tains makes us the more impatient to see men like Knight and Bentham dealt with in a similarly admirable manner. The present-day botanist who takes up this work will turn naturally to those pages which are devoted to his favourite " hero." For he is, indeed, an ungenerous spirit who does not cherish a measure of hero-worship for the pioneer of the path which he follows. We have adopted a similar course — dis- carding for the. occasion the assumption of catholicity dear to the reviewer, and adopting a method of fractional analysis. The botanists whose biographies we have read are those of physiological proclivities — with the immortal Stephen Hales at their head. The volume emerges triumphantly from the test, and. indeed, we have never read a more charming brief account of a great man than that written by Sir Francis Dar- win on the subject of Hales. This is not the occasion to review the contributions of Hales to vegetable physi- ology, but we cannot resist the temptation to quote a few lines from the biography, since they show — what is generally evident in this series of memoirs — that the writer is possessed of the twin gifts of insight and sympathy without which biographies are as dead as their subjects : — "There is in Hales's writing a limpid trustfulness and simplicity unconsciously decorated with 18th century words and half-rusticities, which give it a perennial charm, and inasmuch as I desire to repre- sent Hales not merely as a man to be re- spected, but also to be loved, it will be as well to give what is known of the personal side of his character before going on to a detailed account of his work." Equally conspicuous as illustrations of the fine art of biography are Sir William Thiselton-Dyer's account of the life and work of Marshall Ward, and Professor J. B. Farmer's appreciation of Robert Brown — facile botanicorum princeps, Britanniae gloria et ornamentum. The older generation of horticulturists will be glad that Professor Oliver has in- cluded Lindley — for so many years the dis- tinguished editor of this journal — in the volume. They will read also with par- ticular pleasure Mr. Massee's account of the epoch-making work of Berkeley on the subject of plant^pathology ; of which work much first saw the light in the pages of the Gardeners' Chronicle. It is not often possible to give whole- hearted praise to a book ; but such praise may be given to this botanical anthology. We hope that it will be made a text book in our universities, and that thereby our youth engaged in the study of botanical science may be brought up in the knowledge and veneration of the men who laid the foundations on which modern botanists are building. A more detailed review of the contents of this interesting volume must be left for a subsequent occasion, but we cannot conclude our general appreciation without offering the authors and the editor our cordial congratulations on the manner in which they have discharged the pious debt due to their predecessors. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. NOTES FROM SOUTHERN ITALY. The unusual warmth of the early winter has induced many flowering shrubs to flower sooner than they have done for years past. Notable among these is Frunus Mume. This is a plant which is seldom seen in gardens in this part of Italy (Naples). Evergreens are mostly grown, and only the commonest kinds of flowering shrubs, such as the Spiraea, Weigela, Deutzia, and Lilac. The Primus was in flower just at Christmas time, and made a most beautiful picture ; the plants form a large group, and every branch was cov- ered with bright, delicate blossoms in the double white and double rose-coloured varieties. Prunus serrulata speciosa was also very early this season, and flowered about the middle of December, whereas the usual time is January. The flowers, which are single and of a bright rose-pink colour, are produced in clusters of three to five. This variety, by the way, would be found very useful for forcing purposes. Acacia Baileyana, A. podalyrifolia. and A. dealbata were also in flower at Christmas, but were looking their best in the middle of January. Mr. Winter's new Acacia hybrids are very fine. I regard A. Neuffeldii as the best and the earliest. Just now it is a perfect shower of gold, and the admiration of all beholders. Acacia dealbata is- 82 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [February 8, 1913. quite common, and deservedly popular for its freely-growing habit and delicious perfume. It is known here, as in the English markets, as ■'' Mimosa." A. Bayleyana is a fine variety for cutting, but it has no scent. A. podalyrifolia is a very slow grower, and the bush has an irregular habit, which makes it a little less attractive than the others. It is difficult as yet to judge of the growth of the hybrids, as they are still very small. The finest blue flower available at Christmas was Lithospermum rosmarinifolium. From No- vember, right on to May this little perennial is covered with blossoms. It would be more generally cultivated were it not for the fact that wife of Mandred was imprisoned here by Charles of Anjou, after the Battle of Benevento, in 1266 ; and it is easy to imagine that many hundreds of years have passed, many seasons coma and gone, since the planting of the ancient garden, bor- dered with Box hedges, in which I found the Iris. I planted it carefully in my garden, and had the satisfaction of finding that it was completely winter-flowering. In size and shape the flowers resemble those of Iris Kochii ; I intend to place it on the market this year, but it is an open question whether it will flower in the winter everywhere. Crocus Imperati nucerensis is a white variety of the beautiful winter-flowering Crocus. Sev- eral years ago I put C. Imperati albus in com- CLIVEDEN. (Concluded from page 66.) The " Long " Garden. A paved walk leads from the fountain U- the " Long " Garden (see fig. 40), which although only divided from the highway to Gookham by a wall, forms a charming, secluded retreat. The borders are en- closed in front by excellent Box hedges, 2 feet square, and at the back by a variety of flowering shrubs. Tall examples of topiary work occur at intervals, and many of the groups of herbaceous plants are en- closed by Lavender or Rosemary. In sum- FlG. 40. THE "LONG" GARDEN AT CLIVEDEN, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. [Photograph by H. G. Stone, it is difficult to propagate ; very few of the cut- tings which are set here can be induced to grow, and I have never seen the seeds. This latter fact seems strange, because the plant is, or was, indi- genous to this district. It used to occur quite commonly, together with the white and rose variety which I found some years ago, but, in 1910, I traversed the whole distance between Sorrento and Campanella and was unable to find a single plant. Either they have all been col- lected, or the intensive culture of the soil has destroyed the condition in which they flourished. It seems strange that a German Iris should flower at Christmas, but Iris germanica hyemalis is always in blossom at this time, unless there is severe frost. Some years ago I found this plant in the old garden of the castle at Nocera. The castle has a history, not without interest. The merce, but the flowers of this variety are not pure white — when they first open ; though they turn quite white after one day. The variety nucerensis was found on the Mount San Pantaleone, near Nocera ; there were three large bulbs, and several small ones, in a clump. They all flower pure white — not one has reverted to the blue type. Both varieties will be found extremely useful for winter flowering. Helleborus Kochii and H. corsicus are very early this season — earlier than I ever remember to have seen them before. Iris Bolleana is a little, curious-looking Juno Iris with greenish -yellow flowers, marked with a dark-brown spot on the falls. It has done very well this year, but it is in no way attractive as a decorative plant. Willy Miiller, Nocera Inf., Naples. mer the fragrant, dark-flowered Heliotrope occurs frequently between such plants as Marigolds, Clarkias, Phloxes, Delphi- niums, or Michaelmas Daisies. With such a luxuriant background, the blue colour ol the Anchusa italica varieties is peculiarly effective. The Italian garden, which nestles in the wood on the lower part of the estate, is a sunken, elliptical enclosure, paved with alabaster. At the base of the retaining wall are placed broken columns and pieces of statuary. Slender Cypresses are planted at regular intervals, and at one end is n dripping well. All the paths — and there are many with full canopies, through which the sunshine February 8, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 83 filters, giving delightful contrasts of light and shade — seem to lead to the river, A-here there are a roomy boat-house and landing stage. An upward turn from the Italian garden leads past a clearing planted with purple Heathers to a small, circular plateau, in which has been set an imported transverse section of a mammoth Sequoia. On the higher parts •of the woodlands judicious thinnings have been made amongst the shrubby undergrowth to let in light and air and to render the walks more pleasant dining the heat of summer. Towards the Taplow end of Cliveden, past the park-like golf links, with their beautiful, spreading trees, is a small collection his employees, in the splendidly-equipped club-house and reading-room, containing a good library and a full-sized billiard table for the use of the young gardeners. Most of the vegetables required for the large establishment at Cliveden are grown in an immense kitchen garden on the other side of the river, but much fruit is grown in the " Round " garden. The arches of Apples and Pears are exceptionally in- teresting ; the latter on account of the unusually long fruiting growths. Mr. Camm practices common-sense methods of pruning, and rightly considers that the first duty of fruit trees is to bear fruit, their shapely appearance being a second- ary consideration. Among the pergolas is Hippeastrums. Orchids are not grown in great numbers, but the several houses devoted to Calanthes, Dendro- biums, and Cattleyas contain vigorous plants. Except for a Fig house and a couple of Peach houses, all the fruit forcing is done in another en- closure, where there are modern houses. The vineries furnish splendid bunches of Lady Downe's, Muscat of Alexandria, Madresfield Court, and Black Alicante Grapes. At the time of my visit the in- door Peaches were over, but the trees of Royal George, Alexander Noblesse, or of Rivers's Early Nectarine, to name but a few, weie showing plenty of flower-buds, and promised abundant crops. Morello FlG. 41. — SCENE IN THE PLEASURE GROUNDS AT CLIVEDEN. [Photograph by H. G. Stone. of Conifers, which includes good speci- mens of Abies grandis, Sequoia gigantea, Scots Pines (with the tiery-red bark on the upper branches, so glorious in the rays of the setting sun), and an exceptionally fine example of Cephalotaxus Fortunei, fully 20 feet high, with graceful, pendulous branchlets. Unfortunately, past neglect has impaired its symmetry, but Mr. Camm, who manages the garden so ably, has done everything possible to remedy the defect. Nearer to the house is a large, newly-made Japanese garden planted with clumps of Bamboos and big breadths of Irises. Close to the Japanese garden is an unusually well-kept maze, formed of Yew. On the opposite side of the garden, at a little distance may be seen a striking illus- tration of the interest Mr. Astor takes in one which was furnished last summer with many varieties of Gourds. The Glasshouses. Large quantities of forced fruit and flowers are required, and the glass depart- ment is very important. Carnations are grown splendidly and in great numbers : the very many plants of Tree varieties and the " Malmaisons " were in the best of health. These, with the aid of forced bulbs and such other plants as Tuberoses, Cycla- mens, Poinsettias, Coleus thyrsoideus, and an especially good batch of Plumbago rosea, furnish plenty of flowers through- out the winter and early spring. Liliums are also extensively grown, and one house contains a great number of Cherries and late Peaches growing against the walls of this garden still bore a good quantity of useful fruit. This garden is also used for growing such plants as ( !ar- nations, Delphiniums, Roses, and Violets, for furnishing cut blooms. The long Orangery near to the house is not used now as a conservatory, but it still contains some of the large Orange trees without which no garden of any preten- sions was formerly considered to be com- plete. A large specimen of Monstera c'eli- ciosa was also fruiting well, and, besides many fine plants of Campanula pyrami- dalis, Agapanthus. and Clivias, there were two very large plants of Echium trun- catum, which furnished the huge spikes of flowers exhibited by Mr. Camm at one of the meetings of the R.H.S. A. C. Bartlett. 84 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE [February 8, 1913. THE ROSARY. CULTURAL HINTS FOR FEBRUARY. Owing to the mild winter all kinds of Roses are growing as though it were April. It will be best to leave the plants alone, for matters generally right themselves by the time the season for pruning arrives. These young shoots are bound to be damaged when cold weather sets in, but it will not be a very serious matter, as there are always plenty of dormant buds to pro- vide suitable growth later. In the case of ram- blers, badly injured growths should be cut clean out. It frequently happens, however, that, although they may hang their heads when frosted, shoots of ramblers recover and blossom as though nothing had happened. The soil has been so excessively wet during the past three weeks that planting has been almost an impossibility. Those who had stored a good heap of dry com- post consisting of equal parts of fine loam, leaf- mould and burnt garden refuse in an airy shed have found the great value of this material when planting, for it is always an advantage to sprinkle a good shovelful of prepared compost amongst the roots of Roses, and especially when the soil is very moist. The materials fill in the spaces between the smaller roots and enable the plant to become established quickly. Provided the condition of the ground ba suitable for mak- ing the plants firm at the roots the beds may be completed at the first opportunity, but before placing the top layer of soil on the roots, it is well to sprinkle a handful of bonemeal over the sur- face. If the beds have been dug deeply, and dressed with plenty of rich manure, strong growth should be assured by the help of the bonemeal. j Where planting cannot be proceeded with owing to the water-logged condition of the soil, the Roses should be procured and placed tem- porarily in a small trench, covering the roots well with soil. They may be allowed to remain in the trenches until a suitable opportunity occurs for planting them permanently, even though several weeks elapse. It is not wise to defer sending the orders to the nurserymen, for there is a dan- ger that certain varieties may be unobtainable later. Roses planted temporarily may be kept in a dormant condition of growth by replanting them every three or four weeks in other trenches. If this practice is adopted, they will be much more successful when finally transplanted than if they were not disturbed. The Wichuraiana varie- ties are splendid subjects for planting by the sides of lakes and in dells, where they may be trained over mounds made of tree-stumps. Pre- pare suitable stations for the plants by enriching the ground or adding fresh compost as may be necessary. Open spaces in woods may be planted with groups of Roses that have a 6hrub-like habit such as Conrad F. Meyer, and its white sport Nova Zembla. Such positions are also suitable for the Sweet and Hybrid Briars, including Una, Juliet and Beauty de Lyon. The beautiful colour of the last-named variety appeals to all, but the variety is not suited for the Rose garden proper, as it very seldom blooms in autumn, and Roses of that type should be regarded more as flowering shrubs. Hedges formed of Roses may be pruned now, cutting out the exhausted shoots. Gaps should be filled by training in suitable growths, or, if necessary, planting fresh Rose6. Manure should be dug in the soil on both sides of the hedge. Roses that have been heavily dressed with animal manures should be sprinkled with lime. Slaked lime is the best form to use, and it should be applied at the rate of about 6 ounces to the square yard. The lime will not only be beneficial to the roots, but will assist in keeping down fungous pests. An excellent manure to apply to Roses at this season is the following : — Phosphate of lime 12 parts, nitrate of potash 10 parts, sul- phate of magnesia 2 parts, sulphate of iron 1 part. and sulphate of lime 8 parts. It should be applied at the rate of 4 ounces to the square yard, and should supplement the annual dressing of decayed farmyard manure. Night-soil is one of the best fertilisers for Roses. It should be collected and stored in earthen pits for one year. When dug out it should be mixed with burnt garden refuse, and spread over the beds during the winter months to be forked in just below the surface. Red rust and black spot diseases are great pests of Roses, and there does not appear to be an effi- cient remedy for them. Where these diseases have proved troublesome the surface soil should be removed to a depth of about 2 in. and burned. The prunings also should be burned, and the plants sprayed with Bordeaux mix- ture. The spraying should be continued through- out the spring and summer at intervals. Plants that are becoming exhausted may often be rejuvenated by transplanting them, and it is not too late to undertake this work. When the plants are dug up the roots should be examined, and any suckers or "eyes" that will develop into suckers should be destroyed. When re- planting, place a shovelful or two of good com- AMERICAN NOTES. THE NATIONAL FLOWER SHOW. On the 5th of April next the third of a series of National Flower Shows organised by the Society of American Florists will take place, and it bids fair to surpass either of its predecessors. The previous shows were held respectively in Boston and Chicago ; the present one is to take place in New York. A very useful prize list has been prepared ; money awards range from $500 downwards, and there are numerous cups and medals. The show will partake somewhat of an inter- national character, as several commercial firms, and possibly also some amateurs, are coming from England to compete. Mr. R. F. Felton, for instance, is planning an extended visit to New York, and we hope tr> obtain from him many valuable points on the subject of arrange- ment, in which particular most American florists fall rather short. However, they are already improving in this respect; each year some pro- gress is observable. [Photograph by H. G. Stont. Fig. 42. — archway of pears in the gardens at Cliveden. (3ee p. 68.) post about the roots, adding a handful of bone- meal to each plant. Standard and dwarf Briars that were budded last summer may be cut back, the standards to within 5 or 6 inches of the buds, and the dwarfs almost close up to the buds. It is advisable to mark the positions of dwarf plants with bamboo canes. The soil between the rows should be dug as soon as the conditions are favourable. Roses in pots intended for exhibiting -at the early shows should be trained. Fasten a pie'eof string just beneath the rim of the pot, and draw the shoots into shape, securing the branches to the string by raffia. If this work is undertaken now the training will be facilitated when the sticks are inserted later. Roses trained on walls between Peaches and Nectarines are very useful for supplying early blooms. I have seen Roses grown under a lean- to roof, but without doors, so that an abundance of air circulated amongst the plants. The plants were in bloom by the end of March; they were very sparingly pruned, and pi < -luced useful flower-buds such as those that are arriving now from the Riviera district. Experience. We were pleased to welcome in 1911 a strong delegation of British florists on the occasion of the Boston Show, and hope that the number will be greatly augmented in New York this year. Forcing Roses. Among the new forcing Roses of recent intro- duction, the variety Sunburst is gaining popu- larity, though it is not yet grown anything like so generally a6 Mrs. Aaron Ward or Lady Hilling- don, which are at present the two most popular yellow Roses. Melody is also giving satisfaction. It is but a few years ago that the old Perle des Jardins was the only yellow forcing Rose, and it did badly in most places. Now yellow Roses are a feature in every market, some growers raising 15.000 to 30,000 "of them. Several novelties are being introduced this sea- son : among others, Mrs. Charles Russell (see fig. on p. 61 in the issue for Jan. 25), raised by G. Alexander Montgomery, of the Waban Rose Con servatories, Natick, Mass. This will run Ameri- can Beauty remarkably close ; it is of a better colour, equally vigorous, and far more florifcrous. Mrs. George Shawyer is also meeting with an February 8, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE 35 eager reception ; blooms have been shown at several exhibitions on stems 48 inches to 60 inches long during the present winter, and the colour is especially fine. Milady, a Rose of a somewhat deeper red than Richmond, is a third Rose which has a high place in public favour. Of the older varieties, Richmond still stands alone in point of colour. I saw some flowers on stems 6 feet high at Christmas, grown in New Hampshire by Messrs. M'Alpine Bros. Such flowers realise from $6 to $9 per dozen wholesale — they are worth about the same as the best flowers of American Beauty. Killarney, White Killarney, and several so-called improvements and sports of these two sorts are still the best of their respective colours. Bride and Bridesmaid are now seldom seen, and are almost unsaleable in competition with the Killarneys. Antoine Ri voire, rechristened and sold freely as Mrs. Taft, has proved a well-growing Rose, but it does not succeed perfectly in mid-winter. W. A. Craig, North Easton, Mass., U.S.A. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. COLLERETTE DAHLIAS. Like several other classes of Dahlias, the Col- lerette originated on the Continent, and found its way to England two or three years ago. ll ' been grown largely by our leading Dahlia growers since, and numbers of new varieties have been raised. This is a comparatively easy process, as these Dahlias seed freely, and a good proportion of the seedlings produce flowers of fair quality. The Collerette is a glorified single Dahlia. The outer circle of disc florets have become petaloid, and are fre- quently of a different colour from that of the ray florets. Provided the flowers are kept moderate in size and distinct in colouring, there will b» a place for them for decorative purposes, more especially if what is claimed for them works out in practice — that they stand much longer when cut than the ordinary singles. There is no doubt about the free-blooming qualities of the new race, and this will commend them for garden decoration. A small collection of them ought to be tried in every up-to-date garden, as a trial is by far the most satisfactory way of deciding the merits of any new plant. The following notes made last season when inspecting a large collec- tion indicate the colour range and possibilities of the flower : — The plants ranged from 3 to 4 feet in height by about 2£ feet in diameter. What might be termed typical flowers average 3£ inches in diameter, and they were most freely produced on long, wiry stems 14 to 18 inches in length. The form of the flower varies in dif- ferent varieties from pointed petals (star-shaped) to quite round flowers. The former are the more artistic and lend themselves best for use in a cut state. The varieties noted are as follow : — Goldstern. — Pure rich lemon-yellow with yel- low collar, remarkably free and good in every way. Over two dozen open flowers and over 100 buds on one plant. Henri Farman. — Rosy-scarlet with lemon col- lar, very free blooming, long stems. Antwerpia. — Scarlet and yellow with yellow collar. - Countess Icy Hardegg. — Rose-pink and white with white collar, extra free blooming and per- fect habit. Balmoral.- — Purplish-carmine with pure white collar, most distinct. Queen Bess. — Rich buff-yellow with char yel- low collar. Single plants gave 20 expanded flowers and had over 80 buds in different stages. Diadem. — Soft pink with white collar, rather taller than most, but grand and free. Maurice Rivoire. — Deep red or crimson with white collar. This variety and Diadem have re- ceived many awards. Vilmorin-Andrieux.— More striking than beau- tiful, violet and white with white collar. Leitstern. — Rich dark maroon with white col- lar, star-shaped flowers produced freely or slightly dwarfer plants. Mine. E. Poisier. — Violet-mauve with white collar. One of the dwarfer forms. The Czar. — Rose-coloured flowers tipped white and with white collar, perfect habit, flowers in abundance. Traveller. WATERING PERPETUAL-FLOWERING CARNATIONS IN WINTER. Everyone thinks that he or she understands the watering of plants, from the old lady who waters the Pelargonium in her cottage window with a tea-pot to the man controlling a hose-pipe in a modern Carnation house covering a quarter of an acre or more. There is no rule for watering be- yond this. Water according to the weather and season of the year. The successful cultivators are those who can do this. They do it instinctively. Few growers of Carnations realise the large amount of moisture given off by the foliage of the plants in bright weather. It is owing to this fact that the plants grow 60 little daring periods of excessively bright sunshine. In the winter things are different, and transpiration is FlG. 43. — PRIMULA ALLIONII GROWING ON THE MARITIME ALPS. very low. The air also does not extract so much moisture from the 6oil and pots, consequently the supply that is necessary at this season is ex- tremely small. To keep the plants perpetually wet is wrong. It is equally wrong to keep them perpetually dry, or to run from extremes of excessive moisture to excessive drought. It is the grower who main- tains plants between these extremes who obtains the best results. The root action is thus kept healthy and vigorous, and without perfect root action failure is inevitable. M. O. A. SWEET PEAS. At the annual general meeting of the National Sweet Pea Society, as reported in Gardeners' Chronicle, October 26, 1912, Mr. T. A. Weston asked whether the Sweet Pea had been crossed with perennial Peas. In 1910 I pollinated Sweet Pea Hon. Mrs. Kenyon with pollen from the so-called Lathyrus luteus aureus, but did not sow the seeds resulting therefrom until December, 1911. This being a late district, the plants did not flower before the winter. They bloomed in November, 1912, and all the flowers were bluish purple in colour and of the grandi- flora type. I again pollinated some of them with pollen from L. pubescens, and will write further should anything interesting result. Can any reader inform me where I can obtain seeds of L. tingitanus, referred to by Mr. Weston? Gil- bert Errey, Hazeldene, Victoria, Australia. PRIMULA ALLIONII. This small Primula (see fig. 43) is one of the rarest of the European representatives of the family, its station being confined to Bome cliffs at a fairly low elevation in the Maritime Alps of north It:.Iy. From various accounts and information forwarded by a local botanist I expected to find the plants mostly in caves and grottos of the limestone cliffs. On the cliffs which I visited some of the most luxuriant rosettes and the finest tufts, from 1 foot to 2 feet across, were in the caves, but a large number of plants, with small and close rosettes, were growing on the perpendicular cliff- face, exposed to the full rays of the mid-day sun. Apparently it is these fully-exposed, hard rosettes which largely propagate their species, for the plump, round seed-pods, still unripe at the end of August, were fairly plentiful on the exposed plants, but seemed to be borne only scantily on the cave-dwellers. The rosettes of Primula Allionii vary from 1 to 3 inches across, the leaves are succulent from ^ to 1 inch long, spoon-shaped, usually entire, but occasionally slightly toothed, deep green above, but paler on the under surface, covered densely with glandular hairs, which exude a sticky sub- stance and give the plant a greyish-green appear- ance. The old leaves are not cast off, but remain and clothe the stems. The flowers, which appear on such short stalks that at first glance they seem to be sessile, open successionally throughout the spring. They are pinky lilac with a large, white eye, and vary in size and shape, being usually rather more, or sometimes rather less, than J. an inch in diameter; some have round, overlapping petal lobes with a slight indentation, others have the petal lobes separated with a deeper notch, giving the flowers a very starry design. The corolla tube is white, nearly £ an inch long, and, like the calyx, bears glandular hairs. Armed with a coal hammer and cold chisel, I went to collect this Primula. A few accommodat- ing plants may be levered out by the aid of a collector's strong trowel, but the majority are in minute cracks with roots delving deeply into the hard limestone without any soil, and, stand- ing on the cliff face, bathed in perspiration, with the scorching sun overhead, I soon understood why the plants have developed such a copious supply of glutinous and protecting hairs. The limestone cliffs on which this Primula grows are of a peculiar reddish colour, and Mr. Stephenson, of the Royal College of Science, Dublin, tells me that pieces which I brought back give the follow- ing analysis : — " Nearly 70 per cent, of carbonate, of which only a little is magnesia, the bulk being calcium carbonate. It also contains a fair amount of silica, practically the whole of which is uncom- bined sand, also a trace of iron." Although its native rock shows such a large proportion of calcium carbonate, it is interest- mi; to see how a plant direct from its natural habitat has apparently taken to a pure granite moraine ; it opened its first flower on January 7. Plants are adaptable beings, and the more we experiment the more we learn. It is not always a fact that, because a plant is limited to granite, it is a lime-hater, nor because it is limited to limestone in nature that the plant cannot do without it in cultivation. An interesting lime- stone moraine in Ireland shows some plants doing well which have been stated to be posi- tive lime haters. C. F. Ball. 86 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 8, 1913. The Week's Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By James Whvtock, Gardener to the Duke of Buocleuch, Dalkeith Palace, Midlothian. Successional Vines. — It is a suitable time to commence the forcing of successional vines '•'tind Muscat varieties. By the time the latter have reached the flowering stage, the weather conditions will be more favourable for the main- tenance of a minimum temperature of 75°. Mus- cat Grapes are best grown in a house by them- selves, but Gros Cohnan, which requires a simi- lar treatment, may, if desired, be planted with them. Preparations for forcing having been made by washing the interior of the vinery thoroughly, cleansing the vines, and taking measures to destroy insect pests, the condition of the soil should be ascertained. In most districts it is best to plant Muscat vines in in- side borders, as, when grown outside, the bo;ders require to be covered with a layer, 2 feet deep, of leaves mixed with a small amount of stable litter to keep the soil warm. It is now generally recognised that, provided the soil is of suitable character, the border need not be very extensive, but a restricted border needs very careful attention in the matter of watering. If the soil is fairly moist, water will not be re- quired for the present, and watering must be done with great care until the vines have set their crop. The instructions given in a former Calendar on the closing and starting of early vineries should be followed in the case of the cuccessional vines. Strawberries. — The earliest plants have set their fruits, and the temperature may be raised to G5° or 70°. Place the plants near to the roof- glass, and, if they are growing in 6-inch pots, do not stand them hi saucers, as excessive damp may result in mildew. Let the air circulate freely, and syringe the plants, on bright days, in the morning and again early in the afternoon, when the temperature is about 15° above the mean. Water the roots with very great care; they should neither be too wet nor excessively dry. At every alternate watering use diluted liquid manure, and continue this treatment until the fruits change colour, when clear water only should be applied. At that stage admit air on every possible occasion to promote a good flavour in the berries. Successional batches should be brought into heat as advised in a former Calendar. Melons. — If the earliest Melons are grown on hotbeds in frames forcing may lie commenced this month. Get the frame in readiness, and make a hotbed, which, with linings, will pro- vide a temperature of 70° and a bottom heat of 85° to 90°. Sow two seeds in each 4-inch pot, and when it can be determined which is the better plant, remove the inferior one. Water the seedlings with extreme care, and, when they have grown 6 inches high, plant them out in the frame at 2 feet apart on a ridge of soil 2 feet wide and 1 foot deep. The compost should con- sist of a rich loam mixed with mortar rubble. Place a 2-inch layer of soil over the rest of the bed, and do not water the plants for some time after they are planted, as the moisture in the soil and beds will suffice until the plants have made considerable growth. Ventilate the frame as occasion requires, remembering that a close, moist atmosphere, with an excess of heat, will b ■ very injurious. During times of sunshine, when air is admitted, the temperature may reach 85°. Early Melons in houses are making strong growth. These plants must not be over-watered ; moisture should never be applied unless the soil is quite dry, when the roots should receive a thorough soaking. On bright days the foliage may be damped very lightly at closing time, but guard against excessive syringing. When apply- ing water to the roots do not wet the stems of the plants. The temperature of the house should be maintained at 70° to 75°, and the atmosphere kept moist by damping the paths and walls. Plants raised from seeds sown at the beginning of January should be grown near to the roof- glass Let the bed for this batch be prepared in the Melon house, and set the plants in the bed straight from the seed pots. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Edward Harkiss, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockinge, Berkshire. The Woodland Garden. — Woodlands planted as wild gardens need considerable atten- tion at this season. If any alterations are con- templated the work should be completed at the earliest opportunity, as wild gardens are most beautiful in springtime, and the effect will be marred if ground operations are in progress then. There is usually a spring, brook, or pool in these unconventional parts of the garden, and water in any form gives additional beauty to the scenery. The plants that are usually associated with water are mostly strong-growing subjects, which need to be thinned or pruned annually to produce the best effects. In making plantations of trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants on the mar- gins of the water, select suitable subjects and do not plant them too thick or they will in time hide the water from view. Senecio Clivorum should be included in the list of herbaceous plants. Certain of the plants .which have been forced for decorative purposes in the conserva- tory or greenhouse may be afterwards utilised in the wild garden; bulbs, especially the late- flowering kinds, may be planted in open spaces. Suitable shrubs will be found in Azalea mollis, Deutzia, Lilac, Rhododendron, Viburnum, Wistaria, Staphylea, and Spiraeas of sorts. Climbing Roses may be allowed to ramble over old tree trunks or rustic summer houses. The garden may also include Honeysuckles, Cle- matis. Cornus, Weigela, Olearia Haastii, and Golden Privet, which gives a splendid effect in winter, especially when massed in large groups. For planting beneath, or hi the shade of trees, select Hypericum (St. John's Wort), Vinca (Peri- winkle), Ruscus aculeatus (Butchers' Broom), Berberis Aquifolium (Mahonia), Box. and Ivy. Colonies of Ferns may be formed in suitable situations. When once established, the Ferns will give very little trouble, needing only an annual trimming in winter. Primroses should be planted extensively, for they thrive in almost any soil or situation. Hellebores grow well in partially-shaded places. When these plants have become established they need little atten- tion beyond top dressing the roots occasionally with decayed manure, but the stations for them should be dug deeply and the soil enriched with plenty of manure. Certain of the commoner herbaceous plants may be utilised in the more open spaces near to the paths. Of these I may enumerate Helianthus, Pyrethrum uliginosum, ( 'in \ santhemum maximum, Doronicum, Eriger'on, Lvthrum, Funkia, Polygonum, and Epilobium. The Foxglove and Honesty will both provide flowers in springtime, whilst Physalis Franchetii will give pleasing effects in the autumn and winter. The paths leading through- woodland scenery should, wherever it is practicable, be formed in the grass. It must be remembered that grass paths are often very wet, especially the parts shaded by trees, therefore efficient drainage must be provided whenever new ones are formed. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Pears. — The work of pruning, cleansing and training Pear trees may be continued whilst the weather remains favourable. Standard and bush-trained trees should only be pruned by an experienced workman, for harm may easily be done by using the knife too freely, especially in the case of trees with much rank growth, as severe pruning will only result in another crop of gross shoots the following season. Such trees may need root-pruning, but the operator must be guided in this matter by the condition of the roots, which can only be ascertained by exposing them. It is neither desirable nor profitable to cut back the leaders of strong-growing specimens. Trees that have been attended to in the. matter of lifting or root-pruning should be well fur- nished with fruit buds, and benefit will be de- rived by cutting away young, sappy branches. Wall-trees that were summer-pruned have, in most cases, made secondary growths which should be cut away, shortening the original growth to 2 to 3 inches; the weaker shoots should be pruned to one bud. The following list includes 20 good varieties of Pears in their order of ripening ; — Doyenne d'Ete, Jargonelle, Wil- liams' Bon Chretien, Beurre d'Amanlis, Mar- guerite Marillat, Triomphe de Vienne, Beurre Hardy, Comte de Lamy, Conseiller de la Cour, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Marie Louise, Confer- ence, Doyenne du Cornice, Thompson's, Glou Morceau, Le Lectier, Knight's Monarch, Winter Nelis, Beurre Ranee, and Bergamotte Esperen. Plums. — My remarks in the Calendar for February 1 on Apricots also apply, in most cases, to Plums. It is not advisable in the case of young wall-treee to cut back the leaders, as this will cause shoots to develop at the top part, whereas, if the whole branch is trained in fruit spurs will form along its entire length. Orchard trees should not be overcrowded with growth, as the light must reach the shoots and air circulate freely amongst the trees for the wood to become ripened. Although the Plum as a wall plant will often succeed in at least three aspects, it does best on east and west walls. The following varieties in their order of ripening may be recom- mended : — Czar, Early Transparent Gage, De Montford, Denniston's Superb, McLaughlin's Gage, Jefferson, Transparent Gage, Kirkes, Vic- toria, Monarch, Coe's Golden Drop and Grand Duke. Sweet Cherries.— The Sweet Cherry, like the Plum, fruits on both spurs and shoots of the previous years. Both fruits need very similar pruning, but in the case of the Cherry the spurs should be cut a little shorter. The Morello Cherry fruits on the young shoots, and the tress are best-trained fan shape. Arrange the mam branches thinly and train in the young growths to their full length. At Moulton Paddocks the Morello Cherry does well as a standard, the trees producing good crops of clear, bright fruit. These trees are pruned but very little; only the old fruiting wood is removed, and any growths that cross each other, or that grow towards the centre of the tree. The final work in the case of wall trees consists of an examination of the old tie; and fastenings with a view to removing any that are too tight or are not absolutely needed. The nail securing the shred is often driven into the wall too near to the branch, with the result that the bark becomes permanently scarred. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Bui ford, Doiking. Miltonia. — The Brazilian Miltonias should be examined to ascertain if any of the plants are in need of increased pot-room, for the present is the best time to repot them. M. Clowesii, M. Regncllii, M. Russelliana, M. La- marckiana, M. Candida and its variety grandi- flota, are all strong growing subjects, and are best grown in well drained pots, filled with a mixture of equal parts of Osmunda and Al fibre. Both materials should be cut into moder- ately-fine portions and well mixed together. In potting, keep each plant well above the rim of the pot, and allow the base of the pseudo-bulbs to only just touch the compost, so that the growths now pushing forth will be quite free from anything that might cause them to rot. Plants that do not require increased root-room, but are growing in close, sour compost, should have the old soil carefully removed from the roots, and be resurfaced with fresh material. Certain plants of the white-lipped M. euncata are developing flower spikes, and these should not be disturbed till after the flowers fade. The dwarfer-growing M. spectabilis, M. Moreliana, M. Bluntii, M. B. var. Lubbersiana, M. Binotii, M. bicolor, M. virginalis, and M. Peetersiana grow best in shallow pans. The young growths extend themselves rapidly in every direction, hence, the plants require considerable noting space. Specimens that are bare in the centres may be broken up to allow all decayed and useless pseudo-bulbs to be cut away, and the healthy portions made up afresh. Half-fill the pans with small crocks for drainage, and em- ploy the compost recommended above. Por- tions which have but few roots should be pegged to the compost, as the plants will not succeed if they are the least loose in the soil. All these Miltonias may be grown in a rather shady part of the intermediate house, and should be 6tood near to the roof-glass. In strong light or direct sunshine the Foliage becomes more yellow than is desirable. The plants should be kept fairly moist at the roots at all times ; they require a little extra water when producing their flower-spikes. An important detail in the February 8, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE 87 successful cultivation of these Miltonias is to see that the numerous 6niatl roots now appearing C are in no way injured by insect pests, which may be trapped on pieces of vegetables or fruit, such as Potato, Carrot or Apple. Inspect the traps soon after the plants have been watered. The rare M. Schroderiana, a distinct and hand- some species, a native of Costa Rica, is in full growth, and the roots should be kept moist. The Columbian M. vexillaxia is also growing freely, and should be supplied abundantly with water until the shoots are completed. If the surface moss ha6 died owing to its becoming dried up in the resting season, it should be replaced by living heads. In dull, moist weather extra ventilation should be afforded' the plants, if this can be done without affecting the welfare of other subjects in the same house, as plenty of fresh air will, to some extent, prevent the young leaves from becoming spotted. Examine the plants occasionally with a view to releasing any of the leaves that have become firmly clasped together. They may be released by passing the handle of a small budding knife, or a thin piece of smooth wood, between them. Certain growers repot the whole stock of their M. vexillaria at this season, and in some cases with good results ; but I find that plants potted late in the 6ummer thrive better. Phaius. — Several varieties of Phaius, includ- ing P. grandifolius, P. Sanderianus, P. Blumei, P. assamicus, P. Wallichii, P. bicolor, the hybrids P. Cooksonii, P. amabile, also the new Phaio-Calanthe Colmanii, are developing their flower-spikes, and require plenty of moisture at the roots, and occasional applications of weak liquid manure from the cow-sheds. Shading. — Fix the blinds to the Odonto- glossum or cool house, as the sun is gaining power and may be too strong for the plants during the middle of the day, especially where the houses have a south-east or south aspect. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Brussels Sprouts. -A sowing of this vege- table should be made to furnish plants for crop- ping in September. Sow the seeds in boxes and germinate them in gentle heat. The seedlings will soon make their appearance, when they should be removed to a cold pit. Prick them off in beds as soon as they are large enough to handle, putting them 4 inches apart. The pit should be kept close for a few days, but when growth commences air should be admitted to prevent the plants from becoming drawn. After a time the lights should be removed gradually until the plants are ready to be put out early in .May. Ideal is one of the best varieties for present sowing. Cauliflowers. — Make a sowing of Dean's Early Snowball or Magnum Bonum, these being reliable sorts, to follow the plants wintered in cold pits. The seedlings from this sowing should be potted up as soon as they are large enough to handle, and placed near to the roof glass in a cold pit. The plants should receive special atten- tion, as they will be needed to prevent a break in the supply when the autumn-sown plants are over. A sowing of Early London and Walchererj should also be made to furnish plants for a succession. Onions. —If the ground intended for this crop was trenched and manured in the autumn, the bed will only require forking lightly, and making as fine and level as possible. Nothing further should be done until the soil is dry enough to crumble under the foot, when the surface should be trodden firm. Nothing is more detrimental to land intended for the sowing of small seeds than to trample it whilst it is wet; it is far better to defer the sowing until the ground be- comesv dry, even if it entails a month's delay. When the surface has been trodden and raked until the soil is quite fine, drills may be drawn 16 inches apart and 1 inch deep. Sow the seeds thinly, and cover them with care. The surface may then be lightly trodden and raked with a wooden rake, taking care not to disturb the seeds. As soon as the young plants are through the ground, the Dutch hoe should be used freely be- tween the rows to destroy seedling weeds. _ If the seeds are sown sparingly, very little thinning will be necessary in the case of the main crop, as bulbs of a medium size are more serviceable in the kitchen than very large ones. A light dust- ing of soot should be applied on frequent occa- sions, choosing showery weather. Autumn- sown Onions should be planted as early in February as the conditions permit ; this is an important crop, as the bulbs are ready at a time when good Onions are scarce. The ground should be as rich as possible, and may be prepared in the same way as for Spring Onions. Plant in rows at 18 inches apart, allow- ing 9 inches between the plants in the row : the bulbs grow to a- much larger size than those sown in the spring. When the plants are grow- ing freely they may be fed frequently with liquid manure from the farmyard and with light sprinklings of artificial manure. Turnips.— Maka a small sowing of Turnips on a sheltered border as soon as the soil is in a fit condition. As there will be a danger of the plants running to seed, only a small quantity of seed should be sown at one time. Two mora sowings may be made at intervals of eight days. "When the seedlings are through the ground, dust them with soot <>r wood ashes on frequent occasions, and stir the sur- face of the bed lightly with the Dutch hoe. Early Milan is a good variety for present sow- ing. The rows should be 9 inches apart, and the plants in the rows thinned to 6 inches asunder as soon as they are large enough to handle. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jennings, Gardener lo the Duke of Devonshire, Chatsuorlb, Derbyshire. Begonia Rex. — These ornamental-leaved Be- gonias may be propagated from leaves in the same manner as Saintpaulias. Allamanda and Clerodendron.- Plants of Allamanda and Clerodendron Balfouri that have been resting should be started into growth in a \. ;, iiii house. Syringe them freely, and, as soon as the leaves appear, immerse the pots in liquid manure made from cow dung, until the soil is soaked thoroughly. Remove the plants after- wards to where they will be required to flow.) Tree Carnations. — Plants raised from cuttings inserted in boxes during the second week in January, should be ready for potting into thumb pots. Those that were potted previously in these small receptacles should be stopped if the operation has not been done already. Shorten the main stems to within 3 or 4 in. hes, using a sharp knife. Plants thai have been stopped some time previously are breaking into fresh growth, and those that are well-rooted should be shifted into 4-inch pots. Established plants should be fed regularly with an artificial manure. If these Carnations are grown in benches the soil should be> loosened carefully at the surface, and receive a dressing of Clay's fertiliser and soot in equal parts. Plants that are entering their second season will require liberal supplies of water at the roots as the days lengthen. Keep a sharp look-out for red spider and aphis, and grow the plants in a temperature of 55° to 60°. Eucharis. Plants of Kucha i- gr-indiflon that have finished flowering, and are starting afresh into growth, should be examined thor- oughly for the presence of mealy bug. An excel- lent way of freeing Eucharis from this pest is to syringe the plants with rain-water, to which ordinary paraffin is added at the rate of an egg- rupful. to each bucket of water. One operator should keep the mixture well stirred whilst a second does the syringing. It is best to place the plants on their sides, so that the undersur- faces of the leaves may be well syringed, and this will prevent the soil from being wetted. The plants should be allowed to drain after- wards. The roots may be fed with liquid manure from the farmyard" replacing this occasion- ally by a dressing of soot and artificial manure' Keep the atmosphere of the house damp, and let the temperature at night-time be 65° to 70°. Syringe the plants with clear water both mornings and afternoons. Pot Roses. — Plants on the point of flower- ing should be fed liberally every day with liquid manure from the cow sheds, which should also be syringed on the bare spaces between the pots both mornings and afternoons, using it very weak for this purpose. Ventilate the house with great care, as cold draughts must be prevented. If mildew is detected on the foliage, either smear the hot-water pipes with flowers of sulphur, late in the afternoon, and keep the house closed, or syringe the plants late in the day with some liquid form of sulphur, such as potassium sulphide. When sulphur is used, the top ventilator should be opened next morning, as there is a dan. bright sunshine of the foliage becoming scalded. Guard against maggots in the foliage, as these pests will completely spoil the buds. Zonal Pelargoniums. — Specimen plants required for summer flowering should be ready for shifting into 6 or 8^-inch pots. The com- post may consist of good loam, leaf-mould, and sand, mixing an 8^-inch potful of fine bones, and the same quantity of soot, to each barrow-load of the mixture. Pot firmly, soak the roots with water, and stand the plants in a warm house or frame. When the shoots have started to grow freely, stop the longest growth. Any subsequent stopping should be done according to the season at which the plants are required to flower. Systematic feeding is an important detail in the cultivation of Zonal Pelargoniums, therefore, as soon as the pots are filled with roote the latter should receive a liberal supply of either liquid or artificial manure. THE FRENCH GARDEN. By Paul Aquatias. Hot- beds. —The wet weather has delayed the work of making the hotbeds, and every oppor- tunity should be taken to complete them at an early date. The use of mats for protection has been unnecessary so far. Though it is difficult to lay down a hard-and-fast rule, it is fairly safe to say that while fermenta- tion is proceeding smoothly a little frost will cause no harm, especially when the crops are. not far advanced. The protection of the mats is more necessary from the end of February until tin- Lettuces are marketed, as young, new leaves are most liable to a check. If the paths between the frames and cloches are well filled with dry manure, it will help to ward off frost, and also to prevent, to a great extent, moisture from collect- ing in the beds. On fine, warm days, dead or decayed leaves should be removed from the Let- tuces. This work is very monotonous, but it is very important if fine produce is required. Unheated Frames. — Place dry manure or other strawy material in the paths between the frames to stop gaps underneath the frames and facilitate access to the latter in any w-eather. Ventilation may be afforded at day time when Lettuce "White Passion" is grown. Open-air Crops. — The ground allotted to the earliest crops should be prepared without delay. Such catch crops as Spinach, Radish, and Cabbage Lettuces may be grown conjointly with the other crops, but when a good trade is done in one or all of these vegetables and there is plenty of ground available, they should be grown by themselves, as a bigger quantity may be obtained in an equivalent area and the sow- ing or planting may he done earlier. On light, clean ground sow broadcast, but in heavy, weedv soil the drilling in of the seeds will greatly facilitate future cleansing operations. It is not too early to plant Lettuce " White Passion" out of doors in a sheltered position. Select strong, large plants and set them at 9 or 10 inches apart. The first sowings of Spinach " Monstrous of Viroflay " and Radish " National " or " Sparkler " may be made. Hoe the spring Cab- bages planted last autumn and apply a dressing of nitrate of soda at the rate of 2 ounces per square yard. Nursery Beds. — Make the first sowing of Cauliflowers in a hot-bed 6 or 8 inches thick. Sow thickly with a view to pricking off the young seedlings later. Afford ventilation as soon as the seeds have germinated and -: on every possible occasion. The frames may be filled with dry compost to prevent damping in the plants. The best varieties are : Demi-Dur de Paris, Driancourt, and All the Year Round ; Demi-Dur furnishes the earliest and smallest inflorescences and is a variety suited to heavy rather than light ground. Where salading is in demand seeds of Cabbage Lettuce "All the Year Round " or " Blonde Paresseuse," also Cos Let- tuce "Paris White" or " Versaillaise." ma\ I" sown thinly in a bed prepared similarly to that for Cauliflowers. 88 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 8, 1913. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTI3EMKNIS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communnaiwns should be written on onk side only op the paper, sent as early in tin w.ek 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 retutn unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. U'UBtrations. - 1 he Editors will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c,t but they cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editors early intelligence oj local events likely to be 0/ interest to out readers, or 0/ 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 Editors to sec. APPOINTMENTS. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10- United Hon. lien, tic Prov. Soc. meet. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11- Roy. Hon. Soc Aun. m et. Roy. Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. W. B-iteson.) WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 12- Croydon and Dist. Hort. Ann. Dinner. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 - Roy. Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. Andrew Gray.) Finchley Chrys. Soc. Ann. .Meet. average Mean Temi-ehature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 3y-0. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, Februaiy 5 (6 p.m.) Mai. 49° ; Min. 46". Gardeneis' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. — Thursday, February 6 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 29'9" : Temp. 50"; Weather— Dull. Provinces.— Wednesday, Februarys: Max. 47° Dover; Min. 36" Aberdeen. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and WEDNESDAY— Rose Tr^es, Perennials, Fruit Trees. Shrubs, &c, at 12.30; at Stevens's Auction Kooms, 38. King Street, Covent Garden. MONDAY and FRIDAY— Perennials and Herbaceous Plants, Hardy Bulbs, &c, at 12 ; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30 ; at 67 & 68, Cheap- side, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris. WEDNESDAY— Japanese Lilies and other Hardy Bulbs, Herbaceous and Border Plants, at 12; Palms and Plants, at 5 ; at Protheroe & Morris's Rooms. THURSDAY— Special Sale of Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1; at Pro- theroe & Morris's Rooms. The Last Archaeologists have wrought Traces of marvels i n discovering Bygone traces of the dead past of Civilisations. bygone eivilisati0ns. They Lave dug down beneath living cities and found remains of earlier civilised communi- ties; from beneath these remains they have brought to light vestiges of yet more primitive cities. Nevertheless, the archaeologist may only recover what the heavy hand of time has not destroyed, and it remains the privilege of the agricultural chemist to be able to point to this or that locality, now bare of any tangible relic of human occupation, and to say a city once stood here. The clue which the chemist possesses is as simple as it is convincing. The multitude of a city must be fed. Throughout the centuries of its existence the surrounding country sends its crops and live-stock to be consumed by the in- habitants of the c.'ty. Those crops and that live-stock represent so much drain of min- eral substance from the land. Of this mineral substance, some — the nitrogen compounds — are distributed again slowly and by natural ageac.es over the land whence they came. The organic nitrogen of the food stuffs is changed by bacteria and other organisms back again into inorganic form. The nitrates are converted into ammonia and nitrogen, which return in the air to the fields from which they were taken by the crops. But, as pointed out by Dr. Russell (Nature, December 26, 1912), in a review of recent publications on the fertility of the soil, other mineral substances contained in food stuffs are more stable. The phos- phates, for example, derived from the re- mains of animals and plants, are not readily returned into circulation. Brought as foodstuffs from far and wide into the city, they are used by the citizens, and, sooner or later, pass into the ground in the neighbourhood of the city. Thus, dur- ing the ages which measure the life of a human settlement, the ground in the vicinity grows increasingly rich in phos- phates. Thus it is that, by the richness of the soil in phosphates, towns of which no other wrack remains may be located. That phosphates may indicate the site of decayed cities is demonstrated by the investigations of Messrs. Hughes and Aladjem, published in the Agri- i "iilt ural Journal of Egypt (vol. 1, part ii). It was observed by these investigators that, although in other respects the soil of the Delta is fairly uniform, it shows considerable variation in its phosphate- content. Detailed inquiry in a particular case demonstrated that one of these pockets of phosphate is located on the site of a dead city — Kom — once of no mean size. The city existed for a period esti- mated at 4,000 years before the advent of the Arabs. Analyses show in the most im- pressive way that the amount of phos- phate in the soil is proportional to the dis- tance of that soil from the centre of the city. In his review, Dr. Russell quotes the following results of analyses recorded by Messrs. Hughes and Aladjem: — Distance from the centre of Kom : Kilometres 0-1 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 Total phosphoric acid : Per cent ... .34 .29 .26 .22 .22 . . . . " Alexander died, Alexander was buried, Alexander returneth into dust, the dust is earth, of earth we make loam " — and the phosphates mark the graves of countless Alexanders. Everyone who deals with of water plants knows that the leaves by Young give off or transpire large and old quantities of water, and most gardeners, if asked whether young or old leaves transpire most would pronounce unhesitatingly in favour of the former. Careful observations by R. See- liger (But. Centblatt, No. 49, 1912) demon- strate that the pronouncement is correct. By measuring the rate of loss of water from leaves of Populus, Vitis, and other trees and shrubs, this observer finds that, as the leaf unfolds, its rate of transpiration increases to a maximum which in all cases is greater than that reached by the leaf in its full-grown, mature state. The maxi- mum loss of water occurs early, before the leaf has attained to half its full de- velopment ; soon after the maximum degree of transpiration has been reached the rate begins to fall, and, continu- ing to decline, reaches a minimum either before the leaf has attained its maximum size (Vitus vinifera, &c), or at that time (Platanus Pseudo- platanus and Prunus Cerasus). After the complete development of the leaf, the transpiration rate again rises, though it re- mains considerably less than in the young, half-grown leaves. The variegated leaves of Acer platanoides transpire about half as much as green leaves from the same branch, and yellow leaves of Cornus trans- pire less than green leaves of equal size. There is but little difference with respect to rate of transpiration between the red and green leaves of Sorbus terminalis. Nor is age the only factor which influences rate of transpiration. Leaves of Populus situated on the lower part of a shoot transpire more actively than those nearer the apex, and the leaves on suckers of Acer pseudoplatanus are more active than those on the branches of the tree. Those who cultivate vines and other plants, though they will find little that is new to them in these observations, will note how they tend to confirm practice, particularly ■ with respect both to the necessity of pro- viding plants just starting into growth with a plentiful supply of water and to the need for not checking transpiration by maintain- ing a " too close " atmosphere. Coloured Plat e.-=-The subject of th& coloured plate to be published with the next issue is Ipomaea rubro-ccerulea. French Honour for Sir Harry Veitch. — The French National Society of Acclimatisation has awarded Sir Harry J. Veitch, V.M.H., their large medal, bearing the effigy of Isidore Geoffrey Saint Hilaire, " in recognition of services rendered by the introduction of numerous exotic species of trees and shrubs which can be cultivated in the open air in Europe." This re- cognition applies more particularly to introduc- tions from China. The presentation of the medal will take place on the 9th inst., when Sir Harry Veitch will be represented in Paris by Mr. Truffaut, of Versailles. National Dahlia Society. — A conference will be h?ld under the auspices of the National Dahlia Society at Carr's Restaurant, 264, Strand, on the 14th inst., commencing at 6.30 p.m. The president, Mr. Geo. Gordon, V.M.H., will pre- side. Papers will be read as follow: — "Exhibit- ing and Judging Dahlias," by Mr. W. C. YVyatt, hi Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co. ; " The Future of the Dahlia," by Mr. F. G. Treseder ; and " Garden Dahlias," by Mr. A. J. Cobb, Duffryn Castle Gardens, Cardiff. Geo. Monro Ltd., Concert Committee. — The balance-sheet of the concert, held on February 15, 1912, shows receipts amount- ing to £239 19s. Id., which, together with a balance of £69 5s. 3d. remaining from 1911, gives a total income of £309 4s. 4d. Expenses amounted to £185 13s. 2d., so that there remained a surplus of £123 lis. 2d., of which £50 8s. was distributed to charities, hospitals, and other funds, leaving £73 3s. 2d. carried forward. The next concert is fixed for the 20th inst.. under the presidency of Mr. Geo. Monro. The band of the Coldstream Guards. has been engaged, and the artistes include Mme. Ada Crossley, Miss Carrie Tubb, and Mr. Harry Dearth. Fedkuams 8, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 89 Heredity and Mutation. — The follow- ing is a summary of the first lecture of the course on " Heredity and Mutation," which Dr. R. R. Gates is delivering at the Imperial College of Science, South Kensington : — Ever since the fact of organic descent with modification first gained general assent, the phenomena of heredity have increasingly occupied the attention of biologists. Organisms, except perhaps the lowest, differ most strikingly from inorganic bodies in that they pass through a regular series of developmental stages, and it is this fact, in connection with heredity, which really appears so wonderful. In considering heredity, three classes of phenomena which are all phases of the heredity process need constantly to be kept in mind : (1) heredity, in- cluding resemblance to the parents; (2) variation or difference ; (3) the environment during every stage of the process. The structure of the germ cells, and particularly of their nuclei, is of funda- mental importance in the study of heredity. The cytoplasm of the cell constitutes the environment of the chromosomes in the nucleus, but the nuclear membrane is an important conservative factor in preventing various substances from entering the nucleus. The chromosomes in mitosis show genetic continuity from cell to cell and from organism to organism, while the cyto- plasm, so far as is known, divides en masse. The facts of mitosis and of chromosome reduction show that in one unique cell division in the life cycle of plants and animals the chromosomes separate instead of dividing. Thus are formed the germ cells which contain the reduced or half number of chromosomes ; the double number being restored at the time of fertilisation. There have been numerous theories regarding the relation be- tween the chromosomes and the development of characters in the organism. The most definite case in which a direct relation between a particular chromosome and certain external characters has been shown to exist is with regard to the sex chromosomes. These chromosomes, which are peculiar in their behaviour, were first discovered in insects, where they have been most carefully studied since. They have also been found in spiders, thread worms, sea urchins, and in man himself. An odd chromosome without a mate was first observed by Hknking in 1891, but McClung, in 1902. first suggested its significance as regards sex. Wilson, Montgomery, Boveri and many others have studied these chromosomes in a wide range of animals. The unpaired chro- mosome has since been called an accessory or heterotropic chromosome. Insects which possess it produce two kinds of spermatozoa, half con- taining the accessory (since called by Wilson the X-chromosome) and half devoid of it. All the eggs of such insects contain an accessory, and eggs fertilised by a sperm containing the acces- sory produce females with an even number of chromosomes, while eggs fertilised by the other class of sperm produce males which have an odd number of chromosomes. Another type of sperm dimorphism was afterwards discovered in certain hemiptera, in which there is a pair of unequal chromosomes, known as the large and small idio- chromosome. Sperms containing the large idio- chromosome produce females, while those con- taining the small one produce males, the eggs all containing a large idiochromosome. The large and small idiochromosomes are also known respectively as the X and Y elements. In some other families of insects the X element is compound, containing two, three, four, or even five separate bodies, which make a pair with the Y chromosome. These sex chromosomes show various peculiarities of be- haviour, remaining in the condensed condition during stages of chromosome reduction (meiosis) when the other chromosomes are in a diffuse state, and frequently separating in the second meiotic division while the other chromosomes separate in the first. Confirmation of this work has been obtained from studies of the partheno- genetic aphids and phylloxerans, in which the fertilised eggs all produce females. In this case half the sperms (i.e., those lacking the X ele- ment) degenerate. In Nedapodius (hemiptera) the supernumerary chromosomes are idiochromo- somes which become duplicated by passing to the wrong pole of the spindle in reduction, thus re- sembling in some respects the type of chromo- some behaviour discovered by Dr. Gates in the mutating (Enotheras. The Scottish Horticultural Associa- tion.-Mr. David King, the new president of the Scottish Horticultural Association, is a well- known member of the Edinburgh nursery and market-garden trades, with which he has been clooely identified for many years. Mr. King served his apprenticeship at Millfield Gardens, near Polmont, and was afterwards employed in the gardens at Kinfauns Castle, Gartmore and Brechin Castle. Commencing business on his own account at Osborne Nursery, Murrayfield, in 1874, he specialised in the raising of Ferns, of which he grows very large quantities for market. About 35 years ago he introduced MR. DAVID KING. President of the Scottish Hcrticultural Society. bowls filled with forced Tulips and Hyacinths for Christmas decoration in the Edinburgh Flower and Fruit Market. Previous u> his election as president, Mr. King was convener of the Finance Committee, a member of the Council of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, and president of the Edinburgh Market Gardeners' Association, which latter position he has occu- pied for six years. Mr. King is also one of the co-opted members of the Scottish Chamber of Agriculture. The Fooo of Birds. — The Board of Agricul- ture and Fisheries desire to give notice that, in conjunction with the Economic Ornithological Committee of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, they are engaged on an inquiry into the food of birds, especially those believed to be injurious to farmers and fruit- growers. Investigations are at present confined to the rook, the starling, and the chaffinch. The Board would be glad to receive the names of correspondents who are willing to send to an address which will be supplied them specimens of one or more of these birds at regular intervals during the year. Correspondents are wanted from all counties in England and Wales Lectures on the Tea Industry. — A course of seven lectures on " The Economics of the Tea Trade " will be given at the London School of Economics and Political Science by S. E. Chand- ler, D.Sc, and John McEwan ; four lec- tures by Dr. Chandler on " The Cultivation and Manufacture of Tea," followed by three lectures by Mr. McEwan, on " Commerce in Tea." Lobelia Erinus floribunda, fl. pi A brief description is given by Mr. S. Karrer in Mailer's Deutsche Gartner-Zeitung (No. 51, 1912) of the new double Lobelia — L. Erinus floribunda fl. pi. The new variety bears flowers of pure sky-blue colour, and is remarkably free-flower- ing. The plant is low-growing, branches freely, and takes on in pots or in sunny situations a decumbent habit. New Calanthes. — Two new Calanthes, ex- hibited by Mr. George McWilliam, at Boston, on January 11, are described in Horticulture. The first is named C Laselliana, and is the result of a cross between C oculata gigantea and C. McWilliamii. The flowers are of a glistening white and borne on very large spike*. The other novelty is C. Whitinae (C. Sand- liurstiana x C. Whitineana). THE FRUIT TRADE. A conference under the auspices of the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trade Association and the Manchester Smithfield Markets Tenants' Association was held in the Town Hall, Manchester, on the 28th ult. The object of the conference was to discuss general questions of transport as they affect the interests of the trade. Air. George Munro, of Covent Garden, presided. Many grievances were venti- lated, and these were summed up in a general resolution to be sent to the President of the Board of Trade, President of the Board of Agriculture, and Members of Parliament. The re- solution called upon the Government to initiate legislation that will remove the grievances. A re- vision of the existing classification of perishable u'"ods for purposes of railway rating was demanded, also a reduction of company's risks rates, and their reassessment on the basis of owner's risk rates plus insurance. The resolu- tion also called for more reasonable conditions of transport at owner's risk. The complaint was also made of unnecessary delays in transit, and the Government department were invited to press the railway companies for an efficient service, and to insist upon their taking up a more reasonable attitude with regard to claims for loss, pilferage, and damage. The neces- sity for the provision of a cheaper and more businesslike court for the settlement of railway matters than the Railway and Canal Commis- sion was also urged, and it was suggested that the powers of the Director of Public Prosecu- tion should be extended to enable him to under- take civil proceedings upon a certificate of the President of the Board of Trade or President of the Board of Agriculture, where such proceedings would be of general use to any body of traders, and to initiate or adopt any application to the Board of Trade for an order upon a carrying com- pany to provide reasonable facilities for the con- veyance of traffic. The resolution also called for Government supervision of all working agreements between railway companies, and urged that the permission of the Board of Trade should be required before any company is allowed to raise its rates. Further, that there should be supervision of the rates for foreign as compared with home traffic ; that arrangements should be made for the pro- vision of cheap rates for fruit in time of glut (on the lines of excursion passenger fares) ; and that the Government should press the railway com- panies for the provision of a larger number of ventilated fruit trucks. Mr. H. Morgan Veitch, solicitor to the National Federation, who intro- duced the subject of railway rates and conditions of conveyance, said that the existing classification of goods for the purpose of railway rating dates from 1888, and since that date the amount of home-grown produce had increased by 63 per cent. 90 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 8, 1913. A resolution was carried, on the motion of Mr. James Bradnom, requesting the companies to give the same service for empties as for full goods, in consideration of the fact that they now charged for the empties service. Several speakers, says the Manchester Guar- dian, complained that companies accepted no responsibility for the delays to empty baskets, and that they were quite ignorant of the im- portance of empties. Large quantities of fruit were often allowed to1 rot for want of package. At the beginning of the afternoon sitting, after the conference had been entertained at lunch by the Markets Committee of the Manchester Cor- poration, the delegates were addressed by Mi'. Hagarth Brown, of the Board of Agriculture. Many of the points they were discussing, he said, would probably be before Parliament at no very distant date, and his Board was glad to have as much information on them as possible. Turning to the matters which they had already dealt with, he noticed it was suggested that the company's risk rates should be assessed on the basis of owner's risk rates plus insurance. They should remember, however, that, whereas an in- surance company could refuse to insure, a rail- way company could not do so, and as a mere matter of actuarial calculation the railway rate would probably be a little higher. As to the question of the expense of the procedure of the Railway Commission, the matter had been very can fully considered and reported on by the Board four years ago. They had then suggested that the Registrar of the County Court should be given jurisdiction in case of certain claims, and he thought the traders might consider the suggestion. It was decided to send a deputation to the Board of Trade to urge the importance of the matters dealt with in the general resolution. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) "Small Landholders' Handbook.'' — My attention has been directed to a criticism of the Small Landholders' Handbook in a recent issue (see p. 467), and I trust you will allow me space to refer to the points treated by the censor. (1) I am taken to task on the method of planting Cobnut trees. These are never men- tioned ; in short, they would be one of the last kinds of produce anyone would recommend for culture on small holdings, at least in Scotland. (2) Planting Apple trees at 12 feet apart is the proper distance for those on the Paradise stock, and at 6 feet apart in the row, with a view to transplanting for extension four or five years afterwards. The transplanting of fruit trees'after several years' growth is usually followed with good results when the operation is performed carefully at the proper time. (3) In planting a large number of Apple trees, the most economical method, such as smallholders would have to adopt, is to purchase maidens, which are less than half the cost of older plants, and grow them in nursery lines, from which they can be planted as required. "If they are attended to in the matters of pruning, mulching and watering in dry weather, there is no reason why they should be stunted as compared with trees from nurseries. (4) The smallholding is supposed to be self-supporting, and any feeding stuffs or arti- ficial manure (Cie latter I do not appreciate where there is abundance of manure from natural sources) is secured from surplus grain and roots sold from the holding; the income and expendi- ture being deduced from average alone. The amount of income for fruit according to your critic should be reduced by half. Most prac- tical commercial horticulturists will agree that £50 per acre from plants in full bearing is a moderate estimate. I agree with the assump- tion that in young and very old plantations, that amount would not be realised, but with the exception of Strawberries, hardy fruit trees and bushes under good treatment would continue to yield the amount stated for at least 40 years. Few are aware of the enduring vitality and' bear- ing capacity of the kinds mentioned. For ex- ample, Raspberries known to be 100 years old have been grown by the writer, and 'bore fair crops at that age. It may be averred that this plant renews its growth every year, but most of our bushes worked on the thinning-out, re- juvenating system would be in a measure simi- larly accommodating. Of course, in every soil, and under every kind of management, such en- durance could not be expected. But altogether with rational treatment in cultivation and crop- ping the trees would continue to yield good fruit and crops beyond the ascribed limit. W. Williamson, Edinburgh. (1) I must apologise to Mr. William- son for my error in imputing to him a statement which does not occur in his book, but does occur in another volume on the same subject I read at the same time. (3) I adhere to my objection as to the stunting effect of planting maidens in a nursery bed for transplanting a year or two later. It would he much better to plant them in their final quarters at once. As to planting Apples on Paradise stock, 6 feet apart in rows, with a view to transplanting for extension four or five years later, there is no advantage in it. If they are so planted, they should be left to fruit until they grow into each other, when every alternate tree should be taken out. (4) The balance sheet published in the book is mis- leading, as big items on the debit side are omitted, while the credit totals are extravagant. It is misleading to give the returns only of trees in full bearing and in good seasons as the average returns on a fruit farm. B. Three Famous Gardeners.— The excellent portraits of the three famous gardeners on p. 76 reminds me vividly of the late Mr. Wildsmith and the remarkable garden at Heckfield which he managed so well. No one, with the exception of those who served under him, knew this prince of gardeners better than myself, and certainly no one has greater cause to appreciate the sound advice and counsel he so freely gave. My first acquaintance with him occurred at the autumn show of the Southampton Society in 1880, where he was one of the judges and I was a humble exhibitor of Chrysanthemums. For several years he had a decided objection to the large Chrysanthemum blooms which at that time were very popular, but as time passed he softened very much in his dislike, and eventually became much enamoured of the flowers. Finally he formed a collection, competed at the shows, and won at Devizes the only gold cup ever offered for Chrysanthemums in this country. There were five remarkable features in the gar- den at Heckfield, which are not excelled in any garden of my acquaintance. First, the gardens were maintained scrupulously clean and trim in every detail; second, the remarkable success with Peaches out-of-doors ; third, the effective manner of filling the flower-beds both in summer and winter; fourth, the excellence of the early Grapes (Black Hamburgh) ; fifth, the remarkable crops of Lady Downe's Grape. Many other commendable features might be named. E. Mohjnenx. The Corsican Pine.— I have nothing to say respecting the value of this Pine as a timber- producer, but I can endorse Mr. Elwes's remarks as to its costliness in a young state. In many nurseries the raising of young Corsican Pines has been almost given up, the rate of mortality amongst the young plants being so high that it is not profitable to grow them. There are com- paratively few of the buying public who have any knowledge of the difficulties experienced with this Pine, and it is almost impossible to get a remunerative price for those which survive after being transplanted. When forest trees are sold by the thousand at cheap rates, say, from 15s. to 50s. per 1,000, according to size and quality, there i6 not profit -if from 50 per cent, to 80 per cent, die when set out in nursery quarters, which happens in 99 cases out 100 with the Corsican Pine. It is, however, only in a small state that this Pine is difficult to transplant, as I have seen plants 6 feet and more in height moved with very little loss. I have noticed the same thing with other sub jects, especially Hollies, that are bad to move when small, but which transplant readily when they get larger and begin to hold a ball of soil. There is, however, no necessity, so far as I can see, to plant Pinus Laricio when there are other and better timber trees that grow equatly well, and transplant much more readily. One of the coming timber trees in this country, which is being extensively planted, is the Douglas Fir. The timber of this tree has been described as hard, close-grained, free from knots, and easy to work. The tree is of rapid growth, succeeds in nearly all soils, and is also free from the attacks of insect pests and fungal diseases. Thuya plicata (T. gigantea or T. Lobbii) has also been in demand these last few years with certain experimental planters, partly' for its timber and partly because its rapid growth and dense foliage help other subjects to run up. J. Clark, Bagshol, Surrey. Since writing my note, which ap- peared on p. 28, we have cut up some trees of this Thuya, and I was surprised at the useful material we obtained from the 30-year-old trees. The wood is clean with but few knots, considering the number of branches borne, and it will be especially serviceable for inside work. In colour the timber is almost white, and should plane up to an excellent surface. The altitude here is 400 feet above sea level. I was surprised to read Sir Herbert Maxwell's note on p. 60 that this Thuya is easily injured by frost, as I have never found frost to injure it in the slightest degree in any stage of growth. The drought in 1911 killed many large specimens in this neighbourhood, whereas small trees were unharmed. E. Molynrux. Apples With More Than lO Seeds. — In the Gardeners' Chronicle, November 16, 1912, p. 375, Mr. Chittenden is reported as having brought to the notice of the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society the fact that in the case of many fruits of " Frogmore Pro- lific " Apple he found more than two seeds in a cell. A6 he mentioned that I had previously drawn his attention to the matter, I may say that my experience was gained with a Canadian Apple, " Fameuse," of which a supply was given to me in the autumn of 1908. I kept count of the number of pips found in 37 of these Apples, with the result that 16 were found to contain 10 or fewer, 3 had 11, 4 had 12, 3 had 13, four had 14, 3 had 15, 1 had 16, 1 had 17, 1 had 18, and 1 had 19. Although I did not actually find a case where each of the 5 cells contained 4 seeds, I came across an instance where 4 of the cells were so provided, the fifth having 3 seeds, making 19 in all. I had, therefore, come to the conclusion that four ovules per cell was the full potential number ; but I see from the Gardeners' Chronicle of the 1st inst. that Mr. Chittenden has actually found five seeds in one cell. Clearly, therefore, the classifica- tion of Pyrus must be subjected to some revision. William Somerville, School of Rural Economy, University of Oxford. Bountiful Display of Berries. — In spite of the wet summer, all berry-bearing trees and shrubs provided an unusually fine display dur- ing the autumnal and early winter months. The lofty Thorn hedges assumed a crimson tint from the abundance of haws with which they were covered, while the sealing-w ax-red heps of the Briar were borne in like profusion. The Holly has never fruited so freely, many trees being absolutely scarlet with berries. Tall bushes standing out from the straggling hedgerows in the country lanes, laden with great clusters of vermilion berries, presented a charming picture, while tlie wild Guelder Rose, with its thickly* born ■ fruit-trusses, each berry of which resembled a large transparent bead of rich crimson, was more than usually effective. The Strawberry Tree (Cornus capitata, better known as Ben- thamia fragifera) so attractive in the early sum- mer witli its large flowers of palest sulphur, was plentifully studded with corrugated crimson fruits, from which it takes its name. Some of the fruits were 3 inches in circumference, and were borne in such unwonted numbers that the branches bent beneath their weight. The Sea Buckthorn (Hippopha? rhamnoides), a shrub of which too little use is made, was equally prodigal in the matter of berries, whose bright orange tint, mingling with the glaucous hue of the leafage, provided a tender colour-harmony. The common Barberry, its arching branches thick strung with pendent, crimson fruit-clusters, presented an at- tractive spectacle, especially where grown in an isolated position ; the coral-pink berries of the Spindle Tree were carried in countless numbers and the vivid scarlet clusters on the Mountain Ash in early autumn were borne in lavish free- dom. Wyndhtim Fitzhnbrrt. Devonshire. February 8, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 91 Ripened Fruit Wood. — On p. GO Mr. Small asks the question, "Does summer pruning pay?" Summer pruning and disbudding are necessary not only to obtain shapely trees, but to produce good fruiting spurs and branches, according to the variety. Every- one knows that it is possible to obtain good crops from full-grown orchard trees, with practically no pruning at all, but could we ex- pect equally good results from young trees? I think not. Does Mr. Small maintain that ripened wood is not essential with regard to such fruits at Peaches? I know a Peach tree that for years bore no fruit on a shady wall, where the wood never ripened, but since it was moved to a sunny position it has borne, and continues to bear good crops. The wood turns a dark-brown colour, which is one of the essentials in good Peach culture. But there is a distinction be- tween ripened wood and prematurely over- ripened wood through drought. Owen Moving. The Old House Gardens, Freshford, Somerset. The Rainfall of 1912 (see p. 74) —The account of last year's rainfall is very interest- ing. I notice that there are but two records of a heavier rainfall for the year than that experi- enced here — 46.01 inches. One of these was also in Hampshire, the other in Argyle. Ten years ago 30 inches was the average rainfall on this estate, since that period the amount has risen to 36 inches annually. To me this great increase is extraordinary. Rain fell at Swanmore on 178 days. The greatest number of wet days occurn d during August, when there were 28 wet days. During January, February and June rain was r gistered on 19 days in each month. The greatest fall on one day was 1.75 inch, and occurred on September 29. We had only one wet day in April, when 1.02 inch fell. E. Molyneux, ■Swanmore. Park Estate, Bishop's Waltham, SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. February 4.— The Vincent Square Hall was filled with a bright display of flowers on the occasion of the fortnightly meeting on Tuesday last. The exhibits of Orchids were above the average in interest and variety, and the Orchid Committee recommended two First-class Certifi- cate., and four Awards of Merit to novelties. I lie most important exhibit brought to the notice of the Floral Committee was a display of forced shrubs staged by Messrs. R. & G". Ccthbert, for which a Gold Medal was awarded. Collections of Carnations, Ferns. Cyclamens, hardy plants, and a good group of Camellias were other important features in this section. The Floral Committee granted one First class Certificate and one Award of Merit. The Fruit and Vegetable Committee made no Award to a novelty. At the three o'clock meeting in the lecture- room Mr. C F. Ball, of the Glasnevin Royal Botanic Garden, gave an address on "Plant Hunting in Bulgaria." Floral Committee. Present : H. B. Mav, Esq. (in Hie Chair) ; Messrs. Chas. T. Druer'v, Chas. E. Shea, W. J. James, W. J. Bean, G." Reuthe, R. C. Notcutt, C. R. Fielder, J. Jennings, J. W. Moorman, Win. Howe, Chas. E. Pearson, John Dickson, Chas. Dixon, Edward Mawlov, F. Page Roberts, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, George Paul. John Green, James Hudson, E. A. Bowles, and W. I!. Cranfield. Messrs. R. & G. Cuthbeut's exhibit of forced shrubs was staged at the foot of the wall opposite to the entrance. In the centre was a large bay composed of splendid Magnolias ar- ranged amongst Japanese Maples, which had the effect of throwing the flowers into strong relief. This bay was extended forward, giving an undidating front. At one end of the collec- tion was an assortment of species of Pyrus, all in beautiful flower, and at the other a group of Lila.cs, principally of white varieties. Other subjects dispersed throughout the group, some of them trained as standards, included Wistarias, double-flowered Cherries, Azaleas, Forsythia suspensa, Staphylia colchica, and flowering Almonds and Peaches, whilst two noble plants of Magnolia Soulangeana towered above all the others. (Gold Medal.) An excellent exhibit of forced shrubs was also staged by Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, for which a Silver Flora Medal was awarded. The group presented a brilliant bank of bright colours, provided by such beautiful plants as Prunus floribunda, Wistaria, Azaleas, Jasminum primulinum, Prunus triloba, Cerasus sinensis rosea and Pyrus atrosanguinea. A row of well- grown Palms provided a suitable background. In addition to the forced shrubs Mr. Russell showtd several plants of Debregesia velutina in fruit. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, showed a selection of forced shrubs as a table group. The plants were of a size suitable for the decoration of stages in greenhouses and conserva- tories, and included Boronias, Magnolias, Azaleas, Viburnum Opulus, and Peaches. Ad- joining these plants was a rock-garden exhibit in which bulbous Irises were a feature. As a separate exhibit this firm showed numerous vases ot Carnations. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, showed varieties of Camellias as pot plants and cut blooms in baskets. There were numerous single varieties with white and red flowers; the old Donckelaari which has a mottling of white on a red ground, the peerless Alba Plena, ami Montironi, another excellent double-white variety were included. Mingled with the Camellias wen di tible, crimson-flowered Peaches. (Silver Flora -Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, Edmonton, were awarded a Silver gilt Flora Medal for a colli < tion of filmy Ferns, embracing 32 species and varie ties. These interesting plants are not often seen at exhibitions. The largest specimens were of In. Ira superba (3 feet 6 inches across) and T. in- i i in lia. A selection of the choicer species in- cludes, besides the Todeas referred to, Tricho manes alabamenis, T. scandens, T. pumili, 'I'. exsectum, Hymenophyllum demissum, and II. crispatum. \l is. James VeiTCH & Sons, King's Road, in ! r.i, Btaged miscellaneous indoor-flowering plants, including well-grown Cyclamens, Azaleas, Lily-of-the- Valley, Freesia refracts alba, and Oranges in fruit. (Silver Flora Medal Mr. 11. Burnett, Guernsey, i tributed a fine exhibit of perpetual-blooming Carnations, which included the beautiful yellow variety La Rayon- nante. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Ai.i.wood Bros., Haywards Heath, exhibited a small but select group of Carnations, giving special prominence to their novelty Mary Allwood and the yellow La Rayonnante. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Young & Co., Hatherley, also showed Perpetual-blooming Carnations, their finest variety being the clove-coloured and sweet scented variety Duchess of Devonshire. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co.. Enfield, exhibited tiie variety Baroness de Brienen. In addition to the Carnations this firm showed pans of Cyclamen, including the varieties Giant White, Salmon King, and Victoria, a pretty flower tipped with red, and with frilled margins. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. W. Wells & Co., Merstham, showed a new Perpetual-blooming, cerise-coloured Car- nation of American origin named Northport, also many fine Mowers of standard varieties. Mr. G. Engei.mann. Saffron VYaldcn, was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for an exhibit of Perpetual-blooming Carnations. Mr. W. A. Manda, St. Albans, again showed his new Begonia 'Christmas Red." Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, ex- hibited well-grown Cyclamens and Cinerarias, the curious Bllbergia nutans, and standard plants of Begonia President Carnot. Messrs. W. H. Rogers, Ltd., Red Lodge Nurseries, Southampton, showed a hybrid Fuchsia named Benita : the coral red flowers have relatively short tubes, and are produced in bunches at the ends of the shoots. Charming blooms of the beautiful red Rich- mond Rose were exhibited by Messrs. George Mount & Sons, Canterbury. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, showed baskets of Primulas The Duchess, Coral Pink, and the stellata form of the latter variety. Coral Pink in both its forms is exceedingly pleasing in tint. Rock-gardens and collections of hardy flowers were numerous. Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a rockery arranged somewhat flat, but in excellent taste. It was planted with patches of Irises, Cr<« u Cyclamen Coum, Muscari azureum in drifts, Nar- cissus Bulbocodium citrinum (the sulphur-col- oured Hoop-Petticoat Daffodil), Gentians, Iris reticulata, Hepaticas and other spring flowers. This firm also showed a few early Daffodils and a vase of Gerberas. Messrs. John Piper & Sons, Bishop's Road, Bayswater, London, built a rockery with boul- ders of pleasant colour, which provided a fit- ting setting for many choice Alpines and illustrate Conifers. Amongst the last-named, Abies Nordmanniana aurea pendula and Retino- spora obtusa filicioides are especially desirable. A broad sweep of Saxifraga Burseriana, with numbers of pure-white flowers, surrounded a colony of Saxifraga Winteri and a clump of Primula warleyensis. The group of Primula Megassefolia was well flowered, and provided a good contrast to the rich blue of the flowers of Anemone Hepatica ccerulea fl. pi. On the Oppo- site side of the exhibit many young plante of l.ith ispermum Heavenly Blue were flowering pro- fusely. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. li. Wallace & Co., Colchester, ar- ranged a rockery on which we noticed Anchusa myosotidiflora, Fritillaria citrina, Tulipa Kauf- manniana, species of Crocus, the double- flowered Adonis, and the rare Iris orchioides i hi idea. Mr. Clarence Elliott, Six Hills Nursery, Stevenage, also showed a rockery, in which the most prominent feature, was a broad band of Saxifraga burseriana, the numerous white flowers appearing like a drift of snow. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. G. & A. Cl u;K. LTD., Dover, were awarded a Bronze F'lora Medal for varieties of ei Inured Primroses. Messrs. Whtteleoo. & Page. Chislehurst, put up a rock garden exhibit planted with seasonable subjects in bloom. Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, showed a large num- ber ut' rare shrubs. Alpines, and Camellias, for which a Silver Banksian Medal was awarded. The more interesting plants were Berberie Bealei, Anoptcris glandulosa, Knightia excelsa, Chimaphila maculata, Shortia umflora gramli- tlora, Pyrola chloranthes, Lyoopodium complana turn, and Marattia fraxinea. Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, showed Alpines and dwarf plants of Hydrangeas, tha it i with exceptionally laru'e inflorescences and s.t off. by a row of Begonia Glorj of Cincinnati. The Wargrave Plant Nursery, Twyford, were awarded a Bronze Flora Medal for a rockery planted with Alpines. We noticed the rare Ribes laurifolia, Primula Megassefolia, Crocus biflorus Alexandria (mauve and whit.), Olearia nummularifolia, and Scilla siberica alba, which associates pleasingly with the blue variety. Messrs. Thompson & Charman, Bushey, Hert- fordshire, arranged a rockery crowned with a clump of the white variety of Daphne Mezereum alba, Cotoneaster humifusa, and Primula Palinuri. Rock gardens were also shown by Mr. James. Box, Lindfield, Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons. Crawley (Silver Banksian Medal), and the Misses Hopkins, Shepperton. Mr. Maurice Pritchard, Christchurch, had a similar exhibit of Alpines and hardy flowers, as sh iwn by him at the last meeting. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. James Macdonald, Harpenden, showed dried grasses, including sheets of herbarium specimens, also their patent method of growing grass for the making of lawns. The seeds are sown on a fabric impregnated with plant food, on which they germinate readily in a warm green- house. When the site of the lawn has been pre- pared the fabric with the growing grass is laid down in lengths as a floor is covered with linoleum. (Silver Banksian Medal.) AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Polypodium irioides pendulum grandiceps. — The typical Polypodium irioides has rigidly- erect, narrow, undivided fronds. In the new variety the fronds fork a few inches from the ground, and continue, as they grow, to divide and sub-divide in the manner characteristic of U2 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [1'UBRUARY 8, 1913. Platycerium. The fronds are as broad as they are long, and the increasing weight of the growing tips makes them pendent. The plant exhibited was 15 inches high, and the pendent habit was not strongly marked, but old specimens make beautiful basket plants, producing trailing fronds a yard in length. The fronds are a rich, deep- green colour, and their texture is leathery. The plant was introduced from a garden in Queens- land. Shown by Messrs. H. B. May & Sons. AWARD OF MeKIT. Crocus chrysanthus " E. A. Bowles." — This is the soft-yellow seedling of C. chrysanthus, on the beauty "of which we commented in our notes on the novelties exhibited at the last meeting (see p. 61). Apart from the lovely colouring, the texture of the perianth is much firmer than in the type, the segments are broader, and the whole plant has greater size and vigour, without loss of refinement. It was raised in Mr. Van Tuber- gen's nurseries. Shown by Messrs. Barr & Sons. Other Novelties. The Countess of Ilchester sent from her gar- dens at Abbotsbury, Dorsetshire (gr. Mr. Kemp- shall) flowering twigs of Pittosporum heterophyl- lum and Azara crassifolia. The former plant is a comparatively new Chinese species, having light- brown twigs and (in the specimen shown) narrow lanceolate leaves about I5 inch in length. The small, cream-coloured flowers are deliciously scented, and borne in clusters of from 2 to 20 or more on short pedicels at the ends of the shoots of the previous season. Azara crassifolia is one 01 the garden names of A. Gilliesii, the largest and showiest of the species in cultivation. The leathery leaves are broadly ovate and 2£ to 3 inches in length. The flowers are collected into cylindric, catkin-like clusters, and are rich yel- low, but they do not appear to have the fragrance of the commoner and hardier A. microphylla. A. Gilliesii is figured in Bot. Mag., tab. 5178. Orchid Committee. Present: J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair) ; Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), de B. Crawshay, Gurney Wilson, J. S. Moss, W. H. White, A. Dye, J. E. Shill, J. Cypher, H. G. Alexander, J. Charlesworth, F. Sander, F. J. Hanbury, S. Low, J. Wilson Potter, W. Cobb, T. Armstrong, W. Bolton, R. A. Rolfe, W. H. Hatcher, C. H. Curtis, C. J. Lucas, Sir Harry J. Veifch, and Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart. Messrs. Chablesworth & Co., Haywards Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a group with a fine lot of white Laelia anceps and hybrid Odontoglossum and Odon- tiodas. The most remarkable new plants were Oncidioda Cooksoniae and Oncidium splendiduni aureum (see Awards), the pretty apricot-yellow Brasso-Laelio-Cattleya Joan (B.-L. Mrs. Gratrix X C. Octave Doin), Brasso-Cattleya Digbyano- Mossiae Queen Alexandra of a clear white, B.-C. Digbyano-Mendelii, Odontoglossum ardentissi- mum album, Helcia sangninolemta, and the rare white-lipped Zygopetalum Mackayi Charles- worthii. Oncidium splendidum aureum is a clear- yellow form, in which the brown colouring of the sepals and petals seen in other varieties is sup- pressed, and only a green shade appearing. Lieut.-Col. Sir Geo. L. Holford, K.C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), showed Lafilio- Cattleya Dorothy (C. Schroderse x L.-C. Doris) with four flowers on a spike, sepals and petals yellow, tinged with salmon pink, the lip deep crimson in front; Cypripedium Constantine, a noble flower of unrecorded parentage ; and two distinct varieties of the clear white Cymbidium Gottianum (eburneum x insigne) named Dawn and The Pearl, both beautiful flowers and differ- ing in the rose-purple marking on the lip. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park (gr. Mr. Collier), showed the handsome Cym- bidium Lady Colman var. Golden Queen (see Awards) and two fine specimens of Odonto- glossum Lady Roxburgh (cirrhosum x percul- tum) with strong, branched spikes of prettilv- spotted flowers, the largest spike having 70 blooms. H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn. Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), sent Odontoglossum Wigania- num " Goodson's variety" (Wilckeanum x Rolfeas), purple-spotted on clear yellow ground; Odontioda Thwaitesii, claret-col mred with rose lip ; and Odontioda Cassiope " Fairlawn variety." C. J. Phillips, Esq., The Glebe, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Bucknell), sent the very distinct Odonto- glossum Amandum (see Awards) ; Antiope var. Keseda (Bossii rubescens X Edwardii), a pretty and distinct hybrid with a dwarf spike of claret- coloured floweis tipped with rosy-lilac, the lip being specially bright and having a white disc with red markings on the crest ; and 0. Phocis (Phoebe x Solon), a good and finely-blotched flower. De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Stables), sent some promising hybrids, viz., Odontoglossum Cassandra (Urania x cris- pum), cream-white, evenly-spotted with red- brown; 0. Calypso (triumphans X Lambeaua- num), of fine shape and coloured after the man- ner of 0. triumphans ; and 0. Cleopatra (Car- mania X Vuylstekei), having primrose-yellow ground colour heavily blotched and with white lip having purple blotches in front of the yellow crest. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for an effec- tive group of hybrid Cattleyas, Lselio-Cattleyas, Odontoglossums and Cypripediums, the best of the last-named genus being C. Lathamianum " Sander's variety " of large size and good shape, the dorsal sepal being specially fine. In- teresting species were the curious little Laelia Lundii, Gongora truncata, Dendrobium gracile, Ornithidium densum, Pleione Delavayi, Epiden- FlG. 45. — ODONTIODA MADELINE VAR. PRINCE OF ORANGE (ODONTIODA CHARLESWORTHII X ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM): Colour, primrose-yellow, marked with reddish-lilac. (R.H.S. Award of Merit January 21, 1913.) drum laterale and Pleurothallis cardiothallis with a singular red-brown flower resting on the cor- date, green leaf. Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, re- ceived a Silver Banksian Medal for a pretty group in the centre of which were a selection of Calanthe Bryan, C. Wm. Hurray and C. bella. Among a good selection of Cypripediums C. Venus, C. Boltonii. forms of C. aureum, including the yellow and white variety Surprise ; Phalae- nopsis Schilleriana. P. Stuartiana, P. Sanderiana and an excellent selection of Cypripediums._ Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a nice group in which were some exceptionally good, un- named hybrid Cypripediums ; Cattleya Ianthe ; C. Aliciae. of very attractive colouring ; C. Trianfe Courtauldiana, a very remarkable form of fine shape which originally was heavily blotched on all the segments, but which has not since ap- peared so decorated, although its identity is easy to trace. Hybrid Odontoglossums with scarlet Odontioda Devossiana were also arranged in the group. Mr. W. A. Manda. St. Albans, secured a Silver Banksian Medal for a varied selection of Cattleya Triana?. ranging from white to the lilac- tinted delicata forms and the rich crimson-lipped varieties. Several bore coloured bands on the petals like C. T. Backhousiana, that named American Beauty being specially attractive ; and some had variegated petals. Messrs. Stuart Low &_Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, received a Silver Banksian Medal for an effective group in which were many very fine forms of Cattleya Trianse, the variety albo- violacea having a blue front to the lip. Another fine form was of the C. T. Premier class, and two- had richly-coloured petals. C. Fabia and other hybrid Cattleyas, Laelia superbiens with three spikes, Ansellia africana, good Dendrobium Wardianum, Cymbidium Wiganianum, good Lycaste Skinneri, including the best white forms, were also noted. A Bronze Banksian Medal was awarded to Messrs. Hassall & Co., Southgate, for a neat group in which were a very finely-coloured Laelio-Cattleya callistoglossa, several Cattleya Empress Frederick, Brasso-Laslia Helen, Mil- tonia Waricewiczii ; the pretty Cypripedium Venus " Orchidhurst variety," a wax-like cream- white flower with small violet spots, and a selec- tion of hybrid Udontoglossums. H. J. Bromilow, Esq., Rann Lea, Rainhill, Lancashire (gr. Mr. W. J. Morgan), sent Cypripedium Euryades " New Hall Hay variety " in fine form, and C. Alcibiades illustris, one of the best of its class. Mr. E. V. Low, Vale Bridge, Haywards Heath, showed Cattleya Trianae violacea and coerulea, both white-petalled with blue front to the lip ; Cypripedium aureum virginale, and C. Venus vax. Geo. Finger. AWARDS. First-class Certificates. Odontoglossum ardentissimum Ebor, from Baron Bruno Schroder, The Dell, Englefield Green (gr. Mr. J. E. Shill). — A noble form with the largest flowers of any variety, of a good shape, clear white heavily blotched with bright claret-red. The plant was splendidly grown, and bore a spike of 21 flowers. Cymbidium Lady Colman var. Golden Queen (eburneo-Lowianum X Tracyanum), from Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park (gr. Mr. Collier). — A very fine hybrid with large flowers equal to those of C. Traeyanum. Sepals and petals golden-yellow with dotted lines of rose-purple. Lip yellowish-white with brown lines on the side lobes and spots on the front. Awards of Merit. Cymbidium J. Davis (Schrochriana X in- signe), from J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebe- lands, South Woodford (gr. Mr. J. Davis). — In habit this hybrid partakes most of C. ir.signe, the spike being erect. Flowers large, pale buff, with reddish lines. Lip white with red-brown markings. Odontoglossum Amandum (Pescatorei X Wilckeanum), from C. J. Phillips, Esq., The Glebe, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Bucknell). — A very distinct Odontoglossum of fine shape and sub- stance, the labellum being exceptionally broad and well displayed. The sepals and petals are white, the sepals having several large claret-red blotches, and the petals a band of the same colour across the middle. The lip has a purple band in front of the crest. j Oncidioda Cooksonioe (Oncidium macranthum X Cochlioda Noezliana), from Messrs. Charles- worth & Co. — A very remarkable bigeneric cross with the trailing inflorescence and form of flower as in 0. macranthum, but smaller. Sepals very dark red, petals lighter and with yellow tips, lip narrowly trilobed red with yellow crest. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: J. Cheal. Esq. (in the Chair) ;. Messrs. John Harrison. W. E. Humphreys, E. Beckett, Wm. Pope. George Keif. A. R Allan, T. G. Weston, A. Grubb, J. Davis, A. Bullock, G. Revnolds, J. Jaques, P. Tucker, H. H. Williams, H.' Somers Rivers, C. G. A. Nix, and S. T. Wright (hon. secretary). The predominant feature in Messrs. Sutton & Sons' (Reading) collection of splendid vege- tables was the Sutton Variegated Kale. The colours range from rich, vinous purple to green and white, and the leaves of most of the varieties shown were finely divided. Although these variegated Kales may be eaten, their colour would deter any persons from doing so, but they are very valuable for border decoration at a February 8, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 93 season when outdoor flowers are scarce. The "place" for these Kales is in the kitchen gar- den flower borders. Such Turnips as Snowball, Green-top, White and Early Red Milan were surprisingly good. The two Broccoli (Snow White and SuttonV Superb Early White) were large and of dazzling whiteness. Seakale, Mushrooms, Chicory, and Leeke were also of high quality. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Messrs W. Seabrook & Son, Chelmsford, ex- hibited many baskets of excellent Apples. The dessert varieties included such well-known sorts as Cox's Orange Pippin, Blenheim Pippin, Stunner Pippin, Rosemary Russett, Claygate Pearmain, and May Queen. Amongst culinary sorts we especially noted Bramley's Seedling, Lord Derby and Bismarck. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Messrs. James Carter & Co., Raynes Park, made a very attractive display with Potatos of many different kinds. The coloured skinned varieties were greatly in evidence, and com- prised such varieties as Crimson Exhibition, Pink Exhibition, Ruby Queen, Towser, in bright colours, whilst the darker sorts were The Dean, Edgecote Purple, and Herd Laddie. Amongst the white-skinned sorts, Royalty, The Factor, Carters' Advancer and Long Keeper were especially clean and shallow in the eye. (Silver- gilt Banksian Medal.) Many pots of whole-fruit jam and marmalade were shown from the orchards of Sir Walter Gilbey, Bart., Elsenham. Mrs. Miller, Moyleen, Marlow, exhibited various fruit syrups. Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, Lon- don, showed a collection of variegated Kale of various shades of purple colour. Report of Ihe Council for 1912. The annual meeting of the Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society will be held on Tuesday next, the 11th inst., in the Society's Hall, at 3 p.m. We make the following extracts from the report of the Council : — '* International Exhibition, 1912. The great horticultural event of the year was undoubtedly the Royal International Horticultural Exhibition held at Chelsea on May '22 to 30. The Exhibition owed its inception to our Society, but it was for many reasons thought better that the Soc.ety 6hould act as a benevolent god-parent rather than as the responsible promoter of the Exhibition, which was accordingly organised by a email public company, of which hie Grace the Duke of Portland, K.G., was the president, Mr. J. Gurney Fowler the chairman. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., the treasurer, and Mr. Edward White the managing director, the Society standing, as it were, behind them with its subscription of £1,000 and its guarantee of JE4.000. The Council are glad to have been informed that, owing to the magnificence of the Exhibition itself, coupled with the excsptionally fine weather all through ite con- tinuance, none of the guarantee money will be required, but, on the contrary, a substantial credit balance remains. No words can describe the beauty and excellence of the Exhibition, which reflected the utmost credit on all the exhibitors, both British and foreign, whom the Society's officers did all in their power to assist. In addition to the splendid hospitality extended in more immediate connection with the Exhibition itself, such as the dinner given by Mr. Leopold de Rothschild at Gunners- bury and the reception held by his Grace the Duke of Portland and the garden-party at Sir Frank Crisp's, Sir Tievor Lawrence, Bart, our president, gave a charming al- fresco luncheon and reception to the foreign visitors and others at his beautiful country house and garden at Bur- ford, and the Council held a banquet in the Society's Hall, to which over 800 guests were invited. A report of this will be found at page xevi of the Journal, voL xxxviii, part 2. Honour to Horticulture. Following on the mention of the International Exhibition, the Counc-1 cannot omit to record the honour done to horticulture _by his Majesty the King in bestowing a knight- hood on Sir Harry Veitch. They are sure that all Fellows of the Society will rejoice in the distinction thus bestowed upon one of the most active and useful members of the Council. Wherever gardens are valued Sir Harry Veitch's name has long stood in the front rank of those whom we honour and esteem. His energy, enterprise and success in every branch of horticulture have been most marked, especially in the introduction of valuable new trees, shrubs and plants for the embellishment of our woods and gardens. Wisley Rock Garden and Alpine House. The planting of the rock garden i£ proceeding as rapidly as possible, having regard to the desirability of the plants used. It is exceedingly easy to cover a rock garden in a few months with what may be called, more or less, "floral weeds," but such plants will, in 12 months, smother their smaller, slower-growing, and more valuable brethren, so that, to obtain a well-planted Took garden, it is of all things necessary to have patience, and hasten slowly. During th? past year an Alpine plant house has been erected above the rock garden, chiefly for the purpose of growing those rock plants to perfection which blossom too early to withstand cur wet winters and spring frosts. In this house Fellows will be able to see such plants in flower from February onwards. Grapes at Wisley. The policy of the Council has been to pay attention chiefly to varieties of Grapes which are both of good flavour and are less known than these usually grown, quite irrespective of the natural size of the berrv, con- sidering that a small berry of high flavour is superior to a large one with little or none. With a view of drawir.,: public attention to these highly-flavoured though smaller- berried varieties, collections of them have been shown on several occasions at Vincent Square, and in 1911 a collec- tion was sent to the great show of the Royal Caledonian Society at Edinburgh, and a similar collection was exhibited at Shrewsbury, in 1912, where they attracted widespread attention and were awarded a spec.al gold medaL Nomenclature of Cape Pelargoniums. The v jrk of naming and collating the many synonyms of the Oape or Scented-leaved Pelargoniums sent to Wisley for that purpose has been carefully pursued, the task having been entrusted to Mr. John Fraser, of Kew. The list will appear as soon as possible in the Journal, but it will be necessary to continue the work in 1913, and those having collections are requested to send cuttings to Wisley in February, if they have not already done so, that they may be grown for comparison of both plant and name with those already examined, and their true names established. Trials of Sundries. During the past year a scheme for the trial of horticul- tural sundries has been initiate*]. The trials will be con- ducted at \Y'i>ley, and the articles sent adjudicated upon by a special committee, who will recommend suitable awards to the Council. These awards will be bestowed at the Chelsea or Holland House Show^, following the conclu- sion of the trial. The award cards can then be displayed by the exhibitors with the articles referred to. These special awards will remain good for 10 years, after which time the exhibitor will contract with the Council to cease advertising! the award, unless it shall have been subse- quently granted for another period of 10 years. The 10 years period has been established in view of the possibility of still better goods or inventions than those which first won an award coming under the Society's notice. The Library. Ever since the Lindley Library came under the direct management and control of the Society in 1910 the Council have consistently pursued the policy of securing, as far as possible, any really good and desirable books on horticul- ture which might happen to come into the market, and in the past year about £800 has in this way been expended on books and nearly £70 on binding. Among the rarer and more valuable books thus acquired may be mentioned Gallesio's Pomona Italiana, Reichenbach's Iconea Flora German ica. Jacquin's Flora austriaat and Plant arum rariorum Horti Casarei Schoenbrunnrnsis, Andrew's Roses, The Grete lierball, Hooker's Pomona Loadinensi^Willdenow'a Hortua berolinensis, Prevost's Collection des Fleurs et des Fruits, Laguna's Flora Fore<>,,i EspaHola, Curtis's I lias, and an exceedingly beautiful collection of old t paintings of flowers. Douglas" Journal In the early part of the year an application was received from the Department of Agriculture of the United States Government, requesting the loan of the Journals kept by Robert Douglas <>f Ms travels* on behalf of the Society through North America in 1824 and the following years. together with j«! uus-ion to publish them if the Department thought fit. Whilst greatly desiring to comply with the request of the r.s.A. Government, which has done so much for horticulture all the world over, the Council hesitated to risk the consignment of the manuscript to sin h a distance, especially as it has always ranked with those rare and valuable books which are never allowed to be taken out of the library. It was, therefore, thought better that the Society should itself publish this valuable and interesting J ■omul. The secretary was accordingly requested to under- ie task of editing it and preparing it for the press. The work is unavoidably a long one, as the writing is often very indistinct, and has faded in places,, and it has also been found nece-sary to refer the identification and nomen- clature of villages, rivers, Ac, to the L.S.A. Department of Agriculture, but it is hoped that it may be ready for press during the coming year. The Great May Show. There is hardly a Fellow of the Society who has not experienced the inconvenience of the overcrowding at the Temple, The Society has received much kindness from the Master and Benchers in being allowed for so long a time to make use of their gardens, but for several years past the feeling of attachment to the Temple Garden and dislike of the crowding have been struggling together for the mastery; and now that the International Exhibition has proved that people will go to Chelsea as readily as to the Temple, the Council have unavoidably come to the con- clusion that it is their bounden duty in the interest of the vast majority of the Fellows to move the show in future to Chelsea, which affords a site nearly three times as large as the Temple. The great May show will accordingly be held on May 20, 21, and 22, 1913, on the same site and in a similar tent as last year's International, and the Council hope that Fellows will individually invite and encourage their friends to attend. Holland House Show. The 1912 show at Holland House was a considerable ad- vance on previous years as regards both the quantity and quality of the exhibits, and their arrangement in the new, well-ventilated tents supplied by Messrs. Piggott. It was unfortunate that the rainy weather reduced the attendance and gate money to 6iich an extent that £655 was lost on tin show. The 1913 Holland House show will be held on July 1, 2. and 3, when better financial results are hoped for. Fellows are particularly ask^d to do their utmost to make this show well known amongst their friends by in- viting their attendance, as it would be a great pity it" such a fine annual exhibition continued to show a financial loss. Fellows ought surely to feel a pride and personal responsi- bility in assisting to maintain the Society's shows. Primula Conference. A Primula conference has been arranged for April 16, . 1913, when S r John Llewelyn, Bart., will occupy the chair. The papers to be read are as follow :— " Himalayan Primulas," by Mr. Craib, of Kew. " European Hybrids in Nature," by Mr. Reginald Farrer. " Primulas from a Garden Point of View," by Mia? Jekyll. " Chinese Species of Primula," by Professor Baylev Balfour. F.R.S. " European Primulas," by Dr. John McWatt. Orchid Show and Conference. Ten years ago it would have been thought impossible to produce a show of Orchids at the beginning of the month of November. Certainly no one would have dreamt of such a glorious display as was to be seen at the Hall on the 9th of that month. The Hall was nearly filled with magni- ficent exhibits, which not only spoke of wonderful cultural skill, but also strongly emphasised the excellent work done by hybridists in bringing about such an extended season of flowering, and the debt of gratitude due to them from all lovers of flowers. On the second day of the show a c nference was held, under the chairmanship of Mr. J. Gurney Fowler, when the follow. ng papers, which will appear in due course in the Journal, were read, viz. : — (1) "The Physiology of Fertilisation," by Professor F. Keeble, M.A., Sc.D. ; (2) "The Application of Genetics to Orchid Breeding," by Major C. C. Hurst; (3) " Some Epiphytal Orchids" by Mr. H. G. Alexander; (4) "Al- binism in Orchids, by Mr. H. G. Thwaites. Deputations. In response to an invitation, a deputation from the Council, consisting of Mr. J. Gurney Fowler and Messrs H. B. May, V.M.H., and C. G. A. Nix, attended the summer show of the Leamington Society on July 24, and made awards, when they were cordially received and entertained by Alderman and Mrs. Holt. Also on September 3 a similar deputation, consisting of Sir Daniel MoTris, K.O.M.G., M.A., D.Sc., D.C.L., F.L.S., V.M.H., Sir Harry Veitch, V.M.H and MessTs. H. B. May, V.M.H., and J. Hudson, V.M.H., visited the Centenary Show of the Glas- gow and West of Scotland Society, when an excellent pro- gramme of entertainment was provided for them, including a visit to the lovely residence of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Chrystal on Loch Lomond, luncheon with the LoTd Provost and Parks Committee of Glasgow, and a tour of the public parks and gardens belonging to the city. Invitations have been received and accepted for deputa- tions to be sent to the Birmingham Society's show on July 18, the Cardiff show on July 23, and the Northern Fnrit Congress at Kendal in October, 1913. Special Shows in 1913. The following special exhibitions are arranged for the year 1913, viz., the Forced-bulb Show on March 4 and 5, a Daffodil Show on April 15 and 16, a Tulip Show on Wed- nesday, May 14, a Rhododendron Show from May 27 to 30, a Vegetable Show on September 23, and the Show of British- grown Fruits on September 25 and 26. The Fruit Show occurs a fortnight earlier than usual in order that soft fruite and the earlier ripening Apples and Pairs may be seen to greater advantage. The notice of Fellows is specially drawn to the fact that, in order to avoid the Tuesday in Whitsun week, the fort- nightly show in May will be held on Wednesday, May 14, instead of, as usual, on a Tuesday. R.H.S. Cups, 1913. The Council have decided in future to adopt one special and distinctive form of cup for each year, and to have it made in four different sizes. The pattern adopted for 1913 will be found illustrated in the Book of Arrangements (see p. 65). The four different si2es will be known as follow ; — 1. The R.H.S. SilveT-gilt Cup. 2. The R.H.S. Large Silver Cup. 3. The R.H.S. Silver Cup. 4. The R.H.S. Standard Cup— so called because its de- sign standardises the pattern for the year. With regard to challenge cups and special cups for 1913, Fellows are referred to the Book of Arrangements. Diploma in Horticulture. The committee appointed to consider the desirability of establishing a diploma in horticulture have held several meetings during the year, and have consulted a large body of persons whose opinion was considered of value, and have reported that it is desirable to establish such a diploma. The Council, therefore, at once approached the President of the Board of Agriculture and Horticulture, the Rt. Hon. Walter Runciman, ALP., who most kindly met the com- mittee, and, after hearing their views, promised, after due time for consideration, to communicate with the Council on the subject. The promised communication was promptly sent — it empowers the Society to establish an examination, conducted by a joint committee of members appointed by the Board and the Society, to determine the recipients of the Diploma, wj^ich will bear the words: "National Dip- loma in Honicui -ure, awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society, under a Scheme approved by the Board of Agricul- ture." The Society has consented to bear the expense (over and above the amount received for fees) attaching to this long-needed proof of ability in the art of gardening. It is hoped that a degree of horticulture may also be established by the University of London, and it will in that case be the aim of the Council to make the Society's Diploma work up towards the University degree. Examinations. The examinations of the Society are assuming greater im- portance every year. In 1912 a total of l,48fi candidates sat, as against 835 in 1911. Garden Inspector. The number of applications from Fellows for an inspector to visit, advise, and report on their gardens has increased to 6uch an extent of late years that it was felt to be time that a separate officer should be appointed for this par- ticular branch, and that the superintendent at Wisley should not be so frequently called away from his own legitimate work. The Council have been fortunate in coming to an arrangement, with Mr. C. R. Fielder, V.M.H. , who is eminently qualified for the post, having been for many years head of the well-known and excellent gardens at North Mymms, and more recently appointed head gar- dener to Miss Willmott, V.M.H., at the world -renowned gardens at Warley Place. Parliamentary Committee. A feeling has been steadily growing amongst horticul- turists that their interests require more careful watching with regard to Parliamentary and Departmental action than is possible for the Council, which is so fully occupied with the Society's more immediate business. It has, there- fore, been decided to establish a Parliamentary Committee, whose work it shall be to advise the Council of the Society of opportunities — 1. For using the great influence of the Society, either in initiating legislation in favour of horticulture, or for influencing measures in any way affecting horti- culture, which may at any time be introduced into Parliament; and 2. For informing the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture of the views and wishes and wants of horticulturists; and 3. For co-operating with the Department in any useful and desirable movements. Congress of Entomology. Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., M.A.. D.Sc, D.C.L., F.L.8., V.M.H., represented the Society at the International Con- gress of Entomology at Oxford in August. An extract from his report will be found at page 345 of the Journal, vol. xxxviii, part 2. Royal Society Celebrations. The president, Sir Trevor Lawrence, BaTt., K.C.V.O., V.M.H.. represented the Society at the 250th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Society in July last. 94 THE GARDENERS1 CHR ONI CLE. [February 8, 1913. New Corresponding Fellows. The following have been appointed honorary and corre- sponding Fellows of the Society, viz., H.M. King Ferdinand of Bulgaria a great flower lover and botanist; Monsieur U. Gibault, Librarian to the Societe Natiouale cTHorticulture de France; L>r. Bertram Post, of Robert College, Con- stantinople; and Professor A. E. Day, of the Syrian Pro- testant College, Beirut, SyTia. Retirement of Members of Council. The Council have learned with extreme regret— a feeling which will be fully shared by all the active workers of the Society— that Mr. W. Marshall, V.M.H., acting under medi- cal advice, is compelled to relinquish his seat on the Council and his chairmanship of the Floral Committee. Mr. Marshal] has for more years than most can remember served the Society most wholeheartedly, not only by his constant presence at the meetings of the Council (to which he was first elected in 1868), but also by his kindly, genial, and yet firm guidance of the Committee over which he has presided for a long course of years. The Council have created a new office, that of Honorary Chairman of the Floral Com- mittee, in order to still keep in touch with a name so long identified with the best traditions of the Floral Committee's work. The Council also desire to express their sense of the con- stant willingness to assist them at all times, to the utmost extent of his power, shown by the Hon. John Boscawen, as well as for promoting the interests of the Society in Corn- wall, and they greatly Tegret that distance from London makes him unable to continue to attend the meetings of the Council with the necessary regularity. V.M.H. List. It is with great regret that we have to record the death of three holders of the Victoria Medal of Honour, viz., the Rev. F. D. Horner, of Burton-in-Lonsdale— the great authority on Auriculas and Tulips; Mr. R. Fenn, of Sul- liampstead — the early hybridiser of Potatos; and Mr. Alexander Dean, the Vegetable specialist, of Kingston-on- Thames. Mr. Dean's long and active career in horticulture. and his constant work for the Society and regular presence at its meetings, renders his loss widely felt. To fill the three vacancies, the Council have bestowed this distinction upon Mr. Divers, of Belvoir Castle Gar- dens; Mr. Whitton, of Glasgow City Parks; and the Rev. W. Wilks, for 25 years Secretary of the Society. At tie beginning of the year, the Council bestowed the V.M.H. upon Lleut.-Col. Sir David Prain, C.M.G., CLE F.R.S., of Kew, and Mr. E. H. Wilson, the celebrated plant col- lector, to succeed Sir Joseph Hooker, F.R.S., and Mr. Jan.es Douglas, the Carnation specialist, whose deaths are recorded in last year's annual report. Obituary. Th-3 Council regret, amongst others, to have to recorO the death of the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland; The Right Hon. Lord Llansattock, a constant exhibitor at the Society's meetings; Lieut. -Gen. Lord Calthorpe, K.C.B. ; Viscount Peel; the Hon. William Lowther; The Hon. John Aslihurnham; Ladv .Saville ; Ladv Hamilton; Lady Brown- low ; Sir Charles Whitehead ; Sir Robert Pullar, J. P. ; Major J. J. Joicey; Willie James, Esq., C.V.O. ; M. Theoplnle Durand, Director of the Belgian State Botanic Gardens; Eduard Strasburger, the eminent German botanist; and Messrs. A. Domeier, the celebrated botanist, H. J. Adams, J. S. Bergheim, W. Fyfe, C. P. Kinnell, and Hayward Mat bias. Annual Progress. The following table will show the Soriety's progress in regard to numerical strength during the past year: — Loss by Death in 1912. Hon. Fellows Life 4 Guineas 2 1 £ s. a. 6 .. 0 0 0 11 .. 0 0 0 4 .. IS 16 0 82 .. 172 4 0 88 .. 92 8 0 Loss by Resignation, kc. £ s. d. 4 Guineas 1 .. 4 4 0 3 „ 216 .. 453 12 0 1 ., .. .. .. 410 .. 430 10 0 Associates 32 . . 16 18 0 Affiliated Societies 23 . . 24 3 0 6E2 £929 5 0 Total loss 873 £1,210 13 0 Fellows Elected in 1912, £ s. d. Hon, Fellows 7.. 000 4 Guineas 7 . . 29 8 0 2 „ m .. 1.270 10 0 I ., 718 .. 753 18 0 Associate; £0 .. 26 5 0 Affiliated Societies 18 .. 18 18 0 Commutations 14 = £312 18s. Od. 1,419 £2,098 19 0 Deduct loss .. .. 1,210 13 0 Net increase in income .. .. £888 6 0 New Fellows, &c 1,419 Deaths and Resignations 873 Numerical increase 546 Total on December 31st, 1911 .. .. 12.839 Total on December 31, 1912 .. 13,385* Committees, kc. The Society owes a constantly recurring debt to the Mem- bers of the standing and special committees, chairmen, judges, writers of papers for the Journal, compilers of ex- tracts, reviewers, lecturers, and the several examiners, who, during the past twelve months have done so much to con- tiibute to the Society's usefulness, and to help maintain its high standing among the practical and scientific institutions of the world. The Council also acknowledge their obligations to tha Press for their invaluable assistance in reporting upon, and calling attention to, the work of the Society. By Order of the Council, W. Wilks, Secretary. Royal Horticultural Society, Vincent Square, Westminster, S.W. January I, 1913. ADDENDUM BY THE PRESIDENT:— The Society and its Secretary. When this Report is laid before the annual meeting on February 11, 1913, exactly 25 years will have passed away since tbe troublous times of 1888, when the Society was re- organised, and left South Kensington. It will be within the memory of some of the Fellows that after the death of our illustrious President, the Prince Consort, the Society began gradually to drift away from the object of its first constitution and into debt. The burden of this cannot be laid on the shoulders of any one man, nor indeed of any Committee or Council, for the Society has ever been served by most devoted men ; it was rather the natural outcome of circumstances the result of which it was impossible to foresee, and though the Council and Officers wrestled long and bravely with adverse con- ditions, it became evident in 1887-8 that a radical alteration must be made. All through 1887, plans for re-formation and renovation were discussed, and in February, 1888, a new Council was appointed, with Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., as President, S.r Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., Treasurer, and the Rev. W. Wilks, M.A., Secretary. Ever since that time the President and Secretary have re- mained unchanged. Sir Daniel Morris (who did such admirable work for tha Society's finances before he was appointed by Mr. Chamberlain, then Secretary of State for the Colonies, to the important post of Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture in the West Indies) was suc- ceeded: by Mr. Philip Crowley, at whese death in 1899 the increasing burden of the treasurer's office was taken up by Mr. Gurney Fowler, to whom the Society owes much for his skilful conduct of the finances during the difficult years whilst building operations were in progress, and in more lecent years with their increased financial obligations. In 1888, as mentioned above, the appointment of the Rev. W. Wilks, then Vioar of Shirley, Croydon, as Honorary Secretary took place. It would be a grave omission were the selection then made passed over without record or remark. For it has proved a most fortunate appointment in the interests of the Society, and of the horticulture of the kingdom. Tbe new Hon. Secietary was known as a keen gardener with a wide knowledge of many branches of f Photograph by Elliott & F>y. THE LATE EDWARD WEBB. horticulture. But it can scarcely have been anticipated that he would develop into the ideal Secretary he has proved to be during tbe long period he has served the Society, now a full quarter of a century. During all these years he has shown a whole-hearted devotion to the best interests of the Society. This has been coupled with an unflagging energy and zeal, a discretion, tact and judgment, rarely at fault, and by an unfailing courtesy, which have endeared him to the Fellows to a degree seldom met with, For years Mr. Wilks was not only the Society's unpaid Secretary, but also the unremunerated Editor of its Journal, which he has been largely instrumental in raising to the position it now occupies. Later on, with the greath in- creased burden of tbe work of the Societv, it became necessary to add a remuneration to the office of Secretary of the Society. But whether honorary or remunerated, it is scaicely necessary to add that Mr. Wilks enjovs, and always has enjoyed, the full confidence of the CouncH- and they believe of tbe Fellows generalh Trevor Lawrence, President. MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. AWARDS. January 16. — At a meeting held on the above date the following awards wer« made to novelties before the Committee : — First-class Certificates. Odontoglossum amahile variety " Exceha," a large, well-shaped flower, and evenly blotched with plum-coloured markings, from Z. A. Ward, Esq. Oypripedium x Princess Patricia of Con- •naught (C. Alcibiades X C nitens), showing the best features of Alcibiades but a closer flower, with deeply-coloured spots on the dorsal sepal, from S. Gratrix, Esq. Oypripedium. x Carola (C. Thompsonii X C Euryades splendens), a large flower of good shape and substance ; the dorsal petal has a white ground with claret-red markings, from \Ym. Thompson, Esq. Awards of Merit. Odontoglossum x James Barclay, X O. Violina Henderson, x 0. Lord Pirrie, and x R. Le Doux, all of unknown parentage, 'from R. Le Doux, Esq. Oypripedium x Snowdon Range (C. Euryades Sir Trevor Lawrence's var. x C. Leeanum), from S. Gratrix, Esq. Oypripedium Waltonensis var. " W. Stevens " (C. Thompsonianum X C. Rupert), from Wm. Thompson, Esq. Odontoglossum Barrya.no crispum " Ne Pius Ultra," from C. A. Ward, Esq. Brasso - Lcelio - Cattleya Cooksonii (B.-L. Gratrixse X C. Dowiana aurea), from Col. J. Rutherford. Edward WEBB.-The funeral of the lata Mr. Webb, s-enior partner of the firm of E. Webb & Son, whose death was recorded in the issue for January 25, took place at Stourbridge Cemetery. Mr. Webb was a member of the Royal Agricul- tural Society, the Smithfield Club, the Council of the Bath and West and Southern Counties Agricultural Society, and the Royal Horticul- tural and North of England Horticultural Societies, whilst the Royal Agricultural Benevo- lent Institution, the Gardeners' Royal Benevo- lent Institution and similar institutions benefited by his generous help. Patrick McDonnell. — American Horticul- ture records the death of Mr. Patrick McDonnell, an Irish horticulturist, who emi- grated to California when a boy. He died at l lie age of 54. John Martin. — The same paper ai n mnces the death of Mr. John Martin, a veteran grower, who died on December 4 aged 80. Mr. Martin was an Irishman, but had lived for main \ sars at Woonsocket, U.S.A. John Ross. — We learn from our contemporary, The Florists' Exchange, of the death of Mr. John Ross, of Los Angeles, at the age of 82, one of the most celebrated of the California!' florists. He was a Scotsman by birth, but emi- grated to America at a very early age. John Nicholas. — Tbe dentb of Mr. John Nicholas, an English emigrant horticulturist, at Westfield, Massachusetts, U.S.A., is recorded in Horticulture. Mr. Nicholas had retired from business for some time. SCHEDULES RECEIVED. The Stevenage and District Horticultural Mutual Improvement Society. -The spring flower show will he he'd in the Parish Rooms on Wednesday, March 12. Secre- tary, Mr. H. Brotherston, The Gardens, Knebworth House, Hens. Abbey Park Flower Show, to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 5 and 6. Secretary, Mr. J. Burton, Superintendent, Abbey Park, Leicester. Torquay District Gardeners' Association.— The spring show of this society will be held on Thursday, March 13, and the Chrysanthemum Show on Thursday, October 30. Both exhibitions will be held in the Bath Saloons. Secre- tary, \:r R. W. Hodder, Oakley, Warberry Road West, Torquay. Royal Agricultural Society of England.— A horticul- tural exhibiiion will beheld in conjunction with this society's show to be held at Bristol from Tuesday. July 1, to Friday, July 4. Secretary, Mr. Thomas McRow, 16, Bedfoid Square, London, W.C. Wolverhampton Floral Fete.— This exhibition will lake place in the West Park, Wolverhampton, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 8. 9, and 10. Secretary, Mr. R. F. Amphlett, 80, Darlington Street, Wolverhampton. Southampton Royal Horticultural Society.— The Rose Show ot this society will be held at South Stoneham House on Wednesday, June 25; the Summer and Carnation Show in the County Ground on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 15 and 16 ; and the Autumn Show on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 28 and 29. Secretary, Mr. C. S. Fuidge, 7, Silver- dale Road, Archer's Road, Southampton. Fehruary 8, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 95 TRADE NOTICES. Messrs. John Waterer & Sons, Ltd., Bagshot, announce thai they have secured the services of Mr. H. Buckenhara as their landscape gardener. Mr. Buckenham's English training was carried out under the late Mr. Markham Nesfield, and the late Mr. W. B. Thomas. He has for the past few years been engaged in landscape operations in the United States. Among the many schemes that have been C irned out under his design and superintendence is Duke's Farm, the property of Mr. J. B. Duke, at Somerville, New Jersey, where upwards of 2,000 acres have been converted into pleasure grounds. Mr. E. Scaplehorn, who for nearly ten years has been en- gaged as hardy plant foreman to Messrs, Win. Cutbush and Sons, has left that firm to undertake a similar duty with Mr. James Box, Lindfield, Sussex. On the cocasioa of his leav- ing Higbgate, his colleagues in the hardy plant department presented him with a souvenir. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending February 5, 1913. The eighth unseasonably warm week of the present winter. — With one exception all the days and nights of the past week were warm for the time of year. On the warmest day, the 4th insl., the temperature in the thermometer screen rose to 55w, which is 11° higher than the average maximum reading at the beginning of February. The ground is at the present time 2° warmer at 2 feet deep, and 4° warmer at 1 foot deep than is seasonable. Rain fell on four days and to the total depth of three-quarters of an inch. Some rainwater has each day come through both the bare soil percolation §auge, and also through that on which short grass is growing, ut in gradually diminishing quantities as the week advanced. The sun shone on an average for 1 hour 7 minutes a day, which is 50 minutes a day short of the mean duration at the same period of the winter. On the one bright day the sun was shining brightly for 5J hours— the sunniest day as yet of the present winter. The winds were as a rule high, and more particularly in the early part of the week. In the windiest hour the mean velocity was 17 miles— direct west. There was about a seasonable amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. A selected patch of Yellow Crocuses in my garden first showed an open flower on the 4th, or 24 days earlier than its average date for the previous 26 yeais, and, with one exception (1894, when it was one day earlier), earlier than in any of those years. January. Very m Id and sunless, and remarkably wet.— This proved an unusually warm January, but in the last 27 years there have been five other Januarys which have been even warmer. During the past month theie were only six unseasonably cold days and but seven cold nights. On the warmest day the highest reading in the thermometer screen was 51", and on ihe coldest night the exposed thermometer registered 17u of frost. Neither of these extreme temperatures is, however, exceptional for this the coldest month of th : year. Rain fell on 20 days, to the total depth of 4 inches, which is 1£ inch in excess of the January average— making this the wettest January for 36 years. Snow fell on two days, and on the evening of the 22nd the ground was covered for a short time to the average depth of 3 inches. The sun shone on an average for 1 hour 9 minutes a day, which is 26 minutes short of fie mean duration — making this the most sunless January for 15 years. Light airs as a rule prevailed. For only 114 hours altogether was the direction any point on the northern half of the compass. In no hour did the mean velocity exceed 18 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 2 per cent. Our Underground Water Supply. Since the winter half of the present drainage year began in October, the total rainfall has exceeded the average for those four months by 1J inch — equivalent to an excess of 31,440 gallons on each acre in this district. At the same lime last year there was an excess of 116,280 gallons per acre. E.M.. Berkhamsted. February 5. 1913. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. [Cmtmpondtnti ar$ requested to writ* ihm mamas of para mna and plmcaa aa laglbly an possible. No charge it made for these announcements, but if a smalt contribution is sent, to be placed in our collecting liox for the Gardetters' Orf>han Fund, it will be thankfully received, and t%n acknoivledgment made in these columns.] Mr. H. J. Webb, for the past 5 years Gardener to Arnold F. Hills, Esq., Broomfield Hall, Sunningdale, Ascot, as Gardener to Francis Heyworth, Esq., J. P., Mansion House, Evesham, Worcestershire. Mr. P. Painter, previously at Hackwood Park and Alden ham House, as Gardener to H. Keddle, Esq., Wal- bundrie Station, Albury, New South Wales, Australia. Mr. John Hunter, for the past 2 years Foreman at Larbert House, Stirlingshire, as Gardener to Sir James Knox, Kilbirnie, Ayrshire. Mr. Harry Edwards, for the past 3A years Gardener to Claude E. S. Bishop, Esq., J. P., Norton Priory Gardens, near Chichester, Sussex, as Steward-Gardener to Mr. Arthur Levita, at the same address. Mr. Percy Smith, tor the past 18 months Gardener to L. A. Harrison, Esq., Hound House, Shere. Surrey, as Gar- dener to J. A. Berners, Esq., Hellesdon House, Norwich, Mr. W. Radley, for more than 3 years Foreman to Lord Airedale, Gledhow Hall, Roundhay, Leeds, and for- merly Foreman at Marbury Hall, Northwich, Cheshire, as Gardener to Lord Airedale, Cober Hill, Cloughton, S.O. , Scarborough. Mr. J. H. Flanders, for the past 2J years Gardener to Hugh Graham, Esq., Offchurcb Bury, Leamington Spa, as Gardener to Major F. Douglas-Pennant, Sholebroke Lodge, Towceste£. MARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, February 5. [We cannot accept any responsibility tor 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, li must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent the prices on any particular day, but only tha 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 they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but occasionally several times in one day. — Kds.1 Gut Flowers, Ac: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Arums (Richardias) 3 0-40 Lilium speciosum Azalea, per dozen rubrum, p. doz. bunches 2 6- 3 0 long 16-20 B o u v ar d ia, per short 1 U- 1 3 dozen bunches, Lily ot the Valley, white and per dozen coloured bunches: Camellias, white, — extra special ... 12 0-15 0 per dozen 1 6- 20 — special 9 0-10 0 Carnations, per dozen blooms, — ordinary 6 0-80 Mignonette, per best American doz. bunches... 3 0-40 varieties 1 6- 2 0 Orchids, Cattleya, — smaller, per per doz. 15 0 — doz. bunches 12 0 15 — C y p i ipedium 2 0-30 — Carola (enm- — Odontoglossum s o n), extra crispuin 4 0-50 large 3 0 4 0 Pelargoniums, — Malmaison, p. p. «!/. bunches, doz. blooms: Double Scarlet 6 0-80 — — pink 12 0-15 0 Roses, 12 blooms : Chrysanthemums : — Lady Hillingdon3 0-4 0 — w b i t e( per — Liberty — Nipheios 3 0-GO dozen 2 e- 4 0 16-20 — — per dozen — Richmond 8 0-00 bunches Daffodils, per doz. 8 0-10 0 Spiriea(Astilbe) ja- bunches : — Golden Spur... 3 0- 4 0 ponica, pel dz. bunches 6 0-60 — Sir Watkin ... 3 0- 4 0 Tuberose, p. doz. — Henry Irving... 3 0- bluOin . 13 — — Victoria 5 0 — shoit 0 10- 1 0 — 1 rinceps 3 0 _ Tulips, per dozen Euchans, per doz. 2 6- 3 U bunches ; Freesia, white, per double red ... 1J 0 12 0 doz. bunches... 2 0- 2 0 orange 10 0 12 0 Gardenias, per box pink LO 0 12 0 of 15 and 18 — red .„ 5 0-60 blooms 6 0- 8 0 — white 6 0 — Liliuni anratum. — yellow. 7 0 — per bunch — lo n g i !l uruni, 2 0- 2 G — bronze.- 6 OHO — pink 8 0-90 per doz., long 3 0 — Violets, Princess — — short 2 6- 3 0 of Wales, per — lane if o 1 i um dozen ■ 16-20 alba, long 1 6- 2 0 — Anemone ful- short 1 3- 1 6 geris 2 6-30 Guernsey Flowers: Av( rage Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Narcissus: Narcissus: ._ boleil d'Or ... — Grand Primo 16-20 16-19 — Henry Irving... 2 0 — _ Goldenspur ... 2 0- 2 6 — Gloriosa 16-19 — Princeps 1 6- 2 0 — Poeticus 4 0-50 French Flowers : Ave age Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Anemone, double Ranunculus, per pink, per doz. 1 6 — doz. bunc'ies : Lilac, white, per — Barbaroux ... 4 0-50 bunch 3 6- 1 0 — double scarlet 8 0-90 — mauve 4 0- 60 — yellow 8 0-10 0 Marguerite, yellow, — bronze 10 0-12 0 per do/, bnchs 19- 2 0 — carmine 5 0-60 Mimosa, pr. bunch 0 9- 1 0 Roses, Safrano, Naicissus, Paper pkts. of 24 blms. 16 19 White, pr. pad, Violets, per pad ... 3 0-40 48 bunches ... 6 0- 7 0 — Parma, large — Soleil d'Or, p. pad 5 0- 6 0 bunches each 2 0 — Out Foliage, Ac. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. A d ian t u m Fern (Ma ideuhair), best, per doz. bunches Ag ro st i s (Fairy Grass), per dz. bunches A sparag us pin mosus, long trails, pr, Jdoz. — medium, doz. bunches — Sprengeri Berberis, natural, per doz. bnchs 3 0-40 6 0-70 2 0-40 16-20 12 0-18 0 10 0 12 0 Carnation foliage, doz. bunches... Croton foliage, var- ious, dz. bchs. Cycas leaves, arti- ficial, per doz. Eulalia japonica, per bunch Moss, gross bnchs. Myrtle, dz. bchs. (English), small-leaved — — French Smilax, per bunch of 6 trails s.d. s.d 10-16 6 0 — 6 0 — I 0 — 10-18 Plants In Pots, Ac. Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d, Azalea, white and coloured, per dozen po s ... 30 0-36 0 ArahaSieboldii.dz. 6 0-70 Araucaria excel sa, per dozen ... 18 0-21 0 Asparagus plumo- sus nanus, per dozen 10 0-12 0 — Sprengeri ... 8 0-90 Aspidistra, p. dz., green 21 0-30 0 — variegated ... 80 0-60 0 Cinerarias, p, doz. 8 0-90 Cocos Weddeli- ana.per dozen: — 60's 6 0-12 0 — larger, each .. 2 6-10 6 s.d. s.d. Croton, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Cyclamens, 48*s ... 10 0-12 0 Cyperus alter- mfolius, p. dz. 5 0-60 — laxus, per doz. 4 0-50 Dracaena, green, per dozen ... 10 0-12 0 Erica hyemalis ... 10 0-12 0 — gracilis, 48's... 10 0-12 0 Ferns, in thumbs, per 103 8 0-12 0 — in small and lar^e 60's ... 12 0-20 0 — in 48's, per doz. 6 0 — Plants In Pots, ftc. Ficus elastica, per dozen I ■< ni-tas, per doz. Geonoina gracilis, 60's, per dozen — larger, each ... Hyacinths, w 1 it .■, in pots, p. doz. Kentia Beimore- ana, per dozen — Fos terian a, 60's, per dozen larger, per dozen Latania borbonica, per dozen Lilium lancifolium rubrum in pts., per dozen Lilium lancifolium alba, in poi>., dozen Average s.d. s.d, 9 0-12 0 10 0-12 0 6 0-80 2 6-76 8 0-90 6 0-42 0 4 0-60 18 0-63 0 12 0-30 0 ... 18 0-21 0 ... IS 0-21 0 Wholesale Prices Lilium longiflorum per dozen Lily of the Valley Marguerites, in 48's pei ■('>/., white Pandanus Veitchii, per dozen Pelargonium (Ger- anium), double scarlet, 48's ... — other varieties Phoenix rupicola, each Spirasa japonica, per dozen pots — pink Tulips, per box of 24's ; — white — pink — scarlet (Tulips or bulbs) (ContdJ s.d. s,A. 18 0-80 0 18 0-21 o ' 8 0-10 0 36 0-48 0 4 0-60 5 0-60 2 6-21 0 6 0-80 10 0-12 0 19-20 2 0-36 Remarks.— Trade has improved and prices have risen during the past few days. Frutt: Average Wholesale Prlees. s.d. s.d. A] pes : — Cooking, per bushel 6 0-60 — French Russets, box 7 0-86 — Canadian, brls. 18 6-30 0 — Wenatchee, p. case 8 0-96 — Ametican.brls. IS C-30 0 — Ca I i f or ni an Newtowns, ca^e 7 0-80 — Nova Scotian, per barrel ... 14 0-22 0 — Oregon, New- town Pippin. per case ... 10 6-11 6 Apricots, Cape, per box 9 0-12 0 Bananas, bunch : Doubles ... 10 0 12 0 — No. 1 — Extra — Giant ... — Loo^e, p. doz. — Red coloured... — Jamaica, per ton — Jamaica Ordi- nary, per box (9 doz.) Dates, per dozen... — Egyptian, cwt. Cranlieiries.p. case GiapL- fruit, ca^e: — 96 's ... — tO's ... — 64's ... — 64's ... — per dozen Grapes (English), per lb. : — Canon Hall .. — Black Alicante — Almeria, barrel 16 6-22 6 — Gros Colman 12-26 — L'elgian, p. lb. 0 10 1 6 Lemons, per case: — Malaga „. 11 0-16 6 9 0-10 0 11 0-12 0 12 0 16 0 0 6-16 4 6-56 £9-£'l2 4 0-56 2 9-30 25 0 — 9 6-12 0 16 0-22 0 4 0-60 8 0-12 0 12-26 Lemons, Messina, per case Lychees, lib. box... Nuts, Almonds, per bag — Brazils, cwt.... — Spanish, sack — Barcelona, per bag — Cocoanuts, 100 — English Cobs, per lb — Chestnuts, bg. — Walnuts French, per cwt. ... — Naples, p. cwt. Nectarines, Cape, box Oranges : — Seville, sours, case — M e s s i n a , bitters, case ... — Jaffa, per case — Mandarines, p. box — Florida Tan- gerines, p. case — Denia, per case — Ca I i f ornian, Seedless, case Peaches, Cape, box Pears : — Cape, box — Dutch Catillac, J bushel — Cal if ornian, Winter Nelis, per case Easter Beurre, p. case Pineapples, St. Michael Plums, Cape, box Rhubarb, doz. bndl. — Natural Strawberries, p, lb. s.d. s.d. 11 6-30 0 1 6 - 52 6 — 54 0-62 0 40 0-42 0 35 6 36 6 18 0-23 0 0 3-04 14 0 26 0 300 — 64 0 — ... 12 0-16 0 17 6 — 8 0-86 9 0-96 10-56 14 0-16 0 12 6-28 0 11 6-13 6 10 0-20 0 4 0-50 3 6 — 13 6-14 6 8 0-86 2 6-41 6 0 8 0 0 10- 1 0 80 - 10 0-20 0 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. ■ choicer per doz. dozen ... sorts, 8 0-12 0 10 0-18 0 Asparagus, Giant, per bundle .. — English, bndl. — Paris green — Sprue, bundle — Dijon — Lauris — Cavaillon Artichokes(Globe), pei dozen — ground, £ bus. — Batavia, French, dozen Beans : — Guernsey, lb. — English, per lb. — French, broad, pad — Madeira, per handle — French, per lb. Beetroot, p. bushel — Batavia, doz. Br o ccol i, bushel — bags Cabbages, p. tally — boxes red, per dozen Carrots (English), pr. doz. bun.... — unwashed, per bag — washed, bag ... Cauliflowers per tally — boxes — Cornish, crate Celeriac, per doz. — French, p. doz. Celery, per dozen ** fans " — unwashed Chicory, per lb. ... Cucumbers, per dozen s.d. S.d. 10 0-12 0 4 0 — 3 6-40 0 S — 2 fi — 5 6 — 3 6-40 2 0 1 6 — 2 6- 3 6 3 0 3 0-36 4 0-50 3 0 3 0- 4 0 16-26 2 6 — 1 0 1 6 1 9 — 3 0 — 1 6 — 1 0 — 2 0- 3 0 36 3 0- 3 6 7 0-10 0 2 3- 4 6 8 0- 4 0 10-16 3 0 — 12 0-18 0 9 0-12 0 0 3.J - 11 0-14 0 Endive, per dozen — French p. doz. Greens, per bushel — bags Herbs (sweet), pkt, per gross Horseradish, 12 bundles Leeks, per doz. ... Lettuce, French, per crate — per dozen — English, dozen Mint, p. doz. bnchs. Mushrooms, culti- vated, per lb. — broilers — field Mustard and Cress per doz. minnets Onions (English) Der bag — per bushel — picklers, per j bushel — (spring), per doz bunches — (Spanish), case — Dutch, bags ... Peas, French, pad of 10 lb. — Guernsey, p. lb. Parsley, per doz. bunches Parsnips, per bag — per bushel Radishes(English) per dozen Sage, per dozen ... Savoys, per tally — per box Seakale, punnets... — outdoor, box, 12 lb> s.d. «,d. 10-16 2 6 — 16- 20 — 12 0 — 0 8- 1 C 2 6-3 t 20 — 1 0 — 3 0- 6 C 0 9-10 0 6- 0 t 08 — 3 0-36 16-20 2 0 — 30 - 4 6-56 2 0- 5 0 — 2 0 3 6 20 - 2 6 — 16 — 1 6 — 2 0- 2 6-40 1 6 - 0 8-13 40 - 96 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 8, 1913. Vegetables: Average Wholesale Prices (Contd.). s.d. s.d. Spinach, p. bushel 2 6-30 — French, crate.. 2 6 — Sprouts, 4 bushel 10-18 — bags Sprout's, bushel ... Scotch Kale, bust, lotnatos, Canary, per bundle ... Thyme, per dozen bunches 1 6- 1 2 0 — 1 6 - 9 0-16 0 20 — s.d. s.d. Turnips (English), Ee r dozen unches ... 16-90 — per bag 8 0-36 — unwashed, bag 3 6 — Turnip tops, bushel 13-16 — per bag ... 2 6-80 Watercress, p. dz. bunches «, 0 4-06 Remarks:— The trade in English Apples has not been so brisk as last week. There is still a good supply of fruits of the varieties Eratnley's Seedling, Dumelow's Seedling (Wellington) and Newton Wonder. Apples from Nova Scotia packed in barrels are plentiful, and there are also good supplies of Wenatchee, Oregon, and Californian Apples in boxes, of which the most attiactive varieties are Spuzenberg and Winesap. Pears now obtainable are Easter Beurre and Winter Nelis (Californian). Consignments of fruits from Cape Colony received this week amounted to about 2,000 boxes, consisting of Pears (Clapp's Favourite), Peaches (very small fruits), Nectarines, Plums and A\ ricots. Supplies of Muscat Grapes are limited, and the crop is expected to finish this week. Black Alicante and Gros Colmiin Giapes are a plentiful supply. A few hot-house Strawbeiries reached the market this week. Shipments of Teneriffe Tomatos have leen fairly heavy during the pa^t week. Supplies of Mushrooms are about equal to the demand. Dwarf Beans are a limited si pply, but Madeira Beans are plentiful. Lauris, Paris Green, and Cavaillon Asparagus are obtainable. The samples of the first-named are of excellent quality. Cucumbers are plentiful for the season of the year. Excellent Seakale is obtainable ; in fact this vegetable was never marketed in better condition. Novelties in the market include Marrows from Madeira. French Salads hare been scarce during the past week. Green vegetables have sold better with no material alteration in their prices. E. H. R., Covcnt Garden, February 5, 1913. Potatos. per cwt. per bag. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Bedford* ... ... 4 0-1B Dutch ... 8 0-36 Kents .. 4 3-50 Lelgian ... 3 6-43 Blacklands ... 3 6-39 German ... 4 0-49 Evergoods ... 3 6-40 Dunbars ... ... 5 6-63 King Edward ... 4 3-60 Scotch (grey soil) 4 0-49 Remarks.— Trade is not qu ite so good as last week, and tubers are more plentiful. Prices will have a tendency to fall slightly should the weather continue mild. Edward J, Newborn, Covcnt Garden and St. Pancras, February 5, 1913. to rmpordent Aspidistra Leaves : E. L., Hilchin. The yellow spots on the leaves are caused by Ascochyta aspidistras. Sponge all the leaves thoroughly twice a week with a rose-red solution of per- manganate of potash, until the disease is checked. Carnations and Stocks for Examination : J. W., Britwell. The plant of Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnation has been injured by aphides and mites. There is no disease present on the Stock. Judging from the injured leaves, we fear that the atmosphere of the house is kept rather too moist. Climbing Rose foe an Unheated Greenhouse : " J . D. Pennell. You may plant with every chance of success a climbing Rose in the border outside. Select a pot plant, and one known in the trade as "extra-sized." The plant should have at least one growth some 8 to 10 feet long and this could be readily passed through the hole in the wall, which you state is only 12 inches from the ground. A good variety for the purpose is Climbing Caroline Testout. Other good sorts are Climbing K. A. Victoria, Bouquet d'Or, W. A. Richardson, and Ards Rover. Dig the border fully 2 feet deep and mingle rich farmyard manure liberally with the lower soil. A quantity of \ inch bones would provide a good lasting fertiliser, and this may also be placed in the lower stratum of soil. The box-edging should be about 3 to 4 inches high by now. Ivy Infested by Caterpillars : J . L. The larvie are those of a Tortrix moth, allied to the species which infest Roses. If you will breed out the moth and forward it to us we will identify it for you. You had better strip the Ivy of its leaves at the be- ginning of March and burn them. If, later in the year, any larvae should appear, spray the leaves with Paris Green at the rate of 2 ounces to 20 gallons of water, taking care to force the spray under the leaves. Names of Plants : A. W. M. Westwick. Car- nation Mrs. Clode. — Wermhite. 1, Crypto- meria elegans ; 2, Cupressus pisifera sqtsarrosa ; 3, Garrya elliptica ; 4, Rhododendron Ka?mp- feri : 5, Eugenia apiculata ; 6, E. Ugnii. — IT'. E. O. Juniperus Sabina.— H. A. S. The five Begonias are garden-raised forms, chiefly of the B. Rex class. The varieties are so numerous that we cannot name them with cer- tainty. Send specimens to some Begonia grower. 6, Cypripedium villosum ; 7, Coelogyne inter- media.— /. B. Acokanthera spectabilis, some- times called Toxicophlasa spectabilis. A shrub from western South Africa, where the whole plant is considered to some extent poi- sonous.— F. F. 1, Ornithidium densum ; 2, Brassia caudata. Peach Trees : J. T. The practice of renewing a Peach house border with ordinary garden soil is rarely satisfactory, and it is not sur- prising that the trees do not bear good crops. At this season it would not be wise to attempt to renew the soil, and until the forthcoming crops have been gathered you have the choice of two methods. If you have reason to assume that the roots are sound you may apply a dress- ing of lime-rubble, v, hieh should be very lightly forked into the soil so as not to injure any roots which may be near to the surface. Failing lime-rubble, frethly slaked lime at the rate of 6 ounces per square rod may be used. If the soil is dry the border should be copiously watered. Throughout the remainder of the season, and until the fruits begin to colour, the trees should be fed liberally with liquid manure, alternating with a chemical fertiliser rich in phosphates. The alternative plan is to remove the surface soil until the roots are seen, and replace it with sufficient good compost to sustain the trees for the coming season ; a layer 3 inches thick, trodden firmly, will be suffi- cient. This new soil should, if possible, con- sist of mellow pasture loam, chopped to the size of hens' eggs, three parts, and leaf-mould one part, with the addition of a 6-inch flower- pot full of bone-meal, and lime as advised to each wheelbarrow load. If horse manure can be obtained from stables where medicines are not used and where the horses are bedded on straw, it may well take the place of one half of the leaf-mould. This soil should be trodden quite firm. We do not advise the use of any chemical manure with the new soil, but when the roots have permeated it the fertilisers and liquid animal manures should be applied. The future treatment of the trees and the border should depend on the age of the trees. If they are not old and exhausted it would be advisable to lift them and properly renew the border early in the autumn. Pear Tree Diseased : W. M. The tree is in- fested with the Mussel scale insect, and should be syringed in autumn and winter with kero- sine emulsion or with Woburn Wash. If only a few trees are infested, the best results will fol- low if the specific is applied with a stiff brush. The prunings should be burnt. Pruning El^agnus pungens : Hix. We do not recommend you to cut back the shoots to old wood, as the chances are that it would not break into growth again. Trim the younger growths into shape, so that the plant will form a neat head on a short stem. Provided there are leaves below the cut surfaces the pruning may be done as hard as is desirable. Purple leaved Dwarf Shrubs : J . J . H. There are not many good purple-leaved shrubs suitab'.e for growing in pots, but we may recom- mend the reddish-purple-leaved Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. purpureum), the purple-leaved Sloe (Prunus spinosa var. atropurpurea) ; and the purple-leaved Hazel (Corylus Avellana var. purpurea). These may be had as specimens 3 feet to 5 feet in height ; the Purple Beech and Purple Plum may be^iad 6 feet to 10 feet in height. There are one or two evergreen purple-leaved shrubs, but the colours are inferior and are not suitable for your purpose. Scots Firs : M. Craig. The small, white, flocculent patches on the shoots are the pro- tective coverings of the common Chermes of Fir trees. The large, white bodies are formed of a gummy exudation which is clothed with a similar white flocculent matter to that which protects the insects. No practical means have been devised for destroying the insects on the smaller branches of the trees, but if the main stem and the larger branches are badly in- fested they may be treated with paraffin emulsion, which should be applied by means of a stiff brush. Sterilising Soil : 67. W. F. One of the best methods cf ttcrilising soil is by means of steam. Good retults have been obtained by leading steam into the soil through a series of pipes made of gas-piping shaped like a harrow with nine tines out of the ends of which the steam issues. The instrument may be 2 feet 6 inches square and tines 9 inches long ; the best dimen- sions, however, are not settled. It is placed tines downwards in a wooden case, without top or bottom, and is capable of holding about a cubic yard or more of soil. Soil is filled in, and steam at a pressure of 50-80 lbs. is blown in for 20 minutes. As each yard of soil is done it is thrown into a heap to cool gradually. By having two instruments at work the boiler is kept constantly going. The heap should not be exposed unnecessarily to rain, as valuable plant food speedily forms and is liable to be washed out. A grid-iron instrument may be used in exactly the same manner with a series of small holes drilled in the pipes. See Gardeners' Chronicle, February 17, 24, 1912, pp. 97, 113. Sweet Williams Diseased : Enquirer. Spray the plants with potassium sulphide, but do not mix white of egg with the specific as it en- courages other fungi to grow on the leaves. Unfruitful Pear and Plum Trees : A. H. P. Judging from the sketches which accompany your letter, the standard Plums are the only trees from which you may expect fruit this year. The " eyes " you have indicated should develop into flower-buds. The general causes of the premature dropping of the flower petals are frost, and unsatisfactory root-action, which • may be due to drought, excessive wet, or an unsuitable rooting medium. You should examine the soil to ascertain its condition. If it is sour it will be wise to lift the tree and replant it in fresh soil to which lime or, better still, lime-rubble has been added. In replant- ing spread the roots to their full extent, first removing any that are dead and trimming those that are bruised, making a slanting, upward cut. The second Plum tree is making exces- sive growth, and should be root-pruned at once. The age of the Pear trees is not alone a suffi- cient guide as to their prospects of fruiting, as much depends on the stock. The Quince stock induces early fruiting, and certain varieties bear fair crops at a very early age, whilst trees on the free or Pear stock grow stronger and are later in fruiting. The wall-trees should be so pruned that the branches are at least 9 inches apart, and during the summer all the side growths should be shortened to six eyes, which at the winter pruning should be further cut back to four eyes, to induce the formation of fruiting spurs. The present pruning of the standard trees should consist of removing en- tirely all weakly shoots and those which inter- cross, so that the remainder, when furnished with foliage, will be just clear of each other. You will find much useful information on the subject in The Calendar of Garden Opera- tions, which may be obtained from our publish- ing department, price 7d., post free. Voles : C. S. The following methods of destroy- ing voles are taken from Practical Trapping, by W. Carnegie : — One method of getting rid of voles is to dig pitfalls about 1£ foot deep, and made wider at the bottom than at the top. In the event of the voles falling into these, they will be imprisoned, and will kill each other when trying to escape. Mouse-traps baited with Oats and cheese, and placed back to back, will catch a large number. Another way is to thread a number of Peas or grains of Maize that have been soaked in water. Then insert two sticks very firmly in the ground at the width of a common brick apart. The threaded Peas should be stretched tightly be- tween these at about 3 inches from the ground, making the soil beneath smooth, allowing the brick to rest on the thread. In endeavouring to secure the Peas the voles will cut through the thread, and the brick will act just as in the figure 4 trap. See also the reply to G. W. in the last issue on trapping mice in the garden (p. 79, fig. 39). Communications Received J. A. C — W. H. C — R. A.^Pomona^H. A.C H. S._J. K. B.. Utreclit_T. L. _G. K. S H. F. M _D. R. W J. M. B._G. E. L H. C. P._W. E. B VV. A. B H. S. T Mrs. B L. G l.H.G W. K ,Graz— P. E.L H.C. A._E. M._E. C W. C E. P. W G. S. S._C. T. D._G. W. B._R. T. A. _A. P. B A. E, N Mrs- A. B P. & Co._M. C. A. _G. C, C W. H. C G. A. A H. S._T. J. W._l. R. _X. Y. Z Constant Reai'er_W. W. V... St. Andrew s. February 15, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE 97 Wft^fiJk THE (Sarbencvs'CbrcmicIc No. 1,364— SATURDAY, February 25, 1913. CONTENTS. Abbotsbury Castle des- troy ed by tire Adnitt and Naunton, Messis., honour for... Blakeney Point, Norfolk Books, a sale of Books, notices of — School Gardening, with a Guide to Horticulture Carnation propagation Corsican Pine, the Florists' flowers- Sowing Sweet Peas... Flowers in season Foreign correspondence* Japanese Plums TLe Riviera flower season Fruit trees in grass land Fruit trees, transplant- ing young Gage Plums Hooker, Sir Joseph, lecture fund Hyacinth, an inverted .. Ipomaea rubro-caerulea Kew Gardens, wilful damage at Law note— Growers and unde- veloped land duty ... Little, Mr. William ... Locusts Maize, method of in- creasing the sugar- content of Market fruit garden, the Nyassaland Protectorate Obituary- - Tea.s^r.H. J. Shepherd, R. VV. ... Spatb, l Orchid notes and glean- ings- Liparis 'acerata Oncidium excavatuin Orthids at the Warren House, Stanmore ... Orchids, gift of, to Kew Orphan Fund, Royal Gardeners' Public parks employe's' examination R.H.S. Tulip show Scotland, notes from ... Societies — Forest Gate Chrys. ... Horticultural Club ... National Chrys. Royal Horticultural . 105, (Scientific Committee) Royal Meteorological Scottish Hoit. Southampton Royal Hort Vienna Hort Woodbridge Hort. ... SoUnum Caj si a-trum " Melvinii " South- Eastern Agricul- tural College Trees and shrubs Week's work, the 102, Winter, the abnormal ... Young, Mr. Thomas, presentation to 112 112 112 99 99 99 105 106 105 in 108 109 104. 107 108 105 111 109 106 109 106 100 103 lu6 106 ILLUSTRATIONS. Blakeney Point, Norfolk, views at .. , Divers, Mr. W. H., portrait of Ipomaea rubro-caerulea (Coloured Supplement) Propagating house for Carnations Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., making a presentation to Rev. W. Wilks Solatium Capsicastrum ".Melvinii " Whitton, Mr. James, portrait of — 97.98 . 108 109 101 108 BLAKENEY POINT, NORFOLK: THE NEW NATURE RESERVE. THE recently-announced gift to the National Trust of the extensive tract of waste mari- time lands known as Blakeney Point, in Norfolk, is an event of more than passing interest to naturalists. For not only is Blakeney Point a place unique in the British Isles, but the condition attached to the gift, that it shall be preserved as a place for the study of wild nature, shows that its acceptance marks a new departure in policy. Hitherto the National Trust has been known for its praiseworthy and successful efforts to secure and hold for the community stations characterised more particularly by their natural beauty or historic interest, as ordinarily under- stood, than for the sake of the plant and animal populations which inhabit them. The present acquisition, though it is fully entitled to rank as a place of great natural beauty, has been made primarily on scientific grounds, whilst the recent formation of a Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves is a further indication of orga- nised effort in the same direction. The subject of the present notice, Blakeney Point, consists of a finger or spit of shingle some eight miles in length, which leaves the main- land near Weybourne on the coast road leading west from Sheringham to Wells. From the point of its departure the spit runs parallel to the shore, ending freely in the sea a little west of Blakeney at a distance of about two miles. The eastern part of the narrow area thus enclosed has been re- claimed from tidal invasion by the construction of sea walls, whilst the westerly part remains an open estuary, bordered by salt marshes and filling with the tide to form what is in effect an inland sea. By far the best point for a general view is the top of the tower of Blakeney Church, which crowns the hill up which creeps the ancient, red- roofed seaport of much former prosperity. Be- yond the shining marshes, with their winding creeks and minor shipping towards the outlet, is the great shingle bank — a broad and toilsome causeway some 500 feet in width — and outside this the North Sea and no intervening land to the Pole. The spit of shingle is the outstand- ing topographical feature of this shore, and all else is subordinate to it. Under its lee an inter- rupted fringe of salt marshes has sprung up, whilst upon its surface — especially at its termi- nation— blown sand from the shallow waters out- side has drifted to form dunes. All this diver- sity of contour and relief, and much besides, is plainly visible from the church tower. The Point may be reached in a sailing boat at high tide in a short half-hour or, less agreeably, by wading a ford at the ebb. To explore fully the area needs a day, so it is best to go when the form of Bhingle, sand, and mud. Blakeney Point illustrates the operation of this sorting mechanism to perfection, and also the occupation of the new ground (you cannot call it terra firma) by plants appropriate to its kind. The dunes themselves at this point occupy a present area of 100 acres, and are e,ver extending seawards as sand blows up and lodges amongst the pioneer Psamma seedlings that establish themselves on the growing shingle plateau. In consequence of this mode of extension the dunes are ranged in parallel series — the oldest adjoin- ing the Salicornia marsh, the youngest close up to the drift line on the sea front. It is more par- ticularly among these younger dunes that the wild sea fowl have their breeding grounds in spring and summer. The common and lesser terns, together with ringed plovers, have their apologies for nests scattered so thickly over this area that the visitor must go warily, lest he crush the eggs, or trample on the young nestlings sham- ming dead at his approach. Other dune systems occur elsewhere upon the area, and, being of prior origin and no longer in active growth, bear a more diversified and matured vegetation. At the head of the Salicornia marsh the con- taining ramparts of shingle merge in the main FlG. 47. — BLAKENEY POINT, NORFOLK : ONE OF THE LATERAL SHINGLE BANKS WITH SUiDA FRUTICOSA. SALT MARSHES ADJOIN IT, WITH DUNES IN THE DISTANCE. tide is high in the early morning and return on the following tide at dusk. Landed on the ex- tremity of the Point hard by the life boat house, the visitor finds himself not far from the mouth of a small estuary flanked on either hand by shingle beaches and carpeted by an even sward of Salicornia marsh (some 70 acres), fed by a muddy and sinuous creek. The shingle on the seaward face is marked by several ranges of sand dunes covered with Psamma, whilst the bank on the Blakeney side separates the great Salicornia marsh from another bearing mainly Aster Tri- polium — but notable also as the sole habitat here of Statice humile. A conspicuous feature is the series of secondary shingle banks (whose crests alone are seen at the high spring tides), which, emerging from under the dunes, die out in the Salicornia marsh. These singular structures, which partition the marsh into bays, bear a rich crop of the most charac- teristic of all the shingle plants in this part of the world — Suaeda fruticosa, the Seablite — bushes with the habit of low Junipers. This first look round will suffice to show tha essential character of Blakeney Point : the ele- ments which compose it are the classified spoils won by the restless sea from the land and now brought back by an orderly process in the bank, which, from this point, follows an almost straight course back to its articulation with the mainland seven miles further east. The great feature in the confirmation of the shingle is the series of lateral banks given off on the lee side of the main bank, especially throughout that part of its course which lies opposite Blakeney. These lateral banks or " hooks " must represent former active apices of the main bank which have been successively deflected landwards through the action of storms at remote periods. As the main bank continued its forward growth and these hooks became protected from direct wave impact, their shingle was stabilised — in marked contrast with that of the main bank upon which the sea continued to beat. Storm action keeps the latter unstable, rolling it over landwards at an average rate of perhaps a foot a year. This difference in stability naturally determines great differences in the vegetation. The mobile shingle remains permanently in an elementary phase of colonisa- tion, in which the number of species of plants is limited and the association an open one. The surface of the shingle of the hooks, on the other hand, becomes turfed over by grasses and many other plants not found on the main bank, whilst many of the original 98 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 15, 1913. colonists disappear. Among the most con- spicuous members of the mobile shingle associa- tion, in addition to Suaeda fruticosa, may be mentioned the Horned Poppy, the Yellow Stone- crop, Convolvulus Soldanella, Rumex trigranu- latus, together with the mat-forming Silene maritima and Arenaria peploides. Most of these are to be seen in full flowering glory about the beginning of July, at which season a visit would repay the gardener who works with rockeries claimed by the construction of sea walls. The Blakeney bank itself, further back near Salt- house, well illustrates the consequences of this operation. For with the sea beating on the bank sterility has led to high mobility, and the shingle has been scattered broadcast over the dyked marshes. This rapid travel of the shingle is analogous to the wandering of the naked sand dune, and, like the latter, should be susceptible of arrest if proper measures of planting and re- salt marshes spring up — each an independent unit. Each marsh is fed by its own creek, which connects with the main estuary of Blake- ney Harbour. The distal part of the main bank is flanked for three miles on its landward side by a series of salt marshes, on which all the principal British halophytes occur — Plant ago, Aster, Glyceria, Triglochin, Artemisia, &c, and, in telling purple sheets in August, the Sea. Lavender (Statice Limonium). A feature of FlG. 48. — BLAKENEY MAIN SHINGLE BANK WITH SU/EDA FRUTICOSA INVADING THE SALT MARSHES. and moraines. The problems of the shingle bank stand in close relation with those of the moraine, and unplumbed depths of delight await the cultivator who first explores the horticul- tural possibilities of shingle banks. Indeed, the whole range of maritime habitats deserves attention from this point of view. Mobile shingle, in spite of its inhospitable appearance, is saturated with fresh water up to a. few inches of the surface, and never dries up. All through the hot, dry summer of 1911, when the mainland was parched, the shingle plants preserved their freshness unimpaired. Whilst the constant presence of water in these beaches needs explanation, the source of the soil which occupies the interstices is more evident. This is the drift swept up by the tide from the ad- jacent marshes and mudflats, and consists partly of the leaves of phanerogamic halophytes and partly of the meaner Algae, such as Rhizo- fertilising can be devised. In this connection it may be mentioned that the most important plant in stabilising the Blakeney shingle is Suseda fruticosa. Wherever this plant esta- blishes itself Lichens make their appearance, and, in due course, other plants. Among the great rarities of the Blakeney shingle is Mertensia maritima, the Oyster Plant, of which a small colony has been under observa- tion for several years. The nearest known locality for this plant on the east coast is Holy Island, Northumberland, and the presumption is that our plants have come from the north as ocean drift. From what has been said, it follows that the shingle system of Blakeney, in its en- tirety, shows not a little complexity. The lateral hooks number at least 20, and some of them show further ramification. Among the peculiar habitats incidental to its construction great interest in these marshes is that the younger and older members are in different phases of development. The younger ones are homogeneous and mainly composed of Salicornia annua ; the intermediate ones are more hetero- geneous, from the entry of many different species ; whilst the oldest are once more simpli- fied by the invasion of Obione portulacoides (Sea Purslane), which overwhelms the pioneer forms, and, in extreme cases, gives us, as rare as it is- beautiful, a close approach to a pure Obione association stretching from bank to bank. To study the later successions of the salt marsh in the absence of Obione, it is necessary to cross the estuary to a detached strip of saltings, also in- cluded in the National Trust reserve. Here the Glyceria turf is the dominant element, and dotted about on it are much Armeria an I Cochlearia. Taken all in all, the distinctive ieatures at Fig. 4g. — the sand dunes at blakeney point, where the terns breed. clonium, Enteromorpha, and the like. These waste products of the marshes accumulate in prodigious quantities on the landward slope, and, becoming dry and pulverised, sink into the shingle ; or, in more mobile regions, the blankets of drift become buried under the travelling shingle. This drift appears to play a three- fold part: it feeds the bank, brings the seed, and forms a proper seed bed. Sterility on shingle banks is often referable to exclusion of drift, as when the adiacent marshes are re- are certain low depressions formed at the places of junction of these laterals and partly cut off from the tide. These provide the best localities for two beautiful plants which are at the height of their flowering at the end of July, viz., Frankenia laevis, whose mats are often smothered in rose-pink flowers, and the rare and elegant Statice reticulata — one of the endemics of the East Anglian shore. Between the lateral banks, which may reach a length of half-a-mile, silting of mud occurs and Blakeney are (1) the profusion in which develop- mental stages of all the maritime communities abound, (2) the rapidity with which change in each sort of terrain is being accomplished. Space does not allow more than bare mention of the fame of Blakeney Point as a place of call for winter migrants. In many and various re- spects, too, the fauna is full of interest, especially the insects and the rabbits — the relation of both of which to the plants is important and sometimes surprising. F. W. Oliver. February 15, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 99 ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. ORCHIDS AT THE WARREN HOUSE, STANMORE. In Mrs. Bischoffsheim's garden at The Warren House, Stanmore, flowers for cutting and for decorative purposes are essential, and in this particular the Orchids play a most important part, more especially in sup- plying winter flowers. The different sections of large-flowered Cattleyas succeed each other, the late autumn-flowering C. labiata and some hybrids of it, and of C. Bowringiana, being the latest to bloom. A house of Vanda coerulea, some of which were imported direct, have made a good show of sky-blue flowers, and the white forms of L,flia anceps have been exceptionally fine. At present, arranged with the various forms of Cattleya Trianse, well-flowered Phahenopsis Schilleriana and other showy species, the winter-flowering Calanthes make a good dis- play. Two of the best and most floriferous are C. Wm. Murray and C. Bryan, with their grace- ful sprays of white or pale pink flowers with claret centres. Calanthe Regnieri and some hybrids of it are pretty ami last a long time in bloom, and the best forms of C. Veitchii are still the brightest of the rose-pink varieties. A seed- ling from C. Veitchii splendens has flowers of good shape and of a delicate pink tint with reddish-rose blotch in the centre of the lip. In the cool house are flowering a fine specimen of Cymbidium Tracyanum, some good white forms of Odontoglossum crispum, 0. pulchellum, 0. Uro-Skinneri, and other Odontoglossums. These are given strictly cool treatment by Mr. Taylor, who has charge of the Orchids, and their flowers last a considerable time when used for decoration. ONCIDIUxM EXCAVATUM. Thts is one of the oldest Oncidiums in culti- vation, having first flowered in Messrs. Loddige'6 Nursery at Hackney on specimens collected in Peru in 1839 ; nevertheless, in spite of the fact that it has been in cultivation for so long a period, it is not often seen in gardens. The plant i6 of strong habit, the branched inflorescence, about 18 inches high, bearing showy flowers each 1^ inch across, and in general appearance resembling those of 0. Marshallianum. The flowers are bright canary- yellow with chestnut-red bands on the inner halves of the sepals and petals. Several plants of it have been in flower in the Orchid nur- series of Messrs. J. & A. McBean, Cooksbridge, Sussex, throughout the winter. It is also known in gardens as 0. aurosum. LIPARIS LACERATA. This very pretty species has conic green pseudo-bulbs, elliptic lanceolate leaves, and ele- gant racemes of pretty flowers each about a quarter of an inch wide. The specimen from Ashton Wold which we have before us has about 120 flowers on a spray of 8 inches in length. Each flower is borne on a pedicel and ovary half an inch long. Sepals and petals are yellowish, oblong obtuse, the petals being the narrower and shorter. The lip. which forms the showy part of the flower, i6 oblong, the front expanded and strongly toothed, orange-red, darkest in the centre. The column, which is curved, carries the anther above the labellum in the early stage, but when it is mature becomes hooked, and thus brings the pollina near to the surface of the lip to facilitate fertilisation by insect aid. Although very rare and perhaps not in cultiva- tion previously, Liparis lacerata is well known from the late Mr. Burbidge's drawing of a small specimen in the collection acquired by the Natural History Museum, South Kensing- ton. It was imported from Borneo by the Hon. N. Chas. Rothschild, from whose gardens at Ashton Wold the specimen was sent. SOWING SWEET PEAS. February is the best month in which to sow Sweet Peas for summer blooming. A few may have been sown in autumn to give early flowers, but for the general summer display now is the time, and under glass is the place to sow. Good reliable seeds of the best varieties C06t money, but when the plants can be put out at least 1 foot apart it is evident that a very few shillings judiciously 6pent will provide sufficient plants to form a large plantation. One of the largest market growers in England sows all his Sweet Peas in beds of very sandy soil in a moderately warm greenhouse, and as soon as the plants are large enough to handle he has them potted off singly into small 60's, using tens of thousands of pots for the purpose. A better plan for the gardener who only requires a few hundred plants is to sow the seeds in boxes, pans, or pots in a greenhouse, making sure that no mice can get near them. When the plants are 3 to 4 inches tall they should be removed to a perfectly cold greenhouse, or placed in a close frame for a few days preparatory to trans- planting them into an unheated frame. A frame should be prepared having some good porous soil mixed with leaf-mould, and into this the plants should be transplanted, so as to stand 3 inches apart every way. This distance is not so essential to the well being of the plants at the moment as it is to allow them at planting time to be lifted singly with plenty of roots adhering. When the plants have got accustomed to the frame the centre should be pinched by removing i inch of the top with the thumb-nail. This will cause the plants to produce two or more shoots at the base, which will develop more strongly than would the main shoot, and form a new foundation of the plant. Pinching thus will also cause the plants to remain nice and bushy till planting out time in April. It only remains to be said that all hard-coated seeds ought to be chipped before sowing to procure an even germination. This is easily ac- complished by removing a small piece of the seed coat from the 6ide of the seed with a sharp penknife. Correspond: nt FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. THE RIVIERA FLOWER SEASON. Although frosts were numerous in the Riviera in November and December, the weather since has been mild and the season is advanced. In the Hyeres district the Violets have rarely been so good, and sometimes fields of them are literally more purple than green. The wild Narcissus Tazetta was out in sheltered spots by the marshes on January 18. and Orchis longibracteata on the 21st. This handsome Orchid is very abundant in certain places, and attains 2 feet in height later in the spring. Iris germaniea and Broad Beans were in flower on January 27. At the end of the month Peas were in blossom and 4 feet high, while to-day (February 3) Cytisus triflorus is actually coming into flower on a sheltered bank. H. Stuart Thompson, Hyeres. JAPANESE PLUMS. The Japanese Plums came into general notice among the nurserymen and fruit-growers in the United States and Canada about 25 years ago. The trees grew rapidly and seemed adapted to the new soil and climate. They bore early and abundantly. Much of the fruit was of inferior quality, but a few varieties were good enough to warrant general planting. They were taken up with eagerness, especially in those extensive dis- tricts where Plums of other species had not been a reasonable success. Many large commercial orchards were planted, which in some cases have paid fair profits. At the present time, however. the varieties of the Japanese species (Primus triflora) are distinctly waning in favour. Some of the former favourites are completely aban- doned and are not now listed in nursery catalogues. The varieties Burbank and Abun- dance, which have undoubtedly acl the greatest popularity, arc still planted in a small way, mostly in suburban home grounds ; but otherwise the names 60 highly lauded in the lists published between 1890 and 1900 are now only a memory. The chief defects seem to be weakness of tree and lack of longevity. The trees bear abundantly for three or four years, and then deteriorate rapidly. Even at their best the fruits are not of the highest quality, though they make excellent jellies and are useful for various culinary purposes. V. A. Waugh, Agricultural College, Massachusetts, U.S.A. [The Burbank Plum was illustrated in Gardeners' Chronicle, August 15, 1896, p. 191, fig. 34.— Eds.] SCOTLAND. EFFECTS OF THE WEATHER. It is already evident that serious injury has been done this winter to shrubs and other plants in the south-west of Scotland. From a number of sources I have the same record of a wet autumn leaving Roses, Veronicas, and many other shrubs full of sap, and with the wood so nn- ripened that it could not resist the severe frosts which occurred in December. One night in particular, the temperature fell to below zero in certain localities, while in one of the mildest dis- tricts of Kircudbrightshire, and in a garden noted for its warmth and sheltered position, the thermometer marked only two points above zero. Few things have suffered more than Roses, especially the climbers of the Wichuraiana and the Crimson Rambler classes. Pillar Roses have become exceedingly popular in the district, ami many thousands have been planted, but it is to be feared that this winter will bring about a de- cided set-back to this method of Rose-growing. The writer is acquainted with gardens where single plants of such favourite Roses as Crimson Rambler, Dorothy Perkins, Gardenia and others covered three poles, and made a grand display, after having been established for years. Many of these Rises have been killed to the ground, while others, which formerly covered large spaces, are so crippled that there is only one growth left to form a beginning for the covering of the poles. Standards have suffered severely, but dwarfs have not been so much harmed, as a fall of snow which occurred before the frost pro- tected them to a considerable extent. The season must be reckoned as the most disastrous one for Roses experienced here for almost a generation. Other shrubs have suffered, and none more than Veronicas. Great bushes of V. Traversii and V. salicifolia, which had stood unharmed for years, are killed to the ground or badly crippled, while some of the others which are considered hardier than V. salicifolia have been greatly injured. Although not universal, the loss of the Arbutus has been serious. Olearias have suffered exten- sively. Erica vagans, which I have never seen touched by frost before — and I have grown it for almost 30 years — has been killed to the snow line, and E. lusitanica, which I have had for many years also, is very badly damaged indeed. The varieties of E. carnea are all in perfect con- dition, with E. mediterranea, and it is some- what a surprise to see that E. vagans has suffered so much. .?. Arnott, Dumfries. NEW DUMFRIES HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Owing to the suspension of the show, jf the Dumfries and Galloway Horticultural Society, it was decided, at a public meeting held in Dum- fries, on February 1, to form a new society and to hold an exhibition next autumn. Mr. S. Arnott, Sunnymead, was appointed chairman. A provisional committee has been elected. ]00 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [FEBRUARY 15, 1913. TREES AND SHRUBS. THE MILD WEATHER AND ITS INFLUENCE ON SHRUBS. The extraordinary mildness of the winter in this country, combined with an excess of rainfall, has produced a marked effect on shrubs and trees, as well as the other occupants of the hardy flower garden. I do not remember having ever seen so many subjects in flower in this garden at this time of the year. I have made the fol- lowing notes of the different shrubs and plants either in flower or growth on the last day of 1912, as well as others that flower naturally at this season. Lonicera Standishii produced its flowers some time before Christmas, and even towards the end of October the tiny, twin flowers could be found almost hidden beneath the foliage. This Honeysuckle should be included in all col- lections of shrubs on account of its season of flowering. Lonicera Standishii var. lancifolia, introduced from China by Mr. E. H. Wilson, differs from the type in its striking lan- ceolate leaves. Both plants are perfectly hardy, and the flowers deliciously scented. Cornus Mas is nearly in full flower. Daphne Blagayana is flowering on the rock-garden much before its proper season, but its fragrant, pure-white flowers are ever welcome. Both Daphne Meze- reum and its white variety have been in flower for some time past. A bush of Chimon- anthus fragrans grandiflora planted as a bush in the open ground has produced a large num- ber of excellent flowers ; a position on a wall is best suited to this winter-flowering subject. Several species of Hamamelis are flowering ; the two best are H. mollis and H. japonica Zuccarini- ana. The former is decidedly the best garden plant, and easily distinguished not only when in flower, but also in growth by its large leaves, which are felted on the undersides. These shrubs are worthy of inclusion in any collection of shrubs. They are of slow growth, and should be planted in a prominent place, where they may be allowed to remain undisturbed. A large bush of Arbutus Unedo, profusely laden with its scarlet fruits and white flowers, has been an attractive object for some time past, whilst Arbutus hybrida is still producing its large, drooping racemes of greenish-white flowers at the ends of the shoots. Perhaps the most forward of all shrubs are the Cydonias, for, with the exception of C. Maulei, all are more or less in growth or flower. A splendid white variety of C. japonica, known here as Piggott's White, is almost in full bloom, as is also the richly-coloured C. Simonii and the commoner rose-coloured forms. Forsythia suspensa is breaking into growth, and a few fully-opened flowers may be seen. Several of the bush Honeysuckles, and Lonicera tar- tarica rosea in particular, are very attractive, with well-developed leaves of sea-green colour. Jasminium nudiflorum is a beautiful plant in mid-winter, and is excellent for clothing a pole, pergola, or the walls of a building. Nuttallia cerasiformis, the " Oso Berry," is in full flower. This is one of the earliest-flowering shrubs, and is worth planting in any collection. It resembles a flowering Currant in habit of growth and flower ; being dioecious, both sexes should be planted. Several of the Ribes are almost in full leaf, especially R. Pringlei, R. speciosum and R. curvatum. R. laurifolitwn is flowering freely. This plant should find favour as a rock shrub ; it is perfectly hardy, and distinct in appearance. The Buddleias of the B. variabilis type, whilst •till carrying last year's inflorescences, are already producing fresh-flowering growths freely. The pruning of these plants should be deferred till late in spring. Several of the Barberries are in flower, including B. aquilifolium, B. japonica, B. Nepalensis, and B. Darwinii, the last-named greatly in advance of its proper season. The Bay Laurel, Laurus nobilis, is very beautiful, the flower buds being on the point of expanding. Several of the Spiraeas are unusually forward ; S. Thunbergii being nearly in full leaf; but, though many of the flowers are fully expanded, they are fewer than usual. Both S. media and S. sorbifolia are breaking freely into growth. Several of the Ericas are flowering, or about to do so, and a bed of E. carnea will soon be in full bloom. The Hypericums are breaking into growth as though it were spring, especially H. patulum. H. prolificum and H. inodorum. Many plants of the Prunus family are nearly in flower. P. Davidi- ana alba has been wonderfully full of bloom this season; its upright branches are very pretty. P. Mume is now out, and has not been injured by frost, as happens frequently. P. Pissardii is very forward and opening its flower buds, whilst P. japonica has perfectly-developed flowers. P. Conradinse, one of the new flowering Cherries from China introduced by Mr. E. H. Wilson, has been in flower for some consider- able time. Perhaps the most remarkable of all the plants flowering at this season is Pyrus Mains floribunda. The Garryas have been particularly fine this season. Many Roses have young growths 3 inches and 4 inches long, as also has Clematis Jackmannii. Edwin Beckett, Aldenham House Gardens, Hertfordshire. FRUIT TREES IN GRASS LAND. Fruit-growing in grass land seems to be on its trial at the present time, and the trend of opinion would indicate its condemnation. In America the verdict has gone against the prac- tice, and the verdict there may be accepted as literally a " true saying." In these islands the question is still an open one, and perhaps wall remain an open one, however the present genera- tion of fruit growers may decide. The accumu- lated experience of centuries in its favour cannot be lightly cast away as experience based on a mistake, nor can we afford to bow to the dictates of those who for some local reason have found it to give less good results than are secured from trees growing in cultivated ground. It is not really a national question, so far at least as it applies to private gardens, but one to be decided in each case on its merits. The years 1911 and 1912 were so much opposed in weather conditions, the one extremely wet, the other extremely dry, that a very fair estimate of the comparative merits of the two systems of culture can be formed. Here, where the same varieties are planted, some on cultivated soil, others on grass, the differences observed in 1911 were very slight, if any at all. The fruits were as large in the one case as in the other, the colour was about the same, quality not distin- guishable, and they kept equally well. In 1912 the differences were very marked. The largest fruits were the produce of trees on grass ; they coloured better, were of finer quality, and kept longer. It must not be understood, however, that because they are growing in grass-covered soil the cultivation of the trees is neglected. The turf one year has been turned upside down and the ground resown, it has been dressed with potash manures, which seem to suit grass -and the trees better than any other fertiliser, with thick surfacings of animal manure and composts, and the grass has been kept short by frequent mowing. Altogether the results in the case of Apples have been in favour of grass, but not so markedly as with Pears trained to walls. The fruit all over was rather smaller in 1912, but less markedly so where there was a sur- facing of turf. The Pears grown in ordinary soil kept very badly, and Souvenir de Congres and Marie Louise were especially bad in this respect. This was not so apparent in fruits grown in grass-covered soil ; but in an especial manner was the benefit of the grass demon- strated in the flavour, which could not be finer, while the fruit from cultivated ground La? been less good than usual. All the Apricots here have been on grass land for a few years, and it might have been ex- pected that where flavour was concerned theso would benefit equally with Apples and Pears. It was not so this year, however, and I am doubtful whether a really well-flavoured Apricot ripened here ; otherwise the crop was faultless, abundant, of good size and well coloured, but the want of sun and the abnormal rainfall of August spoiled the fruit so far as flavour was concerned. I cannot compare it with that from trees grown in the usual way, because all are on grass, but I believe that Apricots in this locality were comparatively flavourless. I may add that the space between the trees and on the fruit tree border is not wasted, the whole of it is planted with bulbs, and it is a fact worth noting that these have apparently no bad effect on the fruit trees. R. P. Brolherston, Tyning- hame Gardens, Prestonkirlc. NOTICES OF BOOKS. School Gardening.* The full title of this work is School Garden- ing, with a Guide to Horticulture ; but the cover bears only the legend School Gardening. The table of contents shows that " The School Gar- den " occupies 61 pages, and that the remainder' of the book (pp. 69-321) is devoted to the subject of soils, manures, cultivation of garden crops, garden pests, and miscellaneous information. In spite of the fact that the full title justifies this method of treatment we confess to a feeling of disappointment that the volume is not devoted more to the main and less to the subsidiary sub- ject. There are numerous books which deal adequately with the practice of horticulture ; there is no lack of printed and available in- formation on the subjects of soils, manures, and insect pests. On the other hand, there is ample room for a thoroughly practical book on school gardening, and there is evidence in the volume before us that its author, Mr. Hosking, can deal authoritatively with this subject. We could have wished, therefore, that the initial chapters of this book had been expanded even at the expense of some of the subsequent pages. Brief statements on soil sterilisation, reference to diseases such as finger and toe, late blight, and the like, without descrip- tions of their gross symptoms, are not of so much value in a work of this kind as would be an amplification of the chapter on the correlation of gardening with other subjects. We should like, moreover, to see a clear and considered statement of the several ways in which a school garden may be used. There is the purely horticultural school garden, and for many types of school that is perhaps the best of all. But beside the garden in which gar- dening is taught as " a thing in itself " there is room in schools for other types of gardens which shall servt' the purpose of Nature study. There is, moreover, the school garden — only too rare, we fear — which serves as the basis for the general education of children. Although we do not think that Mr. Hosking has produced the ideal book, yet we acknow- ledge that it contains a large amount of useful information, and that it will prove welcome to teachers who wish to learn the elements of horticulture, and to apply those elements to the cultivation of school gardens. At the risk of seeming pedantic we would ob- serve that the specimen of "composition" on p. 41 is not deserving of full marks. " We set Carrots .... and with my fingers . . . I then set the seed." The writer of the com- position appears to have done all the work whilst the other partner of the " we " looked on. * School Gardening, with a Guide to Horticulture, by A. Hosking. (London: W, B. Clive, University Tutorial Press.) Pp. 312. 8s. 6d. Februaey 15, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 101 THE MARKET FRUIT GARDEN. January weather was no improvement upon that of December. In the earlier month rain was recorded at my station on 18 days, and amounted to 3.80 inches ; in January it was measured on 19 days, the total being 4.09 inches. The latest figures from the Meteorological Office available at the time of writing are those of the five weeks ended on February 1. As there was no rain in the last three days of December, these figures, or most of them, really represent the rainfall of the 31 da\ s of January. For all but one of the twelve districts into which the United Kingdom is divided an excess over average is shown in the report. In eight out of the twelve districts over 4 inches were registered, while the South of Ire- land had 7.53 inches, or 3.06 inches over average. England, S.W., is credited with 6.97 inches, or 2.83 inches over average, and England, S.E., with 4.19 inches, or 1.62 inch over average. The Eastern Counties, as usual, had least rain, namely, 2.92 inches, but even that was 0.96 inch over average. The only deficiency was in Scot- land, N., where a fall of 5.19 inches was 1.55 inch below average. The frequency of rain more forward at the end of March than they had been at the end of January. For example, Lilac leaf-buds were bursting on January 31, 1898, but were not much more advanced on March 31. This year the buds w-ere swelling at the earlier date, but had not burst. Unfortunately, the double yellow Daffodil was not in my list in 1898, but since it has been there no approach to its forwardness in the-present season has been noted. The flower-buds were quite yellow on January 27, and a few flowers were half expanded on the 31st. On the former date Polyanthuses and Rob Roy Daisies were partially in flower, while some Wallflowers showed flower-buds and Primroses had been blooming freely for a fortnight. For- sythia and Deutzia scabra are early-leafing shrubs, but I have never seen them as for- ward as they are now. On January 28 the leaf-buds of the former were bursting, and the latter even showed a little leaf. Passing over culinary vegetables with the remark that Spring Cabbages, late Broccoli, and Savoys matured long before their proper time, I turn to the more serious subject of fruit development. The most alarming instance with me is that of the female blossoms of Cobnuts, which were showing quite FlG. 50 — 30LAMJM CAPSICASTRUM " MELVIN1I." was more remarkable than its quantity, meai ure- ments having been taken on 21 to 30 days. Pro- bably in the districts which had 28 or 30 rain days, one or more of the last three days of December counted, but, at any rate, there were 21 to 30 rain days in 35 days. Temperature in every English district was above average for January, while the hours of sunshine were below the average for the period in all divisions of the United Kingdom. Dangerous Precocity in Vegetation. Having kept records of stages of various kinds of flowers, shrubs, and trees for 20 years, I find that the only year in which there was any close approach to the extreme forwardness of vegetation at present noticeable was 1898. In that year the Elder leaf was about one fourth expanded on January 31, as it was this season, and yellow Crocuses were in full blossom at the same date in both years. But although there were a few parallels to this season's precocity at the end of January in 1898, a severe and pro- longed check took place in that year, so that my record states that most subjects were hardly any commonly on January 25. There is but little chance, I fear, of a second good Nut season in succession to that of last year. Next in degree of danger, the condition of early blooming Plums may be mentioned. The fruit-buds of Monarch had swollen generally by January 28. If they expand soon, it is all but certain that the blossom will be destroyed, and nothing but a severe and immediate check can save them. Early Cherries are in an equally precarious condition. Yet more forward are the buds of early Pears, but for some time after they burst only the clusters of closed blossom-buds will be exposed, so that then- is more time for the chance of a check for this, fruit than there is for early Plums or Cherries. One writer, however, says that the blossom of his early Pears opened some days before the end of January, and that it was destroyed by a frost. Currants and Apples have not made any danger- ous advance at present in my orchards ; but Gooseberry leaf-buds began to burst on Febru- ary 6. An unimportant case of extreme earliness is that of a Quince tree in my garden, which was quite green with incipient leafage by January 30, and other trees of the same fruit in the borders of an orchard are almost equally forward. One of my men saw Almond trees in blossom on January 26, and another reports having seen some Morello Cherries in flower. Since the preceding notes were written, a local nurseryman, writing on February 1, has kindly supplied me with the following interesting ob- servations : — " Myrobalan has been in flower for more than a week. What strikes me as most extraordinary is the immense quantity of Prunus Pissardii flowers which have been coming out for about two weeks. Pear blossom has been fully out for several days, but not in quantity. Wall- flowers, Polyanthuses, Vincas, and Pansies have been in flower since December. Azara micro- phylla, Spinea Thunbergii, and Pyrus japonica in several varieties are fully out, also Cornus mascula and Prunus spinosa purpurea, the last a mass of white." If readers of these notes would supply similar information as to prema- ture development in different parts of the coun- try, the observations would be interesting, and' those who have kept records might be able to state whether in any earlier season within their experience there has been any previous example of equally precocious vegetation to so wide an extent. Why Not Stockholm Tar? In reading directions in many quarters as to the treatment of canker, it has astonished me to notice the frequency of the advice to coat the wounds, after paring out the diseased patches, with lead paint or gas tar, both highly poisonous materials. What has Stockholm tar, a vegetable production, done that it should be ousted from its old position as the best stuff for the dressing of canker wounds? A Bad Season for Digging. The winter, up to the present time, has been one of the worst ever known for the digging of fruit plantations. There was so much to be done that the work had to be pursued in spite of the wetness of the soil, especially as the orchards were more weedy than usual after an unfavour- able summer and a worse autumn for hoeing. I hi operation has been much more expensive than usual, and, unless hard frost occurs to dis- integrate the soil turned over in wet and solid condition, the cost of hceing in the spring will also be excessive. A Southern Grower. SOLANUM CAPSICASTRUM "MELVINII." This new variety of the popular " Winter Chi rry " should prove a valuable plant both for market and home use. In America it is claimed to be one of the best winter plants yet offered, and it has won several medals and certificates. It was introduced as a seed novelty early last year by the Thos. J. Grey Co., of Boston, U.S.A., and the present writer eecured seed for one or two English market growers to test. Owing to the delay in securing seed, this novelty did not have a full trial here last season. Market growers sow their Solanum seed early in January, whereas the seed of " Melvinii " did not come to hand until late in February. Further, the cold season was not favourable to Solanums, and no- where were plants equal to the average. " Melvinii," however, made good growth, and it proved a wonderfully free setter, the berries coming in clusters of three or four. These are conical, with quits a sharp apex, and a trifle less in size than the best strains of S. Capsicastrum. The colour is all that can be desired, and the fruit holds well. The foliage is narrower than the old form, rather crimped at the edges, and it is thought to be more persistent than in the ordinary variety of S. Capsicastrum now in culti- vation. The growth is free, bu* 'ess dense than the type, unless the habit was >,nfluenced by the late sowing and cool season. The plant illus- trated in fig. 50 is one of a number grown by Mr. Ward for the Covent Garden Market. T. A. W. 102 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. The Week's Work. ^ PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jennings, Gardener to the Duke of Devonshire, Chatswortb, Derbyshire, Propagating. — Sow seeds of Eucalyptus Globulus, E. Gunnii, E. citriodora, Coleus, Celosia, Cyperus, Eulalia, Gloxinia, Grevillea robusta, Exacum macranthum, and E. affinis. Insert cuttings of Ruellia macrantha and Ple- roma (cyn. Lasiandra) macranthum. The cut- tings should be inserted in pots filled with suitable soil, and rooted in a close frame in an intermediate house. If the frame is pro- vided with a little bottom heat it will be an advantage. As soon as the plants are rooted they may be potted singly into 3-inch pots, filled with a mixture of loam, peat, leaf-mould and sand, Grow the plants on a shelf in a warm house. If it is intended to train the Plcromas as standards the side-growths should be removed until the stem has attained a suitable height. In the case of bush specimens the leading growth should be stopped when it is about 9 inches long. As soon as the plants are well established they may be shifted into 6-inch pots, in which they may re- main in the intermediate house during the sum- mer, to flower next autumn and winter. Ruellia m icrantha thrives best in a mixture of rich, fibrous loam, leaf-mould, well-decayed cow-dung, and bone dust. These plants also should be grown in an intermediate house through the sum- mer months, and may be expected to flower well next December and January. Tuberous-rooted Begonias. — Shake the old soil from the roots and examine the corms. Extra fine varieties may be increased by cutting large plants in halves, dipping the cut surfaces in dry powdered charcoal, flowers of sulphur or both mixed. The plants should be potted into receptacles of a suitable size, using a compost consisting of rich loam and leaf-mould in equal parts, mixed with river or coarse silver sand and dried cow manure after it has been rubbed through a sieve : add a little soot and bone manure for the final potting. The plants si Id be started in a temperature of 60° in a propa- gating house or on a warm 6helf in a vinery or plant stove. Afford no water at the roots for the present ; the moisture from syringings will suffice until the corms have well started into growth. Seedlings raised in the autumn should be potted in similar soil to that recommended above and grown in a warm house or frame. Lapageria. — This beautiful greenhouse climber is usually seen at a great disadvantage in most gardens, being relegated to some out-of- the-way corner where insufficient space is avail- able. The soil in which Lapagerias are planted needs to be prepared with care, and it is an ad- vantage if the house faces north. Take out the soil to a depth of 4 feet and place at the bottom a layer 2 feet thick of broken bricks, &c, for drainage. Cover the drainage with good turves of loam or peat and place mounds of soil com- posed of good loam, peat, leaf -mould and coarse sand in equal parts, mixed with a liberal quan- tity of roughly-broken charcoal or, if this is not available, wood ashes. Plant the Lapagerias on the mounds, arranging the roots carefully, and well water the soil. Select the stronger growths and train them up the back wall, or roof for preference. The utmost care must be taken when the new shoots appear to protect them from damage by slugs and other insect pests by plac- ing a band of cotton wool, some lime, sulphur, or soot, around the base of the growth. When grown in pots the receptacles should be well drained and filled with the compost recommended for use in borders. Chrysanthemums. — Large - flowering varie- ties should be inspected carefully for the pre- sence of aphis and other insects.' Much of the success with these plants depends on the treat- ment they receive in the early stages. They should be placed close to the roof-glass to keep the shoots sturdy, and plenty of ventilation should be afforded. Plants of bush varieties still in the cutting boxes or pots should be potted into 4| inch pots. If plenty of cuttings are avail- able two or three may be placed in each pot, as grown in this way they make better specimens. The potting soil should consist of good loam mixed with a small quantity of leaf-mould, river sand and wood ashes. Syringe the foliage fre- quently and admit only a little air for a few days after potting, to prevent flagging of the shoots. Cuttings. — Insert cuttings of Linum irigy- num, Justicia carnea, Goldfussia, Eranthemum pulchellum and Centropogon Lucyanus. The cuttings should be inserted in pots filled with a mixture of sifted loam, leaf-mould and plenty of sand. Place them in a close frame in an intermediate house provided with a little bottom heat. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By James Whytock, Gardener to the Duke of Bucclelch, Dalkeith Palace, Midlothian. Cucumbers. — When the Cucumbers that were planted last month have reached the trellis work, the tops of the shoots should be pinched. This will cause laterals to grow, and of these only three should be retained at the top. As the plants grow they should be pinched fre- quently to provide plenty of growth for furnish- ing the trellis, but avoid overcrowding the foliage. Young Cucumber plants fruit freely, but the fruits should be thinned severely, as over- cropping soon exhausts the plants. If the soil is of a light open texture, it may be watered frequently. Do not syringe the foliage on dull days, but damp the walls and paths. On sunny days the house may be closed when the tempera- ture is 80°, and on such occasions the foliage may be syringed. When the roots appear on the surface, top-dress them with a rich compost. The mean temperature of the house shoidd be 70°, and at some time during each day air should be admitted for a short time. Early Figs.— Established trees that were started at the beginning of January are swelling their fruits, and care must be taken during cold, dull weather not to syringe the leaves or over- water the borders. A stagnant, damp atmo- sphere is as injurious as dry, arid conditions. Let the temperature be maintained at 60°, and keep the air constantly circulating. The tem- perature may be allowed to rise to 70° or 75° with sun heat, and on such occasions the trees may be syringed twice daily. If the border is restricted in size and filled with roots, the latter will need water frequently, but do not keep the soil wet and cold, as this would cause the fruits to fall. Figs in pots plunged in bottom heat are in full leafage. Stop the young shoots at the fourth leaf. The temperature of the house should be 65°, and the atmosphere kept suffi- ciently moist to keep down red spider. When the fruits of the second crop are apparent, feed the plants freely. Temperatures. — There have been great differences in the day and night temperatures, and, with so little sunshine, the work of regulat- ing the temperatures in the houses has called for considerable caution. Early Vines. — The vines are on the point of flowering, and ventilation must be afforded with great care, for whilst the mean temperature must be maintained at 65° a close, stagnant atmosphere is very injurious. Such early varie- ties as Black Hamburgh and Foster's Seedling set their berries freely, but it is well to draw the hand over the bunches when the pollen is ripe. Keep the atmosphere drier than usual at this stage, but still practise damping to counteract the bad effects of dry fire-heat. Successional Vinery. — The vines- have made sufficient growth for the gardener to deter- mine which shoots to leave and which to remove. On bright days when the weather is mild the vines may be syringed gently and the paths damped at closing time. The mean temperature should be 60° to 65°, but with sun heat it may rise to 75° or 80°. On cold nights and during sunless days it is better to maintain the lower temperatures than to resort to much fire heat. Late Vinery. — Push forward the work of cleansing and making ready for forcing late vineries. Vines pruned after this date should have styptic placed on the cut surfaces to pre- vent them bleeding. If the vines are infested with insect pests, such as mealy bug. they must receive a careful cleansing, treating the rods with a suitable insecticide. [Februaby 15. 1913. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Buiford, Dorking. AngrjEcum. — Plants of Angraecum sesqui- pedale that have finished blooming should be examined closely for the presence of scale insects, and a fluffy kind of mealy bug which sometimes infests the axils of the old foliage and the stems, principally at the base. Healthy foliage has a beautiful glaucous appearance, and unless it is absolutely necessary the leaves should not be sponged. Any plants that need repotting or resurfacing with fresh rooting materials should be attended to directly the new fleshy roots begin to develop. Specimens bare of leaves at the base should have the lower portion of the stem cot off and be repotted. Half fill the pots with large crocks, and on these place smaller crocks well intermixed with coarse Sphagnum-moss nearly to the rim, surfacing the whole with clean, freshly-gathered Sphagnum, and arranging it in the shape of a cone well up to the base of the leaves. The. plari if the pseudo-bulbs remain plump and healthy root waterings will not be necessary until the flower-spikes appear, when an abundance of moisture is necessary as well as occasional spray- ings overhead. The inflorescence may be ob- served early if the plant is held up to the light. Immediately a spike protrudes through the growth a piece of wadding should be wrapped around it as a protection against slugs, woodlice, and other insect pests. If the plants have been rested so long that the pseudo-bulb6 have become slightly shrivelled, do not afford an excess of water with the object of causing them to become plump quickly ; it is better to wait until the time arrives for the flower-spikes to appear. Sus- pend or elevate the plants well up to the roof- glass. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By B. GooDACRE, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, Moulton Pad Jock% Newmarket. Raspberry. — Suckers provide by far the quickest and most satisfactory method of increas- ing the Raspberry. If the work has not been completed already any new plantations that are required should be made without delay. Often the suckers appear at a considerable distance from the old plants, when their separation from the parents is an easy matter. With a sharp in- strument make a clean cut and lift the suckers without disturbing the roots of the stock plants unduly. When the offsets develop close to the old canes great care must be used when they are dug up not to injure the buds, which are found near to the surface of the ground at the base of last year's growth, as these buds develop into the fruiting canes for the next year. The best system of growing Raspberries is in rows trained to a trellis. The rows should run from north to south, not closer than 4 feet apart, setting the plants 2 feet 6 inches apart in the rows. (T; In some soils the Raspberry grows very freely, and this fact must be taken into account when Februaby 15, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 103 planting, for a free circulation of the air and the influence of sunlight are needed for the fruits to develop a high colour and rich flavour. The Raspberry grows best in rich, rather moist, open soils, but boggy land is not suitable. A liberal quantity of decayed cow manure should be mixed with the soil when it is trenched, and an extra layer of cow dung put in at the depth of 9 inches or 10 inches. The Raspberry is a somewhat surface-rooting plant, and the manure will assist in retaining moisture in the soil during dry weather, for drought is very harmful to the plants. When the planting is finished and the soil settled, apply a top-dressing of manure and allow it to remain as a mulch for the remainder of the season. Pruning the Raspberry. — The fruiting- shoots are those of the previous year, and the stronger of these should be selected and tied to the trellis at a distance of from 4 inches to 6 inches apart. The weaker ones, together with the two-year-old canes, should be cut clean out. If the cane is not strong and well ripened its whole length it should be shortened to a plump bud. Any suckers not required for forming new plantations should be cut out with a sharp knife ; they should not be pulled up, as this will injure the roots of the parent plants. Brambles. — The various Brambles may be propagated easily from seeds or by layering, the latter method being the most generally practised. If the shoot is cut so as to partly sever it and ie then pegged into the ground, it will be well rooted in the autumn. The directions as to planting, soil, &c, suitable for the Raspberry apply also to Brambles. The plants require little or no pruning beyond the removal of old and deformed shoots, also surplus growths and side shoots. pots are best, unless space indoors is limited. If the plants are placed on a moderately-warm hot-bed they will soon grow actively. When they have reached a suitable size they should be hardened off gradually. Border Phloxes.— The diSerent varieties of Phlox decussata may be increased readily by means of cuttings or division cf the root-stocks. Plants raised from cuttings inserted last autumn may, if they are well established, be planted out-of-doors at any time when the weather is favourable. Old plants should be lifted, and suitable portions replanted afresh every two or three yeare, in ground that has been dug deeply and manured heavily. Beds which will not be disturbed this season should be dressed with well-decayed manure and soot, forking the materials lightly into the soil. Montbretia. — Corms which were dug up in the autumn and wintered in boxes in a cold frame have made a considerable amount of growth, and it will be advisable to plant them where they are required to flower. Grade the corms, planting the smaller ones in the reserve garden. The Montbretia grows best in light, rich, loamy soils. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Edward Harhiss, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockinge, Betksliire. Spring-bedding Plants. — The beds fur- nished with spring-bedding should be examined, and gaps caused by plants havmg failed made good from the reserve garden. As soon as the ground becomes dry enough to permit of the work being done let the surface of the bed be stirred lightly with the Dutch hoe, and make firm any plants that have become loosened in the soil through the action of frost. Although the weather up to the time of writing has been un- usually mild, severe frosts may occur at any time, and plenty of protective material should be at hand ready for covering the more tender subjects. The shoots are unusually soft, and certain of the plants are sure to be damaged if the weather turns very cold, uidess protection is afforded. Dahlia. — Old roots which have been win- tered in a cool, dry place should be arranged on a mild hot-bed in a heated pit and covered lightly with a mixture of loam and leaf-mould in equal parts. On bright days spray the plants lightly on one or two occasions to induce them to break freely into growth. When the shoots are of a suitable length for cuttings, they should be inserted singly in small pots filled with a light, sandy compost. Plunge the pots in a hot-bed in a close pit, and shade the cuttings from bright sunshine until they have formed roots, when they may be exposed gradually to strong light and more airy conditions. As soon as the plants have filled their pots with roots, shift them into larger receptacles, and harden them gradually preparatory to placing them in cold frames. The stock may also be increased by division of the roots, but in this case the old stools should be allowed to remain in their winter quarters until the middle of March. Single Dahlias may be propagated readily from seeds which may be sown now. Fill the seed- pans with light, sandy soil that has been passed through a fine sieve. Sow the seeds thinly, and when the seedlings are large enough to handle pot them singly in 6mall pots. Their subse- quent treatment should be the same as advised for cuttings. Can n a.— The old stools of Canna should also be removed from their winter quarters, and, whether it is desirable to increase the stock or not, they should be divided, and suitable por- tions potted up singly in receptacles of a con- venient size. They may be planted in boxes, but THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Celery. — A small sowing of Celery may be made now to provide plants for early supplies. Sow the seeds in boxes, and stand the latter in a pot provided with gentle bottom heat until the seedlings are through the soil, when they should be placed near the roof glass to keep the plants stocky. Transplant the seedlings when they are large enough to handle in boxes of fine soil, and keep the house closed for a few days ; afterwards admit air freely in mild weather. Never allow the plants to suffer from dryness at the roots, but endeavour to grow them steadily and with- out a check until the time for planting arrives. Early Rose is one of the best early varieties. Cucumbers. — If seeds were sown early in January, the plants should be ready for plant- ing. The house should be cleansed thoroughly, and the walls washed with hot lime. A little sulphur may be burned in the house to destroy insect pests which may have escaped destruc- tion in the cleansing operations. Place the hot- bed in position, and on the top of this arrange small mounds of light, rich soil at 4 feet apart. When the soil is warmed through, planting may be done, covering the ball of old soil lightly. When roots make their appearance through the compost, cover them with a light top-dressing, and do this as often as tbey appear. It is im- portant that the plants should be exposed fully to the light, but not to an excess of direct sun- shine. Promote plenty of atmospheric mois- ture, or red-spider may prove troublesome. A night temperature of 70°, rising to 85° by day with sun heat, will be suitable. Plants in bear- ing should be divested of all decaying foliage, but very little stopping of the shoots will be necessary. Top-dress the roots whenever they appear above the surface of the bed with a com- post of three parts sandy loam and one part leaf- mould. Very little air will be necessary di-ring the spring months: the ventilators should never be opened with a view of lowering the tem- perature. Peas.— Make a sowing of early Peas in a warm, sheltered situation, choosing round- seeded varieties, which are not 60 liable to be affected by cold, wet conditions as the wrinkled sorts. The crop should be ready about the middle of June. If the situation is a cold one, and the soil not in the best possible condition, defer the sowing of wrinkled Peas until the middle of March, the Pilot is one of the best varieties for present sowing. Allow a distance of 5 feet between the rows, but if dwarfed varieties are selected, the rows should be 1 foot wider than the height of the plants when they have completed their growth. The plants sown early in January are well through the ground, and must be protected from cold winds, which may be done by placing the sticks in position, and then arranging branches of Spruce Fir along the rows. Cabbage. — The rows of autumn-planted Cabbages should be examined carefully and, where the plants have failed, they should be re- placed with others from the reserve bed. Hoe the soil between the rows and afterwards sprinkle the surface with soot and lim'e as a deterrent to slugs. If any of these autumn- sown cabbages have not been transplanted, they should be set out in rich ground to furnish heads for a succession. The plants will prove very useful, and will allow the cultivator to clear the ground of all stumps of the earliest plants as soon as the greens are cut. Make a sowing of some suitable variety of early Cab- bage to provide plants for setting out in the vegetable quarters in May. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them on a warm border at a distance of 4 inches apart. THE APIARY. By Chloris. Purchasing Swarms. — Many erroneously imagine that swarms of bees may be purchased and sent off by a certain train on a particular day like an ordinary parcel of goods. To fulfil an engagement to supply bees at a given time sellers often injure their best colonies to give a " shook " swarm, and in this way lose by the transaction, whilst the purchaser does not benefit. Buyers should place their orders early, and be satisfied if the bees are dispatched in rotation ;. but they should insist on receiving natural swarms. Queens. — The bee-keeper's most active sea- son will soon be here, and it will be well for him to make his plans in advance. As much of the success will depend upon the queen, some little consideration should be given to her needs. Each time a hive is opened in the early season a close watch should be kept upon the brood nest to see that the patches of brood are compact, and that the sealing is good and healthy-looking. Always be suspicious of disease being present. Later, note whether the brood is extending fast or slowly. If it pro- gresses at a satisfactory rate it may be known that the queen is a good one. Many third-year queens give excellent results, and prove superior to queens one year their junior. From this it will be seen that to judge a queen by age only is a great error. When young queens are hatched and fertilised in the spring, the old queens should not be destroyed by rule of thumb, for it may be wiser to leave tier for a third season and to destroy the younger ones. Seasonable Work. — February and March are the most critical months of the dormant season, and especially in very mild seasons. It is undesirable to disturb the bees except in cases, of dire need, for it is still the season of rest; but ample food and warmth are necessary. Stocks that were weak last autumn will not live unless they are well protected from the weather. If they are not too weak, and are headed by a prolific queen, they may develop into a profitable colony in the spring. Where possible, hives containing such colonies should be packed with dry hay, sawdust, dry leaves, chaff or cork dust, after a sufficient quantity of soft candy has been placed under the lowest quilt. See that the roof is quite water-tight. It does not need any expert to detect a strong colony, for these can be noted by the vigorous flight of the inmates when taking cleansing flights on mild days. Breeding has commenced, and beginners are sometimes alarmed because there is a little moisture on the quilts ; but this is conducive to success, and is not the result of dampness. Add extra quilts, and all will be well. Dampness. — Colonies in leaky hives that are very wet should be transferred to clean, dry hives as soon as the weather permits. Food. — No stimulating food — i.e., liquid food — may yet be given, because if a spell of cold weather follows, even for only a few days, it will cause the cluster of bees to contract, and the brood in the outside combs will become chilled and die, as well as a few of the older bees on the outside of the cluster. These often fall to the floor-board, and being dragged to the entrance cause it to become blocked. For this reason the entrances should be watched closely, especially after periods of cold, so that the floor- boards may be kept clear of dead bees. Failing a comb of' good, sealed honey, only good candy should be used. 104 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 15, 1913. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Oarden, W.C. Letters (or Publication, as well as specimens of plants tor naming, should 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 1 he week as possible and duly signed by the writer. IJ desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. APPOINTMENTS. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18- Roy. Hon. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p m. by Miss Mason, on " Some Flowers of Eastern and Central Africa.") Roy. Inst. meet. (Lecture by Prof. W. Bateson.) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19- Nonh of Eng. Hort. Soc. Ann. Meet, and Sh. at Leeds. Roy. Meteorological Soc. meet. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20- Linnean Soc. meet. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21— Madras Agri-Horticultural Soc. Sh. (2 days). average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 39'5. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, February 12 (6 p.m.) Mai. 47°; Min. 37°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, CoventGarden, London —Thursday, February 13 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 801": Temp. 41°; Weather— Dull. Provinces.— Wednesday, February 12: Max. 46° Barn-- staple ; Min. 43° Spalding. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY and WEDNESDAY- Rose Trees, Perennials, Shrubs, Bulb's, See., at Stevens's Auction Rooms, 38, King Strtet, Covent Garden, at 12.30. MONDAY and FRIDAY— Herbaceous Plants, Perennials, Lilies and Hardy bulbs, at 12 ; Roses and Fruit Trees, at 1.30 ; at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe and Morris. WEDNESDAY Miscellaneous Bulbs and Rools. at 11; Hardy Bulbs and Liliums, Perennials, Herbaceous Plants, sc, at 12; Japanese Liliums, at 2.30; Palms and Decorative Plants, at 5; at Protheroe and Morris's Rooms. THURSDAY— _ , . Rcsjs and Fruit Trees, at 1, at Protheroe and Morris's Rooms. FRIDAY— - ,.,-,„ Orchids, at 12.45; at Protheroe and Morris's Rooms, There are moments when the men who do things and care nothing for Horticultural Society, the credit of doing them must suffer with good grace the publicity which they fain would shun. The present is such a moment, and the men whose achievements all horticulturists are united in applauding are the president and the secretary of the Royal Horticul- tural Society. Both men have served the Society for many years, and both have contributed in a prominent degree to the present condition of success which the Society enjoys. It so happens that at the moment when we are all engaged in offering to the Rev. W. Wilks congratu- lations on the work that he has done during the 25 years of his secretaryship the announcement comes to us that the captain under whom he has served is about to resign his command. This announce- ment, made at the annual meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, will be received with universal regret and with respectful acquiescence. Sir Trevor Lawrence has come to the conclusion that bis great age is a bar to his continuance in the high office which he has filled for so many years with firmness, dignity, and conspicuous success. Mindful of the in- terests of the Society, Sir Trevor has announced the fact of his impending resignation, and thus gives time to the Councilfor the performance of the diffi- cult task of securing a successor to the office of president. Of the services he has rendered there is no need to speak : they are universally recognized, and the emotion with which he announced his decision will be shared by all. The president has filled his office for nine-and-twenty years. He has taken a leading part in not only shap- ing, but also in guiding the policy of the Society, and now, at the great age of 82, he wall enjoy, as we hope for long years yet, " love, honour and obedience, troops of friends, and all that should accompany old age." The Council has before it a matter of serious moment, and upon its wise discre- tion will hang the fortunes of the Society, but it is satisfactory to know that in the step that has to be taken they will have the wise counsel and advice of a presi- dent who, during many long and strenuous years, has succeeded in keeping the full confidence of the horticulturists of this country. The announcement made by Sir Trevor Lawrence, and published in our last issue, that steps were being taken to commemor- ate the Rev. W. Wilks's services to horti- culture has been received with unanimous approval. In presenting to Mr. Wilks his portrait, the Victorian Medal of Honour, and an engraved silver salver, Sir Trevor bore generous tribute to the resource- fulness, tact, and energy displayed by the secretary during the past quarter of a century. Mr. Wilks has told us already the circumstances attending his appoint- ment, and it is common knowledge that the Royal Horticultural Society has since made such progress as is unequalled by any scientific society in the world. We need not attempt to apportion the credit for the successful navigation of the horti- cultural ship. There have always been found good friends to help the executive officers, and probably no society has ever been afforded a larger measure of support and personal service than has the Royal Horticultural Society ; but when all this is allowed for, it is to the credit of the principal officers that the ship has been so navigated that it has taken the fullest advantage of fair weather and favourable winds We are convinced that all members of the Society will feel that when Mr. Wilks claims one- thousandth part of the credit for the suc- cess achieved, he errs altogether on the side of modesty, and they wall hope that the Society may be fortunate enough to retain his services for many years to responding to the stimulus of gravity. If such members find themselves out of the vertical or " rest" position they respond to the gravitational stimulus by growing more on one side than the other. As a result of this unequal growth, the mem- ber curves and continues to curve until its tip points once again vertically up- ward—in the case of a stem — or vertically downward — in the case of a root. Thus it is easy to picture what will happen if a root finds itself diverted slightly from its vertical path. The growing part begins to • curve in such a way that the upper side is convex, and hence the tip is brought to point once again vertically downward. As soon as this happens, the sides of the growing region cease to grow at unequal rates, and hence the tip is maintained in its vertical or " rest " position. There are, however, two positions in which a root is at rest in the sense of not respond- ing to the stimulus of gravity. These posi- tions are : one in which the root points downward, and the other in which the tip points upward. The latter position, like the former, is a rest position, and a root upside down with its tip pointing vertically upward can make no response to gravity, and if it could be prevented from falling to one side or the other it would continue to grow upward, that is, away from the centre of the earth. The Hyacinth bulb is in like case, the tips of the leaves pointed vertically down- ward. They were incapable of responding to the stimulus of gravity. The bases of the leaves continued to grow, and the pres- sure set up by their elongation met with less resistance from the bulb than from the tips which were wedged tightly in the soil. The bulb therefore was forced upward into the air. A correspondent sends a Ari specimen of a Hyacinth grow- Inverted , ••• Hyacinth. mS ln an inverted position— the bulb in the air and the tops of the leaves in the soil. The specimen offers a curious illustra- tion of the well-established facts with re- spect to the behaviour of plants to the stimulus of gravity. A brief recapitula- tion of these facts will provide the clue to explanation of this topsy-turvy bulb. Those members of a plant which grow vertically upward or downward do so by Coloured Plate. — Ipomaea rubro-caerulea, the blue Mexican Bindweed, is one of the best of sub-tropical annual climbers, but, like many other good old garden plants, it is very little grown, probably because of the belief that it can only be successfully cultivated under greenhouse conditions. There are many green- houses and conservatories in which such a plant would make a beautiful display and give little trouble, which is a very good reason for its in- clusion among the plants selected for coloured plates in these pages. Except in the colour of its flowers and in the absence of floral bracts, there is little difference between the plant here figured and the common Bindweed of the hedge- rows. Of course, the latter species has a peren- nial root-stock, as many a farmer and gardener knows to his cost. Still, to the casual ob- server, the characters of Ipomaeas and of the Convolvuluses are much alike. It isi as well to emphasise this fact so as to make it clear to gardeners that the plant now under notice is not only a Bindweed in appearance, but it is also one in habit and requirements. In the issue for August 12, 1911, p. 112, Mr. Wyndham Fitz- herbert recorded his success with I. rubro-caeru- lea in the open garden in South Cornwall. He sowed seeds of it in pots in a warm house in May, hardened off the seedlings when they were 6 inches high, keeping them in a cool green- house till the end of June, and then planting them in a light, rich soil at the foot of a south- west wall. Here they grew up wire supports to a height of 10 feet, branched freely and bloomed splendidly, from 40 to t>0 blossoms expanding February 15, 1913.] THE GARB ENER S' CHR 0 NI CL E. 105 every morning from the second week in July until late in September. This result was ob- tained in five successive years, a wet summer making little difference. Cornwall i6 somewhat favoured climatically ; still, the summer weather there is no better than in many other parts of the United Kingdom, where Mr. Fitzherbert*s method may very well be tried. A position shel- tered from wind and not too open to full sun- shine would appear to be essential ; for supports, Pea sticks ought to serve better than a wall and wires. Or the plants might be planted in June at the base of a loose shrub over which the shoots could twine. Where I. rubro-caerulea is grown under glass, the seeds are sown in June, and the plants are shifted on into pots, their final shift being into pots 8 inches in diameter. The shoots are either trained over a balloon trellis or along wires under the roof of the greenhouse. They begin to flower early in autumn, and usually con- tinue to bloom until mid-winter. The arch-enemy is red spider, which soon spoils the plants if not destroyed by frequent use of the syringe. When the flowers are fading they change to a purplish- pink colour. We remember seeing I. rubro- caerulea in grand condition in the Water Lily House at Kew, the plants having been allowed to grow over the wires supporting the gourds and other climbers, and in the autumn there were hundreds of lovely caerulean-blue flowers open together. Royal Horticultural Society. — The next meeting of the Committees will be held on the 18th inst. in the Vincent Square Hall, West- minster. At the three o'clock meeting in the lecture room Miss Mason will give an address on " Some Flowers of Eastern and Central Africa." A cup, value 50 guineas, has been pre- sented to the Society by Lady Algernon Gordon-Lennox, for competition by amateurs at the Holland House Show on July 1 for a collec- tion of hardy perennial and biennial border plants, including bulbs, tubers, and rhizomes. Dwarf shrubby plants such as certain Ericas, Helianthemums. Pentstemons. and Dianthus are eligible, but half-hardy plants such as Dahlias are excluded. The winner will hold the cup for one year, and on returning it will receive a small memorial cup of similar design. The object of lliis competition is .to draw attention to the most desirable hardy border flowers, exclusive of annuals, Roses, and flowering shrubs, though cer- tain very dwarf-growing shrubby plants, like the old Clove Carnation, for example, may be in- cluded in the term " hardy border plants." The 6ame exhibitor may only win the cup once in three years, but should the winner of the pre- vious year be again placed first the Council will bestow a special award. The Council will not award this high distinction uidess satisfied and assured that the exhibit is, in the main, due to the work and capability of the exhibitor or his employees ; on this point the Council may consult any expert not eligible to win the cup. A Dahlia competition will be held in conjunction with the R.H.S. fort nightly meeting on Septem- ber 23. The object of this competition is to dis- cover the most decorative garden Dahlias, that is, those varieties which add most to the beauty of the garden. The schedule is as follows : — Class A (amateurs) — Decorative garden Dahlias of any section except Show Dahlias, which are excluded. The exhibit to occupy 12 feet run of 3 feet tabling, not exceeding 8 feet in height. The first prize consists of a silver cup, to which will be added the Veitch Memorial Medal. The Council will make other awards according to merit. Class B (open) — For decorative garden Dahlias of any section except Show Dahlias, which are excluded. The exhibit to occupy 25 feet run of 3 feet tabling, not exceeding 8 feet in height. A 75 guinea challenge cup, presented to the R.H.S. by Mr. Reginald Cory, is offered for the best collection, and the Council will make other awards according to merit. The cup will be held for one year and on its return the Coun- cil will present the holder with a small cup of similar design. The other conditions are the same as in the Gordon-Lennox Cup competition. R.H.S. Tulip Show.— The Society will hold a special show of Darwin, May-flowering and cot- tage Tulips at the meeting on May 14. They will be considered by a special jury, ami the Council will make awards according to their re- commendation. Six classes for amateurs have been arranged, and a small private committee is raising the money prizes, for which the committee alone is responsible. The Council will also give prizes and awards at their discretion. Sir Joseph Hooker Lecture Fund. — The Council of the Linnean Society have had under consideration the application of the bequest of £100 left to the Society by the late Sir Joseph Hooker. They feel that the Fellows of the Society would not desire this legacy to be applied to the ordinary purposes of the Society, but that they would wish it to be used for some memorial of the illustrious donor in connection with the Society. Such a memorial would be peculiarly appropriate, lati Sir jo eph Hooker was for nearly 70 years one of the strongest supporters of the Society, taking the kei ii' -t interest in its work. The Council have ■ I that the most suitable memorial would be an adequately endowed Sir Joseph Hookeb L dure, to be delivered every second, third, or fourth year, and to be published in the " Pro- ceedings" of the Society. They propose that the lecture be on some subject especially a o ciatcd with the name of Sir Joseph Hooker, and that the lecturer be appointed by the Coun- cil, not necessarily from among the Fellows of the Society. They suggest that the generous be- quest of £100 should form the nucleus of a fund to be raised for the purpose of carrying this proposal into effect. The Council consider that a total sum of not less than £600 should I tained, ami confidently appeal to the Fellows of the Linnean Society and others to contribute. Gift of Orchids to KEW.^We learn that Sir George Holford, on being informed that a new Cattleya house had been built at Kew, generously presented to the lens number of species and hybrids from his collec- tion at Westonbirt. Included in the gift were many specimen plants of Brasso-Cattleyas, Leelio Cattleyas, and other hybrids, also a num- ber of hybrid Cypripediums and Cymbidiums. It will give some idea of the value of the gift if we repeat what we were told by Mr. F. Sander, who had seen the plants selected for Kew 1. they left Westonbirt. Questioned as to their value, he stated that, if the plants had been purchased in the open market, they could not have been bought for less than £500. It is particularly gratifying to find that the national collection of plants is not overlooked by the great owners of private collections. Kew does much to foster a love of horticulture among the people, and the gift of Sir George Holford is certain to be greatly appreciated by the thousands who visit those popular gardens. Royal Meteorological Society. — A meet- ing of the Royal Meteorological Society will be held at the Surveyors' Institution, 12, Great George Street, Westminster, on Wednesday, the 19th inst., at 7.30 p,m., when the following papers will be read: — 1, "Periodical Variations of the Velocity of the Wind at Oxfoid," by W. H. Robinson ; 2, " Rate of Ascent of Pilot Balloons," by J. S. Dines, M.A. ; 3, " Meteoro- logical Conditions in a Field Crop," by YV Lawrence Balls, M.A. Wilful Damage at Kew Gardens. last Saturday morning, between 1 and 4 a.m., some persons broke into the gardens, and, by removing the glass from a door panel, obtained entrance to the Orchid houses, where they smashed and mutilated plants, broke the glass in the side lights of the houses, and, leaving a card on which was written " Votes for women," together with two blood-stained handkerchiefs, and a bag containing iron bolts, got away without detection. The weather favoured the raid, for the wind blew half a gale and there was heavy rain all night. The extent of the damage was estimated at about £150, including some £4 worth of glass. Fortunately there was no frost, otherwise the loss of plants would have been much greater. The plants, which were either torn to pieces or smashed down, were chiefly Cattleyas, Odontoglossums, Dendrobiums, Cym- bidiums, Cypripediums, Ccelogynes, Lycastes, Phalsenopsis, and Ancectochiltrs. Most of them were in flower, and, therefore, were most easily seen in the dark. The entire collection of Ann .to chilus, a particularly good one, was broken into fragments. The new Cattleya house was not en- tered, so that the magnificent gift of Sir George Holford was not mutilated. Had the raiders known the comparative value of the Orchids, they might, easily have done ten times the damage in the time ; as it was. the most valuable plants in the colled i n escaped injury. Alto- gether 136 plants wire either destroyed or damaged. The mischief was discovered by the night stoker at 4 a.m., and he at once called the policeman who was on night duty, who sum- moned the foreman and the Curat"]'. Before noon, when the public were admitted into the. gardens, the glass had been repaired and all evidenced of the damage removed. Abbotsbury Castle Destroyed by Fire. — The news of the destruction by fire, on Febru- ary 8, of Mary Countess of Ii.chester's beauti- ful residence at Abbot bury. Dorsetshire, has been received by horticulturists with prufound regret. A 'good friend of horticulture, the Dowager Countess of Iixhester has placed all gardeners under a lasting debt of obligation by her generosity in lending the grounds of Hol- land House for the summer shows of the R.H.S. She possesses at Abbotsbury a singularly attrac- tive garden, which was describee! and illustrated in the issue for August 19, 1899, and the per- sonal interest which she takes in horticulture is also evinced by the exhibits of choice plants which she makes frequently at the meetings of the R.H.S. Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens Employes.— The annual supper of fie members of the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden Cricket Club was held in Milne's Hotel, on the 7th inst. Dr. Borthwick occupied the chair, and the company numbered about 60. A committee was formed to consider the formation of a guild of past and present employes of the gardens. Boskoop Rose Show. — We have received the following communication regarding the Rose show which will be held in Boskoop, Holland, during July, under the patronage of the Dutch Minister of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce. The committee has been obliged to greatly ex- tend the grounds of the Exposition, owing to the large number of exhibitors. A pergola 600 feet long will be built around the rosary which will cover about an acre. This pergola will be furnished with 3000 climbing Roses, which have been grown in pots for this pur- pose. In the background of the rosary will be erected an Italian flora temple 120 feet broad and 15 feet high. The competition for new- Roses not yet in commerce will be open to all growers. The secretary is Mr. S. J. Rcizeveld, Boskoop. 106 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 15, J913. South-eastern Agricultural College. — A meeting of the Governors of the Wye Agri- cultural College was held at Caxton House on Monday. The Right. Hon. Lord Ashcombe was re-elected chairman and H. E. H. Rice, Esq., was elected vice-chairman, in succession to Mr. F. S. W. C'ornwallis. The Principal, Mr. J. R. Dunstan, reported that 162 students were in attendance at the college. The Governors approved of the purchase of 22 acres of land situated at Mailing for the fruit research sta- tion, and it was also decided to institute during the summer a course of specialised instruction in entomology and mycology for county instructors of horticulture, towards the cost of which the Board of Agriculture would be prepared to make a grant. Examination of Public Park Employes. — The R.H.S. examination of employes in public parks was held no January 6, in the Society's Hall, Vincent Square, and the list of suc- cessful candidates shows that 30 secured places, there being 10 passes in the first class, 14 in the second, and 6 in the third. The examination was partly viva voce and partly written, and it occupied three hours and 20 minutes. The examiners report that the answers in the viva voce section were, generally, above the average, but the written answers fail to show any marked improvement. Vienna Horticultural Society. — Dr. Kurt Schechner has been appointed general secretary and director of the Vienna Horticul- tural Society, and director of the new experi- mental station at Esslingen, near Vienna. Herr Franz Frolik is to be garden inspector at the station, and Herr Anton Korotjs head gar- dener. Presentations to Gardeners. — Mr. Thomas Young, gardener at Belvoir Park, Belfast, was entertained at dinner by the other members of the garden staff and friends on the occasion of hi6 leaving Belfast recently upon taking up a situation at the Shandon Hydro. Mr. William Little, until recently gardener to Mr. Richardson, Ballendrick, has received presents from his friends and late employer on the occa- sion of his leaving Ballendrick to take up an appointment under the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust. Flowers in Season. — Messrs. Pennick&Co,. Delgany, near Dublin, have forwarded a box con- taining flowering sprays of the following plants, which are at present blooming in the open at Delgany : — Eupatorium Weinmannianum, Spha- celia Lindleyana, Veronica buxifolia, Daphne Mezereum, Veronica imperialis, Genista tinc- toria, Acacia pinifolia, Erica carnea, Vinca major, Arbutus Milleri, Rhododendron Noble- anum, R. Russelianum, Cytisus monspessu- lanus, Soltya heterophylla, Jasminum nudi- florum, Genista fragrans, Veronica Andersonii, Garrya elliptica, Helianthemum Rose Queen, Prunus Pissardii, Veronica Autumn Glory, Olearia stellulata, Prunus Miqueliana, Escallonia exoniensis, Clianthus puniceus, and Cheiranthus alpinus. Gage Plums. — Timely and sound advice is given in the Field (January 25, 1913) on the selection of varieties of Plums for planting. The WTiter points out that the Plums often grown in gardens are among the poorest of their kind, and recommends the replacement of inferior sorts by good varieties, and among others, Gages such as Transparent. Among those which he re- commends are Early Transparent, Rivers' Golden and Rivers' Late, Oullin's Golden (a good keeper), Bryanston Gage and Guthrie's Late Green. Special commendation is given the variety Coe's Golden Drop, which, although not a Gage, deserves to be planted widely. It is, however, self-sterile, and must therefore be planted among other varieties. Honour for Messrs. AdnittandNaunton. — In recognition of their 28 years service as joint honorary secretaries of the Shrewsbury Show, the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society have appointed Mr. H. W. Adnitt and Mr. W. W. Naunton Honorary Life Fellows of the Society. Nyassaland Protectorate.— The Board of Trade Journal announces that it has received a copy of The Plants Protection Ordinance, 1912, the object of which is to prevent the dis- semination of insect and other pests into the Nyassaland Protectorate. A copy of the Bill on which the Ordinance is based was published in the Board of Trade Journal on October 31, 1912. To Increase the Sugar-content of Maize. — There are many obvious facts, the practical bearing of which takes a long time to become appreciated. For example, as everybody would expect to be the case, the removal of the in- florescences from Maize and Sorghum results in an accumulation of sugar in the vegetative tissues. Mr. E. Heckel, who has made experi- ments on this subject, finds that the amount of sugar in the vegetative tissues may be almost doubled hy the simple process of removing the female inflorescences. As is pointed out in the Pharmaceutical Journal (February 8, 1913), the observation is of commercial importance, par- ticularly in the case of Sorghum, of which plants agriculturists have long sought a means of in- creasing the sugar-content. Publications Received. — Notes from the Royal Potanic Garden, Edinburgh. (Decem- ber, 1912.) Price 9d.— The North of England Horticultural Society's Monthly Magazine. — Insecticides, Fungicides and Weed- killers. Translated from the French of E. Bourcart, D.Sc. (London: Scott, Greenwood & Son.) Price 12s. 6d. net. — University of California Publications. Commercial Fertilisers, by John S. Burd ; Hog Cholera and Preventive Serum, by F. M. Hayes ; Enological Investigations, by Frederio T. Biolelii and William V. Cruess ; Three Years' Work of the Ferndale (Humboldt County) Cow Testing Association, by Leroy Anderson. (Berkeley, Cali- fornia : Agiicultural Experiment Station). — Thirty-seventh Annual Report of the Board of Commissioners for the year ending January 31, 1912, (Jamaica Plain, Mass. : The Board of Park Commissioners of Boston, U.S. A.) — Injurious Insects : How to Recognise and Control Them, by Walter C. O'Kane. (New York : The Mac- millan Company.) Price 8s. 6d. net. — Mendel's Princ pies of Heredity, by W. Bateson, MA, (Cambridge : University Press.) Price 12s net. — The Art and Craft of Garden Making, I ourth edition, by Thomas H. Mawson. (London : B. T. Batsford.) Price £2 10s. — Transactions of the Edinburgh Field' Naturalists' and Micro- scopical Society. Secretary, Mr. Allan A. Pinkenon, Edinburgh. — The First Book of Rural Science, by J. J. Green, B.Sc. (London : Macmillau & Co., Ltd.) Price Is. 6d. — Journal of the National Poultry Organi- sation Society, Limited. Secretary, Edward Brown, Dean Farrar Street, Westminster, London. — Colonial and Foreign Statistics. (London : Board of Agriculture, and Fisheries.) . Price 7Jd.— Trees in Winter, by Albert Fran- cis Blakeslee, Ph.D., and Chester Doacou Jarvis, Ph.D. (New York : The Macmillau Company.) Price 8s. 6d. net. ■ — Garden Work for Every Day, by H. H. Thomas. (London : Cassell & Co., Ltd.) Price Is. net.— Cassell' s Dictionary of Practical Gardening. Edited by Walter P. Wright. Parti. (London : Cassell & Co., Ltd ) Price 7d. net. HOME CORRESPONDENCE {The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) The Abnormal Winter. — You will have received many lists of plants in flower showing the forwardness of the season. It is a forward season, and the garden is delightfully full of flowers. But I have known more forward seasons. I can remember a year in which the out-of-door Peaches had fully-open flowers at the end of January. That is not so this year, and I think it is well worth noting how many flowers are really backward. I have not picked a single flower of Iris stylosa (except white ones) or I. reticulata. All the buds of Azara Gillesii have fallen ; there are no flowers of any Hamamelis or Parrotia, and the two species of Scopolia, which generally lead the way, are not yet above ground. Still it is a season in which the gardener may rejoice and be thankful. Quid sit futurum eras, fuge qucerere. H. N. Ellacombe, Bitlon Vicar- age, Bristol. Sale of Books. — Under this heading in Gardeners' Chronicle, December 21, p. 472, the prices were given of a number of the principal works sold on December 2, 3, and 4. Other valuable horticultural works sold at the same time were Curtis's Botanical Magazine or Flower-garden Displayed, 74 vols., 1787-1912, £83; J. Sowerby, Enr/lish Botany, 36 vols., coloured plates, 1790-1814, £8 10s. ; Robt. Sweet, draniaccoz, 5 vols., coloured plates, 1820 30, £11 10s.; Loddiges' Botanical Cabinet, 20 vols., 2,000 coloured plates, 1818-33, £31 ; G. Maw, Monograph of the Genus Crocus, 66 coloured plates, 1886, £5 7s. 6d. ; Orchid Allium, conducted by R. Warner and B. S. Williams, coloured plates, 11 vols., 1882-97, £12 15s. ; Paradisus londinensis, by R. A. Salis- bury, figures by W. Hooker, 1806, £6 5s. ; C. L. Blume, 1/umphia, sine Commentationes Botanica imprimis de Plantes India Oricntalis, over 200 coloured plates, 1835-48, £7 ; Lindenia Icono- graphy of Orchids, conducted by J. Linden, and others, 11 vols, in 6, 1891-96. £8 5s. ; F. Sander, Bciehenbachia, Orchids Illustrated and De- scribed, coloured plates, 4 vols., 1888-94, £10 5s. ; R. J. Thornton, Temple of Flora, coloured plates, 1799, £6 6s. ; N. Wallich, Plantm Asiaticos rariores Descriptions and Figures of I a published Indian Plants. 300 coloured plates. 3 vols., 1830 32, £8 10s. Hortus Siccus. The Value of Corsican Pine. — Mr.Elwess wholesale condemnation in the Gardeners' Chronicle of January 18 of the commercial value of Corsican Pine will not, I hope, be endorsed by every planter. Mr. Elwes com- plains that the timber of this tree requires over a hundred years to mature ; but is it necessary for the planter of to-day to study to any great extent the ripening of the species he plants? We know that well-ripened timber is worth more than young, immature wood ; but I doubt very much whether the market value of timber 50 years hence will be governed by its maturity to anything like the extent it is now. With most species at the present time the aver- age seller finds it difficult to get any higher prices per cubic foot for increased quality due to age or maturity than he gets for timber of the same size which has not reached an age at which the maximum of heart wood has been produced. Straight growth, a minimum size, freedom from knot6, &c. , are qualities which will probably satisfy the timber users of the future in most cases, not because they are the only qualities worth considering, but on account of the im- possibility of obtaining any large quantity of old timber similar to that which is now being secured from natural forests still unexhausted by over- cutting. If this should prove to be the case, I do not see why Corsican Pine should not be as profitable a tree for planting on the drier soils of most parts of the country, and on 6ites too ex- posed for Douglas Fir, &c, as any Conifer. Its rate of growth is from 25 per cent, to 50 per cent, greater than that of Soots Pine, and it produces far cleaner timber under the same conditions. As regards the difficulty of trans- planting, this is, I am certain, very largely a point which must be dealt with according to local experience. In the drier and warmer parts of the country, autumn or even winter planting may prove as successful as spring ; but far more February 15, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. t07 important than the actual date, in my opinion, is the care bestowed upon the lifting of the plants. If the roots are skinned by being roughly pulled out of the ground, or exposed to sun and wind for any length of time, failures are 6ure to be numerous, and the same result will follow if plants are allowed to stand for more than one year in the nursery previous to plant- ing out. The best results are obtained by the use of 1 yr. 1 yr. 1 yr. plants, provided they are kept clear of rubbish, grass, &c, during the first two years. In wet districts and in damp soil planting just as the buds begin to lengthen out in spring usually gives the beet results ; but extra care must then be taken in lifting and transit, and on sticky nursery soils skinning and breaking are almost sure to occur to an injurious extent. If the nursery soil is not naturally light and friable, plenty of leaf-mould and similar substances should be worked into it. It is use- less to attempt to grow transplantable plante of Corsican Pine and Thuya plicata, a little more experience of the latter is needed before a de- finite decision can be reached. It has proved itself capable of growing into a straight, well- shaped pole, but will it produce big timber, say, boles 30 to 40 feet in length, with a mean quarter- girth of 12 inches or more? My impression is that it will not grow long enough in this country to produce really large timber, while its failure in exposed sites is well known. .-1. G. Forbes. Carnation Propagation.— The experiences of your several correspondents on this subject are very interesting. It should be remembered that the 6eason of the year has a great influence an the length of time the cuttings take to root, and particularly in the case of certain varieties. The rooting-medium and the condition of the cut- ting when it is inserted are other important factors. I select as cuttings shoots obtained from the middle of flowering growths, rejecting Transplanting Young Fruit Trees.— This point of dispute between Mr. Williamson and B is of much importance. B declares that to transplant a maiden tree is to stunt its growth, and from his point of view it would be ruined. Mr. Williamson says no. I dare say it is to a large extent a question of climate, and Mr. William- son, I take it, is writing with the climate of the north of England and Scotland in his mind. The value of transplanting Maidens two years planted varies also according to the kind of fruit. It may be said to be essential for Plums, non-essential for Pears, though advantageous. I would go a step beyond advising the once transplanting of young trees ; for Plums and Peaches it may be repeated two or three times. I have never known the practice to stunt growth, but it results in the production of an abundance of fibrous roots, with a vigorous but not rank top growth. The bene- fits of transplanting are so conspicuous that once it has been tried it must continue an essential of good management, and it is so important that anything I can say in favour of Mr. Williamson's contention. I gladly do. R. P. Broihtrtton. Locusts. —A gentleman who knows the Argen- tine well, in conversation with me, stated that his son at Buenos Ayres had his crops completely devoured by locusts, and there was not a green leaf left on the place. Even Acacias (Robinias) and Eucalyptus, which are often immune from its attacks, were cleared of foliage, but Melons in fields were not touched, although vegetable Marrows were devoured. I thought this a re- markable incident and one that might interest your readers. Why did the locusts pass over the Melons ? George Bunyard, The Royal Nurseries, Maidst"/*' . FlG. 51. — PROPAGATING HOUSE FOR CARNATIONS. Corsican Pine in clay, marl, or any adhesive soil. Whatever the method adopted, however, Corsican Pine is not, taking an average of cases, an easy tree to transplant under ordinary condi- tions. It is ea6y to say do things in this way or that, but in everyday practice most operations have to be done when they can, and not always when they ought to be. The successful cases of transplanting Corsican Pine are as often due to accidental combination of favourable circum- stances as to deliberately-planned methods, and for this reason the cost of planting must be put comparatively high, although I do not see why it should amount to £8 or £10 per acre if mixed with Larch, Spruce, or Scots Pine, accord- ing to soil and situation. Planting Corsican Pine or any other expensive species pure is a sheer waste of money, although the timber pro- duced thereby may be a little cleaner and less dependent upon the ekill of the forester in thin- ning. As regards the comparative merits "f those situated very high or very low on _ the plants, and aiming at having the growth in a half-matured condition. I enclose a photograph (see fig. 51) of a section of a propagating house for Carnations, built upon American lines, which I think would be difficult to improve upon. In this house 98 per cent, of the cuttings root, and there is accommodation for 94,000 cuttings. A layer of clean, sharp sand is placed to the depth of 3j inches upon the benches, and a bottom heat is provided of 55°. The atmospheric temperature is maintained at 45°, and the cut- tings root in from three to four weeks. The shoots are not sprayed overhead, and, as a rule, the soil is only watered twice whilst roots are form- ing. The cuttings would root quicker in a warmer, moist atmosphere, but it is not desirable to allow this, for if they are forced into making roots, loss of vitality results and, moreover, disease is favoured by excessive moisture over- head. M. C. Allwooj, Hay wards Heath. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. (ANNUAL MEETING.) February 11. — The 109th annual meeting of this Society was held on Tuesday last in the Lecture Room of the Vincent Square Hall, West- minster. The president, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., occupied the chair and besides most of the members of the Council there were present some 50 or 60 Fellows. The proceedings were •narked with great unanimity. The occasion w;is the 25th anniversary of the appointment of the Rev. W. Wilks as secretary, and the esteem in which he is held by everyone connected with the Society found suitable expression. After the minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed, and 36 new Fellows elected, the president submitted the annual report. The report, said Sir TrevoT, dealt fully with all the important aspects of the Society, and he did not therefore propose to make a long statement. The great event of the year was the Royal International Horticultural Exhibition, which did infinite credit to the horti- culture of the kingdom, and resulted in so great a success financially that the horticultural charities will benefit in no inconsiderable degree. The new rock-garden at Wisley, said the presi- dent, was being planted as rapidly as possible, but he begged the Fellows to exercise patience, for such a large rockery took a long time to fur- nish. The mention of the honour conferred by the King on Sir Harry Veitch evoked loud ap- plause. The name of Harry Veitch, said Sir Trevor, will always be associated with horticul- tural skill, enterprise and integrity. The pro- posed establishment of a Diploma in Horticulture was next referred to. Horticulture, said Sir Trevor, must ally itself more and more with the progress of science. They were grateful to Mr. llunciman for showing that the Government were at last disposed to recognise the great claims of horticulture. The horticultural trade of the country was of very great impoi and Sir Trevor said that it was not his fault that horticulture was not coupled with agriculture when the late Mr. W. H. Smith first instituted the Board of Agriculture. A svllabus w"as being prepared for the pro- posed 'Diploma in Horticulture, and they had hopes that the University of London would insti- tute a degree for horticulture. All were exceedingly sorry that Mr. William Marshall was no longer able to attend the Coun- cil meetings or to take his place as chairman 108 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 15, 1913. of the Floral Committee. There were three Vic- toria Medals of Honour at the disposal of the Council, and these had been conferred on the secretary, Rev. W. W.Iks, M.A., Mr. W. H. Divers, of Belvoir Castle Gardens, and Mr. James Whitton, superintendent of the Glasgow City Parks. Sir Trevor said that there was one part of the report for which he himself was solely respon- sible. He referred to the paragraph concerning the secretary, who had held the office for 25 years. During all that time the Rev. W. Wilks had entered heart and soul into the work of the Society. His good tact and temperament in deal- ing with problems that required these qualities were known to most of them. He had plea- sure in stating that the Council were having a portrait of Mr. Wilks prepared, and the testi- monial fund, limited to one guinea subscription, had already reached the sum of £500. In addi- tion, a silver salver, which he (the president) had pleasure in handing to Mr. Wilks, would serve further to remind him of his many friends of the R.H.S. Sir Trevor Lawrence next referred to his own connection with the Society as president for nearly 2'9 years, and stated that his association witli them had been one of his greatest pleasures. Having passed four-score years, he wished now to retire, but he had allowed his name to be Drought forward again as president, so that the Council might have plenty of time to look out for a successor. Sir Trevor concluded his remarks MR. W. H. DIVERS, V M.H. (See Report cf R.H.S. Annual Meeting). by offering the thanks of the Society to the per- manent staff and the members of the various committees. The treasurer, Mr. Gurney Fowler, seconded the adoption of the report, and took the oppor- tunity to refer in detail to certain items of the balance-sheet. They had made a profit of £9,194 on the year, which was £739 more than on any previous occasion. The receipts from annua) subscriptions showed an increase of £1,037, and receipts from hall lettings were £684 more than last year. Exhibitions showed a loss of £1,372. The adoption of the report was carried unani- mously. At this stage the Rev. W. Wilks rose to ex- press his thanks for the testimonial and expres- sions of goodwill voiced by the president. From what had transpired recently he felt sure that every Fellow possessed feelings of friendship for him. The great honour of V.M.H. had been offered him on previous occasions, but he had always refused it. Now the Council gave him no choice in the matter. The election of the president and officers was next proceeded with, and a vote of thanks to Sir Trevor Lawrence, proposed by Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, concluded the meeting. Scientific Committee. February 4. — Present: Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A., F.E.S. (in the Chair) ; Messrs. R. H. Curtis, A. Rolfe, W. Hales, G. Wilson, A. Worsley, G. Massee, Sir H. J. Veitch, and F. J. Chittenden (hon. sec). Lailia Lundii (Reich, and Warm).— Mr. R. A. Rolfe exhibited, on behalf of Messrs. Sander & Son, a plant of this dwarf Brazilian species, re- marking that it is allied to L. Regnellii, but is easily separated by it habit of flowering on the undeveloped growth, a character which it shares with Cattleya Walkeriana. The leaves are narrow and fleshy, and the flowers solitary, pale lilac with a veined blotch on the front lobe of the lip. It is quite unlike any other Loelia in cultivation. Its history is given in the Orchid fieview (xviii., p. 62). Oncidioda X Cooksoniana. — The Orchid Com- mittee referred the plant Oncidioda x Cook- soniana to this Committee. k, had been ex- hibited by Messrs. Charlesworth. The cross is a rather curious one between Cochlioda Noez- lioda ? and Oncidium macranthum if , and the hybrid has something of the long raceme of its pollen parent, while the flowers are larger than the seed parent and somewhat different in colour. It was first raised by Mr. Cookson. A Botanical Certificate was unanimously recom- mended to the plant. Crocus biflorus Weldcnii. — Mr. Bowles showed a seedling from Messrs. Barr of this form with a distinct sulphur tinge. He found that seedlings of C. chrysanthus and C. biflorus run into one another so as to render it impoesible to regard them as anything but forms of a single species, as, indeed, Herbert had regarded them, grouping them under the name C. annulatus. C. chrysanthus gave blue seedlings similar in colour to those of C. biflorus. Bitter Pit in Pear. — Some Pears were shown with brown spots in flesh similar to those fre- quently seen in Apples. HORTICULTURAL CLUB. February 4. — The annual meeting of the members of the Horticultural Club was held at the Hotel Windsor, the home of the Club, on the above date. The President, Sir Frank Crisp, Bart., presided. The annual report, submitted by the Hon. Secretary, Mr. R. Hooper Pearson, showed that the number of members elected during the year was 39, and the number of deaths and resigna- tions 8, making a net gain of 31. The roll of membership is now 192. A separate report, prepared by Sir Harry Veitch, treasurer, showed that the income for the year amounted to £198 lis. In 1912, for the first time, summarised reports of all the lectures, bound in the booklet with the Committee's report for 1911, list of members, rules, and other matter, were supplied to every member. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The small club-room on the ground floor of the hotel having proved inadequate, a resolution was proposed to lease the large billiard room on the first floor, and this was carried. Owing to the generosity of the President one of the tables will be allowed to remain in the room. THE ANNUAL DINNER. Following upon the general meeting a company of 107, including ladies, assembled on the occa- sion of the annual dinner, when Sir Frank Crisp, Bt., again presided. The tables were prettily decora ed with plants and flowers by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons. After the usual loyal toasts had been proposed, Mr. W. A. Bilney gave the toast of " The Horti- cultural Club." " Since they had met at the last dinner," said Mr. Bilney. " two of their members had been honoured by the King. Their Presi- dent, Sir Frank Crisp, had been made a baronet, and the Treasurer, Sir Harry Veitch, a knight. " No one," said Mr. Bilney, "has ever been more popular in the horticultural world than Sir- Harry Veitch." With regard to the club they had intro- duced one or two innovations at the meetings, and during the past year ladies were present for the first time. The membership had increased from 122 to 192 during the last two vears, a fact which was due to the energy of Mr. Hooper Pearson. Replying to the toast, the President stated that they might flatter themselves on the way the Club had progressed, for it was better off in members, as well as in money. The committee had just concluded arrangements for securing more comfortable quarters, a larger room having become necessary. The Secretary had put in an enormous amount of work, and the result was to be seen in the details of the annual report. Sir Harry Veitch proposed the toast of " Rev. W. Wilks, M.A.," the special guest on the evening. He stated that it was a great pleasure and privilege to propose Mr. Wilks's health, for he had known him for 50 years. The success of the R.H.S., said Sir Harry Veitch, is to a very great extent due to Mr. Wilks, who is completing his 25th year of office as Secretary. He described Mr. WUks as a true gardener, and one who has been imbued with the love of flowers from his earliest days. Sir Harry re- ferred to the appointment of Mr. Wilks as Hon. Secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society in the darkest days of its history, as recently told by Mr. Wilks himself in the pages of the Gardeners' Chronicle. Speaking as a member of the Council, he knew that their Secretary's energies have ever been engaged in forwarding the interests of the Society. It was their plea- sure to invite him that night as the special guest of the Club, and they welcomed him with the highest esteem and respect, with the hope that he may long be spared to carry on his useful labours. The Rev. W. Wilks, in response, stated that, owing to his many friends of the horticultural Press, he had not been allowed to be ignorant of what had been said about himself. But pub- licity was fcreign to his nature, for he had always endeavoured to keep himself in the background. His thoughts went back to a meeting of the Horticultural Club in 1877, when there were pre- sent many whose faces have long passed from our sight. He was urged to allow himself to be put MR. JAMES WHITTON, V.M.H. (See Report of P.H.S. Annial Meeting). forward for the office of Secretary of the R.H.S. a society which rumour said was about to give up altogether. He was appointed to work in conjunction with Sir Trevor Lawrence, President, and Dr. (now Sir) Daniel Morris, Treasurer. The progress of the R.H.S. since that time had been phenomenal ; it had attained the position of the most successful of the scientific societies in the whole world. But the success was not wholly or mainly due to him, the spsaker. It was be- cause they had in Sir Trevor Lawrence the best type of President, and one who was always at his post. The harmonious working of the Council had also been a great factor for success, and only on one occasion had there ever been anything approaching a serious disagreement between the councillors. His hope was that their successors might be imbued with the same spirit of unity. The toast of " The Visitors " was proposed by the Rev. J. Pemberton, who offered a hearty welcome to their guests, Sir Daniel Morris, Mr. A. G. L. Rogers (Board of Agriculture), Sir Pieter Bam, and others. Sir Daniel Morris, in replying, recalled his connection with the R.H.S. as Treasurer, and, referring to the straitened circumstances of the Society, he stated that when he left Eng- land to undertake important work in the West Indies he felt that the corner had been turned. The Horticultural Club, of which he, the speaker, was formerly a member, was following its big sister the R.H.S. in making great progress. "The members were to be congratulated on having Sir Frank Crisp as their President, and an ener- getic secretary. He observed with pleasure that February 15, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 109 Mr. Rogers, head of the horticultural branch of the Board of Agriculture, was present with the-m. Referring to the new permanent secretary of the Board, Sir Daniel Morris said that they would find in Sir Sydney Olivier a sympathetic friend of horticulture. Mr. A. G. L. Rogers said that he hoped that before 25 years the new Branch of the Board of Agriculture would gain the appreciation cf the horticultural world just as the R.H.S. now enjoyed it. Sir Pieter Bam also responded. The proceedings, which were enlivened by a musical programme kindly provided by the President, terminated shortly after 10 p.m. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. February 3. — The annual general meeting of the above Society was held at Essex Hall, Strand, on this date. The president, Sir Albert K. Rollit, occupied the chair, and about 50 members were present. The president congratu- lated the members on the progress made by the Society during the past year, and submitted the committee's report, from which we publish the following extracts : — EXTRACTS FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT. The special exhibition held at Essex Hall on Novem- ber SO was in the nature of an experiment, and mast te Section I.— Incurved. The section is now sub-divided into: — Sub-section (a}— Large flowered varieties. Examples— Buttercup and Duchess of Fife. Sub-section (6)— Medium and Small -flowered varieties. Examples— Daisy Southam and Mrs. G. Rundle, Section n.— Japanese. Sub-section I.— Japanese. {a) Large-flowered varieties. Examples— Lady Talbot and F. S. Vallis. (6) Medium-flowered .varieties. Examples— R. F. Fel- ton and Cranford Pink, (e) Small-flowered varieties. Examples— Roi des Blancs and Source d'Or. Sub-section II.— Incurved Japanese, (a) Large-flowered var.eties. Examples— Mrs. Gilbert Drabble and Mrs. A. T. Miller. (6) Medium and Small-flowered. Examples— Mrs. Roots and Le Pactole. Sub-section III,— Hairy Japanese. Example— Hairy Wonder. Section III.— Anemones. (a) Large-flowered, i.e., with a diameter of 3 inches and upwards. Examples— W. W. Astor and Sir Walter Raleigh. (6) Small-flowered, i.e., with a diameter of less than 3 inches. Examples— Marie Stuart and Antonius. Section IV.— Pompons. (a) Large-flowered, i.e., with a diameter of 2 inches and upwards. Examples— Mile. Elise Dordan and Williftm Weetlake. (b) Small-flowered, i.e., with a diameter of less than 2 inches. Examples— Snowdrop and Pygmalion. SIR TREVOR LAWRENCE HANDING TO THE REV. W. WILKS THE VICTORIA MEDAL OF HONOUR AND ENGRAVED SALVER AT THE R.H.S. ANNUAL MEETING ON TUESDAY LAST. pronounced a distinct success. The vases of single Chrysan- themums which were staged on this occasion were probably some of the finest that have ever been seen. The annual conference was held at Essex Hall on Novem- ber 20, when Dt. Russell gave a lecture, illustrated by lime- light views, on " Soil Sterilisation." About 120 members were present at the lecture, and the discussion which «nsued showed very clearly that the subject dealt with was one which is deservedly receiving attention at the hands of all the principal growers. A report of the lecture will appear in the Transactions. Nine meetings of the Floral Committee were held during the year, when 249 new varieties were considered, as com- pared with 227 during the previous year. The following awards were made, viz.: — 48 First-class Certificates, 18 Commendations, and 4 Awards for Colour. The table given below sets forth the sections to which First-class Certificates have been awarded during the past five years. The absence of the decorative section in 1912 is due to the fact that under the new classification decora- tive varieties are not treated as a separate section in themselves, but are allocated to their proper places in the Japanese, Incurved or Single sections. 1908. 1909. 1910. 1911. 11V Japanese . 23 8 19 8 27 Japanese Incurved. , — . — — S Incurved 3 3 2 2 S Singles 13 7 12 21 16 Decorative 8 8 21 7 Total .... 47 26 54 38 48 The leport of the Floral Committee in connection with the new classification was publ-shed in the 1911 Transactions, bat it does not appear to have attracted as much attention as was anticipated. In order to bring the matter imme- diately under the notice of members, the main headings of the new classification are set forth below: — Section v.— Singles. Sub-section I.— Varieties with one or two rows of ray florets. (a) Large-flowered, i.e., with a diameter of 3 inches and upwards. Examples— Mrs. John Peed and Edith PagTam. (b) Medium and Small-flowered, i.e., with a diameter of less than 3 inches. Examples — Miss Mary Anderson and Nellie Riding. Sub-section II. — Varieties with three to five rows of ray florets- fa) Large-flowered, i.e., with a diameter of 3 inches and upwards. Examples— Mensa and Merstham Jewel, (b) Medium and Small-flowered, Le., with a diameter of less than 3 inches. Examples — Mary Richard- son and F. W. Smith. Sub-section ILT.— Anemone-centred varieties. Example — Kathleen May. Section VX— Spidery. Plumed and Feathery. Examples — Mrs. W. Filkin6 and King of Plumes. At a special meeting of the Floral Committee, held on December 16, the question of granting special Market Cer- tificates was considered, and after a full discussion it was decided to issue special certificates to varieties which were particularly suitable for market purposes. Varieties which are entered for these special Market Certificates will still be eligible for the F.C.O. or Commendation in accordance with the general rules. The annual outing was held on July 15, when about 70 members and friends paid a visit to the gardens at Berry Hill, Taplow. The annual dinner was held at the Holborn Restaurant on Wednesday, November 27, under the chairmanship of Mr. T. Bevan. At the Royal International Horticultural Exhibition held in May last there were only two entries in the class for Chrysanthemums, and the Society's special gold medal was awarded to Messrs. W. Wells k Co., Ltd., of Merstham. In connection with the Ghent Quinquennial Exhibition and Conference, to be held in May. 1913. your Committee have appointed Mr. Thomas Bevan as their special delegate to the Show and the Conference which is to be held in conjunction therewith. The audited accounts of the Society for the past year are appended to this report, and it will be noticed that on December 31 the Society had paid the whole of its obliga- tions and that the ordinary liabilities were. nil. During the year a further sum of £25 was placed to the reserve fund, which now amounts to £75. The exhib.tions for 1913 have been fixed as follow:— October 1 and 2 at the Crystal Palace. Noven ber 5, 6, and 7 at the Crystal Palace. December 10 at Essex Hall. The Conference for 1913 will be held at Essex Hall, on Wednesday, December 10, the same date as that fixed for the late exhibition and meeting of the Floral Committee. Mr. Thos. Bevan. chairman of the executive committee, endorsed the remarks made by the president, and seconded the adoption of the report, which was carried without further dis- cussion. A vote of thanks was accorded the retiring auditors, Messrs. A. Stevens and A. E. Cox. Sir Albert Rollit was re-elected president with acclamation, on the proposition of Mr. Thos. Bevan. Mr. John Green (treasurer), Mr. Thos. Bevan (chairman of executive committee), Mr. E. F. Hawes (vice-chairman), and Mr. C. Harman Payne (hon. foreign corresponding secretary) were all re-elected. The retiring members of the committee who were eligible were also re- elected, and Messrs. R. B. Leech and W. P. Hyatt appointed to vacancies. Mons. Georges Truffaut, Versailles, was elected honorary foreign corresponding member. SOUTHAMPTON ROYAL HORTI- CULTURAL. January 20. — The 51st annual meeting of the above society was held, by permission of the Mayor, at the municipal offices on this date. The statement of accounts shows the following results :— Receipts. Expenses. £ s. d. £ s. d. Rose show ... 172 6 1 ... 166 4 10 Jubilee show ... 426 0 10 ... 459 3 7 Autumn show ... 115 15 3 ... 134 2 10 General account 158 10 3 ... 158 11 3 New material ... ... 8 2 6 Total ...£872 12 5 ...£926 5 0 Tftie adoption of the report was proposed by Mr. E. Kemp Toogood, who took the opportunity to state that he wished to retire from the office of chairman of the council, owing to exigencies of business. The President, Lord Swaythling, and the vice- presidents were re-elected. The chairman con- veyed to Mr. Toogood the warmest thanks of the members for the way in which he had conducted the business of the society during his three years of office, and proposed the election of Mr. Herbert E. Molyneux as chairman of the coun- cil. The election was carried with acclamation, as was also the re-election of the secretary, Mr. C S. Fuidge, who has held office since Jinuiry, 1873. The election of six members to serve on the council and other officers concluded the bu>in:s;. The dats fixed for this year's shows are — Rose Show, June 25 ; Carnation and Summer Show. Julv 15 and 16; Autumn Show, October 28 and 29. " WOODBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL. January 27. — The annual meeting of this society was held at the Bull Hotel on the above date, when Mr. John Loder, J. P., presided. The annual report stated that the money collected at the gates on the occasion of last year's show was £20 less than in the previous year. A letter was read from the president. Lord Rendlesham. offering a 20-guinea Silver Challenge Cup, with £2 added each year, to the winner in the amateur class for 18 distinct varieties of Roses, the cup to be won three times in succession by the same exhibitor before becoming his p'-nperty. Messrs. Arthur Crowe, H. Banrell, W. N< rman, E. R. Nunn, and Dennis Rowland were elected members of the committee. 110 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 15, 1913. ROYAL GARDENERS' ORPHAN FUND. ANNUAL MEETING. February 7. — The annual meeting and elec- tion in connection with the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund took place on Friday, the 7th inst. , at Simpson's Restaurant, Strand, London. The chairman of the committee, Mr. H. B. May presided. The annual report read as follows : — Report for 1912. The general tenor of the report on the operations of the Fund during the past year which the Committee has to present to the subscribers, is again of a satisfactory oharacter, inasmuch as the contributions from all sources show a slight increase. This is the more gratifying be- cause the increase is due to a larger measure of support in the form of annual subscriptions. In common with most other institutions which make their annual appeals in May, the Fund severely felt the effects of the national appeal then being mode on behalf of the widows and orphans of the victims of the awful "Titanio" disaster, but the position wa9 happily retrieved later by contribu- tions from other sources. The expenditure side of the accounts again shows an increase in the amount dis- bursed in weekly allowances to the children, while an .ippreciable reduction in the working expenses has been brought about, without adversely affecting the efficiency of the management. The number of children receiving the full benefits of the Fund at the commencement of the year was 117, and 28 candidates waiting for election — all in sore need of assistance — were in receipt of compassionate allowances. Of this number 18 were elected to receive the full allowance at the annual meeting, and grants-in-aid were subsequently made to the 25 candidates who are appealing for election at this meeting. During the year 12 children ceased to leceive aid from the Fund, and 19 children— the greatest number that the Committee can prudently see their way to provide for— will be elected on February 7. The total amount disbursed in allowances during the year was £1.796 10s., bringing up the amount distributed under this heading to the- grand total of over £26,542. The annual Festival, held on May 8, under the genial and extremely sympathetic presidency of Sir Edwin Durning- Lawrence, Bt., again proved a most enjoyable function, a large company being present, including all the well-known supporters of the Fund and many visitors. The Chair- man's happy comments on the humanising influence of the Fund, and his strenuous appeal for a larger increase in annual subscriptions and generous donations, met with a sympathetic response, greatly to the financial benefit of the charity, the collection amounting to nearly £1,000. The Chairman munificently headed the list with 100 guineas. Mr. Sherwood and his sons again showed their keen in- terest in the welfare of the Fund by contributing £100; while Messrs. Sutton & Sons also contributed a most onerous donation. Your Committee desires to express their deep gratitude to Sir Edwn Durning-LawTence for the valuable services he has rendered to the Fund, and has pleasure in inviting the subscribers to add his name to the list of Vice-Presidents. The Committee acknowledges with much gratification the receipt of the sum of £2b6 16s. 4d., the proceeds of a collection made to perpetuate the memory of the late Mr. Peter Barr. Your Committee greatly rejoices that a lasting memorial of this distinguished horticulturist — known the world over as the Daffodil King— should be associated with the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund, which he helped so materially to establish, being a member of the original Committee. The receipt of a legacy of £100. left to the Fund by the late Mrs. Ann Pollett, widow of Mr. Henry Montague Pollett, founder of the old-established horticultural print- ing business of Messrs. H. M. Pollett & Co., and for some years a much respected Vice-President of the Fund, is also gratefully acknowledged. The warmest thanks of the Committee are again most heart^y accorded to the Stewards at the annual dinner; to the Honorary Local Secretaries,— and especially Mr. Carver, Mr. Neve, and Mr. Rowe — whose kindly efforts to increase the list of annual subscribers have been most successful ; and to the Committees of the Altrincham Gardeners' Association, the Bradford Chrysanthemum Society, the Reading Gardeners' Association, the Chislehurst Gardeners' s ciety, the Sevenoaks Gardeners' and. West Kent Chrysan- themum Society, the Tonbridge Gardeners' and Amateurs' Society, the Leeds Professional Gardeners' Club, and the Spen Valley Gardeners' Society, who, by means of concerts and other forms of entertainment, and the sale of flowers at exhibitions, have rendered the Fund most valuablr- help. The Committee would greatly rejoice if other local Committees would give a thought to the needs of the Fund and render it some assistance by similar means. They would also specially commend the objects of the Fund and the valuable work it is doing to the members of Gardeners' Improvement Societies, who, by means of card collections among themselves, could render most valuable assistance. With very sincere regret your Committee deplores the loss by death during the year of a greater number than usual of valued friends and constant supporters of the Fund. In its early days the Fund received substantial help from the late Mr. Herbert J. Adams, one of the oldest of the Vice-Presidents; and from first to last it has had no more constant advocate of its claims to support than the late Mr. Alexander Dean. Among others whose unfailing assistance for some years past will be greatly missed, may be named. Lady Brownlow, Mrs. James Oawthra, Mrs. Alderson, Sir Robert Pullar, Mr. Arthur D. Sassoon, Mr. J. S. Bergheim, Mr. James S. Beal, Mr. W. A. Garraway, Mr. F. Noa-kes, Mr. C. Smith (Guernsey), Mr. H. Estill Tillman, Mr. Edward Sawyer, and Mr. John Hayes, the last two of whom rendered yeoman service in connection with the successful Floral Fetes held in Covent Garden Market in the years 1888, 1889, and I860. The members of the Committee who retire by rotation are Mr. A. R, Allan Mr. W. H. Cutbush, Mr. G. Gordon, Mr. D. Ingamells, Mr. J. F. McLeod, Mr. R. Hooper Pearson. Mr. E. Rochford. and Mr. H. L. Wright, all of whom, being eligible, offer themselves for Te-election, with the exception of Mr. Rochford. The Committee much regrets the retirement of such a good friend to the Fund as Mr. Rochford, and to fill the vacancy thus created has great pleasure in recommending the election of Mr. Arthur W. Metcalfe, The Gardens, Luton Hoo, Beds. The Committee desires most cordially to thank the auditors, Mr. P. Rudolph Barr and Mr. Frank Reader, for their exhaustive examrnatiou of the accounts now pre- sented. Mr. Barr is the retiring auditor, and the Com- mittee has special pleasure in recognising the value of his past services by recommending him to the subscribers for re-election. In formally moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, Mr. May stated that the re- ceipts from all sources exceeded those of the previous year, and this was partly owing to the item known as " Annual subscriptions." It had been his duty in previous years to emphasise the fact that gardeners did not support the Orphan Fund in the liberal manner they ought to do. He had had to point out that, whilst the greater portion of their income was received in dona- tions raised at or in connection with the annual festival, the annual subscriptions were very small indeed. Consequently, it was with the greater pleasure that he was able on this occa- sion to see some slight improvement in this matter. He could only recommend all who have the interests of the fund at heart to endeavour to assist the upward tendency to the best of their power. Notwithstanding the receipts showed an increase on the previous year, there had been a decrease in the manage- ment expenses, and thia economy had been brought about without any loss in efficiency. They had spent during the year upon orphans alone a greater sum than had ever been spent. Amongst the items of this expenditure is the sum allotted as " Grants in aid " to children waiting for election, and money given to orphans, who, withdrawing from the list at the age of 14 years, are assisted by purchasing for them, in some cases clothes for entering upon a situation, and in others tools that are a necessity in entering into apprentice- ship. The committee regarded the practice of helping the children at this crucial period as a matter of the highest importance. The festival dinner was successful, and they were indebted to Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, Bart., for the CASH STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1912. To Subscriptions; General Local Secretaries General Local Secretaries £ s. d. 324 15 8 102 14 10 118 22 4 8 1 4 Receipts from Annual Dinner Legacy: Mrs. Ann Pollett "Peter Barr Memorial" Adveitisements in Li?t of Subscribers .. Dividends on Stock and Interest on Deposit Income Tax returned 140 6 925 16 100 0 266 16 27 13 381 13 6 16 Balance last Account 2,276 12 6 870 15 8 £3.147 8 2 Note. — Investments. 3 per cent. London & Countv Consolidated Stock ' £7,240 15 10 3 per cent. Canada Stock 2,000 0 0 L. & N.-W. Railway 4 per cent. Preference Stock 340 0 0 Great Indian Peninsula Ry. Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stook 514 0 0 2V2 per cent. Consols 1,100 0 0 " Thomson Memorial Trust " — East Indian Railway B. Annuity of £14, cost 430 11 0 " Emma Sherwood Memorial " — Metropolitan Water (Bl 3 per cent. Stock . . 516 15 11 " Maybud Campbell Grant" — Metropolitan Railway 3V2 per cent. Preference Stock 391 0 0 EXPENDITURE. £ s. d. By Allowances U Orphans .. .. 1,621 5 0 „ Grants in Aid 149 5 0 ,, "Emma Sherwood Memorial" 13 0 0 „ "Maybud Campbell Grant" .. 13 0 0 ,, Secretary's Salary ,, Printing and Posting List of Subscribers ,, Rent, Insurance, Firing, Light- ing, &c. 46 15 7 „ Printing and Stationery .. 47 19 6 „ Advertising 8 9 0 „ Annual General and Committee Meetings 23 16 2 „ Postages 27 14 0 ,, Bank Charges 3 17 0 ., Petty Cash: Sundries .. .. 4 11 2 1,796 10 200 0 41 19 1 163 2 5 Cash at Bank Cash on Deposit Cash in hand M 494 18 8 450 0 0 0 18 0 £3,147 8 2 Having inspected the Securities and examined the Books and vouchers supplied to us, we hereby certify the above Account to be correct. P. RUDOLPH BARR ) . ... FRANK READER [ Andlt0TS- January 13. 1913. help he rendered them on that occasion. He hoped that during the proceedings at that meet- ing they would elect Sir Edwin Durning-Law- rence to the position of vice-president. Amongst special receipts, Mr. May mentioned the sum of £266 16s. 4d. as part of the proceeds of the Barr Memorial appeal, and a legacy of £100 left to the Fund by the late Mrs. Ann Pollett. Cer- tain horticultural and mutual improvement societies had helped the Fund in various ways during the year, some by promoting sales of flowers at exhibitions, some by arranging con- certs, and some in other ways. To one and all the committee offered its thanks. Mr. W. Bates seconded the motion for the adoption of the report and statement of accounts, and the resolution was passed unanimously. Mr. George Gordon then proposed that Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, Bart., be elected vice- president of the Fund. This was adopted. Proceeding to the election of officers, Mr. Howe proposed that Mr. Edward Sherwood be re-elected treasurer of the Fund. The motion was seconded by Mr. R. Hooper Pearson and accepted with enthusiasm. The chairman then proposed that Mr. Brian Wynne be re-elected secretary, and this was seconded by Mr. Inga- mells and carried unanimously. Mr. Rudolph Barr was re-elected auditor, the retiring mem- bers of the committee were re-elected, and Mr. Arthur W. Metcalfe was elected a member of the committee in the place of Mr. E. Rochford, who retires. At this stage of the proceedings scrutineers were appointed for the purpose of counting the ballot, and the meeting stood adjourned. ' Shortly before 5 o'clock the meeting re- assembled, and Mr. Ingamells read out the names of the fortunate candidates. These were as follow ; — Wilfred Ernest Goff 370 Sarah Jane Lee ... ... ... 326 Margaret Elizabeth Jennings ... 323 Elizabeth Mary Dodd 302 Wallace Titheridge 288 Jessie Lilian Deadman ... ... 259 Margaret Riley 248 Margaret Dorothy Stept.. ... 244 Bertha Beatrice Mason 240 Ida Eleanor Piper 236 Marion D. A. Woollett 225 Ethel Ellen Miller 218 Percy George Peerless ... ... 211 Edna May Holloway 198 Grace Elizabeth Crouchman ... 175 Eric Arthur Lindekvist ... ... 167 Dorothy Mildred Mitchell ... 165 Sylvia Dora Collins 163 Ivy Irene Appleford ... ... 154 Another candidate had been selected by Mr. Sherwood to benefit by the "James Campbell I Want," thus leaving six candidates unpro- vided for. After the chairman had declared the 20 candi- dates duly elected, Sir Harry J. Veitch rose for the purpose of drawing attention to the fact that the Fund was expecting to receive a sum of something like £700 from the directors of the Royal Iilternational Horticultural Exhibition, 1912. El thought it would be satisfactory to all of them if the committee could see their way, in view of this special receipt, to elect by resolution the six unsuccessful candi- dates on the list. After the chairman had indi- cated that if a resolution of the kind were passed the committee would agree to its provisions, the resolution was seconded and adopted. Conse- quently, the Fund will start the new year with a clean slate, having provided for the needs of all the present candidates. From inquiries . made since this course was decided upon, m understand that, in accepting the resolution, the supporters of the Fund have gone to the extreme length of their discretion, and extra efforts will have to be made during the coming year to help the Fund to bear the extraordinary burden that has been placed upon it. All were delighted that the candidates were elected, but it must not be forgotten that heroic steps such as this must be followed by increased activity on the part of those who labour for the Fund. The members of the committee and a few friends met again in the evening at dinner, when Mr. H. B. May presided. The proceedings were interspersed with vocal and instrumental music. Feishuary 15, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Ill FOREST GATE AND STRATFORD AMATEUR CHRYSANTHEMUM. January 31. — The annual meeting of this mji niy was held on the above date, and a re- port of useful and successful work during the year was given by the secretary. The annual exhibition of Chrysanthemums which was held in November was a great success, and the monthly exhibitions and lectures are increasing in popularity. The profits of the society are given towards the support of the West Ham Hospital, which has already received in this way more than £300. SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL. February 4. — The monthly meeting of this association was held on this date. There was an attendance of 95 members. Mr. Massie, the retiring president, occupied the chair at the commencement of the proceed- ings, and, after the formal business of the even- ing had been transacted, introduced his successor in the office, Mr. David King, who thereupon took the chair and delivered his inaugural ad- dress, taking as his subject " Recent Advances in Horticulture." The exhibits were : — Collection of Tulips, in- cluding the variety Coronation, from Mr. King ; hybrids of Primula obconica, from Mr. D. W. Thomson, Edinburgh; newer varieties of Per- petual-flowering Carnations and specimens of Phoenix Roebelinii from Messrs. Todd & Co., Edinburgh; flowers of Pyrue japonica, Galanthus Elwesii, and G. nivalis fl. pi., and Helleborus niger maximus, H. orientalis " Albin Otto," H. abchasicus grandiflorus, and H. cau- casicus purpurascens major, all from the open air, from Mr. C. Comfort, Broomfield, David- son's Mains; and Richardia africana, from Mies Burton, Polton. There was also exhibited an improved tool for the testing of soil and plant- ing of Potatos and bulbs, from Mr. John Mack, Edinburgh. LAW NOTES. GROWERS AND UNDEVELOPED LAND DUTY. An interesting test case in connection with the liability of nurserymen to pay Undeveloped Land Duty has recently been decided (see Gardeners' Chronicle, February 1, 1913, p. 77), and, as the result proves the necessity for an immediate amendment of the law on the subject, it may perhaps be useful to explain the present position of affairs. Growers will, doubtless, recollect that in the year 1910 a novel provision was inserted in the Finance Act of that year which had the effect of throwing additional taxation upon all horti- cultural and agricultural land which, in the opinion of the Government valuers, might be worth more for some other purpose than it is for horticulture or agriculture. Land of this nature is in fact to be regarded as " unde- veloped " and accordingly liable to pay what amounts to an annual fine ! Those who may wish to read the precise wording of the Act for themselves will find that it runs as follows : — " Land shall be deemed to be undeveloped land if it has not been developed by the erec- tion of dwelling-houses or of buildings for the purposes of any business, trade or industry other than agriculture (but including glass- houses or greenhouses) or is not otherwise used bona, fide for any business, trade or in- dustry other than agriculture." The Act further provides that in this connec- tion the term "agriculture" shall be deemed to include " the use of land as meadow or pas- ture land or orchard or osier or woodland or for market gardens, nursery grounds or allotments." Exemption of Greenhouses. It will be noticed that the section of the Act first quoted above makes special reference to glasshouses or greenhouses, and, although the wording is not altogether happily chosen, the evident intention is to provide that glasshouses or greenhouses shall not come under the ban imposed on horticultural or agricultural land, and that the effect of erecting such glasshouses or greenhouses 16 to enable at least a portion of the land to be treated as "developed," and con- sequently free from the new duty. It will, however, readily be seen that the legislature has omitted to say how much of the land shall be regarded as "developed " in cases where glasshouses or greenhouses have been erected, and considerable difference of opinion has arisen on this point accordingly. Readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle were warned at the time: when the Budget was passed that it would not be safe to regard anything more than the actual site occupied by the green- houses as being free from Undeveloped Land Duty, but some have held that the effect of erecting greenhouses would be to render free from the tax all land which might be used or required in connection with such greenhouses. An excellent opportunity of testing the question arose recently in connection with the nurseries of Messrs. George Jackman & Son, of Woking, and, having obtained promises of support both 1 1 "in the Horticultural Trades Association and the Land Union, this firm brought their case be- fore Mr. Howard Martin, one of the referees ap- pointed by the Government for the purpose of hearing appeals of this nature. Process of Cultivation. As is well known, Messrs. Jackman cultivate a large area of land at Woking, and, in connection with that branch of their business which is de- voted to the raising of hard) >i semi hardy plants or shrubs, they have erected 18 greenhouses (in addition to pits), these being used as " nur- series" for the young plants which they propa. gate ; the greenhouses, in fact, serve much the same purpose as incubators in the case of poul- try farming. The usual process is followed. The cuttings in the first place are deposited in the greenhouses or pits, the latter consisting of a range of "lights" generally about 6 feet by 4 feet, and about 3 feet high, and having brick walls and a glass roof. Each " light " holds about 80 pots containing about 1,280 cuttings (16 cuttings generally go into one pot). When the cuttings have taken root they are placed singly in pots which, in their turn. are closely stacked in the greenhouses. Later on the cuttings are placed in larger pots until the time arrives when they have to be prepared for a more hardy life in the open. When this time arrives they are stood out or "plunged" (with their pots) in the soil out-of-doors to grow on and harden off, or else planted out in small beds. At 1 1 j i - stage the plants are no Longer stacked together, but are placed at considerable intervals from each other. These intervals vary according to the species of plant : some, for instance, being only 6 inches by 10 inches apart, while others are as much as 12 inches by 15 inches apart, producing an effect somewhat similar to the squares of a chess board. As the infant plants increase in stature they are removed to fresh land and set apart at even greater distances to be grown on until they arrive at a marketable 6ize. This sometimes takes several years, but it will be obvious that the land is used for the purpose of carrying out the initial operations commenced in the greenhouses, and it may reasonably be contended that unless such land were available the greenhouses would be of little practical use for fulfilling the pur- poses for which they were erected. Speaking, therefore, from a practical business point of view, it is reasonable to suggest that the land thus used has been " developed " by the erection of glasshouses or greenhouses, and ought, accordingly, to be exempt from Unde- veloped Land Duty. Construction of the Act. The Inland Revenue Commissioners, however, contended that, according to the wording of the Act of Parliament, nothing more than the land actually covered by the greenhouses ought to be treated" as exempt except for an allowance of sufficient space round the greenhouses to permit of access to them and the penetration of light and air. Accordingly, they contended that, in allowing one additional acre of land for each acre actually covered by glass they had, if anything, erred on the side of generosity. Messrs. Jackman & Son, on the other hand, submitted that, the Commissioners having once admitted that something more than the actual site of the greenhouses should be exempt from taxation, the matter was merely one of degree, and that, as the greenhouses would be useless unless sufficient uncovered land were provided in v\hich to plunge and develop the young plants on their leaving the greenhouses, it would only be fair to allow 8 or 10 acres of open land for each acre covered by glass. The Referee has now made his award in favour of the Inland Revenue Authorities, thus, in effect, endorsing their contention that, according to the present wording of the Act of Parliament, the whole of Messrs. Jackman & Son's nurseries are liable to the payment of Undeveloped Land Duty with the exception of the actual site occu- pied by the greenhouses and buildings coupled with a sufficient space around them to allow of access to them and of the penetration of light and air. Need for Amendment. A definite decision on the point having been obtained, it remains to be considered what re- medy should be applied in order to free groweis from what is, on the face of it, an intolerable hardship. At present they are confronted with the absurd position that so long as they pro- pagate plants under glass they are free from the annual tax, but as soon as the same plants are necessarily transferred to the open air the soil in which they are planted is regarded as " un- developed land," for which a yearly fine must be paid. Could illogicality be carried further? There are sound reasons for thinking that owing to the wording of the Finance Act an appeal on the point to a higher court would not be success- ful, and it seems clear that, being now armed with a definite decision, the best course to adopt would be for nurserymen to press for an early amendment of the law on the subject. Messrs. Jackman employ on their land in ques- tion a large number of hands; they pay con- siderable sums yearly in respect of both local rates and imperial taxes, and it is impossible to imagine any cogent reason why they should pay an additional annual tax in the shape of Un- developed Land Duty any more than if they used the land for the purposes of a brickfield or a tannery or, in fact, for the purpose of any trade, business, or industry other than that of horti- culture. Even those who are in favour of a tax being imposed in cases where the development of a town is stifled by the owner of the land sur- rounding it, will scarcely contend that Messrs. Jackman & Son are stifling the development of the town of Woking, or that there is not still ample room for the expansion of the neighbour- hood; nor can it fairly be urged that Messrs. Jackman & Son could possibly put their land to any better purpose than that to which it is at present devoted. Their only offence is that thei • land has a potential building value, and thai they are not engaged in some other trade. It seems clear, therefore, that some statutory enactment is urgently needed to remedy a case of such hardship, and it is to be hoped that growers in all parts of the country will press their mem- bers of Parliament to support a movement for speedy legislative reform in the direction indicated. The matter is also well worthy of the atten- tion of the various associations interested in the development of horticulture. H. M. V. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending February 12, 1913. 7 he ninth unseasonably warm week of the present winter.— Since the present month began there has been only one cold day, and but four cold nights. The days of the past week have all been unusually warm, and on the warmest day (thf llih) the temperature in the thermometer screen rose to 56°, which is the highest reading recorded here as yet during th»? present winter. On the three cold nights the exposed ther- mometer registered 11° of frost. Notwithstanding the last two cold nights the ground is 3° warmer than is seasonable, both at 1 and 2 feet deep. Raiu fell on four days, but to thi- total depth of less than balf an inch. Some rainwater has come through both percolation gauges on each day during the week, but since the 7th the amounts have been small. The sun shone on an average for two hours sis minutes a day, which is five minutes a day short of the mean duralio i of bright sunshine at the same period in February. On th*1 11th the sun was shining for six hours foriy-eight minutes — making this the sunniest day as yet this winter. The wind was very variable in strength, but, as a rule, rather high. In the windiest hour the mean velocity reached 20 miles — direction S. 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 3 per cent. Chionodoxa LucUise, known as the Glory of the Snow, observed each year in the same part of my garden, came 6rst into flower on the 5th inst., which is 30 days earlier than its average date in the previous 26 years, and nine days earlier than the earliest date recorded in any of those years. E..\f*t Bcrk'r. Mr. J. H. Neve, for the past 3 years General Foreman at Hengherst Park, Asbford, Kent, and previously for nearly 3 years Foreman at Essendeue, Caterham, Surrey, as Gardener to Mr. McGowan, Hiham, Win- chelsea, Sussex. Mr. C. Tidburv, for the past 3£ jears Gardener to G. A. Kessler, Esq., New York Lodge, Boun.o End, and previously for 7£ years Gaidener to D. E. Higham, Esq., Coombelands, Addkstone, as Gardener to J. Peech, Esq., Abbey Mead, Bourne End, Buckingbamslii e. Mr. A. PattinSiON, previously Foreman at Kiplin Hall Gardens, Northallerton, as Gardener to George L. Carlin, Esq., Thornchffe, Wbitbuin, Sunderland. Mr. Wm. Allan, for the pa?t 3 years Foieman to the Duke of Abercorn, Baronscourt, Co. Tyrone, as Gardener to Mrs. Walter Wilson, Eelvoir Park, Belfa-t. (Thanks for donation of 2s. for the R.G.O.F. box.- Eds.) Mr. H. Greening, for the past 2 years Foreman at Dingley Hall, Market Harborough, and formerly for 2 years Foreman at Bidgebury Park, Goudhurst, Kent, as Gardener to the RiLht Hon. the Earl of Donoughmore, Chelwood Beacon, Uckfield, Sussex. Mr. Joseph Hope, for the past 4 years on the Staff of the Rojal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, as Gaidener to A. K. Bulley, Esq., Nes«, Neston, Cheshire. Mr. F. J. Crosby, late Cardencr to A. J. Van Praugh, Esq., Arabin House, High Beech, Essex, as Gardener to Herbert Okeden, Esq., Stution House, Stutton, Ipswich, Suffolk. Mr. P. J. Clinch, late Gardener to Lady Mowbray and bTouKTON, Corbaiton Hall, Tara, Co. Meath, as Gar- dener to Mr. G. C. Stafleton, Wyvern, Killiney, Co. Dublin. Mr. William Back, i.fler a second term of years as Gar- dener to the Marquess of Huntley, Aboyne Castle, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, as Gardener to G, A. Wills, Esq., Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset. Mr. Frederick Radford, for 4 years Foreman at Heath- lands Gardens, Wokingham, Berkshire, as Gardener to the Rev. C. Hornby, Ashendene, Henford. Mr. Fredk. vV. Earner, for the past 6 years General Fore- nun at Sar.dbeck Park, as Gardener to Chas. Thellu* son, Esq., Brcdsworth Ha'l, Doncaster. (Thanks for 2s., which has been placed in the R.G.O.F. box. — Eds.) Mr. John Macdearmed, Outside Foreman at Shavington Hall Gardens, and previous y at Keir Gardens, Dun- blane, as Gardener to R. Corbet, Esq., Adderley Hall, Market Drayton. Mr. Harry Fisher, for nearly 6 years Gardener to Joseph Shaw, Esq., K.C., at The Hall, Brampton Brian, and previously at Bryanston and Duntreath, as Gardener to the same gentleman, Kentchurch Ccurt, near Hereford. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. R. W. Shepherd.— We learn from the pages of the Canadian Horticulturist of the decease of Mr. R. W. Shepherd, of Montreal. This well- known Canadian grower made a speciality of the Apple known as "Fameuse," and earned a lasting name by his excellent results. His death will be an undoubted lose to the fruit interests of Canada. L. Spath. — The news reaches us of the death of Mr. L-. Spath, the well-known nurseryman of Baumschulenweg, near Berlin. Mr. Spath specialised in trees and shrubs, and many choice varieties are known by his name, whilst his col- lections of trees, shrubs, and hardy plants were amongst the most exhaustive in Europe. His extensive nursery was so well kept that it had the reputation of being a model establishment. H. J, Pearson. — We regret to record the death of Mr. H. J. Pearson, of the firm of Messrs. Foster and Pearson, horticultural builders, which took place on the 8th inst. at Assiut, Egypt, where he had gone for the benefit of his health. He was a son of the late Mr. J. R. Pearson, of the Chilwell nurseries, and brother of Mr. A. H. Pearson, Mr. Charles Pearson, and Mr. Duncan Pearson. The late Mr. Pearson was at one time a member of the R.H.S. Council. He took a great interest in natural history, and paid re- peated visits to the Arctic regions to study rare birds. He was the author of two volumes on the birds of Northern Europe. SEEDS. M. H. Sinclair, 156, Union Street, Aberdeen („nd Sweet Peas). The Wargrave Plant Farm, Ltd., The Arcade, Liverpool Street, London. Clark Brothers & Co., 65, Scotch Street, Carlisle. Geo. Cooling & Sons, 11, Korihgate Street, Bath (and Bulbs). W. Dkummond & Sons, Ltd., 57 & 5S, Dawson Street, Dublin. R. B. Laird, Dickson & Sons, Ltd., 46, Hanover S.reet, Edinburgh. Hillier & Sons, E5, High Street, Winchester. D. Whitehouse, 27, Waterworks Street, Hull. Akthur S. Ritchie & Co., 51 & 53, High Stieet, Belfast. Bkls Ltd., Mill Street, Liverpool, Charles Turner, Slough. Gee & Sons, Biggleswade. Barr & Sons, 11, King Street, Covent Gar.'en — Dobie & Mason, 22, Oak Street, Manche-ter. Storrie & Storrie, Glencarse, Perthshire. Sutton & Sons, Reading— Farm Seeds. John Forbes, Ltd., Buccleuch Nurseries, Hawick, Scot- land—Plants and Seeds. MISCELLANEOUS. Clibrans, Hale, Altrincham.— Nursery stock, special clear- ance list. William Sydenham, Melbourne, Derbyshire— Chrysan- themums. Webb & Sons, Wordsley, Stourbridge— Farm Seeds. H. C. Sungsby, 142, Old Street. London— Tiucks and Ladders. Hassall & Co., Chase Side, Southg-jte, London -Orchids. Young & Co., Hatherley, Cheltenham— Perpetual-flcwerins Carnations. Gartons, Limited, Warrington — Farm Seeds. Mansell & Hatcher, Ltd., Rawdon, Yorkshire — Lily Bulbs, Orchids, &c. R. Wallace & Co., Kilnneld Gardens, Colchester— Bulbs. FOREIGN. Papk & Bergmann, Quedlinburg, Germany— New Cactus Dahlias. Henry A. Dreer, 714, Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Peter Hendekson &. Co., 85 & 37, Cortlandt Stieet, New York. L. F£rakd, 15, Rue de l'Arcade, Paris— Genera) Nursery Stock. Vilmokin-Andrieux et Cie, 4, Quai de la M^gisserie, Paris— Seeds. V. Lemoine et Fils, Rue du Montet, 136-142, Nancy -New- Plants. Richard Diener & Co., Mountain View, California— Seeds, Bulbs, and Plants. Vallerand Fkeres, 47, Avenue Faidhetbe, Atnieres, France— Begonias, Gloxinia, and Cyclamet*. Daiklr & Otto, Langenweddingen- Magdeburg— Nursery Stock. An die Graflich Schwerinschen Stauden-Kulturen. Wendisch- Wilniersdorf bei Thyrow {anhaher Bahn) — Nursery Sti_ck. ENQUIRIES AND REPLIES. How to Trap Mice (see pp. 63. 79). — The following is a simple method of trapping mice in the garden. Dig holes in various parts of the garden, and cover the bottom of the hole with a 6late, placing it perfectly level. Invert a 7-inch or 8-inch pot on the slate, so that the hole in the bottom of the pot is about 1 inch below the surface. Fill in the soil around and over the pot, leaving the hole just clear. The mite may be induced to enter by placing baits at the bottom. Once inside the pot they are help- less prisoners and may be destroyed by poison, as they are out of the reach of dogs and cats. C. IF. B., Leicester. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Basic Slag: W. O. A. The best time for ap- plying this manure is the autumn and winter, at the rate of from 4 to 6 ounces per square yard. It should not be mixed with sulphate of ammonia. Basic slag is a good phosphatic manure for clayey loams, rich garden soils and marshy and boggy lands. Cedrus Deodara Dying : H. A. ST.- Without knowing more of the circumstances and con- ditions under which the tree is growing, it is impossible to express a definite opinion as to the cause of the top branch of the "old" Cedrus Deodara dying. The general causes of the dying back of the leader are injury, by winds or otherwise, and want of nourishment. Coniferous trees which are growing in lawns often find the conditions unsuitable as they ap- proach maturity. It must be remembered that such trees are mostly surface-rooters and the grass takes first toll of the surface soil as well as the rains. The latter is more important than would at first be supposed, for these trees require plenty of water during their season of growth, which is somewhat late in the season, when the rainfall is comparatively light. If the position of the tree permits it would be well at once to apply a good top-dressing, which may take the form of soil, such as old potting compost or fine loam from the kitchen garden. Road soil is an excellent medium for top-dressing trees, but it is not likely that in your locality this will be procurable. Good re- sults may also be obtained from the us© of farmyard manures, but the layer should not be more than 6 inches thick. Unless the summer should be very wet it will be as well to give the tree a thorough soaking with water once a week, taking measures to prevent it running off the surface if the ground is not level. Ficus Leaves : A Constant Header. The disease is caused by a species of the fungus Glceos- porium. Remove all affected leaves and spray the plant with liver of sulphur. Gardenkr's Notice: It. A. The courts have decided that a head gardener is in the same position as a domestic servant, and is there- fore entitled to a month's notice or a month's wages instead of notice. The case you men- tion would also appear to come under this rule, and the same conditions would accordingly apply, in spite of the fact that the wages are not paid monthly, but the law on the subject is not altogether clear. Mushroom Bed : C. P. ame time, i.e., at the end of September (in Algiers) did not flower till May, whereas the others blossomed from January onwards. A number of pages are devoted to the culture under glass. With good culture, winter- flowering Sweet Pea6 grow from 6 to 10 or more feet in height, and if they are to attain their full development a house with this amount of head-room is required. They also need much light : the lighter the house the more blooms are produced. Low or dark houses are not practicable. Beds are recommended in preference to benches — solid beds giving a cool, moist root run. To Britishers the directions for seed sowing will hardly appeal — drills 3 feet apart, 1 to 1^ inches deep, and seed dropped in 1 to lj inches apart. We should think this much too close even for winter-flowering sorts. The pre- caution of sowing white-seeded sorts in sand is advised : such sorts also require more careful attention in the watering ; facts with which we are familiar. Sowing for Christmas blooms should be done about August 20. Sowings on September 1 will bloom in January ; sowings on September 15 will bloom in February. A valuable hint is contained in the advice to approximate to the natural outdoor spring con- ditions as closely as possible by keeping the tem- perature low until the flower-buds appear. Green fly, which attacks the plants a6 soon as they appear above ground, seems to be the most troublesome insect pest. The dropping of fluwer- bud6 is, as all growers know, a common experi- ence. This generally result© from a sudden fall of temperature or from over- watering. An im- portant conclusion arrived at may be quoted in full :— "Altogether 73 varieties from five sources in America, Algeria and England have been tested at this station. This probably represents the largest collection of the forcing type ever brought together. In all these trials there has never been discovered the slightest reason for believing that any variety was a hybrid between some species of the Vetch and Lathyrus odoratus. Side by side with the varieties of winter-flower- ing Sweet Peas, the following species of Vetch have been grown and studied at all stages of development : Vicia sativa, V. villosa, V. Gerardii, and V. fulgens." DEVELOPMENT OF SWEET PEAS.* Bulletin III contains 76 pages. In the preface we are told that the investigation was begun with a view to studying the various 6pecies of Lathyrus for the purposes of monographing them, and particularly of determining their value as ornamental plants The description of the garden varieties will appear in a later publication. We shall look forward with great interest to the appearance of this promised publication. Over 40 pages of the Bulletin before us are devoted to the botany of the genus • Sweet Pea Studies^ Hi. and the evolution of the modern Sweet Pea, which formed the subject of our leading article on January 18. It is worth 6tating here that in the process of the elaborate study of the genus, the following species or reputed species were grown at the experimental station : — Lathyrus Cicera, L. sativus, L. e. azureus, L. s. coccineus, L. sylvestris, L. sp. (India), L. tingitanus, L. Ochrus, L. pratensis, L. nervosus, and two other unnamed species. Fourteen stocks of L. latifolius ; L. sylvestris, L. pubescens. L. grandiflorus, three stocks Lord Anson's blue Pea, Orobus niger, O. lathyroides, O. albus roseus, O. superbus, O. vernus two stocks, in addition to the large collection of varieties of L. odoratus. All these different stocks were obtained from seedsmen in America and in Britain, the pure species coming from the United States Department of Agriculture. Very full descriptions, in many cases illustrated, are given of the species. The history of the evolution of the Sweet Pea is very fully traced. With this we are conversant in this country through the writings of Mr. S. B. Dicks and others in the annual volumes of our National Sweet Pea Society. Mr. Eckford's work comes in for a large share of notice, and we are struck with a remark of the author that the enthusiasm for Mr. Eckford's varieties in the early nineties in America " supplied the required stimulus, largely lacking at home, for Mr. Eckford to put forth his best efforts, and the result is the remarkably long list of meritorious varieties that he sent out." There is no doubt some truth in this. We know that Mr. Atlee Burpee purchased Mr. jick- ford's varieties very largely at the time men- tioned, but we also think that Mr. Eckford's in- valuable work was generally recognised in this country, and the demand for his varieties quite eclipsed all others ; in fact, he was almost the only raiser of good Sweet Peas during the last quarter of the 19th century. We are told that the first American variety was the epoch-making Blanche Ferry, introduced by Messrs. D. M. Ferry & Co. in 1889. Its history is inter- esting. Some 30 years before its introduc- tion a woman in northern New York noticed and saved seed from a particularly bright- flowered plant of Painted Lady. She continued growing it for 25 years, each year selecting the brightest and best plant for seed. In this way came Blanche Ferry. In 1893 Messrs. Peter Henderson and Co., of New York, introduced " Emily Henderson," a white sport from Blanche Ferry. A list of American introductions is given, bringing us down to 1911, in which Burpee and Morse figure largely. This part of the Bulletin finishes with a paragraph, which we quote : — " Truly a long list. Among them are some of the finest varieties of Sweet Peas yet introduced, which indicate that the American growers can equal those of any country in the world. The cupid or dwarf Sweet Pea, the bush and winter- flowering types, all distinct in habits of growth, were first discovered on this side of the Atlantic. Since the introduction of Countess Spencer, many excellent varieties of waved form have been developed, and this work of crossing and selecting is going steadily forward. Judging from the record made by the very small number of American breeders, what would America ac- complish if she had even one-half the number of English producers ! " It is claimed that the American growers have introduced the majority of the best varieties in the striped and marbled group. We believe this is true, as that class has never been so popular in Britain as in America ; Helen Pierce was an epoch-making flower, and America 114 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 22, 1913. Spencer, Aurora Spencer and Senator Spencer are very fine, but just at present our home raisers seem to have "got a move on" with Mrs. W. J. Unwin and May Campbell. Full credit is given to Countess Spencer and Gladys Unwin. Mr. Beal says " These varie- ties were forerunners of the new type which re- volutionised Sweet Pea-culture in England, and has revived and quickened the interest in America." Under the heading pollination it is stated that a casual observation of the flower might lead to the conclusion that actual cross-fertilisation is brought about by insect visits, but that, how- ever, is not the case. We quote here Mr. Beal's observations, which are confirmed by our home growers. " In the first place, if we ex- amine flowers in the bud stage we find the pollen ripe. The position and condition of the stigma change, for before the maturation of the pollen the stigma is below the anthers. A day or two later the stigma has risen to a position among the anthers, and is viscid enough to hold the pollen grains. In another day or two it has grown beyond the anthers. Self-fertilisation has taken place, and the development of the legume has begun. This process has taken place before the flower is fully open." The dwarf or cupid Sweet Pea originated in 1893, on the grounds of Messrs. C. C. Morse & Co., in California. It was advertised by Messrs. Burpee in July, 1895. It is pointed out that but for Burpee's announcement a similar dwarf form would have been offered by Mr. Benary, of Er- furt, in 1896, probably under the name of Tom Thumb. Morse's cupid came as a variation in the tall variety Emily Henderson. It would be interesting to know in what variety Mr. Benary's cupids appeared. About the same time a simi- lar dwarf strain appeared in the grounds of Mr. Eckford at Wem. This is somewhat like the history of the origin of the Spencer or waved type, insomuch as the latter arose in several places about the same time, but, so far as we know, in England only. The cultural instructions are such as would give excellent results in England. Stress is laid on the application of lime, " a good dust- ing of air-slacked lime applied while working the soil in autumn is beneficial. Many soils that have been cultivated for a long time are acid, so that leguminous plants, such as Clover or Sweet Pea, will not grow, or, at least do not thrive. Lime corrects this acid condition, and, further- more, it releases plant food that would not be otherwise available." Very sound advice, in- deed. Such Bulletins as these furnish abundant evidence that Americans are turning their atten tion to Sweet Pea problems with a thoroughness which many in this country will envy. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. CATTLEYA FABIA. An interesting point in colour variation in hybrid Orchids has been disclosed in the gardens of Mrs. Bischoffsheim, The Warren House, Stanmore. A small batch of Cattleya Fabia was raised by Mr. Taylor, the Orchid grower there, by crossing the darkest coloured form of C. labiata with the pollen of C. Dowiana aurea. On flowering all the plants had clear white sepals, and petals with a more or less deep rose front to the lip, which even in the darkest forms was much lighter than either of the parents, and, in fact, identical with the forms known as C. Fabia alba, which are said to result from crossing white forms of C. labiata. This is another instance of the yellow-petalled species eliminating the deep rose tint of the seed bearer, which, without proof to the contrary, would be expected to give highly-coloured varie- ties. In the famous deep rose and crimson Westonbirt varieties of C. Fabia, raised by Mr. H. G. Alexander in Lieut. -Col. Sir Geo. L. Holford's collection, and in Monsieur Maron'e C. Fabia Vigeriana, the yellow-petalled C. Dowiana aurea was the 6eed bearer and the colour of the dark C. labiata, from which the pollen was taken, is passed on in an intensified degree. LYCASTE SKINNERI. Four very fine flowers of this old Guatemalan Orchid, sent by Edward Clark, Esq., J.P., Laps wood, Sydenham Hill (gr. Mr. T. F. Hollis). show what a beautiful Orchid it is when well grown. With this species, as with many other Orchids, there is great variation in the size of the flowers, some importations being of very poor quality throughout. The flowers sent are 6 inches across, the sepals being 2 inches wide. The lightest-coloured flower has the sepals white tinged with lilac, the lip and petals being pure white ; the next is suffused with rose on all the segmente, the lip being spotted with that colour ; the third is blush-white with bright magenta rose blotches on the lip, and the darkest has the petals coloured rose-purple, the lip being blotched with claret-red colour. The plants were grown in the cool end of the intermediate house. A proportion of loam fibre was added to the peat and Sphagnum-moss in the compost, in which they are potted. Either cut or on the plants the flowers last for several weeks. THE ROSARY. WHITE ROSES FOR GARDEN CULTURE. The number of highly-effective Roses of this special colour is sufficiently circumscribed. The grandest of them all, Frau Karl Druschki, is generally assumed to have been derived from Merveille de Lyon and Caroline Testout. It is of larger size and much purer texture than the former, but lacks the fine fragrance of the latter Rose. "British Queen" (Messrs. McGredy & Son) has been described as a fragrant Frau Karl Druschki, and "Mrs. Andrew Carnegie" (Messrs. Cocker & Sons, Aberdeen) as a lemon- coloured variation. Margaret Dickson is a variety which has for many years proved itself invaluable for garden decoration, and Marchioness of Londonderry is a magnificent exhibition Rose. If these are not absolutely pure white in colour, they are, like Bessie Brown, White Lady, and Augustine Guinoisseau, at least of an effective ivory or creamy-white com- plexion. Two Roses of purer white aspect than these are the White Killarney and the White Caroline Testout, of which (as Mr. George Taylor informs me) the latter requires to be strongly established before its capabilities can be fully revealed. Among Tea and Noisette Roses of this special colour, three of the finest are Niphetos (seen to greatest advantage in a conservatory, where its feathery texture is not ruffled by winds), Souvenir de S. A. Prince, and Mme. Alfred Carriere, a beautiful climbing hybrid Noisette of quite inestimable value, which for the last 15 years has flowered luxuriantly through a lofty Hawthorn hedge at the head of my gar- den. Souvenir de S. A. Prince, which bears an honoured name, a pendulous Rose of the greatest fascination, was derived from the _pink- hued Souvenir d'un Ami. Of all the fair daughters of Catherine Mermet, the fairest is The Bride, which has an exquisite suffusion of delicate green below the petals, instinctively re- minding me of that sweetest of all Oriental Lilies — L. 6peciosum Kraetzeri. Undoubtedly the love- liest of recently originated Tea Roses is Molly Shaiman Crawford, named after a lady whose grandfather, an Irish colonel, used to sit on Sunday, when he annually visited Logan House in this parish, in the antique gallery of our vener- able church. This "gem of purest ray serene" is of the most delicate eau-de-Nil white, of perfect formation, extremely refined in aspect, and ex- quisitely perfumed. David JR. Williamson. AMERICAN HAWTHORNS. SOME NEW ARBORESCENT SPECIES. The Crus-Galli group of Crataegus includes a large number of species which are very abun- dant in the region west of the Mississippi River fiom Southern Missouri to the Gulf. They are particularly numerous in Missouri. In the 19th annual report of the Missouri Botanical Garden for 1908, Dr. C. S. Sargent described 40 species in the State of Missouri, giving 37 as endemic. East of the Mississippi River the species are imt nearly so abundant. The few species are, how- ever, represented by numerous individuals, and there are areas on the Niagara River and in Western New York where several species are re- presented by large colonies of individuals. Most of the Crus-Galli species west of the Mississippi River have villose corymbs, and most of the species in the east and north-eastern state have glabrous corymbs. The Crus-Galli group is remarkably well de- fined from the other Crataegus groups. The leaves are sub-coriaceous to coriaceous, obovate to oval, ovate, or rhombic cuneate at the base, lustrous deep green above, usually serrate only above the middle, without lobes except on vigorous shoots, the veins generally within the parenchyma ; the petioles usually without glands ; fruit subglobose to short-oblong, oval or ovate, with usually thin greenish flesh. The different species of the Crus-Galli group are excellent ornamental subjects for parks and private estates. The lustrous deep green leaves lender them particularly attractive. Most of the species bloom in Western New York during the first two weeks in June. The following species described are in the Crus-Galli group : — Crat^gus ArduennjE, Sarg. — This species attains a height of 25 feet, with a trunk 12 inches in diameter. The branches are spreading, form- ing a round-topped head. The leaves are obo- vate, acute or rounded at the apex, cuneate at the base, smooth and tinged with red as they unfold, dark lustrous green above, pale beneath, lj to 2j inches long and £ to 1 inch wide. The 5 to 12 stamened flowers, with yellowish white anthers, in large compound corymbs with a few scattering hairs on the pedicels, blossom about June 5. The short-oblong, dark crimson fruits. in many drooping clusters, ripen from October 1 to 15. This species was first observed and de- scribed in Hlinois, but it has since been found in Michigan, London, Ontario (Canada), and Western New York. C. Bartramiana, Sarg. — This is commonly a tree 22 feet tall, with a trunk 12 inches in diameter, the branches mostly spreading. The leaves are obovate cuneate, usually rounded at the apex, and narrowed towards the base, dark lustrous green above, dull pale green below, 2 inches long and 1 inch wide on fertile shoots. The flowers, with 10 stamens, have pale yellow anthers, and are produced on large, compound corymbs, and blossom during the first week in June. The subglobose, lustrous, crimson fruits ripen about October 1. The type plants occupy a hedgerow in the old Bartram's Garden, Philadelphia, and the species is named in com- pliment to John Bartram, the distinguished Pennsylvania botanist of the 18th century, who, perhaps, planted the hedge of Hawthorns in which this species grows. C. Canbyi, Sarg. — This is commonly a bushy tree, with loosely-spreading branches, forming a thin spreading top, and grows 20 feet high. The leaves are broadly obovate, to oblong-ovate, rounded at the apex, cuneate at the base, very dark green above, and dull green below, on fer- tile shoots 2j2 inches long and 2 inches wide. The 10 and 12-stamened flowers, with rose-col- oured anthers are borne on lax, drooping clus- ters, and come into bloom about June 5. The short-oblong to subglobose dark crimson fruits ripen about the middle of October, and hang on February 22, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE 115 the branches until December. The fruits are distinguished by dark red soft pulp, which is unusual to many Crus-Galli species. The leaves are very persistent in this species, and hang on until nearly December. C. cerasina, Sarq. — This Hawthorn attains a. height of 25 feet, with a trunk occasionally •6 feet before branching and 10 inches in diameter at base. The branches are ascending and spreading and somewhat intricate, forming an open-topped head, with the ends of the branches extending remotely. The leaves are oblong- obovate, usually acute at the apex, concave cuneate at the base, 2j inches long and lj inch wide on fertile shoots. The flowers, with 10 to 12 stamens, and pale pink anthers, are produced ally elliptical, usually broadly obovate, gener- ally rounded at the apex, and gradually nar- rowed towards the base, 1£ inch long and 1 inch wide on fertile shoots. The 10 stamened flowers, with rose anthers, come into bloom during the first week in June. The globose, bright orange- red fruits, with greenish pulp, ripen about the middle of October. The type tree is in Mis- souri, and it was collected by the late Dr. Engel- mann in 1860, but was not described until 1901. Large plants of this species must be of consider- able age. Young seedlings assume a flat, blanching habit, and are low in stature for many years, and it seems self-evident that large adult individuals must require many ysars to attain their dimensions. 12 inches in diameter and stout, spreading branches, forming a broad, symmetrical head. The leaves are oblong-obovate to oval, occasion- ally rounded at the apex, narrowed towards the base, dark lustrous green above, yellow-green below. On fertile shoots the leaves are 2^ inches long and 2 inches wide. The 12 to 15 stamened flowers, with purple-red anthers, borne on large compound villose corymbs, expand during the first week in June. The sh&rt-oblong to sub- globose, orange-red fruits ripen about the middle of October. C. fecunda is interesting as being one of a group of five or six species, the seeds of which were sent from Allenton, St. Louis County, Missouri, in 1880, by Mr. G. W. Letter- man to Dr. C. S. Sargent, Director of the Arnold FlG. 55. CRATAEGUS GENESEEN'SIS, GROWING SPONTANEOUSLY IN GENESEE VALLEY PARK, ROCHESTER, N.Y., U.S.A. on sparsely-flowered compact corymbs and open about June 12. The short-oblong, bright cherry-red fruits, suspended on red pedicels, ripen at the end of September. The type tree grows near the High School in the city of Niagara Falls, N.Y. Dr. C. S. Sargent and my- self together discovered this handsome species eight years ago, and it was much admired by Dr. Sargent at the time. C. Engelmanni, Sarg. — This species has a distinctive habit of growth, and forme a flat- topped tree 20 feet tall, with a short, stout trunk. The vvide-spreading branches are always horizontally outlined. The leaves are occasion- C. erecta, Sarg. — A tree 30 feet high, with a trunk 30 feet in diameter, the branches mostly ascending, forming a handsome, symmetrical head. The leaves oval to obovate, occasionally with an orbicular outline, acute at the apex, ouneate at the base. On fertile shoots 2 inches long and 1£ inch wide. The flowers, with pale yellow anthers, are borne on large, lax, glabrous corymbs, and open during the first week in June. The subglobose, dull crimson fruits ripen about the middle of October. Seedlings of this species grow rapidly. C. fecunda, Sarg. — This species attains the dimensions of a tree 25 feet high with a trunk Arboretum, Harvard University, and it was, in large measure, the flowering and fruiting of these plants in the Arboretum that led Dr. Sargent to undertake the modern investigation of Crataegus. C. Geneseensis, Sarg. — The Genesee Haw- thorn attains the dimensions of a tree 32 feet high and a trunk 12 inches in diameter, with the branches spreading and ascending, forming a broad, picturesque head 33 to 35 feet across. The leaves are oblong-obovate, and often nar- rowly obovate, acute at the apex, and rapidly narrowing from near the middle to the base, dark lustrous green above and pale below, on llfi THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 22, 1913. fertile shoots 2£ inches long and 2 inches wide. The flowers, with 7 to 10 stamens, and pink or purplish-pink anthers, open about June 5. 1'he short-oblong, scarlet, lustrous fruits, in large, drooping clusters, ripen from the middle to the end of October, and make a bril- liant display on the leafless branches until December 1. The type plant grows on the banks of the Genesee River, on the south side of the City of Rochester, N.Y. It is distri- buted throughout the Genesee Valley in Western New York. The illustration (fig. 55) shows a tree 32 feet high and 35 feet across. C. Livoniana, Sarg. This species forms a tree 20 feet high, with a trunk 9 to 10 inches in diameter, and stout, drooping and horizontal branches form a broad, irregular head. The leaves are broadly oblong-obovate, rounded at the apex and narrowed towards the long, slender base; dark lustrous yellow-green on the upper surface, pale below, on fertile shoots 2£ inches long and If inch wide. The large blossoms, with 20 stamens, and blush-pink anthers, on large, lax corymbs, with long pedicels, come in flower about May 28 (unusually early for the Crus-Galli group). 'The lustrous crimson fruits, short- oblong, full and rounded at the ends, and considerably larger than the fruits of most of the Crus-Galli species, ripen about October 1. The type plant grows at the outlet of Hemlock Lake/in Livingstone County, N.Y. This species, with its immense white flower clusters in spring and brilliant fruits in the autumn, is a cynosure i:i any landscape that it adorns. C. Mohri, Beadle. — This Hawthorn is a tree 30 feet high with a trunk 8 inches in diameter : the branches usually spread and form a symmetrical head. the obovate to rhombic leaves, acute at the apex, cuneate at the base, dark, lustrous green above, pale below, are 1{ inch long and 1 inch wide on fertile shoots. The 16 to 20-stamened flowers, with yellowish- white anthers, produced on large villose corymbs, open (in cultivation at Rochester, N.Y.) about June 21. The subglobose to short- oblono, bright orange-red fruits, ripen about October 15. This species is said to be distri- buted throughout Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. C. Pai-Meri, Sarg. — This species forms a tree 25 feet high, with a trunk 12 inches in diameter, wide-spreading branches, and a broad, flattish-topped head. The leaves are oval to oblong, usually slightly acute at the apex, broadly cuneate at the base, dark lustrous green above, pale below, and on fertile shoots 2 inches long and 1| inch wide. The flowers, with 10 stamens and yellowish- white anthers, expand during the first week in June. The subglobose cherry-red fruits ripen at the end of October. The type-tree grows at Webb City, Missouri, and is named after Mr. E. G. Palmer, who has studied the Cratsegi of Missouri for many years. C. persimilis, Sarg. — A tree 25 feet high, with a trunk 10 inches in diameter, branches spreading and ascending, forming an irregular head. The leaves are obovate to oval, occasionally rounded at the apex, cuneate at the base, very dark lustrous green above, orange-green below, 2 inches long and 1| inch wide on fertile shoots. The 10 to 20-stamened flowers, with rose-pink anthers, on sparingly-branched corymbs, open about June 12. The oblong to subglobose, dark crimson fruits ripen about October 15. The type- tree grows on the banks of Black Creek, near Rochester, N.Y. 0. robusta, Sarg. — This is commonly a low tree 20 feet high with a stout trunk 10 inches in diameter, and very widely-spreading branches. The leaves are oblong-obovate to broady obovate, rounded at the apex, pale below, and on fertile shoots, 2g inches long and 2 inches wide. The flowers, with 10 to 20 stamens, and pale pink anthers, open about June 12. The short-oblong to obovate lustrous crimson fruits ripen about October 1. The type-tree grows on the banks c." the Niagara River, on the American side, a short distance above the Falls. It also occurs on the grounds of the Rumsey Estate, on the north side of Delaware Park, at Buffalo. C. robusta is a beautiful ornamental Hawthorn for parks »nd gardens. John Dunbar, Rochester, .V.I".. U.S.A. THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOMBRETAGE/E. (Continued from p. 68.) 2. — C. Phillipsh*, Diimm.tr, sp. nov. A scandent shrub, second year's branch- lets terete, longitudinally striate, madder- brown, glabrous; twigs ashy-grey or fawn- coloured and densely sericeous towards their ex- tremities, leafy. Leaves opposite, longer than the internodes, spreading ; petiole terete, densely pilose, 2 mm. to 3 mm. long; leaf-blade (im- mature?) obovate, oblong or oval, rounded or with an acute recurved apiculus, rounded or sub- cordate at the base, widest above the middle, 4.7 cm. long, 2.7 cm. broad, firmly membranous, pale green, glabrous and lepidote above, slightly pilose on the elevated midrib and 5-6 pairs of lateral veins of the dorsal surface; margin closelv undulate. Spikes axillary, densely flowered, hemispheric, broadly obconic of cyhn- dric 2 to 3 cm. long and equally as broad, the flowerless portion of the peduncle averaging 1 cm. long, and the entire inflorescence pale- brown and densely pubescent, with interspersed scales. Flowers scarlet? Bracts minute, ovate, acute, 2 to 2.5 mm. long. Receptacle 12 to 13 mm. long, externally and densely greyish pu- bescent, the lower part fusiform, 5 mm. long, 0.7 to 1 mm. broad, the upper narrowly ob- conic, slightly contracted about the middle, de- ciduous, pubescent within above the contrac- tion ; disk lobed, margin densely pilose ; calyx- segments erect, triangular, obtuse, densely cilio- iate. Petals clawed, spathulate. 7 to 8 mm. long, the limb elliptic, obtuse or subacute, 2 mm. broad, pubescent without. Stamens glabrous, 15 to 17 mm. long. Style filiform, exceeding 2 cm. in length, glabrous; stigma minute. Fruit unknown. Kalahari Region— Transvaal, Komatie Poort, Oct.. 1941. Kirk, Herb. Keu: 57. The Transvaal representative of the Natalian C. bracteosum. Brandis, differing from it in the absence of the leaf axil-tufts, the more rigid con- sistency of the leaves, the shorter externally more densely pubescent receptacles, shorter and nar- rower petals, longer stamens and styles. It also exhibits an alliance to C. mossambicense, Engler, but here again the absence of the axil-tufts and the different form of the receptacle preclude its conspecificity. The flowers, like C. bracteosum. are a pale' lilac in the dried stage, hence I assume their scarlet colour in the living state. The species is named in compliment to a personal friend, Mr. E. P. Phillips, M.A., an assiduous botanical collector at the Cape and collaborator in the recent monograph of the South African Proteacese (Flora Capensis, vol. v, pt. i). 3 — C. Gueinzii, Bonder in Linncea, xxiii (1850). 43. A small, much-branched tree : second and third year's branches stout, greyish, stringy-barked and glabrescent, the ultimate twigs also terete, with short stiff, often dark rufous spreading pubescence. Leaves opposite or alternate, large and spreading; petiole stout, subterete. 5 to 8 mm. long ; leaf -blade broadly ovate or elliptic, or oblong, acute, or shortly mucronate, rounded or obliquely emarginate at the apex, subcordate or rounded at the base, 3.5 to 11 cm. long, 3 to 8 cm. broad, thickly and rigidly coriaceous, in youth softly and dark rufous- velvety above and below, at maturity glabrescent above, except for the impressed puberulous midrib and lateral veins, light or glaucescent and shining careen ; lower surface pale ochre and thickly lepidote, with minute scattered pubescence, the midrib and 5~ to 10 pairs of lateral veins and reticulations pro- minently raised, coalescing towards the margin, and forming an infra-marginal band ; mar- gin slightly wavy. Spikes often numerous, soli- t:nv and axillary on short lateral branchlets, oblong-cylindric, 1 to 5 cm. long, averaging 1 cm. in breadth ; peduncle rufo-tomentulose, 1 to 3 cm. long. Flowers yellowish : bracts linear, shorter than the lower part of the receptacle, 1.2 mm. long. Receptacle rufo-tomentulose externally, its lower portion ovoid-subconic, 2 to 2.5 mm. long, the upper part broadly bell-shaped. 2.5 mm. long, 3 to 5 mm. in diameter, pilose within ; disc cup-shaped with a hispid margin ; calyx-seg- • C. braeteoso. Brandis, affine sed foliis matnris rigidiori- bus subtus haud barbati?, bracteiie petalisque valde minor:- bus, 6taminibus longioribus recedit. ments broadly triangular. Petals minute, 0.8 to 1 mm. long, 0.8 mm. broad, obcordate, with involute ciliolate margins ; stamens glabrous,- 5 to 6 mm. long. Style stoutly subulate, Tarely exceeding the stamens ; stigma obtuse or trun- cate. Fruit four- rarely three-winged, orbicular or oval, obtuse or emarginate at both ends, tipped by the persistent base of the style, 2 to 2.3 cm. long, 1.6 to 2.3 cm. broad, yellowish or brownish, thickly lepidote, the wings 7 to 9mm. wide ; pedicels puberulous or glabrous, lepidote, averaging 3 mm. long. Sonder in Harv. and Sond., Fl. Cap., ii, 509 (1862). Engler and Diels, I.e., 38, t. xii, t.a. (in part). Wood in Trans. Phil Soc. S. Africa, xviii, ii (1908), 156. Eastern Region— Natal, Port Natal, Guenzius (flow, spec.). Cooper, 2125 (1862) (fruit, spec). Gerrard, 208 (fruit spec.). Inanda, Wood, 666 (normal and fasciated flow. spec). Wood, 1041 (flow, and fruit spec). Umzinyati Falls, Wood, 1011 (flow, and sterile spec). C. Gueinzii occurs sparingly in Natal and ex- tends northwards to Delagoa Bay, where Forbes discovered it. I cannot entertain Engler's and Diel's view as regards the conspecificity of this species and C. holosericeum, two wholly distinct plants in my estimation, the latter easily characterised by the persistent fawn-coloured velvety indumentum on both sides of the leaves and the pubescent body of the four-winged fruit, while C. Gueinzii, whose upper leaf-surface is glabrous at maturity (except for the puberulous sunken midrib and lateral vein), has, moreover, wholly glabrous and lepidote fruit. The distri- bution of the species favours the latter view, for while C. Gueinzii is essentially Natalian, C. holosericeum occurs in the Transvaal, Portuguese East Africa, and slightly eastwards and west- wards via, Matabeleland to Angola, but is en- tirely absent from Natal. Both species are dis- tinguished from the remainder of the South African members by their large, thickly coriaceous leaves, their prominently raised mid- ribs, lateral nerves, and the parallel transverse nervelets which unite the latter. 4. — c. holosericeum, Sonder in Linncea, xxiii (1850), 44. In habit, leaves and flowers very similar to C. Gueinzii, Sond., but with a denser foxy or fawn-coloured (silvery in nature according to Hiern) velvety indumentum, which persists on the upper surfaces of the leaves and is equally dense on the lower side, with scattered scales, not thickly lepidote. Fruit smaller than in the preceding species, ovate or elliptic, subacute and tipped by the base of the style, truncate or sub- cordate at the base, 13 to 20 mm. long, 10 to 16 mm. broad, its body densely puberulous and lepidote, the wings glabrescent, 3 to 5 mm. long ; pedicel 1 to 3 mm. long, puberulous. Harvey, Thesfurus Cup. 47. t. 74 0859). Sonder in Han. and Sond., Flora Capensis, ii, 510 (18621. Lawson in Olivei e Fl Trap Afr., ii, 430 (1871). Oombietum Gueinzii. Engler an.) I (i. Is. I.e.. 38 (in part). Buitt-Davy in 7'ran«i>onf Agrie. Journal, v (1906-07), 424. Sim, Forest Fl. Portuguese Eo>( Africa. 63, pi lxii. c (1909'. Kalahari Region.— Transvaal, Aapies Pooit, Pretoria. Rehmann, 4217, 4218, 4224. 4712 (fruit and (low. spec.l, Maga- liesberg, Oct., Zevher, 521, 575 (flow. sice). On hi'ls about Pretoria, 1230 m.. Sept., MrLea in Herb liulns, 5E42 (flow, and fruit spec). Sanderson (immature fruit spec). Louw s Greek and Hyslop's Creek, Ba-rberton, 540-750 m.. March- April, 1890. Galpin, 927. Known in the Transvaal as "Rooibosch" or "Mookoodba" (Modjajies), and extending into Portuguese territory, where the rugged black bark of the species gives rise to the native — " M'bondo-m-nyama." Here it abounds on and below the Lebombos in Maputa and Marracuene, and according to Sim its timber is very hard and durable, but gnarled and unshapely. The species was also collected by Kirk at the foot of the Chiradzura Mountains, in Matabeleland by Oates and Baines, and westwards in Angola by Welwitsch at elevations of 1,500 metres, where the wood is used by the natives of Loanda for firewood. According to Hiern the wings of the fruit are a b.':od-red colour. 5. — C. ZlifHEHi, Sunder in Linncea, xxiii (1850), 46. A small, unarmed, erect tree, 7 to 10 m. high, with whitish bark, and spreading branches ; second and third year's branchlets more or less terete, greyish or brownish, prominently leaf- scarred, scaly-barked and glabrescent, the ulti- mate angular and ferrugineously tomentulose, Leaves crowded towards the ends of the twigs, alternate or opposite, (rarely ternately disposed), ascending; petiole 4 to 14 mm. long, stout, flat- tened and slightly grooved above, convex February 22, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 117 beneath, and like the twigs, covered with a rufous felt ; blade elliptic or oblong-elliptic, sub- acute, rounded, or slightly emarginate, invariably rounded at the base, or slightly cuneate, 3.5 to 7.5 cm. long, 2.3 to 4.5 cm. broad, thickly cori- aceous, traversed by a prominent midrib and five to seven pairs of principal lateral veins below, pubescent on both surfaces at first, eventually glabrescent and lepidote above, or the pubescence more or less confined to the midrib and the ob- vious reticulations, but usually persistent throughout on the lower side, the margin undu- late and ciliolate. Spikes solitary, axillary, oblong-cylindric, densely-flowered, shorter than the leaves or equalling them, the axis and recep- tacle softly and yellowish pubescent, the flowers subtended by minute pubescent bracts. Recep- tacle 4 to 6.5 mm. long, externally lepidote and pubescent, fusiform below, campanulate-plate- shaped above, the calyx-segment« broadly tri- angular and subacute. Petal* minute, 1 mm. long, subspathulately clawed, with an obtuse or denticulate apex, yellowish, glabrous. Stamens 8 to 16, much longer than the petals (5 to 6 mm. long). Style slightly thickened towards the apex, equalling the stamens in length. Fruit large, four-winged, borne on a lepidote, pubescent or eventually glabrous stalk. 5 to 8 mm. long, roundish-elliptic, emarginate at both ends. ,4.5 to cuene, where the leavee attain a larger size, viz., up to 10 cm. long and 5 cm. wide. The species has also been found in Angola and Nyassaland by Welwitsch and Bellingham respectively. Ac- cording to Sim (I.e.), the timber is hard and durable, but gnarled. Harvey's figure exempli- fying this plant depicts the fruit as almost quad- rate, but this is a misconception, as they are more or less orbicular in outline. S. A. Dummer. (To be continued.) RANUNCULUS GLACIALIS. Oj all the species belonging to this genus the Glacier Crowfoot (R. glacialis) is apparently one of those with the widest distribution. In addi- tion to the Alps of Central Europe, and the Pyrenees, it is found distributed over the whole of the Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and America. Seldom found growing lower than 6,500 feet elevation, it is on the contrary more usually seen near the higher summits, reaching altitudes of over 13,000 feet in the Bernese Alps. The plants usually grow in rough, stony ground, often in the neighbourhood of glaciers, and in [Plwtograph by R. A. ilalby. FlG. 56 — RANUNCULUS GLACIALIS ON THE GRl'BEN ALPS IN THE VALAIS. 6 cm. broad, 3.5 to 4.5 cm. long, pale yellowish- green or ochreous, glabrous, shining and incon- spicuously lepidote, the individual wings 1.7 to 2 cm. broad, cross-striate, easily splitting in the direction of the striae, and with distinctly undu- late margins. Sonder in Harv. and Sond.. Fl. Cap., ii., 511 (1882). Har- vey Thesaurus, Cup., 48, t. 75 (1858). Engler and Diels, lion. Afrik Pfl., iii (Combretl, 59 [18991. Buitt-Davv in Trans- vaal Aaric. Jour., iv., 838. t. 112 (1966), op. cit. r (1906-471. 424. Sim, Forest Fl. Portuguese East Africa, 03, t. 63, f.a. (1909). Kalahari Region. — Transvaal, Magaliesberg, June, Burke (fruiting spec). Burke, 519 (flowering spec). In woods near Magaliesberg. Zeytaer, 552. On hilla near Pretoria, 1290 m., Oct., 1886. Bolus, 7765 (sterile spec), 1238 m. McLea in Herb. Bolus and Keu\ 5643. Hillsides near Barberton, Queensriver Valley. COO 750 m., March, 1890. Galpin, 870 (fruiting spec). Barberton, Thorncroft {Herb. Brit. Uus.). Aapies Poort. Rehmann, 4220, 4226. Emgler and Diels also quote the following numbers, which are not at Kew: — Makapansberge at Streydpoort, Rehmann, 5472 (in Herb. Berlin and Zurich. Aapies Poort at Pretoria, Rehmann. 4222 and 4226 (Herb. Zurich). Boschveld, between Kameelpoort and Elands River. Rehmann, 4819 (Herb. Zurich). Boschveld, between Elands River and Klippan. Rehmann, 5001 (Herb. Zurich). Known in the Transvaal under the name of Zeyher's "Rooibosch," and in Portuguese East Africa by the natives as " M'bondo-m-hlope," which latter term, embracing also C. salicifolium, alludes to the whitish bark characterising these species. In the latter territory, C. Zeyheri fre- quents the Lebombo Range in Maputa and Marra- the crevices of rocks, where they receive an abundance of moisture from the melting snow. Although it is recorded as growing on calca- reous rocks, R. glacialis is more frequently found upon the silica or micaceous shist in the Alps. With such a wide range, it is natural that this species should vary to a great extent. In the typi- cal plant the lobes of the leaves are broad when fully developed, while in the extreme form, var. crithmifolius, the lobes are almost linear. The flowers also vary very much in colour, from pure white to cream and rose colour, suffused, especially on the underside, with purple. In an early stage some forms, var. holosericeus, are thickly covered with silky hairs, but these disap- pear to a great extent as the plant develops, al- though the sepals retain theirs for a longer period. The illustration (see fig. 56) is reproduced from a photograph taken by Mr. Malby on the Gru- ben Alps in the Valais, and happily shows- a beautiful group growing at an elevation of just over 9,000 feet in rough, stony ground. Here, where the water from the melting snow was percolating through the loose, rocky debris. might be seen large quantities of this lovely plant in all stages of growth. In height the plants vary from 3 inches to 6 inches or more, for the flowers expand soon after they push through the ground, and the plant keeps on de- veloping, while the petals, assuming a dull, purple colour, often persist till the seed is formed. The plant has many thick, fleshy roots, succu- lent stems, and bears leaves which are deeply three-lobed with trifid segments. Of large size and full, round form, the beautiful white flowers have a substantial appearance, and are borne singly on long pedicels. Before opening, the buds, like the young leaves, have a silky appear- ance, being covered with numerous hairs. On our way up to the haunt of R. glacialis we passed whole stretches of another charming member of this genus, R. pyrenasus. This latter plant is found much lower down, dotting the mountain pastures and rocky slopes with its beautiful white flowers. Of the two, the latter is the easiest to grow in this country ; R. glacialis refuses to exist for long in these low elevations. 17. I. AMERICAN NOTES. CARNATIONS. Op last season's Carnation novelties, Benora has given general satisfaction, Rosette has done moderately well, whilst St. Nicholas — a scarlet variety — seems slow in coming into crop, and is not likely to displace Beacon, which is still the most popular variety of its colour over here. Among white varieties White Wonder is easily first among the older sorts, its most formidable rival being White Enchantress. In the pale pink class, Pink Delight is rapidly displacing Enchan- tress in the east ; the latter is still the most popular in the west, though it will not flower so freely as Pink Delight. We are still waiting for a really good crimson variety ; Fairy Fern, although freely-flowering, is small. The English Carola is being tried in one or two places over here. Messrs. Pattern & Co., Tewkesbury, Mass., have raised a variety called Princess Dagmar, which is not yet in commerce ; it is the finest of its colour which we have seen. In yellow we have practically nothing of any value. BEGONIA GLORY OF CINCINNATI. This Begonia, raised by an expert grower, Mr. J. A. Peterson, of Cincinnati, has proved itself this year much more profitable than that old favourite Gloire de Lorraine. It commands a far higher market price, and many large growers are ceasing altogether to grow Gloire de Lorraine in consequence. Glory of Cincinnati (which haa received an award from tho R.H.S.) is rather more vigorous than Lorraine ; the leaves also are larger, and the habit somewhat looser. The flowers are about double the size of thoie of the older sort, and it has been found that it stands the dry heat of the average American house far better than Lorraine. We under- stand that Mr. Peterson ha3 raised a variety ahead even of Glory of Cincinnati, which will b« placed on the market in the near future. ANTIRRHINUMS. These plants, which do so well in England, are comparative failures in America, owing to th* hot, dry summers. They are, however, receiving more attention each year as forcing plants, and really wonderful spikes are produced by thi» method, finding a ready sale in the markets in winter and spring. Pink is the most popular colour, and white and yellow are the next in favour. The plants, which are propagated by cuttings and seeds, are grown in benches or beds in a house with an average night tempera- ture of 45-50°, and make splendid progress. It is the general custom, in order to secure fine spikes, to reduce the number of shoots on each plant by pruning. W. A. Craig. Xorth EaMon, Ma*.<., 'U.S. A. Hi THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 22, 1913. THE MARKET FRUIT GARDEN. Moribund Worcester Pearmains. A recent unpleasant task has been that of pruning about 170 Worcester Pearmain Apple t,e£.s— unpleasant because they are such miser- ably hidebound and prematurely-aged speci- mens, and many of them badly cankered. Except for size, they might be 20 years old, yet they are only seven years from the planting. They were grafted on free stock, and are greatly in- ferior to other trees in the same field which were grafted on the Crab. But the main cause of failure, in my opinion, is that the scions for them were taken from trees none too vigorous. The fact is that the variety is worn out, and needs to be renewed by taking scions or buds only from exceptionally vigorous trees, and, I may add, from young trees. The variety is such an in- veterate producer of short and forked growths, terminated with fruit-buds, that it is difficult to obtain from trees of any considerable age vigorous scions for grafting. I am convinced that the selection of specially vigorous trees for scions is of great importance. In my oldest plantation I have one tree of the variety Irish Peach, altogether different in habit of growth from any other of the same variety and vastly more vigorous, although there is no difference in the fruit. This tree is of a much more upright growth than the usual pendulous trees of Irish Peach, and the branches are much stouter. Now, in raising the trees, which were planted six years ago, some of the scions must have been taken from the exceptional tree, for, scattered about in the young plantation, there are 10 or 12 trees of similar habit and vigour. A large stuck of Irish Peach of this particular strain would be very valuable. Seeking Disabilities. I wonder how long the present fad for packing Apples in non-returnable bushel boxes will last. Those who have adopted it boast of getting higher prices for boxed Apples than can be ob- tained for Apples in bushel or half-bushel bas- kets. But do they make sufficient allowance for the great increase in the proportion of fruit taken out to sell as seconds? Packing in boxes is, admittedly, useless without careful selection as to size and appearance, and numbers of Apples which would go well as firsts in baskets have to be taken out when the fruit is packed in boxes. But what strikes me most forcibly is that packers in boxes are going out of their way to assume certain disabilities which are unavoidable by our Transatlantic competitors. For ocean transport the latter must have a rigid and strongly-closed- in package, and this must be non-returnable. Moreover, they must pack with uniformity as to size of fruit, and, at least, in their opinion, they must ram their fruit in by allowing a bulge before putting strong pressure upon it. Growers in this country, with their short distances of transport to market, do not need any package more rigid than a basket, which they can get lent to them by a salesman for £d. to £d., accord- ing to size, instead of paying 6d. for a non-re- turnable box. Rigid uniformity in size of fruit is not essential to them if they pack in baskets. Yet many are taking upon themselves the dis- advantages incidental to ocean transport, even to the extent of imitating the bulge and strong pressure, which can hardly fail to bruise nearly every Apple in a box. The bruising thus caused must be worss than any that would result from a little looseness, when the rail journey is a short one. When bushel or half- bushel baskets are properly packed, with a little hay at bottom and top. strong cartridge paper around the sides, and tissue paper inside that, there is vastly less bruising than one is accus- tomed to find in American or Tasmanian Apples. Nearly every fruit in a case of Tasmanian Apples presented to me last year was bruised in foul- er five places, and barrelled Apples are also com- monly bruised. Some of our growers are now using barrels for cooking Apples, as they can get empty sulphur barrels at a low price. If packing in barrels became common, however, new ones would have to be bought, as they are in the United States and Canada, at Is. od. to Is. 8d. each, and possibly the cost would be more in this country. For my own part, I prefer to pack, particularly dessert Apples, in half-bushel bas- kets, as bruising is less likely in a light than in a heavy package. Southern Grower. HEREDITY AND MUTATION. The following is a summary of the second lecture of the course on " Heredity and Mutation " which Dr. B. R. Gates is delivering at the Imperial College of Science, South Ken- sington ; — The essential feature of chromosome reduction is the segregation of the members of chromosome pairs, each of which enters a separate germ cell. There are reasons for supposing that the chromo- somes differ to some extent in chemical com- position, and stereo-isomerism of the chromatin molecule would seem to supply a better basis for explanation of chromosome individuality than the phenomena of liquid crystals which have been invoked for this purpose. The apparent fact that a longitudinal is different from a transverse split of a chromosome, however, leads to belief in the anisotropic structure of the chromosome body, and this may be accounted for by the phenomena of liquid crystals. The directive and controlling influence of the nucleus in the cell probably has its seat in the chromosomes. Any view of chromosome individuality must allow of much interaction between the chromo- somes of a given nucleus, and also between the chromosomes and the cytoplasm, especially during the period of mitosis. If we assume that the chromosomes are unlike, then their behaviour furnishes a parallel to Mendelian behaviour, and the chromosomes may be treated as Mendelian characters. But any theory or explanation of unit characters must bear in mind that the organism as a whole is a unit, that organisms are not built in watertight compartments, nor are the chromosomes within separate compartments of the nucleus. A strict doctrine of the unmodifiability of unit charac- ters might become as serious a bar to the pro- gress of science as was the doctrine of the im- mutability of species. Various experiments have shown that unit characters are not only variable, but can be modified by selection. Thus Castle, with 10,000 " hooded ' rats selected in opposite directions, namely, for increase and decrease of pigmenta- tion, was able in 12 generations to produce at one extreme an almost black rat and at the other extreme a nearly albino race, yet two stages in this series, namely, the "hooded" and the " Irish " rat, when crossed gave a simple Mendelian monohybrid ratio. The Himalayan pattern in rabbits appears to be a parallel case, behaving like an albino from which it differs quantitatively in pigmentation. The supposition of East and others that size differences are due to the shuffling of a host of " genes for size," requires further data before it can be accepted. Such conceptions as are found in the idea that three or four independent factors are required for the opening of a Flax capsule are contrary to accepted knowledge regarding the physiological behaviour of organisms. Segregation of characters is not confined to the reduction divisions, but various instances of somatic segregation are known. Something of a similar kind, which throws light upon the nature of unit characters, is found in the Hemps (Hibiscus cannabinus). In certain races of Hemp there is a sudden transition in one inter- node, from an undivided to a deeply lobed leaf, while in the related Cotton plant races with similar leaf differences show Mendelian be- haviour when crossed. The experiments of Tower with Potato beetles (Leptinntarsa) show that the Mendelian behaviour of species-crosses can be modified according to the conditions of temperature and humidity under which the beetles are crossed. Such results make it neces- sary to emphasise the fact that the organism is the real unit, and that what we call a unit character is the resultant of innumerable activities and interactions between all the parts of an organism and its surroundings in every stage of development. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jennings, Gardener to the Duke of Devonshire, Chatsworth, Derbyshire. Plumbago rosea. — Old plants that were cut back in December have started into growth. Cuttings should be taken as close as possible to the old wood, and these cuttings should be in- serted in pots in a compost consisting of finely-, sifted loam, leaf-mould, and plenty of sand, and put in a frame with bottom heat in the propating house or stove. If three cuttings are inserted in a small 60 pot and then potted on in larger pots when well rooted they will make good plants by the autumn. This 6pecie6 may also be propagated suc- cessfully in the following manner : — Take old plants that have got past their best, shake off the old soil from the roots, then select the strongest roots and cut them into lengths, placing them in a pan or box in fine, sandy soil over a gentle bottom heat. Pot them up as soon as the young plants are large enough to handle. Bouvardia. — Old plants of Bouvardia should be pruned and started in gentle heat. So soon as the shoots appear, reduce the ball of the plants and repot them in a compost of good loam, leaf-mould, coarse sand and fine bones. Place plants when newly potted in a moist atmosphere, and maintain a minimum atmospheric tempera- ture of 55° to 60° until established, gradually reducing the heat afterwards. Bouvardias may be increased by the same methods as Plumbago rosea. the factor which builds high fertility on the basis of Li. Reduction in Number of Wood Pigeons. — The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries desire to suggest to landowners, farmers, and game- keepers in the South of England that a combined effort should be made in the last fortnight in February to reduce the number of wood pigeons in their neighbourhood. A special effort should be made to shoot them in the evening or when they are preparing to roost. The Surveyors' Institution. — An ordinary general meeting will be held in the Lecture Hall of the Institution on Monday, February 24, 1913, at 4 p.m., when a paper will be read by Mr. • B. W. Adkin (Fellow), entitled " Forestry Law." The following is a short summary of the principal points in the paper: — "Introduction." — The meaning of Forestry Law. Its application to the forest and to trees. "Forests or Royal Hunting Grounds." — The origin of Royal Forests. Those of them that remain. The meaning of the word " forest." The beasts of the forest. The beasts of the chase. The beasts of field and warren. "Forest Laws." — The object of the laws. Examples of the laws. The forest officers. The forest courts. Afforesta- tion and re-afforestation. Gradual modification of the forest laws. " Laws as to Protection and Re- planting of Trees." — The earliest reference to the subject. The Statute of Inclosure, 1482. The Statute of Woods, 1543. Other Acts of the Middle Ages. Acts of Hanoverian times. The Deer Removal Act, 1851. The Larceny Act, 1861. The Malicious Damage Act, 1861. Recent Committees and Commissions on Forestry. The Road Improvement Act, 1909. " The Enclosure of Forests " — History of enclosure. Statutes of Approvement. Enclosure with the consent of the Homage. Local and General Inclosure Acts. Resistance to enclosure. The Metropolitan Commons Act, 1866. Commons Preservation Society. The modern tendency for open spaces. Various statutes relating to the matter. "The Law as to Trees and Timber." Mr. Daniel Wat- ney's paper on timber. The legal definition of of timber. The powers of a mortgagee as to timber. The position of the tenant for life. Honywood v. Honiwood. Dashwood v. Mag niac The ownership of trees on boundaries. Overhanging trees. Damage by felling trees. Trees adjoining highways. Trees in churchyards and on glebe. Noxious trees. Easements and trees. Fires caused by engines. The Railway Fires Act, 1905. The rating of woodlands. The paper by the late Mr. William Sturge. The natural and unimproved state. The death duties on timber. The German Emperor as an Agricul- turist.—At the annual meeting of the German Agricultural Council the Emperor William de- livered an address on the results of land-re- clamation experiments carried out on his estate at Cadinea. His Majesty gave statistics which showed that reclamation of the marshland on the estate had proved a financial success. He claimed, moreover, to have proved that agri- cultural production in Germany could be so in- creased as to satisfy the home demand not only for meat, but also for bread. North of England Horticultural Society. —The secretary, Mr. J.Bernard Hall, informs us that the close of the second year of this society's operations shows a paid-up mem- bership of just over 500 members, 16 affiliated societies, and a turnover of £650. The in- crease in members is nearly 50 per cent., whilst the number of affiliated societies has been doubled. The society is still handicapped by its heavy initial expenses, but in the coming year income and expenditure are expected to balance each other. Various special sub-com- mittees have been appointed, including the new magazine committee, which will conduct the magazine on the "round table" method; there being sub-editors from each of the four principal committees, a chairman (Professor R. S. Seton), and a printing and advertisement secretary (Mr. T. H. Gaunt). The annual meeting was held at the Queen's (Midland) Hotel, Leeds, on Wednesday, February 19, at 5 p.m. February 22, 1913.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 121 Educational Colonies Association.— This association has been established with the object of finding means whereby students — such, for example, as those who have passed through a course at an agricultural college — may acquire practical experience in agriculture. The associa- tion requires such students to spend a certain time at its headquarters farm, and then proceed to farms or gardens whereat they may gain ex- perience in some special department of agricul- ture. The hon. organizing secretary, J. W. Petavel, Esq., is anxious to get into touch with men who would take pupils on a basis of co- operation. The address of the association is 50, Goschen Buildings, Henrietta Street, London, W.C. New Zealand Prohibition Against Crown -gall.— The New Zealand Government has issued a proclamation prohibiting the intro- duction into the Dominion of any fruit or plants infected with the disease known as root-knot, hairy-root or crown-gall (Bacterium tumefaciens). If any plant, fruit, &c, affected is introduced or shipped to New Zealand, it and any wrap- ping, &c, will be reshipped or destroyed at port of entry. Reshipment, however, is conditional on the approval of the inspector, and, in the event of destruction, the fees for such destruction are payable by the person in charge of the consign- ment. Artificial Vanillin. — Our well-informed contemporary, The Chemist and Druggist, gives a warning note to the users of vanillin in the following paragraph: — "Owing to the high cost of eugenol, it is stated that some of the makers of vanillin are seriously considering the advisa- bility of manufacturing from cheaper phenol, so that it behoves those who use it in food-products to make inquiry as to any change in manufac- ture." Vanillin, as its name implies, is the crystalline substance deposited on the outside of the pods or fruits of Vanilla planifolia in the course of preparation for commerce. It is also found in other vegetable products, besides being produced artificially, chiefly from eugenol, which is the most important constituent of oil of Cloves. So that anything affecting the supply of Clove oil would naturally diminish the supply of vanillin ; but, when phenol or carbolic acid is suggested as the substance to take its place, notwithstand- ing all the marvels of chemistry at the present day, it seems necessary that precaution should be- taken, especially as the vanilla flavour for sweet- meats and confectionery is so popular at the present time. Broncho Grass in South Africa. — Amongst interesting notes by Mr. Joseph Burtt-Dayy^ F.L.S., in the December number of the Agricultural Journal of the Union of South Africa, is one on the Broncho Grass (Broncus maximus Defs.), which it is said is kill- ing the Lucerne in Oudtshoorn, and is other- wise a troublesome weed, especially in regions of winter rainfall. In California it has mono- polised thousands of acres of veldt, to the ex- clusion of other Grasses and herbage, and al- though a good winter grower, furnishing a quan- tity of winter green stuff, this Grass is not eaten by stock. As it becomes old, the long- barbed crowns get into the nostrils, mouths and eyes of the animals, often causing much damage, in addition to this it is injurious to the wool. From its hardy nature and drought-resisting qualities, it overtops and chokes out such of the finer and better Grasses, as make less rapid growth. Mr. Burtt-Davy says, "It is the growth of Grasses of this character which has induced me to recommend drilling the Lucerne in rows about 9 inches apart, which allows a cultivator to clear out the Grass to better ad- vantage." The Japanese Larch.— Mr. W. H. Bennett, forester on the Brackenburg Tower Estate, puts in a plea (in the Quarterly Journal of Forestry, January, 1913) r a behalf of the Japanese Larch. Of this tree )'. is indeed true that "a favourite has no fri' ads," so general is the condem- nation no' , meted out to it. Mr. Bennett, how- ever, has compared its behaviour in the Cumber- land Fells during the. dry summer of a year ago with that of its European rival. He reaches the conclusion that, though the Japanese Larch should be discarded from clay soils, it should be retained on lighter soils of sandy texture, where, in his experience, it is succeeding very well. The Winter Garden at Avery Hill.— The delay in re-opening to the public the L.C.C. Winter Garden at Avery Hill Park is causing some anxiety in the Woolwich district. At the London County Council, Mr. W. J. Squires asked the chairman of the Parks and Open Spaces Committee what action, if any, had been taken to reinstate the Winter Garden at Avery Hill, so that it might be re-opened at Easter and en- joyed by the oeople of London, for whom it was purchased and to whose use it was dedicated for all time, but who, for the reason that the property was in want of repair, had been denied that pleasure for the past nine months. He also asked whether it was a fact that negotiations were being carried on between the Parks Com- mittee and the Education Committee with a view to the Winter Garden, or any part of it, at Avery Hill oeing transferred to the Educa- tion Committee for the exclusive use and pleasure of the staff and students of Avery Hill College? Mr. J. W. Lorden, chairman of the Parks Com- mittee, replied that the method of dealing with the Winter Garden was still engaging the atten- tion of the Parks Commitee. Estimates for the execution of the work required had been re- ceived. No communications were taking place between the Education Committee and the Parks Committee. Some time ago a suggestion was made by the Education Committee, but up to the present it had not been acted upon. "Small Gardens for Small Folk." — This is the title of a charmingly-written booklet by Edith Loring Fullerton, an American authoress. It has been written at the request of Mr. W. Atlee Burpee, of Philadelphia. Among many good things, the advice about surface cultivation is so excellent and so interest- ingly put for young folks, that we quote it : — " Way down in the soil for a great distance there is moisture : it is where Mother Nature stores her spring and fall rains. The sun is ever drawing that moisture out of the soil, especially in midsummer during a drought. At such times the soil will become as dry as powder for a great depth, and, of course, plants cannot grow strong and husky then. ' How does the sun get that moisture ? ' you are wondering. Through tiny chimneys in the soil, only they are so close together and so small we cannot see them with the naked eye. There are the poor little plants with their roots among those chimneys and the moisture coming up from below (for, like smoke, ' it goes up the chimney just the same '), but it goes by them so fast they cannot get any of it. But we are going to help our plants by keeping that moisture just under the surface where the roots can use it ; we are going to put a brick over every chimney so the moisture cannot get out. Now you think I have set you a task ! Remember, these chimneys are teen-tiny, and a grain of dust will fill the top. But the sun is ever pulling and making new ones, so we must close these as fast as they form — well, we are going to ' cultivate.' That's what farmers, good farmers, are always doing, and, do you know, the funny part is they think they are just keeping the weeds down and don't know they are closing the chimneys and keeping that fine cool soil moisture for the roots. But we know, so we are going to be better farmers and gardeners than they are. Now you have learned one of Mother Nature's secrets, and she has no end of them. She is a wise old lady, too, for she does not tell her secrets to those who do not ask of her, and some- times we even have to tease a bit to learn them." Apples for S. America. — Vigilant Canada is turning her eyes to South America, and par- ticularly to Brazil and the Argentine, with a view to developing an export trade. The Cana- dian Horticulturist (January, 1913) cites the Trade Commissioner's report on the promising nature of the field for export offered by South America, and estimates that it ought to be pos- sible to sell 100,000 barrels in the season, from October to March. It appears that the demand is for first-class fruit packed in cases rather than in barrels, and that Canadian shippers will be compelled to export via Liverpool or Southamp- ton. Pears, also, are in demand in the markets of South America. Eradication of Moss. — The Cornwall County Council Report on Agricultural Experiments, 1911, recommends a dressing of 6 cwt. of super- phosphate, applied about the end of February, as an effective means of destroying Moss in pas- ture. The Report, which is summarised in the Journal of the Board of Agriculture (November, 1912), attributes the action of the dressing to the acidity of the superphosphate. Experiments by other observers show that potassium carbonate may be used for this purpose ; but the substance which is most effective is probably green vitriol (ferrous sulphate). This material, applied at the rate of lj-2 cwt. per acre, is generally effective ; although it is necessary in some cases to repeat the dose. Other substances which, according to Bourcart, are good Moss destroyers, are copper sulphate 2 per cent, and nitrate of soda 10 per cent. ; the mixture sprayed on the meadow at the rate of about 70 gallons per acre. The ad- vantage of liming mossy land is so well known that it need not be insisted upon in the present note. The Sterilisation of Seeds. — Numerous methods are in use for destroying the micro- organisms which occur on or in the coats of seeds. The most general method consists in washing the seed with an antiseptic, such as corrosive sublimate. A new process, which ap- pears to give yet more satisfactory results, is described by Messrs. Pinory and Magron in the Bulletin de la Societe Botanique de France (vol. 59, 1912, p. 609). This process, which has been employed also by others, consists in immers- ing the seeds in commercial hydrogen peroxide. According to the observations of the authors cited, hydrogen-peroxide is efficacious in de- stroying micro-organisms, and produces no harm- ful effect on the seeds, even though the latter be soaked in it for many hours. Messrs. Pinory & Magron state, moreover, that hydrogen peroxide exercises an accelerating influence on germina- tion. Peas treated with the reagent began to grow a day-and-a-half before similar untreated seed, and seed of Orobus tuberosus treated pre- viously with peroxide germinated in 8 days as against 28 days taken by untreated seed. These facts, if they prove to be generally true, are of considerable importance, not only from a scientific and theoretical point of view, but also from that of practice. To give but one illustration : the seeds of many Grasses germinate with extreme slowness ; if they could be made to germinate in the course of a few days, not only would time be gained but loss from birds and ground animals would be reduced. 122 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 22, 1913. Forestry Appointments.— Dr. Augustine Henry has resigned his readership at Cam- bridge, in order to take up, on April 1 next, the professorship of forestry under the Irish Depart- ment of Agriculture at the Royal College of Science, Dublin. The Forestry Committee at Cam- bridge have appointed, with the approval of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Charles Hankins, forester to Lord Cadogan, as adviser in forestry. Vegetable Oils. — Essential oils used in perfumery have advanced considerably in value, and especially Attar of Roses. The following list of oils and their sources appeared in a re- cent issue of Knowledge: — Turpentine, Pinus Australis and Pinus taeda ; juniper, Juniperus communis; nutmeg, Myristica fragrans ; cassia, Cinnamomum cassia : cinnamon, Cinnamomum xylanicum ; camphor, Cinnamomum camphora ; mustard, Brassica nigra ; rose, Rosa dama-scena ; hitter almond, Primus amygdalus var. amara ; Lmon, Citrus medica ; orange, Citrus aurantium ; bergamot, Citrus bergamia; rosemary, Rosmari- nus officinalis ; lavender, Lavandula vera ; pep- permint, Mentha piperita ; eucalyptus, Eucalyp- tus globulus ; bay, Pimenta acris ; and cloves, Eugenia caryophyllata. Arsenic in Plants. — The very comprehensive investigations of Messrs. Jadin and Astruc, which are summarised in the Pharmaceutical Journal (January 18, 1913, p. 63), indicate that compounds of arsenic occur in all species of plants. Among the species which have been analysed are parasitic plants — Viscum, Oro- banche, Cuscuta, and others— and in all arsenic has been discovered. The fact is interesting in- asmuch as a parasitic plant such as Viscum must derive this substance from its host. The authors incline to the view that arsenic plays an important, albeit at present obscure, part in the vital activities of protoplasm. Giffre, and the surrounding mountains is ob- tained from this point of vantage. One of the most beautiful views is that looking up the Val de Oddaz towards the mountain of the same name, which is about 8,000 feet high, while on the right of the valley Mt. Criou towers abruptly to an elevation of over 7,000 ft. The garden is divided geographically into 25 parts, representing the vegetation of the princi- pal mountain ranges of the world. A large part is devoted to the Alps from Nice to Trieste, sub divided into the Alpes Maritime, Dauphiny, Savoy, Switzerland, Piedmont, Lombardy, Tyrol, and Eastern Alps. Other divisions are allotted to the Pyrenees, Appenines, Corsica and Sar- dinia, Vosges, Cevennes, Jura, Carpathians, Balkans, Caucasus, Himalaya, China, Japan, FLORISTS' FLOWERS. JAYSINIA BOTANIC GARDEN. In Samoens, a small town in the Vallee du Giffre, some 30 miles from Geneva, and not far from Chamounix, in Savoy, this most interesting garden is situated. With the exception of trees and shrubs for shelter and effect, it is almost entirely devoted to Alpine and herbaceous plants. Its altitude of 2,400 feet above sea level renders it especially suitable for the cultivation of plants from the higher elevations of the Alps. The hill on which the garden stands was formerly a waterless, arid waste of rocks, covered with a scanty, shrubby vegetation. The ground, about seven acres in extent, was bought by Madam Cocnacq (nee Jay), a native of Samoens, with the idea of making it into a public park. and M. Allemaixl, the well-known landscape gardener of Paris and Geneva, was entrusted with the work of laying it out to the best ad- vantage. Instead of a park only, he made it into a beautiful and picturesque garden, built out of the natural rock, with a broad avenue leading from the entrance gate to the top of the hill, a rise of some 240 feet. On the way up we pass rocky bluffs and banks, grassy slopes full of rare plants, and a mountain torrent spanned by bridges. The bridges and garden seats are clever imitations of rustic work in iron and cement. The waterfall and rocky pools have a natural and charming appearance, and are sup- plied with water at the rate of 1,500 litres per second, which is brought some two kilometres from a neighbouring valley. This supply is also available for the many hydrants in the garden. At the top of the garden are the ruins of a feudal castle, whose history dates back to the fifteenth century. The castle has been renovated to a certain extent, and terraces have been con- structed in front of the ruins. A magnificent view of the town of Samoens, the Vallee du PERPETUAL CARNATIONS AND MENDELISM. If the student of Mendel, on applying his- system to Perpetual Carnations, ever comes to the conclusion that the great naturalist's theory does not apply to Carnations it will be lecause- the first superficial examination of the results of crosses between Perpetual Carnations (if one con- fines one's attention to the flowers of resultant seedlings) do not appear to conform to any large extent with Mendelian laws. If I take at random, for instance, six crosses- from our pedigree book, here are the results, omitting the fairly high percentage of singUs. ■ [Plwtograph by R. A. Malby, F.R.t.b. Fig. 57. — jaysinia botanic garden : showing the giffre valley towards sixt. North and South America, New Zealand, Arctic regions, Siberia, and Scandinavian Alps, the last three at the top of the garden. A large part is also devoted to the granite Alps, the rocks for which were brought from the Valley of Chamounix, as was also a quantity of granite d»bris for plants which are partial to this ma- terial. This section of the garden, consisting of a number of pinnacle-like rocks, many of large ske, is a distinct feature, which does not com- mend itself to all critics, although designed to imitate the peaks common in the granite Alps. About half-way up the slope is a quaint little chapel (fig. 57), some 300 years old, making a charming picture in the foreground of a view looking up the valley towards the Pointe de Salles and the village of Sixt. 11'. /. and very poor flowers which one naturally, obtains from Carnation seed : — Enchantress x Enchantress (flesh pink).— Orange-scarlet-crimson large, crimson small, crimson poor and weak habit. Victory (scarlet) X Enchantress (salmon- pink). — One seedling like Helen Gould, one salmon-rose of May Day colour, one scarlet like Victory. Harlowarden (crimson) x Enchantress (flesh pink) gave one crimson, one Lawson-like variety, one light Enchantress from poor flower, one cerise (large), one scarlet (large but slow- grower), one salmon-red Enchantress-like flower, one violet. February 22, 1913.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 123 Mauvina (mauve) x White Perfection (white) gave one pure white, one pale mauve, one salmon-rose, one purple. Mrs. Burnett (salmon) x Aristocrat (cerise) gave one cerise, one pale pink, one scarlet, one red, one salmon, one flesh pink. Enchantress (flesh ■pink) x Mrs. Burnett (salmon) gave two whites (very fimbriated), two salmon-pink. It would appear from the flowers of these crosses that, although one can occasionally trace the parentage, like does not produce like to any extent, and that the results are a disor- ganized jumble; but one who knows his Mendel will know that his laws are not confined to the first generation, and this is just where the first stumbling block appears, for what is the first generation in Carnations? Raisers have been breeding for a century from a stock which originated from the French Re- montant Carnation, but even this was not the first generation, and my point is that a true strain has since then not been obtained. In the case of Enchantress X Enchantress not even one Enchantress was obtained. The British raiser and the British public have always looked at the flowers of a Carnation ; but, after all, is not habit of plant as of much or more importance? We have lots of good varie- ties which give good flowers, but the list low rockery and furnished it with Myosotia " Ruth Fischer," Soldanella alpina, various Saxi- frages, &e. The Burton Hardy Plant Nursery Co., Christchurch, Hants., built a sloping rockery and displayed various spring flowers. The "Evelyn Ark wright " variety of the common Primrose is very desirable, and a well-coloured little bush of Retinospora filifera aurea also attracted atten- tion. Messrs. Bees, Ltd., Liverpool, displayed Rho- dodendron pra>cox, Erica mediterranea, Primula denticulata and various Saxifrages. Messrs. W. T. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, Middle- sex, built a low rockery and embellished it with several forms of primula denticulata, Leptosper- mum "Heavenly Blue," Bletia hyacinthina, &c (Bronze Flora Medal.) Small rock-gardens were exhibited by Mr. Clarence Elliott, Lever Hills Nursery, Stevenage (Silver Banksian Medal) ; Messrs. John Peed & Son, West Norwood, London ; The Guildford Hardy Plant Co., Guildford, Surrey ; Messrs. R. Tucker & Sons, 16, George Street, Oxford ; Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Dover ; Messrs. Thompson & Charman, Adam Street, Adelphi, London ; Mr. George Miller, Clark, son Nurseries, Wisbech; the Misses Hopkins, The Mere Gardens, Shepperton-on-Thame»; Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Gardens, Colchester, and Mr. Maurice Prichard, Christ church, Hants. (Bronze Banksian Medal). Mr. R. Gill, Tremough, Falmouth, illustrated with splendid trusses of Rhododendron blooms the mildness of the climate of South Cornwall and his great skill as a hybridist and raiser oi these beautiful shrubs. The rich red trusses rre